TOURIST GUIDE

To fully explore Alonissos we would recommend hiring a vehicle so that you can visit the many villages, diverse, green landscape and the many little fishing ports. Having your own transport gives you total flexibility without having to rely solely on the four taxis.

Although the island is only around 24 kilometers long, it has over 50 kilometers of good asphalt roads together with almost an equal amount of ‘unmade’ tracks running nearly the entire length, that take you directly to most of the beautiful beaches and places of interest. Nearly all of these ‘unmade’ tracks are still more than good enough for your hired vehicle to pass, although some require a little more caution and less speed.

Exploring by either car, scooter or quad rewards you with plenty of opportunities to stop when safe to do so, to take beautiful panoramic photographs.

We look forward to providing you with whichever form of transport you have chosen.

Alonissos Island

Alonissos is known mainly for its unique Marine Park, which provides an environment for rare species of birds and animals, offering them a protected habitat. Much of the island is covered with magnificent pine forest. The character of the island can be seen especially in the Old Village, with its mediæval homes, interesting architecture and incredible views.
One can find dozens of churches and countless chapels all over the island. Their traditional architecture and history will impress the visitor, while the views from these churches will mesmerize. The islanders have a saying “you will be in harmony with the world when you light a candle in the tranquility of the church, surrounded by the island’s beautiful, natural surroundings”.

Alonissos belongs to the Sporades group of Islands. The total area is estimated to be 64.5km2 and there is a coastline of approximately 67 km. An extensive network of tracks and paths makes access on foot a possibility to all the beaches. The island’s population is about 2000.

Alonissos Beaches

Alonissos , with its countless beaches and small, uninhabited islands, offers its visitors the perfect escape amid the boundless blue of the Aegean. The island boasts the characteristically beautiful azure-green beaches of the Northern Sporades, with clear emerald waters beside the pines, the only sound intruding on the peacefulness being the murmurings of the pebbles as they are lapped by the waves.

Accommodation in Alonissos

The 4500 beds at hotels, small family- run pensions and country residences have modern facilities, providing pools and wi-fi. They are ready to receive visitors and can fulfil every requirement.

Activities in Alonissos

The National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades (NMPANS) is the first Marine Park in Greece and the largest protected maritime area in Europe (about 2,220 km2). In addition to the sea environment, the Park also includes the island of Alonissos, six smaller islands (Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Psathoura, Piperi, Skantzoura and Gioura) and another 22 islets. The small boats which set out from the port of Alonnisos allow visitors to travel to the uninhabited islands of Kyra Panagia, Psathoura and Peristera.

The rationale of the foundation of NMPANS was to protect the richness and diversity of the area, to administrate our natural heritage and precious resources and to preserve the habitat of the Mediterranean Monk seal. With the intervention of the state, and sensitive handling of traditional fishing practices, the Mediterranean Monk seal can today live and thrive in the same areas in which it has lived for a thousand years.

Trekking

Alonnisos is ideal for nature walks. In following the numerous trails and 14 officially-marked hiking paths you will discover the natural beauty not only of the coastal areas but also of the island’s interior. A hiking map or a hiking guide book will enable you to explore the island by yourselves, or you could join an organized walk with a guide – these are available in May and early June and again in September and October.

Diving

The abundance of ancient and mediæval maritime discoveries and the National Marine Park, one of the best protected ecosystems in the Mediterranean, have made Alonissos one of the most popular destinations for diving in the Aegean.

Homeopathy

The International Academy of Classical Homeopathy on Alonissos was established in 1995 and is the only institution in the world dedicated to the teaching of Homeopathic Medicine. Its founder is the winner of the 1996 Nobel prize for Alternative Medicine, Mr George Vithoulkas, whose vision is the establishment of homeopathy worldwide.

The purpose of the Academy is to train medical students, doctors and other healthcare specialists to obtain the Diploma of Classical Homeopathy, in accordance with the principles of Dr Samuel Hahnemann. Every year, during the summer months, groups of doctors from Europe, Scandinavia, Latin, North and Central America, the Far East and the Sub-Continent visit the island to attend seminars and courses at the Academy.

Food – Entertainment

The number of culinary delights, prepared with care, taste and fresh ingredients, will surprise you. There is an abundance of seafood – grilled, fried or raw – but try also local specialities such as astakomakaronada (lobster with spaghetti) and Kakavia (fish soup) –with local wine, of course! Alonissos is famous for its pies – which can be filled with anything imaginable, such as octopus, meat, cheese, spinach and confectioner’s custard. And for dessert, try the island’s unique cheese or perhaps something a little sweeter, like fouskakia, spoon sweets, almond pastries or rice pudding.

Walking in the Old Village

Walk the narrow paths and alleys of the Old Village while the sun sets and you will be rewarded by the sight of a bright disk diving into the sea, giving you one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Aegean. The houses of the Old Village stand like sentinels and those in the oldest part, the Kastro, form a protected ‘castle’ which looks from on high over the sea to the surrounding islands. The Village, with its history and charm, just invites exploration!