Pefka Apartments
Alonissos
Alonissos is a small, lush green island (64 km²) belonging to the Northern Sporades archipelago.
With landscapes of exquisite beauty and views of the Aegean Sea, evergreen pine forests that reach the coast, lacy shorelines with crystal-clear waters, and picturesque villages, Alonissos takes the breath away of every visitor.
Along with the smaller, uninhabited islets surrounding it—Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Gioura, Skantzoura, Piperi, Psathoura, and Dio Adelfia—the island creates a unique ecosystem: The National Marine Park of Alonissos-Northern Sporades (2,200 km²).
The marine park is a natural habitat for hundreds of species of flora and fauna, the most distinctive of which is the Mediterranean monk seal, MonachusMonachus. alonissos-park.gr
Another point of interest is the island's rich history, with findings and sites from the Prehistoric, Classical Greek, and Byzantine periods (including shipwrecks, monasteries, and churches).
The 5th-century BC shipwreck found near the islet of Peristera, at a depth of 21–27 meters, holds 3,000–4,000 amphorae. It is the first underwater museum in Greece and the most significant visitable shipwreck in the world.
Visitors to Alonissos have the opportunity to explore the natural landscape by hiking the many trails on the island, as well as enjoying a boat trip to the marine park and surrounding islets. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular ways to explore, as they provide access to beaches that are not accessible by land.
The depths of the marine park, filled with impressive flora and fauna and several historical shipwrecks, are ideal for scuba diving. Even if you haven’t tried diving before, you can still enjoy this unique experience by visiting a local scuba diving center, where classes are offered for beginners.
Alonissos offers countless beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and relaxation. Most of them are located inside small coves, surrounded by pine forests that reach up to the shore. The most organized beaches are Megalos Mourtias, Rusum Gialo, Milia, Chrisi Milia, Kokkinokastro, Leftos Gialos, and Agios Dimitrios. There are many others, which may be less popular but are equally beautiful.
Upon arriving in Alonissos, you will encounter the picturesque port of Patitiri. The village of Patitiri, named after the old wine presses (patitiria) used in the area, is the capital of the island. Here, it is worth visiting the historical traditional museum, which is filled with Alonissos’ traditional artifacts, ancient Greek heirlooms, as well as artillery and other findings discovered on warships and pirate ships.
Approximately 700 meters from Patitiri is the settlement of Rusum Gialo, and 2 km away is the fishing village of Votsi. Here, the dainty shore and the idyllic port, filled with small fishing boats floating on emerald waters, create a scene of pure magic. The most picturesque settlement of Alonissos is the Old Village (Chora), the former capital of the island. Built at the top of a hill with stunning views, its winding alleys, traditional houses, and breathtaking sunset make it a popular attraction for tourists. You’ll find many shops, restaurants, and cafés-bars with live music. It’s worth visiting the little church of Christ and the Traditional House. Additionally, in the Old Village School, you’ll find the Information Center for the Underwater Museum, where, with the help of virtual reality, you can be transported to the Peristera shipwreck. museum.alonissos.gov.gr
In the Old Village, in mid-July, there is a re-enactment of the threshing at Alonia, and on August 15th, a re-enactment of the traditional island wedding with festivities and dancing. In Patitiri, at the beginning of July, the Alonissos Traditional Dance Festival takes place.
In all villages and in many beaches of Alonissos, you’ll find excellent restaurants where you can taste freshly caught fish, various traditional seafood dishes, and homemade Alonissos tuna.
The Alonissos cheese pie is also delicious, as are the traditional sweets. For the famous lobster pasta, head to the fishing harbors of Steni Vala and Kalamakia.
Overall, Alonissos is a destination charming enough to impress even the most demanding visitors.
For more information please visit alonissos.gr