Alonissos: The 7 most beautiful sights of the Sporades island

Alonissos is the quietest of the three adjacent Sporades islands and offers a little bit of everything without ever overwhelming. The hustle and bustle of Skiathos is far away, and even some inhabitants of Skopelos rave about the approximately 20-kilometre-long island with its adjoining marine national park.

“Alonissos may be less well known than its neighboring islands, but therein lies its charm. A varied landscape and a picturesque coastline that is home to rare Mediterranean seals and playful dolphins give the island a unique appeal.”

The island of Alonissos is a real Greece insider tip and will probably remain so for a long time due to their accessibility. By plane, they go to the mainland to Volos or to the neighboring island of Skiathos. After that, it’s at least an hour’s ferry ride. For most holidaymakers, this is too much effort, so the island is mainly reserved for connoisseurs.

We spent a week on Alonissos (also Alonnisos) at the beginning of June and discovered many corners that still radiated a tranquillity that has long been missed elsewhere. In the following, we present the best attractions of Alonissos and give you our personal highlights and useful travel tips along the way:

#1 Chora – Alonissos’ most beautiful place

The main attraction of the island of Alonissos is undoubtedly Chora, which is also named Alonissos Town. With its almost 300 inhabitants, Chora is now a sleepy village where things are relaxed and familiar. Like an amphitheater, the typical white houses with red-tiled roofs stretch up two steep hills.

The village was founded in the Middle Ages to protect against pirate attacks in the mountains and was the center of the island for many years until a severe earthquake in 1965 destroyed many buildings and the inhabitants moved to the sea in Patitiri (see #2). Decades passed until Alonissos-Chora (also called Old Village or Chorio) looked as beautiful as it does today.

At that time, quite a few houses were sold to foreign enthusiasts. So Alonissos also bears the nickname today To Nissi ton Germanon – the Island of the Germans. This is due to the high percentage of real estate purchases by Germans, Austrians and Swiss, especially in Chora.

You can park your rental vehicle in the large, free municipal parking lot on the northern outskirts of town. From there, you can reach the tavern Parselinos (Hint!) opposite the playground into the maze of alleys. Along the wide main street there are some shops and souvenir shops, our recommendation is The Workshop by Vasilis.

After a few meters you will reach the most famous village square of Chora, where the medieval Genniseos tou Christou Church is situated and which was actually always open. There are a few cafés around the square (tip: Piperi), a great place to enjoy a cool Freddo during the day or a cocktail in the evening. Then it goes up a few steps to the Kastro district.

You can pick up an original island souvenir in the shop Taste of Nature from Stella. If you turn around spontaneously while walking up, you can photograph one of the typical postcard motifs of Alonissos-Chora. Once you reach the highest point of the village, you will be greeted by a phenomenal view over the island and the Aegean Sea.

Once upon a time, there was a Venetian fortress here, colloquially called Kastro, which offered protection from pirate attacks. Only a few walls remain, some of which are integrated into residential buildings. The Kastro of Chora is a popular place to end the day in one of the bars or taverns in the evening. We enjoyed the sunset cinema from the steps.

The main street then continues in a southerly direction. Take a look to the right and left in the cobbled side streets – it’s amazing how lush green many a house entrance has been planted! The Knowledge Awareness Center on the southern outskirts of the village, which provides an insight into the marine world of the Sporades, was unfortunately closed.

Agios Ioannis Prodromos

You have the most beautiful view of Chora from the church about 500 m to the east Agios Ioannis Prodromos. An inconspicuous trail takes you from the main road up to the little church, whose forecourt is lined with a curved oak tree under which you can walk through.

Alonissos Sunset

The sunset from the Kastro district is really picturesque, but also very popular in the summer, according to locals. For an evening drink, the Barbarossa Bar is our favourite. About one kilometre west of the Chora car park, a gravel road leads to a magnificent and much quieter spot to enjoy the Sunset from Alonissos.

Just follow the signs to Kalovoulos Sunset View Spot (Iliovasilema Kalovoulos). There is limited parking on site, which is why a hike on foot is recommended. From the wide concrete viewpoint, you can see the spectacular setting of the red fireball behind the neighboring island of Skopelos every evening.

#2 Patitiri

With just under 1,400 inhabitants, Patitiri is today the tourist center of the island of Alonissos. At the harbour town, every holidaymaker sets his first foot on land. Architecturally, Patitiri is not a feast for the eyes, because after the earthquake of 1965, it was built here all over the place and unfortunately without adhering to traditional island architectural styles.

The name Patitiri means something like “grape press”, because this was once the place on Alonissos where all winegrowers brought their grapes to be mashed into wine and later shipped nationwide. Unfortunately, phylloxera did not do much good on Alonissos, because today there is no longer any commercial viticulture there.

Today, Patitiri is a lively but not crowded holiday resort. Fishing and excursion boats sail along the short promenade, and a dozen taverns and cafés (tip: Patitiri Cafe) invites you to linger. Only shopping enthusiasts don’t get their money’s worth here. Except for a few simple souvenir shops and shops for daily needs, there is hardly anything original.

Don’t miss the Information Centre for Mediterranean Seals from Mom (Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal). In a compact space, it offers a lot of information about the endangered Mediterranean monk seals. Since 1980, MOm has been committed to the conservation of the seal species in Alonissos and throughout Greece. You can find more information under point #6.

Alonissos Museum

A visit to the Alonnisos Museum by Kostas & Angela Mavrikis is worthwhile for those interested in history and culture. It is located on the western outskirts of the village and houses several exhibitions that shed light on the history of the island. There is even a separate section about the legendary world of Mediterranean pirates.

We have visited many museums in Greece, but the number of finds collected here is remarkable and fully justifies the entrance fee of €5. The individual theme corners are also well labeled. From the upper museum terrace you can enjoy a fantastic view of Patitiri Bay.

Rousoum Gialos

Patitiri extends over several sheltered bays, which are especially interesting for sailors, but are also suitable for swimming. East of the harbour lies the district Rousoum Gialos, around whose pebble beach some apartment complexes and 2-/3-star hotels have settled.

The Paralia Rousoum Gialos consists of gravel and is unfortunately paved with umbrellas. There are two taverns and a bar on site, with only the Cosmos Café Bar is recommended. The motley settlement did not convince us personally and there are much more tranquil corners for swimming on Alonnisos.

Votsi

A bay further east is Votsi, which is a popular place for sailors with its concrete pier. The settlement, in which a good 600 people live today, is quite convoluted. The sea can only be reached on foot or via a narrow access road. But the view from the top of the bay is phenomenal!

The narrow Votsi Beach is only suitable for bathing to a limited extent. Nevertheless, there are some good small hotels and guesthouses in Votsi. Since there are only a few restaurants, there is a wonderful peace and quiet here in the evening. For a romantic dinner, the noble restaurant is recommended Dendrolimano, where you can sit idyllically under secluded pine trees.

#3 Beaches of Alonissos

You don’t come to Alonissos for a pure beach holiday. In contrast to the golden sandy beaches of the Sporades island of Skiathos, the Beaches of Alonissos covered with gravel or stones, with a few exceptions. But there are some beautiful bays that are almost deserted even in summer.

Most of the beaches are located on the east side of Alonissos and consist of coarse pebbles. If you follow the main road north from Patitiri, one beach follows the next and you can go beach hopping. Below we present our favorites.

Paralia Spartines

In Patitiri we advise against swimming near the ferry pier; most people are more drawn to the Paralia Rousoum Gialos. The small city beach is correspondingly crowded in summer. On the other hand, it is much quieter on Spartines Beach, which is located a few hundred meters east of Votsi.

Only a narrow forest path leads down to this natural beach, which consists of coarse, beige pebbles. The beach stands out for its natural beauty: sandstone cliffs stand vertically above the sea and a pine forest stretches above them. Bathing shoes are recommended for beginners. Nudists also visit the beach.

Milia Beach

One of the most popular beaches of Alonissos is less than ten minutes by car from Patitiri. On the Milia Beach the sea shimmers in beautiful turquoise tones and the entire bay is framed by a lush pine forest. There are light-coloured pebbles in the shore area, which can make it difficult to enter the sea.

Two simple beach bars rent sun loungers and provide for the physical well-being. Parking is directly behind the beach. For people with limited mobility, there is even a Seatrac available.

Chrisi Milia Beach

Undoubtedly, Chrisi Milia Beach is the most popular beach on the island. The reason: a shallow entry and a lot of fine golden-brown sand, similar to Skiathos. Although it is only one bay further north, you cannot go directly there from Milia beach. You have to go back to the main road and take a 5 km detour.

When we were there at the beginning of June, it was still quite relaxed at Chrisi Milia Beach during the week. On the weekend, however, it became visibly more crowded, as many Greek families with children come here. The local Chrisi Milia Bar rents sun loungers (from 15 €) and serves cool drinks and solid food.

The pure sand section is only about 100 m long, but a sandbank stretches a good 50 m into the sea, so that it is not deeper than the knees for a long time. It’s a dream for kids, but as an adult you have to wade through the shallow water to do a few laps. 🙂

Kokkinokastro Beach

From Chrisi Milia you could already see the red-colored islet of Kokkinonisi, which belongs to the coast of Kokkinokastro. Parking is available in several places about 100 meters above the beach. A stone staircase leads down to the Kokkinokastro Beach.

Once at the bottom, you will be greeted by a bizarre backdrop. Rust-colored sandstone cliffs rise out of the sea and lead to a small, unfortunately impassable peninsula Kokkinokastro, on which a few pine trees grow. Definitely one of the most impressive beaches on the island! The local beach bar rents out sun loungers and plays music. If you like it quieter, look for the western section.

In ancient times, there was a settlement or fortified castle on the peninsula, which is already suggested by the name Kokkinokastro (kokkino = red, kastro = castle). Only sparse remains of walls remain, which can only be seen from the sea. Under water near the island of Kokkinonisi, archaeologists also found ancient ruins and artifacts from times long past.

Leftos Gialos Beach

Leftos Gialos Beach is located four kilometers north of Kokkinokastro and can be reached via a narrow and sometimes bumpy asphalt road. The trip leads through a pine forest and again and again wonderful views of picturesque bays such as Tzortzi Gialos open up.

Unfortunately, the two beach restaurants of Leftos Gialos have taken over the entire beach. Only at the edges is the beach still a bit natural. If that doesn’t bother you, you’ll find a great place for a day at the beach here.

#4 Fishing village of Steni Vala

About eight kilometers from Leftos Gialos is one of the most beautiful places in Alonissos for us personally: Steni Vala. It is worth going to one of the local taverns at lunchtime or in the evening (tips: Tassia’s Cookingand To Fanari). As soon as you arrive, your gaze falls on the small, pretty settlement directly by the sea.

Hardly more than a handful of families live in the hamlet all year round. The former fishing village of Alonissos has become a crowd puller on the island of Alonissos. It doesn’t take much: a picturesque row of houses, a fjord-like, wind-protected bay and a good dose of peace and quiet.

Even if it seems strange at first glance, almost all the buildings on the jetty contain gastronomic facilities. Here you live well from the business of the excursionists, whereby the prices are all fair. When walking along the traffic-calmed waterfront, you are spoilt for choice: On 150 m of boulevard there are at least five taverns and two cafés.

Fishing boats and yachts bob around happily at the jetty and, depending on the time of day, local fishermen, divers or international sailors stop by the local restaurants. We were particularly pleased with the Icarus Café of the Mavrikis family. Here you can quickly get into conversation with other holidaymakers and leave everyday life behind with a cool drink – guaranteed!

Despite the many visitors, especially on weekends, the village is still completely relaxed. Both Greeks and international Hellas fans appreciate this. Especially in the evening, the atmosphere is very homely: the restaurants are well attended, but not overcrowded. Sailors anchor in the bay, children play peacefully at the jetty. No cars or mopeds disturb the idyll.

We were lucky enough to have our accommodation Casa Kalypso just outside Steni Vala. On the way home, we were accompanied every evening by the sound of the sea and the chirping of crickets. The nights are as quiet as a mouse, which is a novelty for Greece. Steni Vala, you are now one of our places of longing!

Swimming break at Paralia Glifa

The pebble beach is only a five-minute walk from Steni Vala and is mainly visited by holidaymakers from the nearby apartment complexes. Once over the hill past the village church and you can refresh yourself in the cool water. If you walk from Paralia Glifa along the shore to the north, you will come to the SUELTO Beachbar.

The soul can dangle wonderfully under hammocks on shady olive trees overlooking the uninhabited neighboring island of Peristera. There are cool drinks and snacks at fair prices. Every now and then a few ducks pass by, which have settled here due to the freshwater springs that are located around Steni Vala.

Kalamakia

Kalamakia is located about two kilometers north of Steni Vala. Fishing boats bob in the harbour and there is a small prayer chapel at the entrance. We thought it would be similarly traditional there – think again! In short: Three fishing families with no gastronomic experience offer simple dishes (some frozen food) at high prices to earn some extra money in the summer.

Dirk Schönrock, author of the Sporades Travel Guide from the Michael-Müller-Verlag, already described in the book. If we had only listened to him, we would have been spared a modest evening and a lot of money for weak food. For a photo stop, the place is okay, but for lasting memories, it lacks authenticity.

#5 Agios Dimitrios and the North of Alonissos

Agios Dimitrios is the last inhabited settlement on the northeast coast of Alonissos. The few houses are concentrated around a striking headland, which already impresses on the approach from Steni Vala. Here, light pebbles meet an azure and emerald sea. Behind it is a wetland, but it no longer contained water at the beginning of June.

The shore at Agios Dimitrios Beach is quite deep, which is why the beach is not suitable for small children. On the other hand, the sea is crystal clear and the colors are Caribbean. Two beach bars and the tavern provide for the physical well-being Agios Dimitrios Food Bar. From the shaded terrace you have a wonderful view of the sea.

Behind Agios Dimitrios there are a few more great bays, but they are difficult to access. In order to explore the North of Alonissos you have to go back to the main road (Steni Vala junction). From Agios Dimitrios only a bumpy, not recommended gravel road leads into the mountains. The region is mostly deserted and only for tireless explorers.

Kastania Reservoir

Hidden in the mountains just above Agios Dimitrios in the uninhabited region of Kastania is the Reservoir of Alonissos. It was completed in 2012 to meet the island’s increased water demand in summer. After all, most holidaymakers come in July and August and natural freshwater springs are rare on Alonissos.

A total of 12 million euros flowed into the project, including EU funding. During construction, however, it was forgotten to install the distribution pipes properly, so that it was not possible to direct the water to the south. Since then, the reservoir has been lying in the landscape without any function as a memorial to mismanagement.

Many songbirds, but also ravens, seagulls and falcons use the reservoir as a resting place today. A magnificent mixed forest grows all around and there is absolute silence. You can drive or walk around the reservoir once. From here, you also have the option of hiking back to the coast to Agios Dimitrios on a two-kilometer path.

Alonissos’ North: Solitude in Gerakas

From Patitiri to the remote settlement of Gerakas in the north of Alonissos it is 22 km away. However, the drive along the asphalted high road to the north, which is peppered with several potholes, is a highlight in itself, because panoramas of large parts of the marine national park open up again and again. If visibility is good, you can even see as far as the island of Skyros.

In spring, it is good to hike in the hinterland of Alonissos (see point #7). But there are no places to stop for a bite to eat, and the mobile phone network only works on the back burner. In Gerakas itself there are no more people living all year round, in summer you will only meet a few goatherds and fishermen here.

In the 1980s, efforts to establish a protected area for marine life above Alonissos grew – partly due to the efforts of the Monk Seal Protection Association MOm. Since Gerakas was an ideal starting point for expeditions, a marine research station was built above the beach in 1988. Unfortunately, it was never opened and is now increasingly falling into disrepair.

In recent years, a canteen by the sea opened in Gerakas in the summer. This is now deserted and the pebble beach is visibly unkempt. Only at the concrete jetty, where small boats and large trawlers are anchored, do you still regularly meet fishermen mending their nets. If you want to hike the remote region, you can find information here: topoGuide

#6 Alonnisos Marine National Park – Northern Sporades

The Alonnisos Marine National Park today covers an area of about 2,591.5 km² and includes the island of Alonissos, the islands of Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Gioura, Piperi, Skantzoura and Adelfi as well as 22 smaller rocky islands. It was established in 1992 by presidential decree as the first marine national park in Greece.

In 1975, filmmaker Giorgos Theodossopoulos had the idea of making a documentary about the wild beauty of the Sporades. The original focus was on the dramatic natural scenery of the untouched Greek Islands Kyra Panagia, Gioura and Piperi.

During the filming, the film team came across clues about the whereabouts of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) in the region. Director Theodossopoulos fanatically tried to get the rare seal species in front of the camera.

The conditions were extreme: Due to the inaccessibility of the coast, the filmmakers had to resort to the smallest boats and sometimes camp for days near the beach or in sea caves. Finally, it was possible to film the shy seals in their natural environment – it was the first footage of the monk seal in Greece.

As a result, the entire project was devoted to the threatened Seals of Alonissos. The film with the original title The Mediterranean Monk Seal – A Monk in Trouble was first released at international film festivals in the summer of 1976.

The elaborate animal documentary was also broadcast on television on BBC and ARD a short time later. It was a success and led to a high level of public awareness for the endangered species and the island of Alonissos. Activists, politicians and scientists were encouraged to establish a marine protection park.

Visit to the Sporades Marine National Park

You can explore the Alonnisos Marine National Park in a variety of ways, including snorkeling, kayaking, or boat trips. However, this is only allowed in clearly marked zones. In Zone B around Alonissos and Peristera, sailors can moor and explore the remote bays.

Registration is required for Zone A as it is strictly protected. No landing, free diving or snorkeling is possible here, with the exception of Kyra Panagia. The Island of Piperi is considered a core zone and is completely closed, as it is the main breeding area of the rare Mediterranean monk seal. You can find all the regulations on the park’s website: Ethniko Parko

Boat tours to the Alonissos Marine Park

During our time on the island, we undertaken a boat trip to the Alonissos Marine National Park. You can find the tour operators at the port of Patitiri. Either you talk to them directly on the boat or you go to one of the travel agencies directly at the port.

The excursions to the Alonissos Marine National Park start around 10 am and then head towards the sea channel between Peristera and Alonissos. Depending on the scope of the tour, stops will be made at Kokkinokastro Beach, Kalamakia or Agios Dimitrios. A highlight is the Shipwreck of Peristera, which serves as both a snorkeling and photo spot.

Our boat tour even went as far as the Island of Kyra Panagia out to the open sea. On the wild island with its dramatic cliffs is a monastery of the monastic republic Athos. It has been extensively renovated in recent years and can be visited as part of the tour. That was definitely a spiritual highlight for us!

Conclusion on the Alonissos boat tour

Through conversations with MOm employees, we had already learned in advance that it takes a lot of luck to spot a monk seal. There are less than 70 seals in the entire Alonissos Marine National Park. It is much more likely that dolphins around Alonissos that occur in large numbers in the waters. Unfortunately, we didn’t see either of them.

So in the end it was a nice sailing around on the sea with a few stops (including at sea caves) for a good eight hours. This is not recommended with a small child, as there are hardly any bathing opportunities with direct shore leave. At least the swimmers were able to jump directly from the boat into the crystal clear water.

Ask when you go on a boat trip to the Marine National Park if there is lunch on board, otherwise you will have to bring everything yourself. The tours cost about 40 to 70 € per person, depending on the scope.

What to do if you see a monk seal around Alonissos?

Do not approach the seal under any circumstances. Keep a minimum distance of 50 m – even in the water. Don’t be loud and don’t try to lure the seal. There have already been rude encounters, as the animals can bite hard in case of danger. Watch the Mediterranean monk seal calmly and quietly and enjoy the moment. In the event of a sighting, you contact MOm, e.g. via their app, phone or website.

The probability to see a Monk seal on Alonissos, resembles winning the lottery, as they are extremely shy and avoid any contact with humans. The monk seal is considered the rarest marine mammal in the world. There are said to be only 500 to 700 animals left. Unfortunately, there are no reliable sources. It is assumed that there are about 350 living specimens in Greece.

In Marine Park of Alonissos about 65 animals are counted annually, but the population has hardly increased for years. Personally, we were not lucky to see a monk seal in the Sporades. On the other hand, in November 2019, a monk seal swam past Tom’s nose for about 15 seconds on Nisyros while he was fishing. Even today, he is completely inspired by this unique experience.

→ A very informative documentation by Experience Earth about the Monk Seals in Greece you can watch here: Youtube

#7 Hiking on Alonissos

Alonissos is a very good Greek hiking island. The nature is varied, there are plenty of trees to provide shade, and great views of the sea await you again and again. We also explored the island a little on foot. The temperatures in the morning at the beginning of June were just okay.

The Hiking trails on Alonissos are largely well signposted and sufficiently prepared. You’ll often walk along ancient cobbled paths and monopati that once connected the scattered farming settlements. Here and there is a church in the countryside, whose churchyard invites you to have a picnic.

The region around Megalo Chorafi, Psili Rachi and Agios Konstantinos is quite deserted, but blessed with wild nature. If you want to explore remote places of Alonissos, keep in mind that there is hardly any cell phone network there. Inform your host, hotel or relatives in advance about your hiking plans and avoid hikes in midsummer and at lunchtime.

→ Almost all hikes on Alonissos are on the portal alonnisos at your feet summarized, with an online map or as an app: To the website

Hike to Agioi Anargyroi

A short but worthwhile hike leads along the west coast at Agioi Anargyroi. It begins at the junction to the Tsoukalia Beach and continues on a gravel road for about 1.5 km until it ends at a holiday home. Then it goes over a monopati through a secluded pine forest always above the cliffs.

After a short time you will reach the Churches of Agioi Anargyroi, a modern and a traditional chapel (1872) dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damianus. From the natural church square there is a wonderful view of the North Aegean Sea, over to the Skopelos and on good days even as far as the Athos Peninsula.

Then you continue north until you leave the forest after about ten minutes and the Paralia Tourkoneri spreads in front of you. It translates as “turquoise water”, and despite the gravelly entrance to the beach, the sea invites you to refresh yourself. From here you can explore the beaches of Paralia Ochra (5 min. via a beaten track) and Paralia Megali Ammos (an hour via a gravel road) further north.

Afterwards, you can return along the same path or you can briefly turn off over the “Pente Vrises” in the dense pine forest, where once five springs flowed out of the rock, but today there is only a dry tap.

Hike to the top of Mount Kalovoulos

For those who want to go high, the short hike (1 to 1.5 km) to the 330 m high altitude is worthwhile Kalovoulos Mountain west of Chora. It starts just after the Chora public parking lot (near the cemetery) at the turnoff to the Sunset Viewpoint. A blue sign with the inscription “Kalovoulos” shows the way.

The first few metres are climbed along a natural stone path. A short time later, the path winds through a pine forest – always following the red and white markings. The higher you go, the farther you can see and make out islands of the Marine National Park such as Peristera and the Adelfi Islands, as well as Skantzoura.

After passing a pine forest, the vegetation becomes more sparse and a clearing with short-stemmed oaks and rocky scree marks the last section. After about five minutes, you’ll reach your destination. On the left-hand side, below the summit pillar, there is a covered panoramic rest area.

Here you can enjoy the view of Skopelos and the offshore islands Ag. Georgios and Mikro have a great time – don’t forget the picnic! Then we return to Chora along the same path. Energetic hikers with the urge to cool off can still visit the beaches of Paralia, Mikros, Mourtias (1.5 km) or Paralia Giala (3 km) below Chora.

More Alonissos tips for your holiday

Hotel tips for Alonissos

Here we stayed on Alonissos

Casa Kalypso in Steni Vala

Our feel-good place on Alonissos was the beautiful accommodation Casa Kalypso*, lovingly run by the friendly hostess Katerina. The complex offers everything from a stylish studio for two to a spacious holiday home for families – nestled in a beautiful garden and only a few steps from the sea.

Just a short walk away is the tranquil village of Steni Vala, known for its authentic tavernas right on the water. For active people, there’s a special extra: free kayaks and SUPs are available at the property to experience the beautiful east coast from the water.

We enjoyed the peace, the sea and the hospitality at Casa Kalypso to the fullest – and can highly recommend this place as a starting point for exploring the island. All information about the individual room categories can be found on the website: Casa Kalypso

With our partner Booking.com* you will receive more information about our accommodation Casa Kalypso and you can check availability and prices of the studios and holiday homes:

➲ Book Casa Kalypso Studios*

➲ Book Casa Kalypso Suites & Villas*

Our most recommended hotels in Alonissos

Alonissos is a very quiet island that tries by all means to maintain sustainable tourism. There are only two dozen hotels on the entire island. Many of them are rather simple guesthouses located in and around Patitiri.

Enclosed we have recommended for you good Hotels on Alonissos. Click on the links from Booking.com* to get details of the accommodations:

• Pension Votsi*
• Althea Boutique Hotel*
• Aletri Hotel*

→ On Booking.com* you can view available accommodations on a map and compare prices directly:

Recommendations for cafés and restaurants on Alonissos

On Alonissos we basically ate quite well, even though Skopelos was ahead here with us. The freshly caught tuna from the surrounding waters of Alonissos is worth mentioning – a local speciality that is served in salads or pasta, among other things. Unfortunately, the prices of some taverns are slowly approaching the level of Skiathos, but the quality here is a bit better.

In the taverns of the picturesque coastal town of Steni Vala, for example, you can enjoy freshly caught fish and traditionally cooked dishes such as moussaka and gemista. Another speciality is the cheese-filled dumplings (cheese pie), which are also available on the neighbouring island of Skopelos. Here is a small selection of our favorite taverns and cafes on Alonissos:

• Tassia’s Cooking, Steni Vala
• Panselinos, Chora
• Patitiri Cafe, Patitiri
• Chagiati Café-Bar & Pastry Shop, Chora
• …

→ Want more recommendations? All our tips for cafés and restaurants on Alonissos can be found in our Google map: To the Alonissos map

Car rentals for Alonissos

Alonissos is a manageable island where most of the public life takes place in the south. From Patitiri to Chora it is less than 3 km. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to rent a Car on Alonnisos for 2-3 days and explore the island. The 20 km from the main town of Patitiri to Gerakes in the north will take you about 35 minutes.

If you are looking for a cheap rental car for Alonissos, you can book one directly at the port. We recommend the following providers:

• Alonissos Travel & More
• Top Cars Alonissos
• Turismo car rental Alonissos

Getting around Alonissos by bus

Discover Alonissos by bus is possible, although the route network is limited due to the size of the island. There are only the connections Patitiri – Chora (Old Village) and Patitiri – Steni Vala. That’s it. Tickets cost €1.80 and cannot be purchased on the bus, but only in the island’s mini-markets. All information here: Bus timetable

How to get to the island of Alonissos

Alonissos does not have an airport, you can only reach the Sporades island by ferry. Most holidaymakers come via the port city of Volos or from the neighbouring islands of Skopelos and Skiathos. In summer, a flight to Skiathos is a good idea, from there it takes an hour to continue to Alonissos. Alonissos can also be reached via Evia (Euboea) from the small port of Mantoudi. Here you can find suitable flight connections:

➲ To cheap flights to Skiathos*

➲ To cheap flights to Volos*

Ferry connections to Alonissos

Despite its small size and quiet tourism, Alonissos is well connected to the Sporades ferry network. During the tourist season from the beginning of June to mid-September, catamarans and car ferries to Alonissos, most of them from the port of Volos. In the low season, fewer ferries operate, but the neighboring islands of Skopelos and Skiathos can still be reached daily.

The duration of the crossing varies depending on the point of departure and the type of vessel and ranges from 1 to 4.5 hours, with the Seajets catamarans are the fastest. From the port of Mantoudi in Euboea, you can reach the island of Alonissos in just under two hours.

→ The island of Alonissos can be reached regularly during the season with the following ferry companies:

• Seajets
• Aegean Flying Dolphins
• Mantoudi Lines (Zefyros)

Since there are ships from the neighbouring islands of Skopleos and Skiathos several times a week, even in the low season, Alonissos is easy to integrate into a Greece Island Hopping integrate. In summer, the ships even run daily, allowing flexible travel planning for a Sporades Island Hopping.

In summer, it is advisable to use the Ferry tickets to Alonissos to book early, as the places can be booked up quickly. The easiest way to do this is through our partner Ferryhopper*:

➲ To cheap ferries to the island*

→ More articles and numerous Sporades travel tips can be found at: Sporades Blog – The archipelago at a glance

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