Alonissos is about 20 kilometres long by 4 wide, its hilly terrain softened by oak and pine. Most people stay in or around the colourful little port of Patitiri.
Patitiri, although generally sleepy, has plenty of waterfront activity especially in the high season. It has its own narrow white-pebble beach and some excellent tavernas and cafés strung above the sea. Hydrofoils leave regularly for Skopelos, only 20 minutes away, and for Skiathos, another hour further to the west. This makes the odd day excursion easy, as well as two-centre holidays.
Some twenty minutes walk to the north of Patitiri is the delightful, and very pretty, fishing harbour of Votsi, its clear waters and pretty pebble beach backed by cliffs and pines. Votsi has a traditional, generally sleepy village atmosphere, a handful of own small shops and some good tavernas, which come alive in the evenings. Walk over the headland and you will come to another good beach at Rossoum.
Old Alonissos, high above Patitiri, has the best views. It is certainly very picturesque and holds particular appeal for artists, writers and walkers. Abandoned in the 1960’s, the old houses are now largely restored. The village now has a dozen tavernas (some very good and with stunning views), a pizzeria, several cafés and bars and two minimarkets. Old Alonissos has a bus link to Patitiri (up to ten times daily in high season), which can also be reached on foot in about 45 minutes via a goat track. The island’s four taxis will also take you inexpensively between the two.
You can walk down the hillside to the beach of Megalo Mourtia in about half-an-hour. Due to the hilly location a stay in Old Alonissos would not be suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The seas and coastline around Alonissos have been designated a National Marine Park, set up to protect the indigenous Monk Seal. You can visit it by organised boat trip. The pretty fishing harbour of Steni Vala is on the edge of the park – very peaceful with four authentic local tavernas plus a couple of cafés and a minimarket. A dive centre is now also based at Steni Vala.
Alonissos is a quiet, very beautiful island which is quite happy to remain off the main tourist path. Largely traditional, it would suit those looking for an unhurried holiday in natural surroundings, fine views, good swimming – there are some fine beaches up the east coast – and walking.
Painting in Alonissos
Well-known artist Christopher Hughes lives on Alonissos from May to October. We are pleased, therefore, to be able to offer painting weeks with Chris throughout the summer. Departures are weekly and all dates are valid – the cost is £170 per participant on top of the normal holiday price. During the week there are 5 sessions of 3.5 hours each.
There is no minimum number and the holidays are suitable for artists of all levels, including beginners. Non-painting partners are also welcome, and guided walks can be arranged whilst the painters paint, meeting up for lunch at the end of the session – a most civilised arrangement!
Please click here for further details on our painting holidays >
Alonissos Guided Walks
Alonissos is the only inhabited island in the National Marine Park and wonderful for walking, so what better way to discover it than to join in the weekly programme of three friendly and informative walks offered by Alonissos Walking Club. The variety of unspoiled walking countryside is astonishing for such a small island. Walks through tranquil olive groves, shady pine forests or down a rugged gorge are all led in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and include frequent spectacular views of (and chances to swim in!) the clear blue Aegean sea. All start from Patitiri.
They operate until week ending 30/6 and then again from 01/9. The three walks are normally full-day. Participants should be reasonably fit and take walking sandals and shoes/boots. The walks will take place during the week booked (we cannot specify individual days) and are subject to local conditions. The prebooked cost of the three walks is £57 per person.
