THE ISLAND
Discover
Alonissos
Hidden in the heart of the Northern Sporades, Alonissos is one of Greece's most authentic island destinations — a place where crystal-clear waters, pine-covered hills, traditional villages, and a serene atmosphere create an unforgettable experience. Far away from mass tourism, the island offers visitors the opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and discover the true spirit of the Aegean.
WELCOME TO ALONISSOS
Discover an island unlike any other
Alonissos is the quietest and most authentic island of the Northern Sporades — a place where dense pine forests meet incredibly clear waters and the rhythm of life still follows the rhythm of the sea. It attracts travelers seeking something real and rewards them with something unforgettable.
With Europe's largest protected marine area, a 2,400-year-old underwater museum, and beaches accessible only by boat, Alonissos offers deep experiences that few Greek islands can rival—both above and below the sea's surface.
GEOGRAPHY
Where is Alonissos?;
Alonissos is located in the Northern Sporades archipelago in the Aegean Sea, together with Skiathos and Skopelos. Surrounded by small uninhabited islands and protected marine areas, it is considered one of the greenest islands in Greece.
The island is easily accessible by ferry from Volos, Agios Konstantinos, Mantoudi in Evia, Skiathos, and Skopelos, especially during the summer season.
WHERE TO GO
Find your ideal getaway
From picturesque settlements and historic churches to beaches with crystal-clear waters and fascinating museums, every corner of Alonissos reveals a different side of the island waiting for you to explore.
BEACHES
From rare golden sandy beaches to impressive red rocks and white pebbled shores, Alonissos offers crystal-clear, protected waters within a lush pine-covered landscape.
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SETTLEMENTS & VILLAGES
From rare golden sandy beaches to impressive red rocks and white pebbled shores, Alonissos offers crystal-clear, protected waters within a lush pine-covered landscape.
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MUSEUMS
From rare golden sandy beaches to impressive red rocks and white pebbled shores, Alonissos offers crystal-clear, protected waters within a lush pine-covered landscape.
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CHURCHES & MONASTERIES
From rare golden sandy beaches to impressive red rocks and white pebbled shores, Alonissos offers crystal-clear, protected waters within a lush pine-covered landscape.
See more >HISTORY
A brief history of Alonissos
100,000 BC – CLASSICAL ERA
Ancient Roots & Prehistory
Alonissos has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeological finds at Kokkinokastro beach date human presence to the Middle Paleolithic era (100,000 BC), revealing the deep roots of civilization in this archipelago.
During the Classical period, the island was known as Ikos and was famous throughout the Mediterranean for its wine, which was praised by ancient writers. The sunken city and the Classical-era shipwreck near Peristera bear witness to the island's great importance in ancient maritime trade routes.
MEDIEVAL CHRONICLES
Byzantine & Medieval Defense
During the Byzantine period, the island was heavily fortified to cope with raids from the sea. The settlement of Chora, Old Alonissos, developed high on the hill, in a strategic position that allowed the monitoring of the horizon.
Pirates and corsairs posed a constant threat. Therefore, the inhabitants built their stone houses very close to each other, with extremely narrow and winding alleys, creating a natural labyrinth that also functioned as a defensive system. Several Byzantine-era churches survive to this day as witnesses to this historical endurance.
THE BIG CHANGE
Modern History & the 1965 Earthquake
In 1965, a devastating earthquake caused extensive damage to the Old Village, forcing many residents to move to the safer coastal settlement of Patitiri, which evolved into the island's new administrative center.
For decades, much of the Old Town remained in ruins. Since the 1990s, however, the restoration of the old buildings has gradually begun. Today, Old Alonissos has come back to life as a charming settlement with stone-paved alleys, traditional taverns, and panoramic views in every direction.
SUSTAINABILITY & WELLNESS
Alonissos Today: An Ecological Paradise
Today, Alonissos maintains a calm and authentic character, far away from intense tourism development. It has developed a special relationship with ecotourism, organic farming, and wellness traditions connected to nature.
In its protected waters lies the National Marine Park of Alonissos and the Northern Sporades, Europe's largest marine protected area and a vital habitat for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus monachus. On land, a network of 14 marked hiking trails passes through olive groves, pine forests, and old trade routes.
WHAT TO DO
Experience the island in a different way
Discover a world of adventure and exploration. Walk along scenic trails, dive into the protected waters of the Marine Park, sail across the Aegean, and immerse yourself in the authentic rhythm of island life. Each experience reveals a new side of Alonissos.
DIVING & SEABED EXPLORATION
NATURE & WILDLIFE
ROMANTIC GETAWAYS
SAILING & ISLAND TOURING
LOCAL EVENTS