An island that is underrated, tranquil, and not big on nightlife. But it is precisely that charm that makes it special.
Alonissos was one of the first inhabited Greek islands. In Greek mythology, it was the home of Stafylos (“Grape”) who was the son of Ariadne and Dionysus (god of wine). In ancient times the island was called Ikos. Then after the independence war against Turkey, all islands were given a Greek name again, the island was accidentally assigned the name of Alonissos. Alonissos was actually the name of what is now the island of Kyra Panagia. Alonissos means something like “island that comes up out of the sea”. The many shipwrecks dating from the classical and Byzantine periods that have been found around the island show that Alonissos was a major economic power.
Alonnisos is a lesser-known gem. The word ‘Alonnisos’ is composed of the ancient Greek word “Als” which means ‘salt and sea’ in ancient Greek and the word “nisos” which means ‘island’. So Alonnisos is a Greek island that comes from the sea. Getting there is part of the adventure.
To get to Alonnisos, you take the same ferry that stops at neighboring Skiathos (where droves of people get off for some banging nightlife) and Skopelos, and you are left with only a handful of people still on the ferry heading to Alonnisos. It’s an island that is underrated, tranquil, and not big on nightlife. But it is precisely that charm that makes it special.
Located on top of a hill with incredible 360° views, Chora used to be Alonnisos’ main town and the perfect vantage point to watch the pirates coming.The earthquake in 1965 meant that a lot of its inhabitants moved to the shore which is when the port town of Patitiri was created. Over the past few decades, refurbishment work was done and Chora has regained its splendour.
Undoubtedly Alonnisos’s biggest drawing card is its marine park which is the largest marine-protected area in Europe. Alonnisos and its six surrounding uninhabited islands (Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Gioura, Skantzoura, and Piperi) are home to 10% of the world’s endangered Monachus Monachus seals. A must visit for any nature lovers wishing to travel Greece.
The first underwater museum off the coast of Greece. Divers can explore the 2500 year old shipwreck of Peristera which researchers believe is the wreck to be a large Athenian merchant ship which sank around 425 BC with around 3500 amphorae of wine onboard.
An absolute ‘must’ while on Alonnisos is either driving or taking a boat to eat in Steni Valla, a picturesque, tranquil harbor with a handful of tavernas. Our favorite is Tassia’s Cooking which serves succulent crayfish pasta, sea samphire salad (a dish you will be hard pushed to find elsewhere) and other local delicacies. Delicate wafts of basil, jasmine, and sea air complement the excellent food. It’s truly home cooking at another level.
There are plenty of secret spots to discover on Alonnisos! Rent a car or boat and explore all of the best beaches of Alonnisos such as Milia, Chrisi Milia, Leftos Gialos, Agios Petros and Agios Dimitrios all on the east coast. Chrisi Milia is the only real sandy beach on the island; Agios Dimitrios might be the most famous with its distinctive horn shape, but Epicure Greece’s favourite hidden spot is Leftos Gialos with its beach club hidden in a dreamy olive tree garden.
If you fancy spending a meal sitting among olive groves and eating the finest and freshest Alonnisian dishes, pay a visit to Eleonas. We particularly love it because the food is delicious and the restaurant has the best selection of Greek wines on the island.
We recommend renting a kayak so you can spend the day exploring the magnificently clear waters around Alonissos and the neighboring uninhabited island of Peristera. You may even be met by schools of dolphins that frequent the area or catch a glimpse of the elusive and rare monk seal that breeds in the marine park’s sea caves.
Alonissos is the Greek island most associated with tuna fishing and this tender white fish is definitely worth a try while on the island.
For views, you can’t beat Sunset Bar which is halfway between Patitiri and Old Alonnisos. If your visit is in July or August, there is live music to provide a lovely soundtrack to your sunset.
Would you like to find out more about this destination or speak with one of our Epicureans about the best options in Greece? Reach out to one of our experts who can tailor an unforgettable experience that will be the envy of your friends.