Alonnisos Greece Travel Guide
Chora (Palia Alonnisos / Old Village): The historic capital, perched dramatically on a hilltop. It has panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and neighboring islands like Skopelos and Evia. The village showcases traditional stone houses, narrow, winding cobbled streets, and charming small churches. Largely abandoned after the 1965 earthquake, it underwent significant restoration, retaining its traditional character. Open 24/7. No entrance fee. Best explored on foot, as cars are largely prohibited within its pedestrianized core.
Patitiri Port: The main port and largest settlement on Alonnisos. It serves as the bustling arrival and departure point for all ferries. The waterfront is lined with cafes, restaurants, shops, and tour operators. Open 24/7, with an activity throughout the day. It functions as the main hub for ferry departures and boat excursions.
Numerous small churches and chapels dot the Alonnisos landscape and within Chora. Many are centuries old.
The best place for wildlife viewing. Home to the Mediterranean monk seal, dolphins, and various species of seabirds and migratory birds.
The star of the National Marine Park. Organized boat tours into the park increase your chances of spotting these endangered creatures. Strict regulations apply for approaching them.
Prevalent in the waters around the Sporades islands. You might see them playfully following ferries or tour boats.
The marine park is also home to many species of seabirds and migratory birds, making it a valuable area for birdwatching enthusiasts.
A sea cave on the main island, also a refuge for monk seals. Many boat excursions include a stop here, allowing for swimming inside.
Beyond the well-known attractions, Alonnisos holds several hidden gems that present unique experiences and a quieter side of the island.
Quaint coastal settlements near Patitiri. They present charming small harbors, relaxed tavernas, and a more local feel than the main port. Ideal for a quiet meal or a swim away from the crowds.
A less accessible, quiet beach south of Chora. It has stunning views and profound tranquility. Access needs a walk down a path or boat access, rewarding visitors with solitude.
A smaller sea cave near Steni Vala. While less famous than the Blue Cave, it still possesses beautiful blue waters and has a more intimate cave experience, often visited on smaller boat tours.
Explore the island's inland villages and remote coves. These are accessible via walking paths and present a more secluded experience, showing Alonnisos’s rural beauty and local life away from the main tourist hubs. Seek out local kafeneia (coffee shops) in these hamlets.
The underwater museum at Peristera is a relatively new attraction. It permits certified divers to explore an ancient shipwreck. This emerging site presents a genuinely distinct cultural and historical diving experience. For tours, consider GetYourGuide.
Watching the sunset from Chora, the striking red cliffs of Kokkinokastro, and the iridescent waters inside the Blue Cave all offer magical photo opportunities.
Visit Chora in the late afternoon to capture the stunning golden hour light and stay for the sunset. It is truly spectacular from various viewpoints. The village comes alive in the evening.
Enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal at one of the waterfront cafes in Patitiri. Watch the trawlers return with their daily catch and the ferries connect the island. This showcases a glimpse into the island's rhythm.
Visit the Marine Park Information Center in Patitiri. It features informative exhibits on the marine ecosystem, the monk seal, and conservation efforts. Learning about the park's regulations before your boat trip is advisable.
The image presents Agios Dimitrios Beach, known for its symbolic crescent shape and clear waters. This photo highlights the natural attractions found on Alonnisos, notably its beautiful beaches.
It conveys the serene and pristine nature of the island''s coast, inviting visitors to experience its untouched beauty.
An iconic, crescent-shaped pebble beach with mesmerizing turquoise waters. Its unique shape and clarity make it very popular for swimming and relaxation.
The transparent waters of Alonnisos and its pebble beaches contribute to exceptional visibility, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Water shoes are recommended for comfort.
The unique shape and color of the water at Agios Dimitrios present a perfect spot for memorable photos, showing Alonnisos's natural beauty.
One of the few sandy beaches on the island, popular for families with small children. It offers shallow waters and soft sand, making it a comfortable choice.
Find nearby stays on Booking.comFeatures striking red cliffs that present a dramatic geological backdrop to the pebble shoreline. The red hues are notably vivid in the afternoon sun, combining scenic beauty with archaeological interest.
Explore nearby tours on GetYourGuideAn organized beach with deck chairs, umbrellas, and tavernas. It offers convenience and comfort for a relaxed day by the sea.
Search hotels in the area with AgodaA sea cave on the main island. Many boat tours include a stop here, allowing for swimming inside the cave. It also serves as a refuge for monk seals.
Book a boat tour with GetYourGuideLocated on the northern tip of Alonnisos, this lighthouse offers spectacular coastal views and a sense of isolation. It possesses a striking backdrop for photography.
Alonnisos’s history gets busy through its archaeological remnants and religious structures, allowing a look into its past.
Visit Chora in the late afternoon to get pictures of the stunning magic hour light.
Stay for the sunset, which truly has a spectacular sight from various viewpoints in the Old Village.
Plan your visits to Alonnisos's attractions and sightseeing tours effectively with these booking platforms.
Book attraction tickets and tours for Alonnisos and the Marine Park. Find boat trips and diving excursions. Visit GetYourGuide.com
Secure your accommodation near key attractions. Explore options on Booking.com
Find competitive deals on hotels and apartments for your sightseeing base. Check Agoda.com
For budget accommodation options near attractions or key regions.
Search hostels and guesthousesDiscover vacation rentals, including apartments and villas, great for long-term stays or groups visiting attractions.
Find vacation rentalsA unique platform for house and pet sitting, potentially offering free accommodation in exchange for care.
Explore house sitting opportunitiesFor those who prefer larger hotel chains, look for any options on the island or nearby regions.
Book IHG propertiesWhile online platforms are convenient, local tour operators in Patitiri and Steni Vala offer specialized boat trips to the Marine Park and unique island experiences. Inquire upon arrival.
Observing the marine life in Alonnisos is an unique experience, especially within the protected Marine Park.
The image depicts the Marine Park Information Center, a hub for learning about Alonnisos's unique ecosystem. This photo underscores the educational and conservation aspects tied to the island's main attraction, the National Marine Park.
This center serves as an important educational institution in Patitiri, shedding light on the National Marine Park of Alonnisos Northern Sporades.
The image acts as a visual anchor to the Marine Park section, emphasizing its educational role.
The center deepens the understanding of Alonnisos’s commitment to preserving its the natural inheritance.
The center acts as an entry point for engaging with Alonnisos's ecological efforts.
The center welcomes visitors to explore the wonders of the park before embarking on their own explorations.
A stop here enriches any marine park visit.
The center sometimes expands its offerings with particular events.
It embodies Alonnisos's commitment to its natural legacy.
Chora (Old Village), Patitiri Port, National Marine Park of Alonnisos Northern Sporades (NMPANS).
Alonnisos Museum, Historical & Archaeological Museum, Marine Park Details Center. Limited formal art/performance spaces.
Blue Cave, Kokkinokastro cliffs, beautiful pebble beaches (Agios Dimitrios, Chrisi Milia, Leftos Gialos). Mourtias Beach for solitude. Underwater Museum at Peristera.
