Swimming pigs draw vacationers to Greek island

GREECE — On a seashore on the small Greek island of Atokos within the Ionian Sea, vacationers frolic within the azure waters like most guests do within the fashionable Mediterranean nation presently of yr. The distinction is that they’re surrounded by a herd of black pigs.

The island lies a brief distance from Ithaca, the island residence and kingdom of the hero Odysseus in Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey.” And like Ithaca, Atokos has develop into a social media sensation, drawing guests from around the globe who come to swim alongside, and even feed, the docile animals.

The pigs largely thoughts their very own enterprise as they scour the sand for something edible, earlier than taking quick dips within the sea to chill off.

‘Piggy Island’

“They seem to be in their [environment], and they don’t try to bite if you don’t touch them,” stated Francesco Ferrari, a 22-year-old tattoo artist from Italy.

The guests have been ferried over by tour operator Renato Bisha, who makes a number of such journeys over from Ithaca each day.

With the “Piggy Island” expertise gaining reputation over social media, related day journeys are organized from the close by islands of Lefkada and Kefalonia.

“The island has become viral because of the pigs. Many people actively ask to come to Atokos,” stated Bisha, throwing fruit to draw the animals to his boat.

“This is so amazing, I recommend it to anyone,” stated American customer Jamie Jackson. “Never in my life had I ever thought I’d be doing this.”

Little recognized earlier than photographs of the swimming pigs went viral on Instagram and TikTok, Atokos now has hundreds of holiday makers, particularly throughout the busy summer season months.

“I think [the pigs] are having as much fun as we are,” stated one other American customer, Michael Mcanelly.

“It’s something unique, worth coming over to see,” added Simos Gleridis, a 33-year-old accountant from Thessaloniki. /cb