Are you leaving for Greece, the Greek islands and visiting Alonissos? Here are the 7 things to do in Alonissos!
Anciently known as Ikos (Antiquity), then Liadrómia, Alonissos is a Greek island of the Northern Sporades archipelago, with an area of 65 km2, southeast of Thessalie. The island has a population of 2,750 (2011), but its population swells when the summer season and the autumn season come. Alonissos is located in the heart of National Marine Park of Alonissos – Northern Sporades , making it an ideal tourist destination to enjoy the nature and calm it has to offer to its visitors. The natural park is a protected area of 678 km2 where restrictions have been issued, particularly with regard to the wild camping and ascent of the rocks.
An incredible fauna and flora persisted on the island despite the proximity of the Greek continent: 80 species of different birds and 300 species of fish and the Mediterranean monk seal (the most endangered species of pinnipèdes). In addition, Alonissos is the island with the longest history of human presence in the Aegean Sea: archaeological traces have updated tools from 100,000 to 33,000 before our era.
What to do in Alonissos? Most of the things to do to visit Alonissos is on the east coast of the island, the latter being deprived of a road network on its western side. Here is our selection of things to do in Alonissos.
1. Patitiri
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Giuliagi
Located southeast of the island, Patitiri is the port from which you will arrive to visit Alonissos. Do not expect a typical, picturesque or authentic village: destroyed after an earthquake in 1965, the village was rebuilt and the buildings are as new (they only have 50 years).
In the city you will find about ten establishments where to stay, many small bars and restaurants to taste the delights of Greek cuisine. Near the port, a must-see to Alonissos: the Kostas Museum and Angela Mavrikis, Folklore Museum. Patitiri is the center of the island’s social activity, where one will find the most growing. The beach Rousoumi, with its restaurant in the sand will enhance your excursions.
2. Votsi
Photo credit: Flickr – www.david baxendale.com
Small fishing village in the north-east of Patitiri, Votsi offers a postcard image in the hollow of a picturesque port, jawed on the hillside on ochre cliffs veering to the orange according to the brightness: one would almost believe in the Butterfly-du-Rhône calanques, but in more pretty. Here again, there is something to do to enjoy a glass on the terrace or to rent a lodging in Alonissos. On the other side of the small peninsula, a beach: Bigfoot, accessible by boat.
3. Chora
Photo credit: Flickr – Chris Spiegl
What to do in Alonissos outside the coast and the beaches? You will be able to breathe in the interior of the land to visit Chora, an old village just as charming as colourful. A plethora of small bars and restaurants await their guests, overlooking the sea and offering a beautiful view of the Sporades islands. Local handicraft shops have gabled on the street, the ideal to bring back memories of all kinds. By strolling through the streets of the old village, it will be good to hum the pleasant aroma of fruit trees (figues, pomegranates) that are cultivated in the gardens of the premises. Through a muletier path it is possible to reach the old port of the city, after a few thirty minutes walk.
4. Leftos Gialos Beach
Photo credit: Flickr – Dave A
We go to the east coast, with a must see to visit Alonissos: the beach of Leftos Gialos. Accessible by the road leading to Agios Dimitrios, the beach of Leftos Gialos is one of the most beautiful pebble beaches of Alonissos, but it is also very touristic. If you like it, sun loungers allow you to stay in the shade of a parasol between the bar and the sea. Hard!
5. Steni Vala Beach
Photo credit: Flickr – Daniele Magnani
Steni Vala is the only beach that can be reached by bus. It borders the second most populous village on the Greek island of Alonissos, with a campsite and hotels to stay in Alonissos, and numerous bars and restaurants.
6. Megali Mourtia beach
Photo credit: Maxpixel
What to do in Alonissos? Want to swim or make a boat in a creek with so crystalline waters that we discern the shadow of the boats in the background? The beach of Megali Mourtia is still one of the most beautiful in Alonissos.
7. Make a boat trip in the natural park
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – Stk2k7
The island of Alonissos is surrounded by the only marine park in Greece. Are you still wondering what to do in Alonissos? Take a boat trip around the islands of the archipelago and if you are lucky, you may be able to see gulls, falcons, Bonelli eagles, dolphins, seals and turtles! Otherwise, you will have beautiful colorful landscapes to put you full of view.
How do I get to Alonissos?
The nearest airport is located on Skiathos . To find cheap flights from France, visit our partner's website Ulysses . From there you can take a boat (about 1.5 to 2 hours, or in a hydroglider, 1 hour) to Alonissos. Volos or Agios Konstantinos provide several hydroglider crossings.
Where to stay in Alonissos?
Although the island is not very large, it is tourist and present of many hotels Where to sleep in Alonissos. Especially at Patitiri, the old village (Chora), and Steni Vala.
Loading comments ...