ALONISSOS

Alonissos (from Greek Αλόννησος) is part of the Sporades along with Skiathos, Skopelos, and Skyros, and is located 65 nautical miles from Volos. More than an island, it can be considered an archipelago as it includes many other small islands.

It has an area of 64 km² and about 3,000 inhabitants.

The island is elongated in shape, with uneven terrain and rocky coasts in the northwestern part. The interior of Alonissos is mountainous and covered with pine trees, or characterized by small fertile valleys cultivated with olive trees, figs, and fruit trees. It is mainly inhabited in the south where the sparse road network is a bit more substantial. Here you will find the old capital Alonissos (located at a high altitude and partially abandoned after the 1965 earthquake), the new capital Patitiri with the port, and the beautiful village Votsi, just to the north. The rest of the island is sparsely populated, and even in the tourist season, the island remains tranquil.

People generally choose to visit Alonissos not so much for its terrestrial beauties like monasteries and villages or for entertainment opportunities, but for its marine beauties: shoals, fish-rich seabeds, and underwater archaeological finds.

The island of Alonissos is located within an important natural park that also includes the surrounding islets, which are home to the rare species of the monk seal. In the park, it is allowed to swim, photograph, film, and snorkel but not to fish or hunt. On land, free camping and lighting fires are prohibited.

The sea water of Alonissos is particularly clear, clean, and colorful.

To get around the island, you can use the buses that connect the various villages, particularly the port and the old capital Alonissos.