Sporades - Alonnisos
Alonnisos (or Alonissos), situated to the East of the Sporades islands, is charming, peaceful island dense with pine, olive and fig trees, numerous bays, coves and green hills.
The headquarters of the National Marine Park of the Northern Sporades is located here. Alonnisos along wuth other uninhabited islands, form a protected park area that offers protection to the mediterranean seal.
Unlike Skiathos and Skopelos, Alonissos has not yet been spoilt by mass tourism and it could be considered as an “off the beaten track” destination.
The island’s old capital is Chora (also called Palia Alonissos) and is located on the top of a hill next to a small fortress.
After a devastating earthquake in 1965, the villagers had to abandon Chora and move to Patitiri (the island’s main harbour) where they built new houses. That is why Patitiri is not your typical picturesque Greek village.
The old houses in Chora lay derelict for decades, however now they are being restored as holiday homes, art galleries and restaurants.
Patitiri may be the heart of the island full of tavernas, shops, cafes, bars and clubs, however if you are looking for something more traditional, make sure you visit Chora. There, you will find many nice tavernas, cafes, small shops and spectacular views and sunsets!
Some more villages also worth visiting are Rousoum Yialos, Votsi, Steni Vala, Kalamakia and Ag. Dimitrios.
Most beaches in Alonissos are pebble ones scattered along the East coast. Some of the beaches are Mourtias, Vithisma, Marpunta, Rousoum, Milia, Chrisi Milia, Tzortzi Yialos, Ag. Dimitrios, Gialia, Vrisitsa, Kokkinokastro, Megali Ammos and Agalou Lakka.
If you are on sailing boat holidays in the Sporades islands/ Aegean Sea, then it is certain that in Alonissos you will find your own little paradise bay!
