The Best Beaches in Alonnisos: Where to Swim
The best beaches in Alonnisos combine wooded surroundings, pebble shores and views across the Northern Sporades. Some provide restaurants and seasonal sunbeds, while others offer a simpler setting reached by a walk from the road.
Pebbles are common, although sandy Chrisi Milia provides an alternative. Roussoum Gialos is convenient for visitors staying near Patitiri, while beaches farther along the eastern coast reward a more leisurely excursion.
Choosing where to swim depends on the weather, transport and the facilities required. This guide explains the main options and the practical differences between them.
Alonnisos Beaches at a Glance
| Beach | Shoreline | Best suited to | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrisi Milia | Mainly sand | A sandy beach day | Road access, then the beach approach |
| Agios Dimitrios | Pebbles | Scenery and a longer coastal excursion | By road |
| Kokkinokastro | Sand and pebbles | Dramatic coastal surroundings | Road access followed by a descent |
| Leftos Gialos | White pebbles | Swimming and a seaside meal | By road |
| Roussoum Gialos | Pebbles | Convenience near Patitiri | Local road and walking access |
| Megalos Mourtias | Pebbles | Combining swimming with lunch | By road |
| Milia | Mainly pebbles | A wooded bay | By road to the surrounding area |
| Glyfa | Pebbles | Visitors staying around Steni Vala | Local road and walking access |
| Agios Petros | Pebbles | A quieter coastal stop | Track and footpath |
Facilities vary by season. Check food options, sunbed arrangements and return transport before travelling.
1. Chrisi Milia Beach
Chrisi Milia, also written as Chrysi or Chrissi Milia, is one of the clearest choices for visitors who prefer sand to pebbles.
The sandy shore and gently shelving water make it popular with families. Children still need supervision, and conditions should be assessed on arrival rather than assumed from the beach’s reputation.
Seasonal services make it suitable for spending several hours beside the sea. Confirm which facilities are operating during the intended visit, particularly outside peak summer.
Chrisi Milia should not be confused with nearby Milia, which is a separate beach with a different shoreline.
Best for: Families and visitors seeking a sandy beach.
Practical tip: Check the route from parking or accommodation to the sand if steps or uneven ground are a concern.
2. Agios Dimitrios Beach
Agios Dimitrios is among Alonnisos’s most recognisable beaches, with white pebbles extending around a distinctive triangular point.
Its shape creates several possible places to settle. Walk along the shore and assess wind, waves and water entry before choosing a section.
The beach suits visitors who want to make swimming the main event of the day rather than squeeze it between distant sightseeing stops.
Pebbles can make entering and leaving the water uncomfortable, so water shoes may be useful. They do not remove the need to check footing and depth.
Best for: Coastal scenery and an unhurried beach excursion.
Access: By road along the eastern side of the island.
3. Kokkinokastro Beach
Kokkinokastro stands out for the reddish cliffs and headland framing its shore.
Sand and coloured pebbles create a varied beach, with the surrounding rock giving it a different appearance from the island’s pine-backed bays.
The approach includes a descent from the road or parking area. Wear suitable footwear and allow for the return climb, particularly during hot weather.
Choose a resting place away from unstable cliff edges and avoid climbing the headland simply for photographs.
Kokkinokastro is especially appealing for visitors who enjoy scenery alongside swimming.
Best for: A distinctive coastal setting and a varied shoreline.
Practical tip: Bring water and shade rather than relying entirely on seasonal services.
4. Leftos Gialos Beach
Leftos Gialos, sometimes written as Leftos Yalos, combines white pebbles with wooded surroundings and places to eat near the shore.
It is a useful choice for visitors who want to spend a substantial part of the day in one location. Swimming can be followed by lunch without a separate journey.
Organised areas operate seasonally, but check sunbed charges and availability before settling down.
The pebbles can be awkward underfoot, particularly when entering the sea. Assess the water entry and choose a suitable section for everyone in the group.
Best for: Combining swimming with a seaside meal.
Access: By road to the beach area.
5. Roussoum Gialos Beach
Roussoum Gialos is a pebbly beach close to Patitiri, with accommodation and tavernas around the bay.
Its main advantage is convenience. Visitors staying nearby can swim without arranging a longer excursion, making it suitable for both a short dip and a slower beach day.
Check the walking route from the accommodation. Distances may be modest, but surrounding streets can involve slopes.
The nearby restaurants also make it practical for visitors who prefer not to carry a full day’s food.
Best for: Visitors based around Patitiri and Roussoum Gialos.
Practical tip: It can be a useful option on a shorter day, provided enough time remains for onward travel.
6. Megalos Mourtias Beach
Megalos Mourtias lies on the southern side of Alonnisos, below the wider Old Village area.
Its pebbly shore and beachside dining options make it suitable for combining swimming with lunch.
Visitors can organise a day around the beach and a later visit to the Old Village. However, these should be treated as separate stops requiring transport or a planned walk.
The waterline includes substantial pebbles, so check footing carefully. Choose a position according to the day’s wind rather than assuming the whole bay will be equally comfortable.
Best for: A beach-and-lunch outing and exploring southern Alonnisos.
Access: By road; walkers should use a current route description.
7. Milia Beach
Milia occupies a small bay surrounded by pine woodland.
It offers a different shoreline from sandy Chrisi Milia, despite the similar names. Visitors comparing the two should check photographs and map locations carefully.
The attraction is the combination of a wooded backdrop and a smaller bay setting. It is worth considering when exploring the coast north of Patitiri.
Natural shade depends on the position of trees and the time of day. Bring sun protection rather than assuming a shaded space will be available.
Best for: A wooded coastal setting and a change from the larger beach areas.
Access: By road to the surrounding area.
8. Glyfa Beach
Glyfa is a pebbly beach beside Steni Vala on the island’s eastern coast.
It is particularly convenient for visitors staying locally, allowing swimming and time around the village harbour to form part of the same day.
Those arriving from elsewhere can combine a beach visit with lunch in Steni Vala. Check the walking route between the beach and the chosen restaurant, especially in the midday heat.
Bring drinking water and assess the shoreline before entering. Nearby accommodation does not necessarily mean that every service will be available directly on the beach.
Best for: Visitors based in Steni Vala and a relaxed eastern-coast outing.
Access: Local road and walking connections.
9. Agios Petros Beach
Agios Petros is a smaller pebbly bay near the Steni Vala area.
Its appeal is a quieter coastal setting, although visitor numbers naturally vary. The approach involves a local track and footpath rather than a broad promenade.
Check current access before driving down a smaller road, particularly with a rental vehicle. Follow the rental company’s conditions and park without obstructing access.
Carry water, food and sun protection. Do not depend on organised facilities being available.
Best for: Visitors comfortable with a less developed beach approach.
Practical tip: Wear walking shoes for the path and carry beach footwear separately.
Which Beach Should You Choose?
For sand, start with Chrisi Milia.
For convenient swimming near Patitiri, consider Roussoum Gialos.
For a beach day with a meal nearby, look at Leftos Gialos or Megalos Mourtias.
For distinctive scenery, consider Kokkinokastro or Agios Dimitrios.
Visitors staying around Steni Vala can begin with Glyfa, then consider Agios Petros after checking access.
Getting to Alonnisos’s Beaches
A car provides flexibility when comparing beaches, but it is not essential for every stay.
Visitors can choose accommodation near a preferred swimming area and use taxis, seasonal buses or organised excursions for selected outings.
Do not assume that public transport reaches every beach entrance. Confirm the stop, walking distance and return service before setting out.
For taxis, arranging collection in advance can be more practical than trying to organise a return from a quieter bay.
Practical Tips for Swimming in Alonnisos
- Check wind and waves before choosing a beach.
- Bring water shoes for pebbly shores if useful.
- Carry water, sunscreen and a hat.
- Confirm sunbed prices before using organised facilities.
- Keep clear of boats, moorings and fishing equipment.
- Allow time for uphill walks back from the shore.
- Take litter away and leave wildlife undisturbed.
Alonnisos forms part of a protected marine environment. Follow local notices and do not approach seals or enter wildlife caves during coastal or boat excursions.
Continue Planning Your Alonnisos Trip
Explore villages, museums and boat excursions with Things to Do in Alonnisos.
For harbour lunches and village dinners, see Best Places to Eat in Alonnisos.
