Prasonisi

The Lighthouse

Prasonisi (also Prassoníssi) cape is a part of the island of Rhodes. It is located 92 km from Rhodes town; 40 km from Lindos, at the southern-west part of Rhodes.

Overview

Prasonisi is the Greek word for "green island". During summer time, and when water levels are low enough, this island is a peninsula attached to Rhodes. During the winter time, and when water levels are high enough, Prasonisi becomes an island. The southern-most tip of Prasonisi contains a lighthouse. The closest Greek village is Kattavia; however, there is a purpose-built settlement on Prasonisi that contains motels, convenience stores, restaurants, and windsurf rentals which are open seasonally. Near Prasonisi is Vroulia, an ancient settlement that contains an old mosaic tiled floor.

Watersports

Prasonisi

Prasonisi is noted to be a good place for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to the strong winds. From one side of the cape there is the Aegean Sea with good waves and views for advanced surfers. From the other side, there is the Mediterranean Sea with flat water which is better suited for beginners. The area has its high season for tourists in July and August.

Prasonisi Environmental Deterioration

Due to the big number of tourists that gather there, Prasonisi has lost its pristine beauty and there is great evidence of environmental damage. Windsurfing and Kitesurfing tourists tend to drive all around the beach with scooters and cars. As such, the sand has a solid feeling now and it is almost like concrete at certain parts of the beach. The protected turtle known as Caretta caretta used to hide its eggs at the specific region but this rarely happens anymore due to the lack of environmental management of the territory. Greeks should act drastically and not allow vehicles at the specific destination.This should be the very first step for a sustainable ecosystem there. The scant and fragile traces of the adjacent ancient archaeological site of Vroulia are also in great danger of being destroyed forever unless authorities undertake rigorous protective measures, including controlled access to this unique site in Rhodes.

External links

• Rhodes map
• Prasonisi on Google maps