Alonissos is a beautiful, unspoilt, green Greek Island. It is one of the Sporades Islands, lying close to Skopelos in the Aegean Sea. As part of a National Marine Park Conservation Area, this pristine island offers crystal clear seas and outstanding natural beauty.
The Marine Park Islands are breeding grounds to a colony of the rare Mediterranean Monk seal, dolphins, the rare Eleanora Falcon and numerous other bird and sea life. In spring the island is carpeted with wild flowers including many rare types.
Alonissos has a stunning and varied coastline with none of the resort development seen on larger islands. Most of the beaches are of white pebbles but there are a couple that are sandy. Some offer shallow bathing and others shelve more steeply. A few beaches offer a taverna in the summer season. Some can only be reached by footpath through the pine forest or by boat but most can be reached by small roads.
Old Village or Chora, perched on a hilltop, has breathtaking views in all directions and dates back to Byzantine times. There are several wonderful tavernas and a couple of café bars, a small supermarket, bakery, gelateria and a few small craft shops. There is a small Yoga School in the village and also an Alexander Technique school. The local bus departs to Patitiri and Steni Vala several times a day during the summer. With its cobbled paths and steps and flower filled balconies and courtyards, photo and painting opportunities abound.
The port of Patitiri has a laid back friendly atmosphere. Tavernas and café bars line the harbour for a spot of boat and people watching. The town has several good small supermarkets, a butchers, 2 bakeries, fruit and veg shops, various craft shops and boutiques, a bank (with ATM), post office and a medical centre with 2 doctors. Easy day trips to local beaches, Marine Park Islands and Skopelos, which is only 20 minutes away, can all be booked here.
Further along the island the pretty, small harbour village of Steni Vala attracts visiting yachts and has a few good waterside tavernas and cafés, 2 small supermarkets and a dive center. There is a small village beach and the lovely long pebble beach of Glyfa a few minutes walk away
Alonissos offers fabulous walking opportunities along way marked trails that criss cross the island through pine forests and olive groves and along the coast, with some fabulous vistas. There is a good walking guide book available on the island and also a walking club for those that prefer to walk with a guide.