Black Pigs Swimming in Greek Waters Attract Tourists

On a beach of a small Greek island in the Ionian Sea, tourists frolic in the azure waters like most visitors do in the popular Mediterranean country at this time of year. The difference on Atokos is that herds of black pigs surround them.

The small private island, which lies 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 mind their own business as they scour 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,” Francesco Ferrari, a 22-year-old tattoo artist from Italy, said.

Tour operator Renato Bisha ferries the visitors over, making several such trips from Ithaca every day.

As the “Piggy Island” experience gains popularity over social media, nearby islands of Lefkada and Kefalonia organise similar day trips.

“The island has gone viral because of the pigs; many people actively request to come to Atokos,” said Bisha, throwing fruit to attract the animals to his boat.

The Native Greek Pig is an ancient, resilient indigenous breed with roots tracing back to 9000 B.C., famous today both as a heritage livestock animal and as a viral tourism attraction.

“This is so amazing, I recommend it to anyone… never in my life did I ever think I’d be doing this,” said American visitor Jamie Jackson.

Little known before images of the swimming pigs going viral on Instagram and TikTok, Atokos now has thousands of visitors, especially 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.

Content contributed by AFP staff member, reported from Atokos, Ionian Island, Greece, sourced by AFP