Alonissos – Enjoy nature
An island who covered in lush vegetation and the many small beaches are hidden in coves surrounded by forest. It is the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday. Even in the high tourist season, Alonissos manages to maintain its calm and relaxed charm. Come to Alonnisos to Enjoy Nature.
Where it is located
One of the most beautiful and for alternative tourism, Greek islands of the Aegean Sea, Alonissos. Located east of mainland Greece, northeast of Evia and northwest of the island of Skyros. Alonnisos is the fourth member of the Northern Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros). It is 3 km east of Skopelos.
The island of Alonissos is the most distant of the Northern Sporades complex. And the only inhabited one in the main area of the Sporades National Marine Park, created in 1992. It is a refuge for rare birds and especially the Mediterranean seal monachus monachus.
Island Tour
The first thing that the visitor to Alonissos sees is the picturesque Patitiri, port and capital of the island. It took its name from the wine presses, when the main occupation of the locals was viticulture.
You should definitely visit Chora. It is the capital of Alonissos and the most picturesque village of the island. It is located on top of a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea. From here you can enjoy both the Sunset and the Sunrise. Chora alone is a good reason to visit the island. Along with Chora, the countryside of the island has many beautiful villages, such as the seaside Votsi, Steni Vala and Russum Gialos. These hamlets are all ideal for families and couples.
Beach Guide
Sea lovers will not be disappointed in Alonissos: lacy shores with emerald waters. Almost all beaches in Alonissos are pebbly. Except for Chrysi Milia beach, which is sandy and shallow, making it ideal for families with children. Some of the beaches you should visit are Gialia, Megalos Murtias, Steni Vala, Kokkinokastro, Milia, Marpounda, Agios Dimitrios and Levtos Gyalos. All beaches of rare beauty with easy access. Ideally you should see the island’s beaches by boat. Rent a boat from the best, Wind Boat Rent, and live unique moments!
Myths
Ikos, as Alonissos was known in antiquity, had as its first settler Staphylos, son of Dionysus and Ariadne. Which refers to the constant relationship of the island with viticulture. Amphorae with the IKION inscription were exported to the ends of the world attesting to the significant production of wine on the island during ancient times.
The tradition that the tomb of Achilles’ father, Peleus, was on Alonissos was the reason for the island being named Achilliodromia. The name was preserved with many corruptions until modern times (Khiliodromia, Liadromia, Diadromia).
History
Beyond the myth, Alonissos was one of the first Aegean islands to be inhabited, as evidenced by the traces of the Neolithic settlement at Cape Kokkinokastro. While in the neighboring Jura, the human presence reaches up to the 9th millennium BC. (Cave of Cyclops). And how could it happen otherwise, when the channel of Alonissos was an ancient sea passage, From here passed the Argo of Jason on the way to Colchis, as well as the ships of the Achaeans to Troy. The numerous shipwrecks of the classical and Byzantine times that have been discovered confirm the important value of the island for navigation. In fact, travelers in recent times such as Buondelmonti in 1420, report that its inhabitants often guided the ships on their way with various signs.