Tour of Alonissos Island
The small island of Alonisos, the northernmost island of the Sporades group has incredible natural beauties, dense vegetation, fine beaches with crystal clear waters, picturesque villages and attracts many visitors every year on summer time.
A center for the care and protection of the Mediterranean seal Monacus Monacus has been built at Gerakas, at the north end of the island.
The sea of Alonisos has also been proclaimed a marine park of the Northern Sporades, in which this rare member of the animal kingdom is a protected species.
Tourist infrastructures satisfy all demands.
On the island you will find many hotels, pensions, apartments and rooms to let, taverns where you will taste fresh fish, coffee shops and bars.
Tour of Alonissos Island
PATITIRI
PATITIRI, the capital and the port of the island is a tiny, modern settlement built in a very sheltered bay, is a busting, lively place with many restaurants and places of entertainment along the sea-front and ample tourist accommodation.
In Patitiri you can get various souvenirs, wooden toys, books and jewelry.
There is a bus service to Palea Alonissos and small boats link it with the neighbouring uninhabited islands and the superb beaches on the island itself.
It is also possible to take an excursion around the island by small boat.
ROUSOUM GIALOS – VOTSI
Rousoum Yialos is the most popular beach in the area with white pebbles and crystal waters, located between the port of Patitiri and Votsi.
In the region you will find rooms to let, taverns and coffee shops.
The settlement of VOTSI, 1 kilometer north the harbor, is hidden amidst lush greenery.
Further to the north are the beaches of Platsouka, Milia, Chryssi Milia and Kokkinokastro (30 minutes by small boat from Patitiri).
The beach of Chryssi Milia is one of the most popular of the island.
It is ideal for families with children, sun beds and umbrellas are available.
The beach of Milia is relatively close to Patitiri, roughly 10′ by car or motorbike and 30-40′ on foot.
On the beach you will find sun beds, umbrellas and water sports.
KOKKINOKASTRO
Kokkinokastro is another beach that enchants with its magic beauties.
It is located northeast of Patitiri and is under an abrupt hill with red rocks and pines on the top.
Archaeological excavations on the island opposite Kokkinokastro have brought to light stone tools and petrified bones dating to the Middle Paleolithic period, which are thought to be the earliest traces of human life in the entire Aegean.
At Kokkinokstro can also be seen a few remains of an ancient acropolis and Venetian fort.
Tzortzi Gialos is located 7 kilometers from Patitiri.
It is a paradise beach with thick sand and small pebbles, ideal for the lovers of the nature.
Tour of Alonissos Island
Further to the north are the sites of STENI VALA, GLYFA, KALAMAKIA and AGIOS DIMITRIOS.
Steni Vala is a small fishing village 10 km. from Patitiri.
The village is old and has kept its traditional architecture.
Glyfa beach is located near the northern end of Steni Vala.
It is a fine sandy beach with some small pebbles.
Kalamakia is a small fishing harbour, 12km from Patitiri. Kalamakia’s beach is small, not really a choice for swimming, but you could swim at nearby beach of Agios Dimitrios
In the taverns along the coast you will taste fresh fish and seafood.
Agios Dimitrios is located right after Kalamakia.
There you will see the biggest and one of the most beautiful beaches of the island with white pebbles and crystal waters.
The tourist settlement of MARPOUNDA, 3 kilometers south of Patitiri, has fine sea and lush vegetation.
In the region you will find hotel units.
Marpounda has two magic, fully organized beaches with crystal clear waters, surrounded by gigantic rocks.
PALEA ALONISSOS
PALEA ALONISSOS (or Chora), is to the west of Patitiri on a hill with a magnificent view over all parts of the island.
It is a small enchanting town with densely built traditional houses that seems almost to have been forgotten by time.
It was the capital of the island until 1965, when an earthquake happened and the people moved down to Patitiri.
Many of the ruined houses have been restored.
Sights worth seeing include the remains of the Venetian fortification and the churches of Agios Athanasios, of Christ and of Agios Georgios.
On the old capital you will find traditional rooms to let, many graphic taverns and small shops.
There are a few local artists and you can buy paintings, coloured candles and antiques.
The monastery of Agii Anargyri lies to the north and to the north-west are the beaches of Vrysitsa, Tsoukalia and Megali Ammos.
NEARBY ISLANDS
The island is surrounded by a cluster of smaller islands.
East of Alonisos is the uninhabited island of Peristera which has a number of fine beaches.
Southernly from Alonissos, in distance of 5,8 nautical miles from Patitiri are located the rocky islands with the name Dio Aderfia.
At the north east is located the islet of Kyra Panagia with an area of 25 square kilometers, which is the largest of the nearby uninhabited islands.
There are many olive trees on this island and two large natural bays: Agios Petros and Planitis. It is now the property of the Grand Lavra monastery on Mount Athos, and takes its name from the monastery of the same name there.
Yioura is located north-east of Kyra Panagia and south-west of Piperi island. It has an area of 11 square kilometers.
North of Yioura is the unihabited island of Psathoura, the northernmost of the group with an area of 2 square kilometers.
Piperi is located east of Kyra Panagia and Yioura, with an area of 7 square kilometers.
The island and the sea surrounding it form the kernel of the National Marine Park.
It is a very important island for the survival of the Mediterranean Monk Seal.
South-east of Alonisos lies the island Skatzoura with an area of 7,7 square kilometers.
In front of Skantzoura are the islets Kasidi, Lachanou, Polemika, Strongylo, Praso, Skantili and Korakas.
