On the small Greek island of Atokos, black pigs splash through the turquoise-blue sea and attract tourists. Cute? Yes. Harmless? Not necessarily.
Image: Aris Messinis/AFP
On the small, privately owned Greek island of Atokos in the Ionian Sea, tourists swim in the turquoise-blue water — surrounded by wild boars. The Black Mediterranean pigs live, eat and swim there.
Image: Aris Messinis/AFP
People from all over the world come to swim alongside the friendly animals and, in some cases, even feed them. Visitors are taken to the island by tour operator Renato Bisha of Ithaka, who offers several such excursions every day.
Image: Aris Messinis/AFP
The pigs usually go about their business, rooting around in the sand for food and cooling off now and then with a quick dip in the ocean. They’re not bothered by people.
Image: Aris Messinis/AFP
Thanks to the growing popularity of “Piggy Island” on social media, tour groups now also offer day trips to Atokos from the nearby islands of Lefkada and Kefalonia.
Image: Aris Messinis/AFP
Before the viral photos of swimming pigs on Instagram and TikTok, Atokos was virtually unknown. Today, the island attracts thousands of visitors who don’t want to miss out on the pig-themed experience, especially during the summer months.
Image: Aris Messinis/AFP
Although the animals seem friendly and are used to tourists, they are not tame. Feeding the animals can also be a problem. In several reported incidents, tourists have even been bitten. Caution is especially advised when pigs are out and about with their young.
Image: Aris Messinis/AFP6 images1 | 66 imageshttps://p.dw.com/p/5MZPK
