Alonnisos

Alonissos is located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea and is part of the Sporades island group. Like all three islands of this group, their main feature is the existence of large areas of green and pine tree forests; Alonissos stands out amongst them for its blue-green waters, the idyllic beaches, the tranquility and the serenity that it offers to its visitors. Moreover, there are several festivals and traditions on the island throughout the year attracting visitors. The local fresh products, the attitude of the people of Alonissos, the rich history, the religious devotion and the enchanting landscape create an ideal scenery for your holidays.

According to mythology, the first inhabitant of the Icou, what Alonissos was called during the ancient times, was Staphylus, son of Dionysus and Ariadne, whose name refers to the long lasting connection of the island with the viticulture, a connection existing since the ancient times. Legends and mythology aside, Alonissos was one of the first islands that were inhabited and there are traces of human presence up to the 9th millennium BC. The island has been an important sea passage over the centuries, while it got its current name when it was liberated from the Ottoman Rule, in 1830, when its economic and commercial development started. Black mark in the history of the island is the earthquake on 1965, which almost levelled the island.

A major attraction of the island is the Alonissos National Marine Park, which consists of a combination of terrestrial and marine habitats with hundreds of species of plants and animals, and important archaeological and historical monuments, and, of course, offers shelter and protection to the mediterranean monk seal monachus monachus. Moreover, on the island there are dozens of churches and chapels. The traditional architecture and the history of some churches, such as the Church of Christ, The St. Athanasius Church and The St. George Church, will impress you. Some others, such as the two small chapels of Agioi Anargyroi, The Agios Konstantinos Church, and the chapel of St. George offer breathtaking, panoramic views of the endless Aegean sea and the neighbouring island of Skopelos. The island also features the Historical and Folklore Museum, which is located in Patitiri in a traditional, stone-built building. The collections include ancient relics, weapons and objects of the pirates operating in the area from the 16th to the 18th century, as well as traditional objects of the everyday life of the islanders and some traditional costumes.

It has been said regarding Alonissos that "even if you stay a couple of months on vacation on the island, every day you'll be able to swim to another beach"; that may seem like one, but it is not an exaggeration, as there are many different beaches around. You will find beaches with golden sand or colorful pebbles, steep yellowish rocks, or reddish cliffs, and all the shades of blue and turquoise. The southeast coast has many beaches that are "hidden" in bays surrounded by pine forests and olive groves. The northwest coast is rocky and some small beaches are accessible only by boat. One of the main beaches of the island, is Agios Dimitrios, a beach with white sand. The bay of Tzortzi Gialos offers magnificent views. The Kokkinokastro is a beach with intense contrasts of colors. The Leftos Yialos beach is covered by white stones and fine pebbles, and offers views of the two deserted islands of the sea, the Dio Aderfia (Two Brothers). Other famous beaches are the Glyphon, the Golden Apple, the Botsi, the Great Mourtias, the Roukoum Gialos and many more.

The Greek islands stand out for their cuisine, as they combine tradition and authenticity. In Alonissos you have to try fresh fish. Popular dishes of Alonissos are also the fish soup, the lobster spaghetti, and the 'choriatiki tiropita' (shepherd's pie with cheese). The local sweets are made with fresh products and they are a must- try. Some of the sweet pastries such as sweets fouskakia, the 'karidopita' (pecan pie like sweet), the 'amigdalota' (macaroon like sweet) and the 'hamalia' are closely connected with the traditions of the place.

In terms of fun and nightlife, the island offers specific choises. Patitiri and the Old town are the main places where the night life of the island is more intense. You may choose between relaxing next to the sea under the sounds of soft music or a festival ('glenti' in Greek) in a strong mood that lasts until the early morning hours. You will also find picturesque bars and places with live music that will offer you unique moments of fun.

To get to Alonissos you can go either to Volos or Agios Konstantinos and board a boat or a speedboat for Alonissos. Alonissos is also connected by ferry with the islands of Skiathos and Skopelos. In terms of getting around the island, during the summer you can use the Municipal bus, which runs regularly from the port (Patitiri) to Chorio (Old Alonnisos) and to Steni Vala. There are also boats that can take you to various beaches and, of course, you can rent a car from the rent-a-car companies on the island. Finally, the climate in Alonissos is mediterranean with mild winters and frequent rain while the summer is hot with high temperatures.