Lush and low-key, Alonissos is a wonderful destination for relaxing holidays in the Sporades.
Impressive landscapes between green and turquoise, pines that touch the sea, crystal-clear waters, peace and tranquility. A low-key destination in the Northern Sporades,ideal for couples, families, solo travelers, lovers of hiking, diving and exploration, the island ofAlonissospromises quality, relaxing holidays in touch with nature. And what nature!
The enchanting beaches where the greenery reaches the wave, Europes largest natural marine park (the home of the Mediterranean monk seal), the small uninhabited islets and Greeces first underwater museum are just some of the surprises Alonissos has in store for its visitors.
The atmospheric Chora of Alonissos
TheOld Village, the island’s former capital, sits atop a hill and enjoys unobstructed views in every direction. After the devastating earthquake of 65, the residents moved down to Patitiri, the island’s port, and Chora was almost completely abandoned until the 1980s. That was when some foreign lovers of tradition bought the ruined two-storey stone houses with wooden balconies and restored them. Thus, the traditional architecture was preserved intact and today visitors can stroll the cobbled lanes of a well-preserved settlement.
Leave your vehicle and slip into the narrow cobbled streets with their well-kept little shops, tavernas and the impressive view towards the uninhabited islets of the Park and Evia. Your attention will be drawn by the island’s old- also restored- windmill, the threshing floors and the various small chapels such as the Church of Christ and Agios Athanasios. At the highest point lie the remnants of the old castle, with houses built right on the edge of the cliff.
The magical beaches
The beaches of Alonissos are in themselves a fine reason to visit this verdant island. Here you will swim in pristine waters, in coves encircled by pine forests and olive groves. If you’re lucky, you may even see seals!
Agios Dimitrios is, for many, the island’s most beautiful beach. A snow-white tongue of land that juts into the blue. Kokkinokastro is an impressive, distinctive beach with cliffs dropping sheer into the sea and reddish rocks. Chrisi Milia is one of Alonissos’s most cosmopolitan beaches, on its eastern side. Here fine sand dominates, while the pines descend all the way to the sea.
Leftos Gialos is a fairly large and popular beach with views towards the two uninhabited islets, the Two Brothers. Megalos Mourtias is busy and a local favorite, as it offers all amenities and is just 1 km from Chora. Its little sibling, Mikros Mourtias, is ideal for more solitary dips.
The picturesque little harbors
Within a short distance from the main port and the island’s capital, Patitiri, you will find picturesque little harbors and coves that will offer you moments of calm and relaxation. Votsi isa quiet seaside village almost joined to Patitiri (it is just 1 km from the port). It has a tranquil beach fringed by pines, tavernas, rooms to let and a small marina for boats.
Steni Vala, Alonissos’s oldest resort, 10 km from Patitiri, is a fishing village that has kept its character intact despite tourism development. Those who choose to stay here will find good traditional food and fresh local fish in the tavernas and will enjoy swims at the nearby beaches- such as Agios Petros and Glyfa- as well as walks on the surrounding wooded hills.
The Marine Park
The first Marine Park of Greece - and the largest in Europe - includes, apart from Alonissos and the surrounding sea area, 6 smaller islands (Peristera, Kyra-Panagia, Psathoura, Piperi, Skatzoura and Gioura) and 22 islets, accessible by caique, and hosts a unique and rare combination of flora and fauna. This cluster of islands and rocky islets is one of the few refuges of the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus. Also living here are Audouins gulls, Eleonoras falcons and a type of wild goat related to the kri-kri. Beyond ecological interest, the area also presents particular archaeological interest as there are finds from the prehistoric, classical and Byzantine periods- shipwrecks, old monasteries and churches.
There are rules on where fishing and diving are permitted and how close caiques may approach. Boats from Patitiri will take you to all the permitted areas of the Park. If you’re lucky, you’ll see seals and dolphins playing beside you.
The first underwater museum in Greece
If you love diving and have the necessary certification, it’s worth visiting theUnderwater Museum of Alonissos, the first of its kind in Greece to be open to the public. It is located near the islet of Peristera, at a depth of about 30 meters. The museum opened in 2020 and is considered the oldest and most important visitable shipwreck in the world. It is one of the largest shipwrecks of the Classical Era, 30 meters long and 10 meters wide. Chronologically, it is placed between 425-420 BC, its size pointing to the largest merchant vessels of its time. The ship carried about 3,000 amphorae of wine from today’s Skopelos. Alternatively, you can dive digitally via a virtual reality system at the Old School, in Alonissos Chora where the Information and Public Awareness Center for Underwater Antiquities is housed.
The hiking trails
If you like hiking in nature, you will find your paradise on Alonissos. The island has a fairly extensive network of trails that pass through beautiful locations and small chapels. The sea views and the dips in crystal-clear waters will be your... reward. We suggest the old cobbled path that connects Chora with Patitiri, as well as the route from Old Alonissos to the summit of Mount Kalovoulos (325 m.) which offers exceptional views. For the more experienced there is the thrilling Kastanorema gorge on the northeastern side of Alonissos.
The local gastronomy
The famous Alonissos tuna (the number one local meze), kakavia,astakomanestra as well as the traditional pan-fried pies have pride of place in the island’s tavernas. As for the local sweets, the almond macaroons, fouskakia and chamalia will tempt you.
