Here, in this peaceful and beautiful Greek island in the Sporades, nature will provide you with everything you need
Dive into the emerald waters of Milia. Swim until you reach the reddish rocks of Kokkinokastro. With every stroke, the wild beauty around becomes all the more captivating. Channel the intrepid National Geographic explorer inside you and take the plunge down to the Marine Park to get a picture of the rare Monachus Monachus seal with your underwater camera.
Alonissos has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as excavations of the remains of an acropolis dating back to the Classical period testify, and is believed to be part of the old settlement of Eikos, where the settlement of Kokkinokastro is today.
It is believed that in ancient times Alonissos was united with the islands of Kyra-Panagia and what is called Psathoura. These three islands formed an island together.
It is the most tranquil of the Northern Sporades, still almost untouched by tourism that is developing very slowly.
Untold beauty, pure. Priceless treasures waiting to be discovered. Secret beaches, far from the crowds, hidden bays that demand but reward, Places of rare architecture, bathed in light, eternal customs and traditions, authentic flavors, "selfless".
Islands beyond the ordinary. Less popular. Places that only a few and few know and have enjoyed
Lush waters, pine forests, idyllic beaches, serenity and tranquility: This Sporades island has it all ... in its nature
On the west side of the Aegean Sea, on the edge of the Sporades, Alonissos is waiting for you to entice you with its unpretentious charm. It looks like it was cut from the side of Pelion and left in the Aegean to Armenia. Green, charming, authentic, ideal for relaxation Alonissos is one of those Greek islands that give you generous relaxation holidays and a thousand pictures of beauty. If you are looking for a quiet holiday on an island that allows nature to knit its praise, here you will find your favorite vacation spot. Pure and authentic, she does not show off her beauty by shouting, but she lets the wind carry her secret.
Worth seeing in Alonissos
The beauty of Sporades in its splendor
One true place of recreation is Alonnisos, where the senses become one with nature. On this island you will surely become a nature lover, longing for a stroller, enjoying a nature holiday. The southern part of the island, full of lacy beaches, picturesque coves with turquoise waters, piney areas. The central and northern part of Alonissos, rich in alternatives. The traditional settlement of Chora, the dense network of signposted trails, the serene environment. They all create a unique combination. And you will immediately forget the word "stress".
Stroll in the old town
Walk through the alleys of the old island of Chora at sunrise and you will also see a bright disc diving into the sea. When you find him, he will give you one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Aegean. The old town of Alonissos, with its houses stacked like soldiers, looks like a castle overlooking the entire Mediterranean Sea ... A ghost town that revives its glamor, more beautiful than ever, invites you to explore it.
Hiking trips in nature
Step by step you will discover the island's pure but wild Mediterranean beauty. Through hiking trails, you will discover the whole of Greece: dense pine forests, low shrubs, aromatic plants, holly trees, cedars, fir trees, delightful sightseeing ... The landscape changes will excite you. The network of trails is large and well-marked. Note: with a short walk, you will reach one of the most beautiful spots on the island, the church of Agioi Anargyroi.
Alonissos: The island of the Mediterranean seal
Valuable deserts with strange names, such as Peristera, Kyra-Panagia, Gioura, Piper, Psathoura, Skantzoura, divided into two zones, form the imaginary grid of a "seaside park" for the protection of the Mediterranean seal. This valuable habitat has its headquarters in Alonnisos and is one of the last "shelters" for the rare, intelligent mammal living in inaccessible caves. To protect it, people and boats are banned in most of the park's islands.
The hidden treasures of Alonnisos
Ancient treasures at the bottom of the Aegean
The archaeologists in Peristera could not believe their eyes. On the one hand, the ancient shipwreck shows that freight ships of over 100 tonnes were first built in Greece and on the other hand, the Byzantine "8" in Vassilikos bay was so large that it needed mapping! The treasures lying on the seabed around Alonissos are endless.
The celebration of threshing
In July, don't miss the threshing party at Pali Chorio in Alonia, where women from the village are making delicious and homemade food for everyone while the organists are raising their cheers with traditional songs of the island. It will surely be a pleasant surprise during your vacation in Alonissos.
Pelagonisi
Kyra-Panagia or Pelagonisi is the largest uninhabited island in the Northern Sporades. Although uninhabited today, archaeological findings prove that it was inhabited very early (6,000 BC) and it is likely that this was ancient Alonissos. Southeast of the island is the monastery of Kyra-Panagia. An old oil mill and a windmill, the only buildings saved. Access is by boat only. Experience moments of relaxation and seclusion and make the most unforgettable dives in the crystal clear green waters of the island
Alonissos is where you’ll sink into deep relaxation and rejuvenate your soul. The southern part of the island is embroidered with beaches, charming bays and green-blue water, with pine trees that reach the water’s edge. In the central and northern parts of Alonissos, you’ll meet the traditional settlement Hora and a network of marked hiking trails and tranquil surroundings. All create an unparalleled combination and you’ll forget the meaning of the word stress.
Walk around the streets in the traditional island town at dusk and search for the sun dipping into the sea. When you find it, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Aegean. The old Hora of Alonissos, with its homes lined up like soldiers, looks like a castle contemplating the sea from above.
You’ll discover the pure, unadulterated and wild Mediterranean beauty of the island step by step. As you walk and hike through dense pine forests, bushes, lush vegetation, herbs of all kinds, cedar and holly, you’ll explore an exciting landscape. Take note: with a little light hiking, you’ll reach one of the most stunning spots on the island, the chapel of Agion Anargyron.
Precious islets are divided into two zones, creating the grid of a national marine park for the protection of the Mediterranean monk seal. The valuable habitat is one of the last refuges for this rare and highly intelligent mammal that lives in inaccessible caves. For their protection, people and boats are prohibited from approaching most of the islands in this park.
Archaeologists excavating in Peristera couldn’t believe their eyes: an ancient shipwreck revealed that the first Greeks built cargo ships with a capacity of over 100 tons. As if that weren’t amazing enough, a total of eight ancient and mediaeval shipwrecks have been found in the area. The treasures that lie on the seabed around Alonissos are priceless!
Don’t miss the threshing festival of Alonissos, where the island’s women prepare trahana (a soup of cracked wheat and fermented milk) and other homemade food, whilst musicians lift the mood with traditional songs of the island. It will be a pleasant surprise during your holiday in Alonissos.
Kyra-Panagia, or Pelagonisi, is the largest uninhabited island of the Northern Sporades. Despite being uninhabited today, archaeological findings show that it was inhabited very early (6,000 B.C.) and it’s probable that this was ancient Alonissos. The monastery of Kyra Panagia can be found on the southeast of the island, and an old olive oil press and windmill are the only other buildings that remain. Perfect for anyone seeking the solitude and magic of a unique swimming experience.
Alonissos: the "special" of the Sporades. Green, charming, authentic, perfect for relaxation Alonissos gives you generous relaxation holidays and a thousand pictures of beauty. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday on a Greek island that allows nature to knit its praise, in Alonnisos you will discover your favorite vacation spot.
It is an island of incredible natural beauty and with wonderful beaches. Most of the shores of the island offer the splendid image of white marble formations with red lines submerged in crystalline waters in emerald color.
The easternmost island of Sporades, the verdant, serene Alonnisos is a small earthly paradise for nature lovers and serenity.
Everywhere on the island you will find paths with wildflowers and all kinds of herbs, rare bird species and small wetlands that coexist harmoniously in a natural protected environment.
Alonissos is considered to be the "homeland" of the Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachous Monachous) whose species is threatened with extinction and therefore the first National Marine Park was created on the island to protect it.
Alonissos has plenty of crystal clear pebble beaches and turquoise waters, picturesque villages with traditional taverns and cafes and very hospitable locals.
The endless beauty of Alonissos is also based on its dense pine forests, which cover a large part of the island. Oak, mastic trees and shrubs as well as fruit trees also cover the surface of beautiful Alonissos.
Alonnisos is the perfect place for those looking for a relaxing vacation in a beautiful, untouched natural environment.
Peristera is an island of Northern Sporades and is located east of Alonissos. It has an area of 14.2 sq. Km. It is almost a desert island and the inhabitants alone are some shepherds. According to the 2001 census the island has 5 inhabitants. It is one of the shelters of the Mediterranean seal. The highest point of the island is 259m.