Alonissos

On the western side of the Aegean, on the edge of the Sporades, you’ll find one of the least developed Greek islands. Alonissos will captivate you with its lush, green landscape and pristine beaches, making it the perfect destination for those looking for a hidden escape waiting to share its secrets.

What to do on Alonissos

The splendour of the Sporades

Alonissos is a place for profound relaxation and rejuvenation. 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, you’ll find the traditional settlement of Hora and a network of marked hiking trails. You’ll forget the meaning of the word stress.

A stroll through Hora

With its homes lined up like soldiers, Alonissos’ traditional settlement looks like a castle contemplating the sea from above. Wander around the streets at dusk as a crimson sun disappears into the sea. When you find it, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Aegean. 

A hiker’s paradise

You’ll discover pure, unadulterated Mediterranean beauty step by step. Whether on a leisurely walk or more strenuous hike, you’ll find pine forests, dense vegetation, cedar trees and holly bushes, not to mention wild herbs of all kinds. Make a point of hiking to one of the most beautiful spots on the island, the chapel of Agion Anargyron.

Home of the Mediterranean monk seal

Around Alonissos is a national marine park for the protection of the sea life that includes the Mediterranean monk seal. Encompassing the water around numerous islets around Alonissos, it’s one 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 some of the islands in the park.

Hidden gems of Alonissos

Treasures of the deep

Archaeologists excavating in the sea around Peristera couldn’t believe their eyes when they happened upon an ancient shipwreck revealing that the first Greek-built cargo ships had a capacity of over 100 tonnes. As if that weren’t amazing enough, a total of eight ancient and medieval shipwrecks have been found in the area. The treasures that lie on the seabed around Alonissos are priceless!

The threshing festival

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 spirits with traditional songs of the island. 

The islet of Pelagonisi

Today Kyra-Panagia, or Pelagonisi is the largest uninhabited island of the Northern Sporades. However, archaeological findings show that it was inhabited very early (6,000 BC) 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 a little peace and quiet.