Ferry to Alonissos

How to reach Alonissos by ferry

You can easily reach Alonissos by ferry from mainland Greece and specifically from the port of Volos and during peak months from the port of Evia (Mantoudi or Kymi). Also, Alonissos has frequent ferry connections with the nearby islands of Skopelos and Skiathos.
The most popular Alonissos ferry routes are:

• Volos to Alonissos: there are 2 to 3 connections throughout the year which increase during the summer months and the duration of the trip ranges from 3 to 5 hours, depending on the type of ship and the shipping company
• Mantoudi to Alonissos: the crossing from Mantoudi to Alonissos is easy and runs all year round with up to 40 trips per week in high season and 4 per week in low season. The duration of the trip varies between 45m - 2h 20m and depends on the ferry, the company and if there are any stops in Skopelos
• Skopelos to Alonissos: the ferry connections between Skopelos and Alonissos are daily and run all year round.The journey from Skopelos to Alonissos takes from 30 minutes to 1.5 hour
• Skiathos to Alonissos: during the peak season, there are at least 2-3 daily ferry connections between Skiathos and Alonissos and the duration of the trip is 1.5-3 hours, depending on the ferry and the shipping company

Port of Alonissos

The port of Alonissos is called Patitiri and is located on the southeast side of the island where all ferries arrive! Its name comes from the grape presses that existed here at the time when the island produced and exported famous red wine. It is characterized as the centre of the modern life of the island, because it has many accommodations and taverns with excellent seafood dishes.Also at the port area you can find most of the commercial and tourist facilities on the island such as banks, pharmacies, medical centers, ATMs, petrol stations, or supermarkets.From the port of Patitiri you can reach by bus all the main towns of the island with frequent routes , during the summer period.

How to Get Around in Alonissos

As for how to get around in Alonissos, we would say that various transportation options are offered, so that you can explore every corner of this small but special island.

Public Transportation

The bus network is quite good and especially during the summer season, there are regular services from the port of Patitiri to the main town of Alonissos and the seaside village of Steni Vala. Public transport is an affordable yet fun way to explore the whole area. For more information please visit Alonissos Buses.

Taxi

There are also several taxis that meet the visitor's needs throughout the year. Taxis may be a more expensive option compared to buses for example, however, they are definitely an option that offers you easy and quick transportation to your destination. Taxis are usually located in central locations.For your convenience you may contact the telephone numbers +30 24240 65751, +30 24240 65449, +30 24240 65061, +30 24240 65425.

Water Taxis

An original and beautiful experience for visitors to get to know the island's beautiful beaches and seaside settlements is to travel by water taxi and boats with daily departures from the port of Patitiri. The water taxis are an alternative way to get around Alonissos. In case you need a water taxi, you should arrange your transfer in advance.

Holidays in Alonissos

Holidays in Alonissos are perfect for those who seek absolute tranquility and relaxation on an island with a unique natural green environment with wonderful small beaches.The impressive thing is that even in the summer it manages to maintain its calm charm even though many tourists visit it every year! Alonissos is full of small picturesque villages with the most beautiful being Chora, the capital of the island, and the seaside villages of Votsi and Roussoum Gialos, which are ideal for an evening stroll.

But apart from its beautiful beaches, there are also a few but exquisite attractions such as the National Marine Park, which the visitor can experience by taking a boat from Patitiri, the island's port. This park consists of small islands surrounded by emerald waters, where the rare monachus-monachus seal species breeds. Many visitors combine their holidays in Alonissos with volunteer work and studies in the North Aegean Marine Park. Daily excursions are often organised to parts of the park that are accessible to the general public and one can swim, dive or hike and observe the wildlife and the impressive natural landscape.

For lovers of Greek cuisine, the local cuisine in Alonissos is excellent, as it is based on pure ingredients and traditional recipes and the absolute dominant ingredient is fresh fish. A stop at the fish taverns of the island for snacks, grilled fish, pasta with seafood and other delicious recipes is a must.Finally, the island offers many activities such as hiking, diving, kayaking, cycling and sailing.
Those who had the slightest hesitation about Alonissos as their next travel destination, don't delay to book in advance!

Beaches of Alonissos

The beaches of Alonissos are mostly pebbled, with the exception of a few that are a bit more sandy, most of the beaches on the island are not organized, so there are no umbrellas or sunbeds here, but there are many trees that provide some shade and coolness. On some of the more remote beaches, there is sometimes a small taverna where you can buy a drink, but it is recommended that you bring your own water supply if you go to one of the more secluded beaches. There is no greater treat for hiking enthusiasts after a walk and some climbing, than to find themselves on a completely deserted beach with a beautiful blue sea.

Here are some of the most popular beaches of Alonissos:

• Chrisi Milia Beach: a long sandy beach on the east side of the island with shallow waters , ideal for small children and there are umbrellas and sunbeds for rent
• Glyfa Beach: a fairly large beach with sand and some small pebbles and clear sea water in a green environment. There are a few taverns and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas
• Kokkinokastro Beach: a beautiful beach with pebbles and sand and clear blue waters surrounded by red rocks. Although there are no official nudist beaches on the island, you will find a few nudists here. Bring a snack or something to drink because there is no tavern or bar
• Megali Ammos Beach: the most isolated, interesting place on the north side of the island. However, it is neither big nor sandy. For some lovers of exploring virgin nature we recommend visiting this place
• Yalia or Gyalia Beach: is a beautiful small beach with flat stones and dark sand on the north side of the island of Alonissos. A picturesque beach that you might want to go and have a look at, but not for long time sunbathing and swimming
• Votsi Beach: is a real jewel a beautiful little bay of Votsi is located in the settlement of the same name, just one kilometre north of Patitiri.This little shingle beach has place only for a few visitors and there are no sunbeds or umbrellas for rent
• Tzortzi Gialos Beach: a long narrow beach with blue green shallow water is located in a protected cove and surrounded by trees. It is a very popular beach, especially during the high season but is not organized as there are no umbrellas and sunbeds for rent but the trees around and on the beach provide some shade
• Marpounta Beach: is located in the extreme south of the island of Alonissos. Marpounta is pretty touristy and it actually consists of two beaches with golden sand and small pebbles, situated on either side of a small peninsula, and both surrounded by a white cliff. On the largest beach of of the two Marpounta beaches are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent and you can practice water sports while there are also a number of tavernas
• Agios Dimitrios Beach: is a large triangular pebble beach which can be reached over a dirt track. Agios Dimitrios is probably the most popular beach of the island and also one of the prettiest. As a matter of fact it is considered as one of the most picturesque beaches of the world. It is situated at a 14 kilometers distance of Patitiri
• Leftos Gialos Beach: is a quiet white pebble beach with nice blue and clear waters. There are two taverns open till late at night where you can enjoy local delicacies or drinks. You can rent sunbeds , a few number of them free of charge
• Roussoum Gialos Beach: a small cove with white pebbles and crystal waters. The beach has umbrellas and sunbeds and there are several taverns, where you can find fresh fish and seafood, and it's situated in a pretty little harbour. The beach is not completely organised although there are some sunbeds and umbrellas for rent during the tourist season

Hotels in Alonissos

Hotels in Alonissos cover the needs of all travelers! Whether it is for a few days or for the whole week, there are beautiful accommodations that will give you a wonderful and unforgettable holiday!

Please find below some of the best rated hotels and accommodations:

• Αlonissos Beach Bungalows and Suites
• Eleni Studios
• Konstantina Studios
• Ilya Suites
• Yalis Hotel
• Marpunta Resort
• 4Epoches
• Angelos Suites

Best Sightseeings in Alonissos

It is true that one of the best sights of Alonissos that you should not miss because they fascinate all visitors are the picturesque villages with their traditional architecture that harmonize with the natural environment. However, there are some other attractions that really deserve the visit of the traveler. A brief description of the attractions that you should not miss:

• Old village of Alonissos: the picturesque Chora of Alonissos is the most important sight of the island, with a panoramic view of the Aegean Sea. The stone houses of the area are surrounded by climbing vineyards and flower gardens while the colourful alleys, narrow streets and steep stairs are characteristic. Due to its prominent location the view from the Old Village is stunning which visitors can enjoy at a café or local restaurant. The Old Village (Chora) was once the capital of the island; today it is a place with remarkable architectural monuments, such as the medieval castle with a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea
• Alonnisos National Marine Park: the National Marine park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades is the nature reserve for a series of terrestrial and marine species living in the Mediterranean Sea, including hundreds of plants and animals, as well as remarkable archaeological and historical monuments
• Folklore Museum of Alonnisos: at the first entrance of the Castle of Chora, the Kastroporta, there is a traditional house that serves as a small folklore museum. Here you will find objects from the daily life of the inhabitants of Alonissos in the past centuries
• Historical and Folklore Museum of Alonnisos: the impressive stone museum was opened in Patitiri only in 2001 by a local couple. In the basement you will find traditional objects and costumes of Alonissos, on the ground floor a collection of ancient tools and military weapons and finally on the first floor paraphernalia from pirate ships that sailed the Aegean Sea since the 16th century
• Church of Agioi Anargyroi: a picturesque chapel located between the bays of Megali Ammos and Tsoukalia. It is a small treasure of the Byzantine period built in Alonissos in the 13th century AD at a point that offers a panoramic view of the Aegean Sea. It is worth visiting and enjoying the magnificent view
• Amphora Laboratory: just behind the beach in the area of Tsoukalia are the ruins of an ancient amphora workshop. It is an entire area scattered with fragments of ancient amphorae, on several of which the word Ikyon, from the ancient name of Alonissos (Ikos), can be seen
• Exhibition area MOm (National Marine Park): here you will find photos, videos and information about the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus Monachus
• Visit to the villages of Alonissos: there are really special picturesque villages such as Patitiri, Roussoum Yalos, Votsi, Steni Vala, Kalamakia that are worth visiting

Island Hopping from Alonissos

Moreover, thanks to its proximity to the rest of the Sporades islands, Alonissos is an excellent location for island hopping to nearby islands such as Skopelos, Skiathos and Skyros. If you have some spare days, you will not regret visiting the nearby Sporades Islands, even for a day tirp. Each one has its own beauty and lots of things to offer. Skopelos is known for its picturesque landscapes, green hills and for being the place where the Hollywood movie Mamma Mia was filmed. Skiathos, on the other hand, is famous for its sandy beaches, cosmopolitan air and vivid nightlife.