On a beach on the small Greek island of Atokos in the Ionian Sea, tourists frolic in the azure waters like many visitors to the popular Mediterranean country at this time of year.
But on Atokos, they are surrounded by herds of black pigs.
The small private island, located a short distance from Ithaka, has become a social media sensation, attracting visitors from around the world who come to swim alongside and even feed the docile animals.
The pigs mostly keep to themselves as they search the sand for anything edible before taking short dips in the sea to cool off.
“They seem to be in their environment, and they don’t try to bite if you don’t touch them,” said Francesco Ferrari, a 22-year-old tattoo artist from Italy.
‘Piggy Island’ goes viral
Visitors are ferried to the island by tour operator Renato Bisha, who makes several trips from Ithaca every day.
As the “Piggy Island” experience has gained popularity on social media, similar day trips have also been organised from the nearby islands of Lefkada and Kefalonia.
“The island has become viral because of the pigs, many people actively ask to come to Atokos,” Bisha said, while throwing fruit to attract the animals to his boat.
“This is so amazing, I recommend it to anyone… never in my life had I ever thought I’d be doing this,” said American visitor Jamie Jackson.
From little-known island to tourist attraction
Atokos was little known before images of its swimming pigs went viral on Instagram and TikTok.
The island now attracts thousands of visitors, particularly during the busy summer months.
“I think (the pigs) are having as much fun as we are,” said another American visitor, Michael Mcanelly.
“It’s something unique, worth coming over to see,” added Simos Gleridis, a 33-year-old accountant from Thessaloniki.
