Alonissos: the quiet Sporades island and its monk seal marine park
Alonissos is the quietest of the Northern Sporades: a green island with exceptionally clear water, at the heart of a national marine park protecting the Mediterranean monk seal.
- A national marine park was created around Alonissos in 1992, an important habitat for the Mediterranean monk seal.
- Ferries arrive at Patitiri. From Volos the crossing takes about 3–5 hours (about €30); from Skopelos there are sailings all year, 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.
- The nearest airport is on Skiathos. The Old Village (Chora) was damaged in a 1965 earthquake and has since been restored.
Alonissos suits anyone after quiet, nature and boat trips rather than nightlife. Combine it with Skopelos or Skiathos and give a day to a marine park cruise.
Alonissos, Greece: what kind of island?
Alonissos is one of the Northern Sporades in the Aegean, east of Skopelos. It is smaller and quieter than its neighbours, with pine forests and clear bays, and is best known for the marine park around it.
Alonissos marine park
According to Wikipedia and Greeka, the National Marine Park of Alonissos and the Northern Sporades was created in 1992 around Alonissos and its neighbouring islets. It was Greece's first marine park, and its main aim is to protect the Mediterranean monk seal, one of Europe's rarest marine mammals.
Most visitors experience the park on a day cruise from the port, sailing between small islands with swim stops in exceptionally clear water. Seeing a seal is down to luck: they are shy and keep away from boats. Some protected zones have restricted access, so go with a licensed operator.
Patitiri and the Old Village
Patitiri is the port and main settlement, with most hotels, restaurants and shops; most visitors stay here or nearby.
Chora, or the Old Village, sits on a hill above the port. According to Wikipedia, the 1965 earthquake badly damaged it and most residents moved to Patitiri. In recent decades many houses have been restored and the village has come back to life: stone lanes, sea-view restaurants and lovely sunsets.
Alonissos beaches
According to Greeka, highlights include Agios Dimitrios, a white-pebble beach with turquoise water in the north-east, and Chrissi Milia, a sandy beach that suits families. Many beaches are small and ringed by pines, and some can only be reached by dirt track or boat.
How to get to Alonissos
Alonissos has no airport. According to Ferries in Greece:
| From | Crossing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Volos | about 3–5 hours | about €30 |
| Skopelos | 30 minutes to 1.5 hours | sailings all year |
| Skiathos | nearest airport | continue by ferry |
From Israel, the usual route is to fly to Skiathos, or to Athens or Thessaloniki and travel to Volos, then continue by sea. On the departure points: Volos, Skopelos and Skiathos.
How many days, and when?
Three or four days cover a marine park cruise, the Old Village and a few beaches. June and September are pleasant and quiet. August is busier, but the island stays calm compared with others. Out of season many businesses close and ferries are fewer.
Who is it for?
Couples and families who love nature, snorkelling and boat trips. If you want nightlife or big attractions, Skiathos is a better fit. To combine with the mainland: Pelion guide.
FAQ
When was the Alonissos marine park created? In 1992. It was Greece's first marine park and mainly protects the Mediterranean monk seal.
How do you get to Alonissos? By ferry: about 3–5 hours from Volos, or from Skopelos and Skiathos, which has the nearest airport.
Can you see seals on Alonissos? Sometimes, on a marine park cruise. They are shy, so there is no guarantee.
Where should you stay on Alonissos? Usually in Patitiri, near the port. For atmosphere and views, choose the Old Village.
