Alonissos

This is a delightful town that was damaged in the 1965 earthquake but has been beautifully restored. Enjoy wandering along the little streets and alleyways where you will find some excellent cafes and tavernas as well as some artistic shops.

Following the 1965 earthquake, Patiri became the main town of the island. Although the buildings are rather ugly, it does have a certain bustling charm being the port of the island and with some good, traditional tavernas and some shops selling some beautiful, artistic pieces. The bakery sells delicious pastries.

Probably one of the most picturesque fishing villages in the Sporades. A narrow, fjord--like inlet leads into the harbour where there are some excellent fish tavernas and small shops. The Monk Seal Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre is housed in a small hut on the beach.

An area of outstanding natural beauty rich in marine life and being the breeding ground for the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus Monachus). This is one of the rarest animals in Europe with only about 800 surviving members worldwide. The marine park comprises of Alonissos and six smaller islands as well as some rocky outcrops. Additionally, it is an important breeding ground for many species of birds, fish, reptiles and mammals.

Located on the north eastern side of Alonissos between the remote beaches of Strovili and Lalarias, a few km north of Agios Dimitrios village. Excursion boats leave daily from Patitiri. The water around the Blue Cave is so clear that the wild rocks around dazzle and are reflected in them.

With its sandy coves, limpid waters and the remains of an old castle this is a lovely island to explore and is one of the closest to Alonissos.

A taxi boat from Patitiri port leaves for this island which is owned by the monks of Mount Athos and has 2 beautiful but partially ruined monasteries on it.

On this islet is a stalactite cave known as the Cyclops’s Cave reputed to be the cave where Odysseus was imprisoned by Polyphemus (one of the most famous Cyclops), son of Poseidon. A rare species of wild goat live on Yioura, as well as many rare plants.

On this islet is the brightest and tallest lighthouse in the Aegean as well as the remains of a submerged ancient town believed, by some, to be the ancient Alonissos.

This islet has beautiful beaches, one monastery with guest accommodation and a few shepherds still with flocks that graze on its hillsides.

It is a small islet with a lovely church and situated between Kyra Panagia and Yioura.

Located in Patitiri, this is a privately owned museum displaying local works of art along with items from the wine--making industry and traditions of Alonissos. Among the exhibits you will find traditional costumes, war memorabilia and artifacts by artisans of the island.
Tel: 24240 66250
http://www.alonissosmuseum.com

his church is a lovely tiny little church in the old ‘Hora’ and one of the few that survived the earthquake.

This church stands within the fortress of the Old Alonissos (Hora), another survivor from the disastrous earthquake of 1965. It was built the same period as the Church of Christ. The church houses a beautiful icon dating from the 18th century.

Although this is a modern church built on the foundations of an older church, there are some fine mid 17th Century icons on display here

PADI courses are available on Alonissos.
Greece is among the richest country in ship wrecks dating as far back as the 5th century B.C. More specifically the area around Skopelos, Alonissos and the Marine park have the second largest concentration of ancient and Middle Ages sea wrecks in the world. Many shipwrecks have been discovered with the most famous being that off the coast of Peristera island across Alonissos where the findings are stunning.
The National Marine Park, one of the best preserved marine ecosystems in the Med, is an excellent opportunity to dive into crystal clear waters of significant importance to our European and world heritage.

Alonissos is a bird spotter’s paradise. On the walks and old mule paths that criss-- cross the island you will experience hillsides carpeted in pungent herbs and many species of wild flower and fauna. On a clear day you can see Mountain Athos,
Mount Olympos, Pilion, Evia, Skyros and Skopelos.