Alonissos - Chora - view of village

Alonissos - flying dolphin in Patitiri

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alonissos
(Sporades Islands)

Alonissos - Chora taverna

The island of Alonissos, with its population of less than 3,000, is an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing holiday on a relatively uncommercialised island. Similar to Skopelos the island is renowned for its walks and delightful scenery, popular again with artists. The capital of the island is picturesque Patitiri. Here you can enjoy delicious fresh fish in one of the tavernas along the waterfront or simply relax over an iced coffee and watch the hustle and bustle of the harbour. If you fancy a change from the small town beach watertaxis depart from here on a daily basis allowing you to explore other beaches on the island.

Just 4km above Patitiri is Old Alonissos - definitely well worth a visit. Also known as Chora,  it is perched at the top of a hill and is as far from the bustling tourist world as can be. This old village was hastily abandoned in 1965 after an earth tremor when the villagers fled to Patitiri.. Some of the old traditional houses in Old Alonissos still survive and have been renovated by their new owners, usually foreigners, while others have been left to the merciless wear and tear of time. Old Alonissos can be reached by taxi, local bus or by a steep walk of about an hour (with a few stops to catch your breath!). You will be rewarded with stunning views, and a very different pace of life than that in Patitiri. Apart from Patitiri you can visit Steni Vala, a pretty fishing port with a couple of recommended tavernas, or the small Greek harbour village of Votsi.

Alonissos - Monk Seal
  

One of the unique features of the island is that it provides shelter for one of the rarest of Mediterranean's mammals: the monk seal (monachus monachus). Classified as an endangered species, it has found an ideal refuge in the Alonnisos Marine Park around the north of the island. Thanks to this government initiative and the sensitive awareness of the local fishermen, the monk seal can continue to live in the same waters that have known it for thousands of years. 

Alonnisos is served by the same ferry and hydrofoil services from Volos, Aghios Konstantinos and Kymi as Skiathos. There is also a one-day cruise available from Skiathos that visits Skopelos and Alonnisos.

Alonissos is surrounded by a host of tiny islands with delightful beaches. The nearest of these is Peristera, where only a couple of families live. To the southeast lies Skantzoura, the ancient Skandyle or Skandeira. To the northeast is the island of Kyra Panayia with its monastery; Youra, with its indigenous wild goats, very similar to the Cretan ibex; Piperi, the centre of the protected area of the marine park; Psathoura, where remains of the ancient city may be glimpsed submerged beneath the sea, a consequence of the splitting of the island into Psathoura and Psatharopoula in the 1965 earthquake. Most of the small islands are part of the marine park and a permit may be required to visit them..

Alonissos is available as part of a wholly tailor-made holiday which can include combining a stay here with another island of your choice; you could also consider traveling to the mainland and visiting Pelion, Athens or Meteora. Your final holiday can be as simple or as adventurous as you wish it to be.

We can pre-book transfers, car hire, ferries and accommodation throughout Greece. Contact one of our widely-travelled and experienced reservations team now to discuss your options.

 

Agios Georgious, Corfu (path to the local village)

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