AlonissosSporades Islands · Greece

All About Alonissos

Alonissos is one of the four inhabited islands in the Sporades island group, which can be found to the east of Greece. Think emerald seas, lush green landscapes, and rustic red-roofed villages. A heavenly place full of awe-inspiring scenery, brilliant beaches, and low-key living, Alonissos will check all of your boxes if you seek a real Greek island getaway. Taking a ferry to Alonissos is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare companies and book ferry tickets. Once known as ‘Ikos’, this island has been inhabited since the 9th century BC and has witnessed mythical events, devastating earthquakes, foreign invasions, and pirate attacks throughout its long history. Yet, today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its laid-back vibes and epic beauty.

The surrounding waters form the Alonissos Marine Park, where rare Mediterranean monk seals can breed and thrive. The island’s perfectly positioned little villages command phenomenal views over the verdant hillsides and are known for their wine-making, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality. The sparkling beaches are lined by fragrant pine trees tumbling into the azure waters and hiking trails lead to picture-perfect vistas, making this an island that satisfies all the senses.
 

Routes and Ferries to Alonissos

The most common way to get to the island of Alonissos is by taking a ferry from the port of Volos in Thessaly, which is about 330 kilometers north of Athens. You can book your ferry tickets to Alonissos with Ferryscanner and enjoy a four-hour sail with Hellenic Seaways or ANES Ferries, while Aegean Flying Dolphins makes the trip in just over three hours. Ferries also make a two and a half hour crossing from the nearby islands of Skiathos and Skopelos to Alonissos and the highspeed journey takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes.

As there are no direct ferry routes from Athens to Alonissos, you can reach Volos with the KTEL bus and then catch your ferry on arrival. Alternatively, you can fly to the Thessaloniki Airport Macedonia (SKG) and catch the shuttle bus, which takes a little over four hours, or the shuttle train, for a five-hour journey. You can also fly to neighboring Skiathos from many international airports and then catch the ferry to Alonissos from there.
 

Ports of Alonissos

Patitiri is the picturesque central port and capital of the island, named after the Greek word for ‘wine press’, which also tells you how important viticulture is to the island. On arrival, you will be pleasantly surprised by the traditional ambiance of the port, with little fishing boats and elegant yachts lined up next to a string of welcoming taverns and cafés. The busy little port serves all incoming ferries from Volos and the nearby islands of Skopelos and Skiathos, as well as inbound ferries from Evia during the summer. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Alonissos.
 

Capital & Villages

Most of the villages in Alonissos lie to the east of the island, each one a traditional fishing hamlet hugging the seafront. Patitiri became the island’s capital after a violent earthquake destroyed most of the Old Town of Chora in 1965, which sits above the bay on the hillside. The inhabitants were forced to move down to the coast, making Patitiri a vibrant settlement where most of the island’s population still resides today. Visit the Mavrikis Folklore Museum to see the displays of local art, traditional costumes, and wine-making apparatus while you are there. A small beach sits at the end of the port with crystal blue waters and as you look out towards the bay, you will see the neighboring islands of Dio Aderfia (which means Two Brothers in English).

Chora

It is worth visiting the Old Town of Chora to explore its labyrinth of narrow streets and steep stairways weaving in and out of stone-built houses, many of which have recently undergone careful restoration. The views from Chora are also amazing, with the land and sea opening up before you. Stop off at a local tavern or café before checking out the remains of a medieval castle, the Venetian government house, and the old churches of Saint Dimitrios, the Church of Christ, as well as both Saint Athanasios and Saint George.

Steni Vala

Steni Vala is a delightful little coastal resort on the eastern side of the island, just 10km from Patitiri. Its beauty lies in its fjord-like formation, serving as a safe haven for those in the fishing trade as well as the passing yachts. You will also find the Monk Seal Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre here, housed in a small hut on the beach, and you also have access to the lovely adjacent beaches of  Glyfa and Agios Petros.

Votsi

Votsi is a picturesque fishing settlement that wraps around the small harbor a couple of kilometers from Patitiri, making it almost a continuation of the port town. A tranquil place to unwind and enjoy a simple glass of local wine while admiring the tethered caiques (traditional boats), Votsi draws those seeking the iconic Greek experience in an adorable setting. Take a walk along the seafront and through the pine trees to an artificial jetty at the end of the harbor for some truly inspiring views.

Kalamakia

Kalamakia is a very quiet fishing village 12km away from Patitiri and it is famous for fresh fish and lobsters, all served in the local taverns which are actually owned by the fishermen themselves. Enjoy the fresh catch of the day and soak up the captivating views as you do so. From there, you can take an uphill walk to the settlement of Mourtero, which sits amongst abundant olive groves overlooking the adjacent island of Peristera. A bit of a climb, but well worth the effort!
 

Best Beaches

Divine is the best way to describe the beaches on Alonissos. Some are hidden away in small coves while others are easily reached next to little fishing settlements, but all boast sparkling clean waters offering safety and sheer pleasure.

Agios Dimitrios Beach

Agios Dimitrios Beach is easily one of the best beaches on Alonissos, with its waters classed as the clearest in the world! The pebbled, horseshoe-shaped beach is accessed by a dirt road about 18km away from Patitiri and its seclusion only adds to its beauty. You may find sea urchins in the deeper water so caution is advised as you enjoy your swim.

Chrissi Milia Beach

Another beach exuding natural beauty, Chrissi Milia is 5km northeast of Patitiri and is one of the very few organized beaches on the island, offering sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports. The beach’s shimmering sand contrasts with the azure sea while verdant pines lap the water’s edge, making this an idyllic setting in which to spend the day with some well-deserved downtime.

Agios Petros Beach

Another island gem, Agios Petros Beach is an unspoiled location for those who enjoy the natural aura of dense pine woods and crystal-clear waters. Add to that the unique marble formations along the beach and the enticing emerald of the sea, beckoning you to immerse yourself in its calmness. You will find a small supermarket nearby and you can also rent a fishing boat to try your hand at catching some local delicacies.

Kokkinokastro Beach

Literally meaning ‘Red Castle’ because of the craggy red rocks that abruptly end to one side, Kokkinokastro beach is a wonderful swimming spot about 7km from Patitiri. A mix of sand and pebbles, it is popular with families and unsurprisingly, it also boasts beautiful blue waters. A small islet opposite the beach is the location where ancient tools dating back to the paleolithic period were found, placing it as the possible site of the ancient city of Ikos.

Marpounta Beach

Marpounta can be found 3km from Patitiri and is a stunning beach, making it extremely popular with visitors to the island. It is actually made up of two beaches with transparent waters and a shingled seafront backed by lush greenery and shade. A nearby dirt path leads to Old Alonissos, to which you can enjoy a lovely 20-minute walk if you are feeling up to it.

Transportation Around Alonissos

You can choose from a variety of ways to get around the island, beginning with the local buses that run on a regular basis from the port of Patitiri to the old village and the village of Steni Vala. Taxis are also available all year round or you can rent a car or moped if you desire. In addition, small boats set off daily from the port to many inaccessible beaches dotted along the coastline and you can even hire a small boat to visit the neighboring islet of Peristera. For hikers, there are many delightful walking routes to be discovered on foot around the island.