Heading for Greece, the Greek islands and visiting Alonissos? Here are 7 things to do in Alonissos!
Formerly known as Ikos (antiquity), then Liadrómia, Alonissos is a Greek island in the Northern Sporades archipelago, with a surface area of 65 km², southeast of Thessaly. The island has 2,750 inhabitants (2011), but its population swells during the summer and autumn seasons. Alonissos lies at the heart of the National Marine Park of Alonissos – Northern Sporades, making it an ideal tourist destination for enjoying the nature and peace it has to offer visitors. The natural park is a 678 km² protected area with restrictions on camping and rock climbing.
The island’s incredible flora and fauna have survived despite its proximity to the Greek mainland: 80 different bird species, 300 species of fish and the Mediterranean monk seal (the most endangered of all pinniped species). What’s more, Alonissos is the island with the longest human history in the Aegean: archaeological finds have unearthed tools dating from 100,000 to 33,000 BC.
What to do on Alonissos Most of the things to do on Alonissos are to be found on the island’s east coast, which has no road network on its western flank. Here’s our selection of things to do on Alonissos.
1. Patitiri
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Giuliagi
Located in the south-east of the island, Patitiri is the port from which you will arrive to visit Alonissos. Don’t expect a typical, picturesque or authentic village: destroyed after an earthquake in 1965, the village was rebuilt and the buildings are as good as new (they’re « only » 50 years old).
In the town, you’ll find a dozen or so places to stay, plenty of small bars and restaurants where you can sample the delights of Greek cuisine. Near the port, a must-see when visiting Alonissos: the Kostas and Angela Mavrikis Museum of Folklore. Patitiri is the center of social activity on the island, where you’ll find the most excitement. Rousoumi beach, with its restaurant in the sand, will enhance your excursions.
2. Votsi
Photo credit: Flickr – www.david baxendale.com
A small fishing village northeast of Patitiri, Votsi offers a picture-postcard image in the hollow of a picturesque harbor, perched on a hillside on ochre cliffs that turn orange depending on the light: it’s almost like the calanques of the Bouches-du-Rhône, only prettier. Here again, there’s plenty to do, from enjoying a drink on the terrace to renting accommodation in Alonissos. On the other side of the small peninsula, there’s Bigfoot beach, accessible by boat.
3. Chora
Photo credit: Flickr – Chris Spiegl
What else is there to do in Alonissos? You can head inland to visit Chora, an old village as charming as it is colorful. A plethora of small bars and restaurants await their guests, overlooking the sea and offering beautiful views of the Sporades islands. You’ll also find stores selling local crafts, ideal for souvenirs of all kinds. Strolling through the narrow streets of the old village, it’s a good idea to inhale the pleasant scent of the fruit trees (figs, pomegranates) grown in the local gardens. A thirty-minute walk along a mule track will take you to the town’s old port.
4. Leftos Gialos Beach
Photo credit: Flickr – Dave A
Back to the east coast, with a must-see when visiting Alonissos: Leftos Gialos beach. Accessible from the road leading to Agios Dimitrios, Leftos Gialos beach is one of the most beautiful pebble beaches on Alonissos, but it’s also very popular with tourists. If you like it, there are deckchairs where you can lounge in the shade of an umbrella, between the bar and the sea. Hard!
5. Steni Vala Beach
Photo credit: Flickr – Daniele Magnani
Steni Vala is the only beach that can be reached by bus. It borders the second most populous village on the Greek island of Alonissos, which boasts a campsite and hotels for accommodation in Alonissos, as well as numerous bars and restaurants.
6. Megali Mourtia beach
Photo credit: Maxpixel
What to do in Alonissos? Fancy a swim or a boat trip in a cove with waters so crystal-clear you can make out the shadows of the boats in the background? Megali Mourtia is another of Alonissos’ finest beaches.
7. Take a boat trip in the nature park
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – Stk2k7
The island of Alonissos is surrounded by Greece’s only national marine park. Still wondering what to do on Alonissos? Take a boat trip around the islets of the archipelago and, if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of gulls, falcons, Bonelli’s eagles, dolphins, seals and turtles! Failing that, you’ll be treated to some superb, colorful landscapes to feast your eyes on.
How do I get to Alonissos?
The nearest airport is Skiathos. To find a cheap flight from France, consult the website of our partner Ulysse. From there, you can take a boat (approx. 1.5 to 2 hours, or hydrofoil, 1 hour) to Alonissos. Volos and Agios Konstantinos offer several hydrofoil crossings.
Where to stay in Alonissos?
Although the island is not very large, it is a tourist destination, with many hotels to stay in Alonissos. Especially in Patitiri, the old village (Chora) and Steni Vala.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Greece