Overview of Alonissos
Alonissos is the alternative travelers’ choice in the Sporades’ islands complex. It is the largest of them all, more rugged, less touristic and unspoiled. The photogenic combination of green and blue also dominates this Greek island. Lush pine forests, oak trees and fruit orchards coexist with gorgeous white-pebbled beaches of emerald waters.
Natural wealth is Alonissos’ number one asset, as it is a place of great ecological value: together with its nearby small islands it forms part of the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades, a refuge for the Mediterranean monk seal, among other species. It is also a divers’ paradise, as the sea bottom features numerous fascinating shipwrecks dating from the ancient and Byzantine times. Alonissos is a low profile Greek island, but strong in character. This is obvious from the moment you enter the port and capital of Patitiri, a lively settlement located in amazing verdant surroundings, with all the amenities at hand and a beach.
The island’s old capital, Chora (also known as Palio Chorio/Old Village) offers spectacular views and impresses the visitor with is traditional Greek island architecture. It suffered severe damages in the 1965 earthquake, but many houses have been beautifully restored by both Greeks and foreigners. Other settlements worth visiting on Alonissos are Roussoum Gialos, Votsi and Leftos Gialos with the marvelous beaches of the same name, as well as the fishing villages of Steni Vala and Kalamakia. Alonissos indeed hides so many treasures – ashore and underwater. All you have to do is follow your intuition and discover them all.
Photo gallery of Alonissos
Beaches
Food
Things to see & do
: The most impressive beach on Alonissos (and among the best in the Greek islands). It is a large, organized beach with exotic looks (white pebbles and transparent blue waters), set in a very scenic location. A cantina and a tavern are available here. 9.0 : Another gem beach. It features red cliffs that contrast magically with its blue waters, as well as the remains of the ancient city of Ikos. It’s partly organized and ideal for snorkeling. 9.0 : Megalos Mourtias is popular, wind-protected and features many amenities, while Mikros Mourtias is a quiet, nudist friendly cove. 8.0 : Don’t be fooled, because this beach is neither large nor sandy – on the contrary. However, it’s one of the island’s most pristine, with pebbles, lots of pine trees and zero facilities. Not very easy to access, but absolutely rewarding. In the area you can also find small coves to swim and relax, such as the beaches of Agii Anargiroi and Tsoukalia. Just make sure you carry your own supplies. 8.0 : A large, popular and fully organized beach, with golden sand, shallow waters, a tavern and water sports facilities. If you fancy a neighboring, more low-key option, the smaller, pebbly beach of Milia, hidden in a lovely pine-lush bay, is suitable for you. 8.0
: Steni Vala, Greek cuisine. 9.0 : Chora, Italian cuisine. 9.0 : Megalos Mourtias, Megalos Mourtias, Greek cuisine. 9.0 : Votsi, Mediterranean and contemporary cuisine. 8.0 : Leftos Gialos, Greek cuisine. 8.0
: A daily boat excursion to the island’s National Marine Park is a must (and one of the best attractions in the Greek islands). It is the first of its kind in Greece, the largest marine protected area in Europe and of course the main home of the endangered monk seal. The park includes the island of Alonissos, six smaller neighboring islands (Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Psathoura, Piperi, Skantzoura and Gioura – absolutely worth visiting) and 22 islets. The Park’s aim is to preserve the natural environment, providing shelter for the area’s flora and fauna, as well as protecting the region’s important archaeological and historical monuments. 10.0 : Hop on the boat at the port of Alonissos and within merely one and two hours respectively, you will arrive at these beautiful neighboring islands of Sporades. 9.0 : Prepare yourself for…: Canoeing, snorkeling, kayaking, bike-riding, fishing, boating tours and of course diving and hiking (Alonissos has many well marked paths). 8.0 : Try the famed tyropita (cheese pie) of Alonissos and hamalia (triangle shaped sweets with nut, almond, semolina, honey and herbs). 7.0
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