
Ancient Ikos, now the island of Alonissos, is not a destination for everyone, which is why the few tourists who do come here find it extremely fascinating.
It is a remote island in the Sporades archipelago, the furthest from the mainland, which means longer and more expensive trips, but this inconvenient location has protected it from the invasion of mass tourism.
No noise, unspoilt landscapes, villages where life flows slowly and the cleanest waters of the Aegean await you here, where thanks to the creation of a marine park you can still see dolphins and monk seals swimming.
This paradise is therefore the ideal destination for those who want a holiday where the sea is the protagonist, for those who want to leave the hassles of everyday life at home and for those who like simple things like a dinner in a taverna, a seaside walk or a romantic sunset.

If you love the sea more than the glamour, Alonissos is the perfect destination for you. The island’s beaches are not festive, but on the other hand are washed by crystal-clear sea, thanks to the establishment of the marine park that has preserved the quality and cleanliness of the waters.
Rocky and pebble beaches prevail and almost all are very quiet, ideal for those who want to experience the sea to the full, feeling immersed in nature.
You could really go at random, as the sea here is really beautiful, but if you prefer to go for sure, here is a list of the beaches on Alonissos that you should not miss:
Find out more about the most beautiful beaches on Alonissos
Alonissos unveils hidden treasures such as the National Marine Park, the picturesque medieval Chora and Byzantine monasteries surrounded by nature. Wild beaches, authentic villages like Steni Vala and crystal-clear sea beds complete the picture of this unspoilt island.
One does not come to Alonissos for famous museums or discos: the island’s great attraction is its lush nature, which has remained largely untouched thanks to the establishment of the National Marine Park of Alonissos and the Northern Sporades.
Founded in 1992 with the aim of protecting the monk seal and some endangered species of seabirds, it is the largest marine park in Europe. In addition to Alonissos, it includes six other small islands and some 20 uninhabited islets.
During the summer, it is possible to visit the park by boat, but only boats authorised by the park can make the tours. Finding an authorised boat will not be difficult as tour tickets are on sale at many tourist agencies on the island.
The boat trip to the park of Alonissos is a rare opportunity to see an unspoilt marine environment in full respect of nature. Sightings of monk seals are not guaranteed, in fact they are rather difficult: you can console yourself by seeing dolphins swimming!

The main town on Alonissos is Patitiri, a port town in the south of the island. Rebuilt after the 1965 earthquake, it does not boast the charm of other, more typical Greek island villages, but still manages to make tourists love it for its laid-back atmosphere, the numerous boat trips that depart from the pier and the mouth-watering patisseries.
There are only two roads in Patitiri, both of which start from the pier, go up to the main square and then split: one goes to Steni Vala, the other to Old Alonissos.
If, after your boat trip to the marine park, you want to learn more about the delicate ecosystem of the island of Alonissos, visit the well-kept MOM Information Centre, an environmental organisation engaged in study, research and conservation of the monk seal species, the only seal in the Mediterranean and one of the most endangered species.
The centre is located on the Patitiri waterfront and is a mine of information about the seal and the marine environment; you can also buy souvenirs, the proceeds of which go to support the MOM’s research projects.
Another interesting museum in Patitiri, the Northern Sporades Folklore Museum, is dedicated to the island’s traditions. On display are ancient nautical maps, craftsman’s tools and a curious collection of pirate weapons.
Complete your visit to the museum with a stop in the delightful cafeteria upstairs, with a pleasant view of the harbour and walls decorated with works by local artists.
For accommodation, you can choose from a dozen hotels, ranging from 1 to 3 stars, and as many room rentals; there is a much wider choice for those who prefer to stay in a flat, studio or holiday home.

Only 3 km away from the harbour, Old Alonissos, which you will also hear referred to as Chora or Palia Alonnisos, is decidedly more picturesque, with its traditional whitewashed houses, steep lanes winding up the hillside, ancient Byzantine churches spared by the earthquake and splendid panoramic views.
An ancient mule track leads to the nearest beach on foot: it is a relaxing one-kilometre walk, amidst nature and tradition; if you like walking, you will find other picturesque paths in the area.
Old Alonissos has not sold out to mass tourism and its authentic atmosphere is what visitors love about it. However, this translates into a reduced accommodation offer: only a couple of medium-high category hotels and a dozen or so flats and holiday homes.

Alonissos offers authentic accommodation surrounded by the most unspoilt nature of the Sporades. The main accommodation options are concentrated in the port of Patitiri, with small hotels (1-3 stars), budget studios and numerous family-run flats ideal for those seeking convenience and connections to the rest of the island. The harbour area provides immediate access to essential services and is the starting point for excursions to the National Marine Park.
For a more romantic and atmospheric experience, Old Alonissos (Chora) offers quaint boutique hotels and traditional, renovated stone houses with panoramic views of the Aegean, perfect for those who prefer an authentic atmosphere to modern conveniences. Votsi represents an interesting compromise, with villas and hotels of a higher category (4-5 stars) in a more private location but still connected to the main centres.
For true lovers of tranquillity, Steni Vala and the rural areas offer traditional holiday homes in the heart of the National Marine Park. The accommodation offer retains a small size and local management, guaranteeing a genuine experience far from mass tourism, with generally affordable prices and the possibility of living in close contact with one of the most protected marine areas in Europe.
We offer a selection of hotels at Alonissos to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Alonissos, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Alonissos. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Alonissos are in high demand.
Alonissos is a remote island and reaching it requires more effort than other tourist destinations. There is no airport on the island, so you have to plan on having to land somewhere else and then take a ferry.
The nearest island is Skiathos, but it is preferable to land in Thessaloniki as there are more flights departing. Bear in mind that you may have to spend a night or more in Skiathos or Thessaloniki in order to catch the ferry to Alonissos.
Find out more about getting to Alonissos
What's the weather at Alonissos? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Alonissos for the next few days.
Alonissos is an island famous for not having had an easy life. Two terrible events struck the island in the last century, with serious consequences for the population and the economy.
In 1952, wine production, one of the most important activities for the island’s economy, was devastated by a phylloxera infestation, endangering the entire agricultural sector.
Only thirteen years later, an earthquake destroyed the island’s ancient capital, forcing the inhabitants to move and take refuge in earthquake-proof dwellings.
Fortunately, the past is long gone: in the present of Alonissos, sunshine and serenity shine.

