Alonnissos The Polite Island
Overview & Reasons to visit
Alonissos being the most remote of the Sporades Islands remains remarkably less commercialised compared to its eminent neighbours and we have consequently named it as the polite island. The island’s recent history is defined by a tragic earthquake that struck in 1965 causing extensive damage to the old main town, most of the population were forced to relocate to Patitiri, which now serves as the main town and port. The resident population is now approximately 3,000.Consequently, the town’s architecture primarily consists of modern buildings.
The old town, or chora, is now largely rebuilt and mostly a tourist attraction, dotted with shops and restaurants. The island’s east coast boasts a string of charming, mostly small bays and beaches, far from the bustle and crowds of most touristy destinations. So pack your bags and venture to Alonissos for an authentic Greek island escape!
Alonnissos is known for its green aspect and its many pretty bays and small beaches combined with relaxed and peaceful atmosphere
Alonissos is also the gateway to the National Marine Park and there are a number of boats that run trips to the Marine Park , you may be lucky enough to glimpse a Monk Seal. Wreck diving is also available
How to reach
Alonissos is only accessable by ferry normally via Skiathos. Seajet, Hellenic Seaways and Aegean Flying Dolphin ferries start at Volos then go to Skiathos then Skopelos before arriving at Patitiri on Alonissos but there are few flights to Volos so Skiathos is the better way to go.Seajets also have a summer only route from Thessalonica.There are also ferries from Mantoudi & Ag. Konstantinos which are on Evia. There are as usual more options in high season but the ferries can be busy so booking is advisable especially the Flying Dolphins
Note ferries can be cancelled due to bad weather so you may need to plan for this especially out of peak times.We nearly got stranded on Alonissos due to high winds!
Travelling Around
Alonissos has a limited number of roads so transport options are fairly simple. There are plenty of car & bike rentals in Patitiri which give you most flexibility.
Taxis are all based in Patitiri but will pick up from most places.
Local buses run regular routes from Patitiri to the Old Village very regularly and to Steni Vala less often. Tickets were €1.80 single to the Old Village in 2023. You buy tickets from a genteleman under a sun umbrella on the harbourside to the right of the childrens play area!
There is not a website for the timetable which varies during the year but it is posted on the bus stop which is next to the taxi rank.
Acqua Travel offer coach trips to most of the beaches on the island, they have a kiosk on harbourfront for information and tickets.
Sights & Beaches
The main sight on the island is the Old Village which was the original capital of the island until it was badly damaged in an earthquake in 1965. It has gradually been restored since then and has old houses, churches and the remains of a Venetian castle.It also has a`good number of shops, restuarants and coffee shops.
Patitira has a privately run Folk & Pirate museum and a small information centre showing details of the Marine Park and the Monk seals
The beaches mainly run from southern tip of the island then north up the east coast Most of the beaches are in attractive small coves usually with a taverna or seasonal beach bar. Agios Demitrios is the biggest sandy beach near the north of the island, Kalamaki has a picturesque harbour with no less than four fish taverna but no beach. Steni Vala is also a small harbour with a number of good taverna and a beach close by.
History
Alonnissos was known as Ikos during the Classical period and was known for its vineyards and wine was exported this ended when in 1950s an outbreak of phylloxera dextroyed most of the vines. It was on a major sea route hence the numerous wrecks in the surrounding sea. Modern Kokkinokastro has ruins from early times and the old village has a Venetian castle and was also occupied by the Ottomans. Prior to this Alonnissos was an Athenian naval base.The island also suffered from raids by pirates including Barbarosa which has inpired the local folk and pirate museum.The island gained independence along with rest of Greece in 1830s and was occupied during the Second World War. A major earthquake in 1965 caused extensive damage which lead to the evacuation of what is now called the old village and the inhabitants were forcefully relocated to Patitiri by the military goverment of the time