Things to do in Alonissos:
This island experiences fewer tourists than other popular Greek islands, so you can enjoy a more relaxed holiday. Travel here out of season in September or October for secluded beaches with areas of coastline all to yourself.
Some of the best beaches in Alonissos include Chrisi Milia, Leftos Gialos and Agios Dimitrios with its horn shape. The National Marine Park is home to marine life including the adorable Mediterranean Monk Seal.
Take a walk along the beach
If you love nature and hiking, then Alonissos is the right place for you. It has many different walking routes, which will take you through local forests and to various chapels, beaches and villages. You can choose a short route or a long one, depending on your preferences.
The island’s forests are full of various plants, and are also home to wildlife and a lot of bird species. In fact, the forest is one of the best places to see rare birds on the whole of the Sporades Islands. There is also a variety of wildflowers in bloom during the spring and summer, which adds to the beauty of the landscape.
Alonissos is also home to several stunning beaches, some of which are only accessible by boat. Taking a walk along the beach is a relaxing way to spend your holiday, especially if you visit during the off-season when it is not as crowded.
One of the most popular walking routes in Alonissos is the one to Tourkoneri, which is a small picturesque beach that is surrounded by a beautiful pine forest and two chapels dedicated to the Holy Unmerceneries. This is a varied route that combines wide paths, dirt roads and some short parts that are paved with asphalt. It is perfect for those who love to walk in the fresh air, and enjoy a view of the countryside, as well as to swim in the clear blue sea.
Another beautiful beach to visit on Alonissos is Georgie Yalos, which is a pebble cove backed by pine trees. It is a very peaceful beach, which is why it is the preferred spot for many yachts. The water is beautiful and the small taverna on the beach offers delicious local dishes for walkers to enjoy.
The village of Patitiri is the main port of the island where ferries arrive, and Chora, which is often referred to as Old Alonissos, is the heart of the island. It is a lovely place to visit with its quaint alleyways, amazing sunsets and traditional shops. It is also a great place to visit the monastery and see some of the most beautiful views of the surrounding Sporades Islands.
Visit a taverna
Alonissos is a nature lover’s paradise that preserves its natural beauty and wildlife. Its dense forests and north winds make it a cool destination even in the summer, especially from August onwards. This makes it a perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful beaches or exploring the untouched countryside. In addition to its natural charm, Alonissos has a great gastronomic tradition that can be enjoyed at the local restaurants and tavernas. Its delicious recipes rank it among Greece’s top traditional cuisines.
The island’s cuisine combines Greek, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences with locally sourced ingredients and fresh fish. From fresh seafood to homemade cheese pies, local wines and desserts, visitors will enjoy a memorable gastronomic experience. The island’s most popular dishes include souvlaki (grilled meat), moussaka, pastitsio and kakavia. The island is also famous for its mussel salad and stewed octopus. Moreover, visitors can bring fresh fish to their taverna and ask them to cook it at a reasonable price.
For those who prefer a more formal dining experience, there are many excellent restaurants on the island. Some of them are located in the capital Patitiri, while others are scattered around the coastline. For example, Saturno Pizza Bar is a family-run restaurant serving Greek cuisine. It is also highly recommended to visit the Old Town, also known as Chora. This quaint little town is as enchanting as it gets and is a photographer’s paradise.
While you’re there, don’t forget to try the local ouzo at a taverna or aouzeri. Ouzo is an anise-flavored distilled alcohol that’s usually served diluted with water. You can also find other types of alcoholic beverages in these bars, including beer and wine. Visiting a taverna is an integral part of the Greek culture and it’s the perfect way to get a feel for the locals. Moreover, it’s also the best place to watch a stunning sunset. So, be sure to reserve a table in advance if you want to be there for the sunset. You can enjoy the view while sipping on a glass of wine and a shot of ouzo.
Visit the National Marine Park
When most people think of Alonissos Greece, they envision a serene, sleepy island in the North Aegean Sea. This peaceful, quiet and quintessentially Greek island is home to the impressive National Marine Park, the largest marine protected area in Europe. It is also home to the rare Monachus Monachus Mediterranean monk seal and a host of other wildlife species.
A visit to the National Marine Park will be an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a scuba diver or just enjoy being out on the water, this will be a trip to remember.
The pristine waters of the park are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You will be able to see many different types of marine life, including the monk seal, loggerhead turtles, striped dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins. There are also moray eels, cuvier’s beaked whales, and a wide range of other marine creatures.
In addition to the marine wildlife, there is plenty to explore on land as well. The National Marine Park has several hiking trails that will allow you to see more of the island’s natural beauty. You will be able to explore the mountainous forests that are full of wild flora, as well as discover hidden beaches and bays.
Besides hiking, you can also spend some time at the Mavrikis Folklore Museum in Patitiri. This small museum is not a must-see attraction, but it will give you an insight into the history of Alonissos and its residents through the years. It is a good place to pass the time if you are waiting for your ferry back to Volos.
Another great thing to do on your trip to Alonissos is take a day boating tour. This will give you the opportunity to visit the local beaches, as well as other islands in the National Marine Park that have public access (Zone A). The day boating tours depart daily from Patitiri.
Patitiri is the main port on Alonissos, and it is where most of the hotels and tavernas are located. It is a beautiful little town with a stunning view of the surrounding sea. The upper part of the town is known as Chora, and it used to be the island’s capital. The streets in the upper part of town are winding and old-world. It is a charming and picturesque place to walk around and look at the old buildings.
Explore the countryside
Unlike Skiathos, the ‘Mamma Mia’ island of Skopelos and the more popular islands in the Sporades archipelago, Alonissos is sleepy, quiet and very quintessentially Greek. As such, it flies largely under the radar and is a hidden gem that should be on any travellers’ bucket list.
It is the perfect spot for a relaxing holiday, where you can take long walks in nature and enjoy local forests filled with wildlife and ancient chapels. The beaches on the island are also stunning and have crystal clear waters.
One of the best places to visit on the island is Old Alonissos Town, a charming village with cobbled streets and quaint houses. The town is also home to many of the tavernas, cafés and bakeries you will find on the island and it is a photographer’s paradise.
From here you can walk to Yalia Beach, which is a beautiful bay with an old windmill – the ideal spot for a photo session! While here you can also see how wheat grain is separated from its stems the traditional way using mules on the threshing floors. After the demonstration you can try some of the local food, such as tarhana (cracked wheat in boiled milk), which is a favourite among the islanders.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Alonissos, there is a museum located close to the port in Patitiri. The privately-owned Mavrikis Folklore Museum is a great way to spend an hour or so on the island, and it will give you a better understanding of the life of the people who live on this peaceful island.
There are numerous beaches to relax on during your time in Alonissos and you can even explore different ones each day of your stay. Chrisi Milia is a lovely beach with shallow water, exquisite views into the wild and a small bar to add comfort to your experience. Leftos Gialos is another gorgeous beach with rippling water in various shades of blue green and pebbles to create a more comfortable walking surface. If you want to take a break from the beach, there is also a lovely ravine that rises from Megalo Chorafi and flows into Strovili.