Alonissos
Alonissos: the quiet island in Europe’s largest marine park
No airport, few cars and a village abandoned after an earthquake and then brought back to life. Alonissos is the calmest of the Sporades, surrounded by waters where one of the world’s rarest seals still lives. Here is the island, and where to stay.
The boat from Skopelos ties up in Patitiri in the early afternoon. The quay is quiet, a few tavernas have their tables out, and on the hillside above you can see the white houses of the old village. Alonissos is where people go when Skiathos gets too busy and Skopelos too famous. Here, the sea sets the pace.
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Short answer: why Alonissos?
Alonissos is for travellers who want peace, clear water and nature. The island sits inside a marine park, has no airport and is reached by boat from Skiathos or Skopelos. It is perfect for a few days of swimming, boat trips and long dinners.
Where to stay
On the beach: Marpunta Resort, with two restaurants and a pool bar. See rooms at Marpunta Resort
With a pool and your own apartment: Yalis Hotel, an apartment hotel with a restaurant. See rooms at Yalis Hotel
The sea at Marpunta Resort.
The marine park and the monk seal
In 1992 the waters around Alonissos and a string of uninhabited islets became Greece’s first marine park, considered the largest marine protected area in Europe. It was created to protect the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the rarest seals in the world. You will be lucky to see one, but dolphins are a common sight on boat trips into the park.
In Patitiri there is a small information centre about the monk seal, run by a conservation group that studies the species. A good place to start before heading out on a boat.
Chora: the village that came back
The old capital, Chora, sits on a hill above Patitiri. After a powerful earthquake in 1965 most of its people moved down to the harbour, and the village was almost abandoned. Today the houses have been restored, many by new owners, and the narrow stone lanes are full of flowers. Walk up the old path from the harbour one early evening and stay for sunset.
The beaches and coves
Alonissos has no big sandy beaches, but plenty of small pebbly coves with pine trees and water so clear you can see the bottom metres below. Several are best reached by boat, and many visitors rent a small boat for a day to find their own.
Into the park by boat
Day trips into the marine park leave from the harbour in Patitiri, often stopping at the island of Kyra Panagia and its old monastery, with swims in coves you cannot reach any other way. Many trips serve lunch on board. Book with one of the local operators on the quay, and ask which way the wind is blowing before you choose.
Steni Vala and the old paths
On the east coast lies the little fishing village of Steni Vala, with a handful of tavernas around a narrow harbour. The island also has a network of old cobbled paths, like the one climbing from the harbour to Chora. Take water and set off early, before the heat.
Getting to Alonissos
Alonissos has no airport. Most people fly to Skiathos and take the boat on, calling at Skopelos. Read more about the routes in our guide to getting from Skiathos to Skopelos.
When to go
June and September are ideal. Many tavernas and boat trips only run from May to October, so check before travelling out of season.
Frequently asked questions about Alonissos
How do you get to Alonissos?
By boat from Skiathos or Skopelos. The island has no airport, so most people fly to Skiathos.
Can you see monk seals on Alonissos?
It is possible but rare. Dolphins are far more common on boat trips in the marine park.
Is Alonissos worth visiting?
Yes, if you want peace and nature. It is quieter than Skiathos and Skopelos, with clear water and few tourists.
Where should you stay on Alonissos?
In or near Patitiri for tavernas and boats, or by one of the coves along the coast.