Alonissos. Patitiri. Rousoum. Stena Vala. Greece.

Alonissos

East of Skiathos and Skopelos lies the island with smallest number of inhabitants in the Sporades – Alonissos. For some unknown reason it has been overlooked by tourists. This could have something to do with the beaches, which are not as good as on the neighbouring island. But the water is nevertheless amazing, among the clearest I have seen in Greece. You will see this as you enter the Sporades national marine park, which Alonissos is a part of. The marine park was founded 1922 to protect the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. There are other interesting animals to be found in here, some of them are unique, like for instance a wild goat and a rare seagull. Apart from the clear water and the national park Alonissos also offers a serene pace far from the everyday stress. It is a very jovial island and easy to take to your heart.

Getting here
Go by air to Skiathos and then by boat to Alonissos. There are several daily departures.

Getting around
There is a bus route between Patitiri and Chora, with several departures each day. You can rent cars, scooters and bicycles in Patitiri. Bathing-boats and excursion-boats depart every morning from the harbour in Patitiri. I warmly recommend a day-tour to the Sporades national marine park. If you are lucky you will encounter dolphins, you cannot however count on spotting any monk seals, they are very shy animals.

Patitiri.

Stena Vala.

Villages
The two largest villages are called Patitiri and Chora, and there are also smaller communities like Rousoum, Votsi (see picture on top of the page), Kalamaki and the lovely Steni Vala.

Patitiri
Patitiri is the port of Alonissos. It is a rather small village with few streets and hardly any alleys. The harbour with its harbour promenade is the main part of the village, and also the location of the majority of the tavernas and cafés, as well as a couple of travel agencies and souvenir shops (there are more tavernas and shops on the two roads that lead out of the village). The quality of the tavernas varies, some use touts who wish to usher you in, but they are not too annoying. My favourite taverna is Restaurant Anais where they cook and serve fantastic food.

Chora
Chora, also known as Palea Alonissos, lies six kilometres (3,7 miles) west of Patitiri. An earthquake destroyed large parts of the village 1965. Most houses have been renovated and instead of ruins you find an attractive and charming village with narrow alleys and impressive houses. There are several tavernas, cafés and shops in the village.

Beaches
If you are on a hunt for kilometre-long sand beaches, sun chairs and music bars right by the beach, Alonissos is not for you. The beaches are shingle and pebbles, there are no sand beaches. The most popular beaches are Rousoum beach and Agios Dimitrios, whereas my favourites are Megali Amos and Kokonikastro. Other beaches include Marpounta, Vithisma, Megalos Mourtias, Ghalia, Tsoukalia and Lefko Gialos.

Sights
Besides the beautiful scenery and the Sporades national marine park there are no sights.

Accommodation
Almost all tourists stay in Patitiri or Rousoum where you find the best supplies. If you are not approached by room-owners upon your arrival you can get help at The local room-owners association located on the waterfront. You can off course also go look for yourself. If you want a room with a view I recommend Ninna Studios.

Leftos Gialos.

MORE ABOUT ALONISSOS
Geographical location »
Map of Alonissos »
Ferry timetable »

OTHER LINKS
Skopelos - nearest island »
Weather in Greece »

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