General Info
Alonissos covers an area of 64.5 sq.km., with a population of no more than 3,000 residents and is 62 nautical miles far from Volos Port. Alonissos was known in ancient times as Ikos. It was famous and celebrated throughout the known world for it’s fine wine.
Alonissos includes many beaches accessed on foot or by boat, within just 10-15 minutes from the old town and Patitiri. Most of the taverns and hotels are in Patitiri. Old Alonissos (Chora or Old Town) is also a very beatiful place to stay and to eat but only in summer. If you plan to visit Old Alonissos in spring or in autumn you will find many taverns and stores closed. It’s mainly a summer resort but you will find lots of wonderful cafes and tavernas with the Castle of Alonissos with gorgeous views to the sea. Also, you will find crystal clear waters, hotels and two tavernas in Votsi, it’s just 20 minutes walk from Patitiri.
Alonissos can be described as a green paradise, including the National Marine Park which is the largest of Europe and the only that operates in Greece. The port of Steni Vala is the starting point for excursions to the Marine Park. An extended marine area of 2,200 square kilometers includes Alonissos Island and 6 smaller islands Peristera, Psathoura, Kyra Panagia, Skatzoura, Gioura and Piperi and 22 islets. The purpose of the park is to protect the monk seal (monachus monachus) and the stunning flora and fauna.
Old Alonissos
After the great earthquake of 1965 the Old Alonissos was abandoned by its inhabitants but over the years many people started rebuilding their houses and so the village reverted back to life. The attractions are quite many so make sure you have enough time to explore them. As you ascend you will see the church of Christ beside the small square with the two cafes.
At the same point, and almost opposite of it, is the church of Saint Athanasios of the 17th-18th century, a single-cell type church with a wooden basilica roof and a semicircular dome. Continuing your walk on the pedestrian Street after the church of Christ you’ll find yourselves at the entrance of the castle. There you will see a traditional house which is small Folk Museum, built during the Venetian period. At the edge of the village is the old Primary School a donation by Andreas Syngros, which constitutes the largest neo-classical building of the island. Next to the Cathedral of the Annunciation (18th century) you will see the old well from where the village women used to carry water to their homes. Finally, other churches you can admire are the Agios Dimitrios and Agios Georgios churches.
National Marine Park of Alonissos (The largest Marine Park in Europe)
This is one particularly important area consisting of two zones. The flora and fauna of the park are rich with many species of fish, birds, reptiles and mammals. The Mediterranean seal, the red coral, the mavropetritis bird, the aigaioglaros bird, the shag and the ibex of Gioura are some of the characteristical species living in the area. Read more about the Marine Park here.
Christ’s church
A characteristic building due to its architecture. You are going to find it as you ascend in the pedestrian zone of the Old Alonissos, as mentioned above. It is an one-room temple without columns of the 17th century.
The museum of Alonissos
The museum of Alonissos or else the Pirate Museum, as many people in the island call it, is housed in a four-storey stone building and exhibits a rich collection of objects from pirate ships and objects of the island. We visited and present it in detail here.
The Castle
It’s positioned in the Old Alonissos and offers a great view and beautiful sunsets. Do not miss the opportunity to wander around the narrow streets of the Castle. Inside the castle you will also see the church of St. George from the 16th century, a single-cell basilica type of church, which is believed to be the oldest church still existing on the island. Finally at the edge of the fence you will see Lisva, the place from where the residents fled when pirates raided the island.
Blue Cave
Also called Papanikolis cave because the submarine Papanikolis found shelter there during the war. The cave is almost across from Cape Paliofanaro of the island of Peristera.
Tsoukalia
Beyond the beach you’ll see the fenced area with pieces of pottery. That is where the name of the beach came from. (tsoukalia=pottery bowls)
Accommodation in Alonissos – Hotels Rooms to let apartments
Accomodation options include hotels and rooms in Patitiri and in Old Alonissos (Chora) in low prices. Also you can stay at hotels in Votsi and in Rousoum Gialos, with pools good facilities and a great view to Aegean sea. If you wish a luxurious stay in Alonissos then read our article about hotels in Alonissos. Generally in Alonissos you can find really cheap prices for your stay amongst pine trees, relaxed atmosphere, fantastic locations and friendly people. Many visitors, mostly young people, choose to stay at the camping that exist in Alonissos near Patitiri at about 15-20 minutes walk from the port.
Transportation (bus) – Taxi – Rent a Car in Alonissos – Ferry tickets
Lane 1: Patitiri – Old Town (ticket costs 1.60 euro)
Lane 2: Patitiri – Steni Vala (ticket costs 1.70euro)
You will also find 4 taxis at the port of Patitiri. If you decide to rent a car prices are at about 40euros per day for months like May-June and 50euros per day in July-August. Book now your rental car in Alonissos here
Ferry tickets to Alonissos: Highspeed and conventional vessels make routes to Alonissos. You can travel to Alonissos through the ports of Volos, Mantoudi, Kimi and Thessaloniki.
“Express Skiathos” conventional vessel – departure at 07:45 from Volos, arrival in Alonissos at 12:25. Ticket costs 30euros per person, car ticket costs 85 euros.
“Flying Cat” Highspeed vessel – departure at 16:00, arrival in Alonissos at 19:10. Ticket costs 52 euros. Book now your ferry tickets to Alonissos.
Full details about the ferry routes and ferry tickets at our article: Ferry tickets to Alonissos
Where to swim in Alonissos island
There are many beaches in Alonissos, most of them are with pebbles. 5 must visit beaches in Alonissos are: Kokkinokastro, Gialia, Agios Dimitrios, Milia and Tzortzi Gialos. All beaches are presented at our article: Where to swim in Alonissos
Gastronomy
Tuna, cheese and wine.
Tips
Sunset spots: Old Alonissos, Kokkinokastro beach, Tsoukalia beach.
Enjoy your cocktail at the bar Piperi at Old Alonissos next to the church of Christ. Read also our article about 10 things to do and see in Alonissos.
Definately, taste fresh fish at the fishtaverns of Kalamakia, a small settlement near Steni Vala at north Alonissos.
Worth visiting the folklore museum at the port of Patitiri. You will see it on your left as you see the port.
Read our useful article: 10 things to see and in Alonissos.
Alonissos nightlife – bars – restaurants
Alonissos is a quite place, a perfect place to relax. You will not find many bars on the island. Try Piperi bar and Hayati at Old Alonissos. Alonissos is the paradise of fresh fish. You will find tavernas which specialize in lobster spaghetti in Steni Vala and at the port of Kalamakia. Generally in Alonissos you can taste stuffed squid, fish soup and pasta with lobster. Enjoy roast aubergines and traditional cheese pie as well. Some of the traditional sweets are really delicious like nutcake, marchpanes and rice puddings, all created with materials offered by the local womens’ agrotouristic partnership. Also many visitors choose to eat at the restaurants located at Old Alonissos. There are plenty restaurants you can choose from. It’s a perfect choise to relax and have a night walk at the streets of the village.
Places to eat next to the sea: Patitiri port, Rousoum Gialos, Votsi, Megalos Mourtias, Steni Vala, Kalamakia, Milia.
Alonissos Events
Late February: Carnival parade with masquerades drinking and dancing.
Early May: Kalogianneia Festival with sports and cultural events at the high school of Alonissos.
Every June: Alonissos Challenge, Alonissos’s marathon.
Every 16th of July: Fishermen Festival. Food and wine are ofered to visitors along with traditional music.
Every 15th of August: Revival of the wedding of Alonissos in Old Alonissos.
Every 15th of August: Traditional celebration of Virgin Mary in Old Alonissos with wine and food.
