Alonissos
Alonissos is at the eastern end of the Sporades, and is a much more rugged island than the others in the group. It has no direct flights as it doesn’t have an airport, and with limited ferry connections, it attracts far fewer visitors than its busier neighbours, Skiathos and Skopelos. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t busy in summer, however, as it attracts plenty of Greek holidaymakers as well as others who prefer one of the less-spoiled islands. Alonissos is also surrounded by the Alonissos Marine Park Northern Sporades, which was set up to protect the wonderful wildlife here, in particular the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.
Alonissos is a long, thin island, about 12.5 miles (20kms) from end to end, and at its widest roughly three miles (4.5kms) across. It has a population of just under 2,500, a rocky coastline and a wooded interior. It also has a Bohemian feel to it, as many artists are attracted by its charms.
Getting to Alonissos
Flights to Alonissos
Alonissos has no airport, the nearest one being on Skiathos, from where you would need to take a ferry to Alonissos.
Ferries to Alonissos
There are no ferries direct to Alonissos from Piraeus, so to get there you need to take a ferry from either Skiathos or Skopelos. Skopelos is closer, only about 6.5 miles (10kms) away by ferry, and in summer there are several ferries and hydrofoils every day. The journey takes about 40 minutes, or 30 minutes if using the flying dolphin service.
There are also regular ferries from Skiathos, which takes just over two hours, or 45 minutes by flying dolphin. You can get to Alonissos by ferry from Volos on the mainland (3-4 hours), and also from Agios Konstantinos, which is on the coast of central Greece about two hours north west of Athens by bus. The ferry from here to Alonissos takes about four hours, and the flying dolphin about three hours.
Ferries in Greece
Ferries in Greece has an excellent and very thorough website where, in addition to checking ferry schedules and times, you can also book tickets and get lots of useful information about travelling by ferry in Greece.
What to Do on Alonissos
Alonissos is best for those who like hiking, wildlife, and relaxing. Its beaches are mostly of pebble rather than sand, so the island doesn’t attract as many sunbathers as Skiathos or Skopelos, which both have better beaches. The waters around Alonissos are beautiful for swimming, however, because of the protected Marine Park which surrounds it. It has some great hiking trails, and appeals to bird watchers and other wildlife enthusiasts.
The Alonissos Marine Park
The waters around Alonissos are one of the last refuges of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. The Marine Park was established in 1992 to protect the habitat of the monk seal, and the other wildlife that lives in the area, including dolphins, whales, eagles, Eleonora’s falcons, and the wild goat. It was the first designated Marine Park in Greece and the biggest protected marine area in Europe. It covers not only Alonissos but also six smaller but uninhabited islands in the north east Sporades, and numerous islets and rocky outcrops.
In summer there are daily boat trips to show you the Marine Park, and these leave from Alonissos’s main town and port, Patatiri. To find out more about the Marine Park, visit the official website of the Alonissos Marine Park Northern Sporades, to give it its full name.
And enjoy this YouTube video of Alonissos:
Other Sporades Pages
Sporades: Travel Information about Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos
The Sporades are the Greek islands of Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros, and this page has information on hotels, restaurants, and what to do.
Skyros in the Sporades Islands of Greece
Travel advice and information on Skyros in the Sporades islands, with details of ferries and flights, and the best things to do on Skyros in Greece.
Skopelos in the Sporades Islands of Greece
Travel advice and information on Skopelos in the Sporades islands, with details of ferries and flights, and the best things to do on Skopelos in Greece.
Skiathos in the Sporades Islands
Travel advice and information on Skiathos in the Sporades islands, with details of ferries and flights, and the best things to do on Skiathos in Greece.
Pictures of Skiathos
This page of pictures of Skiathos in the Sporades by photographer Nick Karvounis will help you decide whether you want to visit this beautiful Greek island.
Northern Greece Guide
The Bradt Guide to Northern Greece is a detailed guide to Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Macedonia, Thrace, The Pelion, The Sporades and the rest of Northern Greece.
Best Things to do on Skiathos
The best things to do on Skiathos include seeing Skiathos Town, enjoying its beautiful beaches, hiking in the forests, and visiting ancient monasteries.
Best Beaches on Skiathos
The best beaches on Skiathos are the best in the Sporades, and some of the best in the Greek islands, ranging from busy and crowded to quiet and remote beaches.
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