Pigs and humans enjoy together the freshness of the sea amid soaring temperatures and obviously also each other’s company. The so-called Pigs Beach is on the small uninhabited island of Atoko near Ithaca in the Ionian Sea.
Pigs swimming in the Ionian Sea have caused an internet sensation, with dozens of videos posted on TikTok and other social media.
Bathers on the small island of Atokos in the Ionian Sea, live a unique experience, as they swim next to wild black pigs that seem to enjoy the human presence.
Video: Swimming pig
@lefkadarentals #swimmingpig #lefkada #atokos #greece #greecetiktok #fyp #swimming #pig video credit: aravanis_a
Their natural buoyancy and paddling instinct help them move through the water.
It is not known how the pigs ended up on the 4.5 square kilometer uninhabited island that is part of the Echinacea island complex. It is also part of the Natura 2000 network due to its rich and rare marine life.
Atokos Island belongs to the Tsakou shipbuilding family and there is only one building on it, the chapel of Agios Ioannis (St John).
Next to the black pigs, a few goats roam freely on it, too, who are being taken care of by a shepherd who visits the island every fourth day, as part of an agreement with the current owner.
In 2015 Atokos was for sale for 44 million euros, with the possibility of hotel development, but, as the island is within a Natura 2000 area and close to Oak Island – which was sold in 2013 to Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, for 4.9 million euros-, it is not easy to achieve this price.
Pigs on Atoko
The herd of black pigs appeared on the beach in recent years, they seem to love the sea and a refreshing swim in hot days.
For this very reason this beach is now known as Greek Pig Beach.
@chlocant They are cute until they chase you into the water. Did you know there is a Pig Beach in Greece? #pigisland #greekbeach #greekpig #pigbeach #greekisland #ioniansea
If you happen to be there, you will have the opportunity to swim with them – always from a distance – in the deep blue waters, which is a unique experience.
@mandiep64 THE SWIMMING PIGS ADVENTURES #bucketlist #swimmingpigs #adventuretime #fyp #follow
Imagine sliding into the clear water and a little pig swimming next to you, which through its snorts shows that it enjoys the cool water. If there are other pigs around, playful squeals may be heard.
Experts warn that it is important to respect the pigs and their environment. Avoid feeding them human food or anything that isn’t good for them, and be gentle when interacting with them.
Pigs are wild animals, so it’s important to keep your distance and avoid surprising them.
source: kefaloniamagazine.gr
