Alonissos

Alonissos is the easternmost of the Sporades island complex. The island is a guarantee for relaxing holidays in nature and by the sea. It is also an island of great environmental interest as it is home to many endangered species of both flora and fauna, including the Mediterranean monk seal.

Read here tips about vacation in Alonissos, where to go, and what to do, including beaches, activities, food, accommodation and ferry schedules. Book ferry tickets online for Alonissos on Ferryhopper. 

Crystal blue-green waters at the beach of Leftos Gialos in Alonissos

Vacation in Alonissos

Alonissos is the easternmost of the Sporades island complex, in northwest Aegean. 

It is a beautiful island with lush vegetation and amazing waters for swimming and diving. 

The island is ideal for nature lovers, that are looking for a pristine destination to relax.

How to get to Alonissos

You can easily get to Alonissos by ferry from mainland Greece and the ports of Volos and Evia (Mantoudi or Kymi). Alonissos also has frequent ferry connections to the nearby islands of Skopelos and Skiathos.

The island has no airport so the closest airport option is either Skiathos or Volos. 

Here are some tips if you are traveling from mainland Greece to Alonissos:

• The fastest way to get from Athens to Alonissos is to reach the port of Mantoudi in Evoia which is about 3 hours drive. From there the ferry to Alonissos takes about 2 hours.
• The fastest way to get from Thessaloniki to Alonissos in the high season is by direct ferry. The rest of the year, you can drive or take the bus from Thessaloniki to Volos (2 hours) and from there take a ferry to Alonissos. 

Below you can find a brief description of the ferry schedules to Alonnisos and more information about the island. 

Vivid colors at the port of Patitiri, in Alonissos

What to do in Alonissos

Alonissos is perfect for a quiet vacation and you'll love its beautiful landscape and beaches.

The island has a lot of hiking trails and it's also great for diving and snorkeling. 

If you are looking for sustainable vacations on a Greek island, Alonissos should be at the top of your list. Apart from its National Marine Park, a nature reserve for many terrestrial and marine species such as the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), you should definitely visit the well-preserved Peristera shipwreck and the newly established Underwater Museum.

The preservation of the island's natural heritage is critical for its residents, with local authorities banning the use of plastic bags since 2015. Travelers looking for a more authentic and conscious travel experience will find a true gem in Alonissos.

Beaches in Alonissos

The beaches of Alonissos are surrounded by wild nature, they have clear blue waters and many of them have facilities, such as umbrellas and sunbeds.

Here are some of our favorite Alonissos beaches:

• Kokkinokastro: Impressive beach with turquoise waters, red sand and pebbles. It is surrounded by pine trees. It has sunbeds and a canteen nearby.  
• Leftos Gialos: A beach of exceptional beauty with white pebbles and blue-green crystal waters that look like a pool. It has umbrellas, sunbeds and tavernas nearby.
• Tzortzi Gialos: A beach with turquoise waters, surrounded by trees. You will find umbrellas, sunbeds and one taverna. 
• Chrisi Milia: One of the most popular beaches in Alonissos with easy access. It has thin golden sand, shallow clear waters and it's surrounded by pine trees.  
• Megalos Mourtias: Beautiful beach with small pebbles and crystal blue waters. It's easily accessible and it has umbrellas and sunbeds. 
• Glyfa: Large beach with white pebbles. It has umbrellas and sunbeds, while it's also close to the harbor of Steni Vala where you can find tavernas with great seafood. 
• Agios Petros: Beautiful small bay with crystal green-blue waters, sandy beach and impressive surrounding vegetation. Access to the beach can be tricky as you can only reach it via a dirt road and a trail.
• Agios Dimitrios: Probably the most famous beach in Alonissos due to its magical landscape and crystal clear waters. It has small pebbles, and on one side of the beach, you will find umbrellas and sunbeds.
• Gialia: Small, secluded beach with pebbles. You can access it via a dirt road. 
• Rusum Gialos: Small cove with white pebbles and crystal waters. The beach has umbrellas and sunbeds and several places for food and drink. 
• Votsi: Beach next to the fishing village with the same name. A small cove with blue waters, pebbles, that has umbrellas, sunbeds and tavernas nearby. 

The beautiful beach of Kokkinokastro, on the east coast of Alonissos

Sightseeing and activities in Alonissos

Alonissos is an island that you will enjoy being outdoors. Exploring nature and the picturesque villages of the island is one of the top things to do. 

The old village of Chorio, or Chora, is perfect for afternoon walks to its narrow streets and the castle. We also recommend visiting the Historical and Folklore Museum of Alonissos, in Patitiri, to learn more about the island's traditions. 

If you are a certified diver, then one of the must-experiences in Alonissos is a visit to the Underwater Museum in the shipwreck of Peristera.

Some other popular activities on the island are: 

• Hiking (we highly recommend checking out the route to Kastanorema gorge)
• Diving
• Bike tours
• Kayaking 
• Boat trip to Peristera islands
• Sailing

Sailing race outside of Alonissos

Nightlife in Alonissos

The nightlife of Alonissos mostly takes place in the beautiful alleys and squares of Chorio (Chora), where you can find many bars, cafes, and restaurants. 

Alonissos is an island for relaxing holidays so don't expect big party nights like in the nearby Skiathos. 

Food in Alonissos

Alonissos is famous for its fish taverns, as fresh fish and seafood dishes are a specialty in the Sporades island group. We recommend trying the tavernas in Kalamakia or Steni Vala for lobster or fresh fish. 

In Alonissos make sure you taste: 

• Tuna of Alonissos
• Lobster pasta
• Fresh fish
• Olive oil
• Cheese pie
• Meat pie
• Goat stew
• Chamalia (almond pastry)
• Fouskakia (small donuts)

Villages in Alonissos

The capital of Alonissos is its port, Patitiri.

Here's a list of the island's picturesque villages that we recommend visiting during your stay: 

• Chorio or Chora
• Steni Vala
• Rusum
• Votsi
• Kalamakia

The wonderful view from the Chora of Alonissos during sunset

Useful information for Alonissos

The port of Patitiri and the Chora is where you can find most of the commercial and tourist facilities on the island such as banks, pharmacies, medical centers, ATMs, petrol stations, or supermarkets.

In terms of accommodation in Alonissos, there are hotels, rooms to let, and luxury villas across the coast and on the mainland, so you can choose depending on your needs and budget. There is also a campground, about 700m from the port. 

Important phone numbers for your stay in Alonissos

Here are some useful phone numbers for your stay in Alonissos: 

• Alonissos Port Authority: +302424065595
• Municipality of Alonissos: +302424350201 / 2424065555
• Alonissos Medical Center: +302424065208
• Alonissos Police: +302424065205
• Alonissos Pharmacies: +302424066096 / 2424065540
• Underwater Museum of Alonissos: +302424066502

Transportation in Alonissos

Alonissos has a good bus network which during the summer runs frequent routes from the port of Patitiri, to the main town of Alonissos and the seaside village of Steni Vala.

We recommend renting a car in Alonissos or transferring your vehicle by ferry from Volos or Thessaloniki. If you don't have a vehicle you can also move around the island by taxi. 

Ports in Alonissos

The port of Alonissos is called Patitiri and is located on the southeast side of the island. 

Island hopping from Alonissos

Island-hopping in the Sporades island complex is a great idea as the distances between the three main islands of the complex are short. From Alonissos you can easily travel to:

• Skiathos
• Skopelos

The duration of the whole Sporades ferry ride Skiathos - Skopelos - Alonissos is around 2,5 hours so you have many opportunities to discover the nature, beaches, and lifestyle of the Sporades islands! 

Find all ferry connections in Sporades on our Map of ferries and book the most convenient ferry trip for you! 

The beautiful bay of Rusum Gialos, close to the port of Alonissos

Alonissos ferry: Schedules and tickets

There are regular ferry crossings from mainland Greece to Alonissos. More specifically: 

• The Volos - Alonissos ferry route is active all year round and the trip lasts about 4 hours.
• The Thessaloniki-Alonissos ferry route is seasonal. There are at least 3 weekly crossings and the trip lasts about 4.5 hours. 
• Another popular route to Alonissos is that from Evoia. During the summer there is a daily ferry from Mantoudi to Alonissos and during the winter the route operates 3 days a week. The ferry trip duration is approximately 2 hours. 
• An alternative would also be to arrive by plane to Skiathos from Athens, Thessaloniki, or other international destinations. The Skiathos - Alonissos ferry route operates daily throughout the year and the ride lasts from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. 

Where to book ferry tickets online to Alonissos?

On Ferryhopper you can book cheap ferry tickets to Alonissos with just 4 clicks! Compare schedules, ports of departure, companies, and prices and plan your ideal holidays in Alonissos!