Piperi is the most inaccessible island of Sporades and has no protected bay for the approach of a boat. The island and the sea surrounding it belong to the National Marine Park and of course in uninhabited. Steep rocks descend vertically into the sea on all sides formating a wild but impressive landscape with small caves in the blue sea.
It is not recommended for a trip with a private boat mainly because of its distance from Alonissos and because approaching closer than 3 nautical miles is forbidden (Marine Park, sea monk protection rules). In any case it has no safe place to anchor. However if the weather is totally calm and you love explorations of virgin destinations you may admire the unique experience of watching Piperi standing in the middle of the Aegean, from a distance. We recomend though that you if you insist to go to Piperi, go only with a fast boat (motor yacht or rib) and check well the weather forecast. Furthermore be very careful with the sudden storms (bourinia) that are frequent in Sporades area, by checking the signs (clouds etc) or even by asking the local fishermen in Alonissos before you depart.
This rocky island has an area of 7 square kilometres and its high points are between 274 and 352 metres. There are clumps of pine and isolated oaks.
At one time monks from Mount Athos lived in the island's monastery of the Virgin Mary, but they abandoned it many years ago. Skopelos's 18th century man of letters Kesarios Dapontes also lived alone on the island.
Until a few years ago a species of oxen, perfectly adapted to the climate and of ancient descent, survived on the island. Unfortunately they have become extinct through hunting and water-shortage.
Fishing is completely forbidden within three miles of Piperi. There are two reasons for this: the replenishment of fish stocks and the protection of the Monk Seal from human presence. Piperi is a very important island for the survival of the Mediterranean Monk Seal, and will continue to be so as long as these protective measures are strictly adhered to. For this reason it is not permitted to come closer than three miles from the island.