Alonissos, a hidden gem in the northern Sporades, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, and is one of the perfect late-summer destinations. Known for its pristine landscapes and rich history, this Greek island is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic and tranquil escape, away from the more crowded tourist spots in Greece.
The Greek island of Alonissos was one of the top travel destinations according to National Geographic Travel. The idyllic island was specifically chosen as the leading voice in travel and exploration in an aim to highlight sustainable and climate-friendly tourism.
Alonissos is located in the northern Sporades, an archipelago situated in the Aegean Sea off the coast of eastern Greece near Volos. The island is easily accessible by high-speed ferries that depart from the port at the nearby city.
The many sun-soaked beaches, traditional villages, and ancient sites make Alonissos a perfect destination for families, nature lovers, and those fascinated by Greece’s history.
Chora, the town, is situated atop a tall hill that overlooks the Aegean Sea and the island’s many areas of stunning natural beauty. Chora was once the capital of the island before it faced destruction from an earthquake in 1965.
After the disastrous quake destroyed many buildings in the town, many of the residents of Alonissos moved down to the seaside village of Patitiri, full of colorful houses and traditional fishing boats, which is now the capital and main port of the island.
Although there are villas, holiday rentals, and hotels around the island, the majority of these are found in Patitiri and the island’s old town of Chora.
Patitiri is home to the Alonissos Museum, where the history of the island is recorded through rooms full of authentic objects that outline the daily life of its residents throughout the years, such as a housewife and a sandal maker.
Local folkloric customs, traditional dress, and crafts are highlighted in the museum’s exhibits, providing visitors a peek into the local history and traditions of the unique island.
Alonissos home to Mediterranean Monk Seal
Known for its breathtaking landscapes, where lush, green forests extend to touch the shores of crystalline, green-blue waters, Alonissos is also home to one of the largest populations of the critically-endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus Monachus).
The Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, MOm, tasked with the study and protection of the precious seal population, has its headquarters along the Patitiri waterfront.
According to recent studies, biologists believe that there are only seven hundred Mediterranean monk seals left. Animal lovers can support MOm’s mission by adopting a seal or purchasing merchandise with the profits going to research and protection efforts.
In order to preserve the rapidly decreasing population of this majestic seal, the National Marine Park of Alonnisos and the Northern Sporades, the largest marine protected area in Europe, was created in 1992.
The stunning underwater archaeological site of Peristera
Located near the protected waters of Alonissos is the famed underwater archaeological site of Peristera, a tiny islet just off the main island, featuring a preserved shipwreck that has been called “the Parthenon of shipwrecks.”
The site has thankfully remained perfectly preserved since its discovery by a fisherman in 1985, primarily due to the Marine Park’s protected status.
A large merchant ship from 425 BC, possibly originating from Athens, capsized as it was carrying a shipment of wine in amphorae from the city of Mendi, located in Chalkidiki, which was known for its wine in antiquity.
Amazingly, visiting divers can still make out the contours of the massive ship, thought to be one of the most important ancient wrecks currently known, through the thousands of amphorae that cover the sea floor at the site.
If visitors want to learn to dive in order to explore the site of Peristera or the protected waters of Alonissos, there are many dive centers that offer courses from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) even at the beginner level.
Access to the site is not limited to those who know how to scuba dive, however, as visitors are able to explore the shipwreck in the sea’s depths through virtual reality in the island’s main town.
Sustainable Tourism and Environmental Conservation on Alonissos
- Marine Protected Areas: The establishment of the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades has been pivotal in protecting endangered species, such as the Mediterranean monk seal. This conservation initiative is a model for other regions.
- Eco-Friendly Tourism: The local community has embraced eco-friendly practices, promoting low-impact tourism activities like hiking, snorkeling, and responsible wildlife watching, which allow visitors to experience the island’s beauty without harming the environment.
- Recognition and Awards: Alonissos has been featured in several international travel guides as a top destination for sustainable tourism, further boosting its profile among environmentally conscious travelers.
The natural beauty and cultural heritage of the island have remained pristine and preserved, and, although it has so much to offer, Alonissos is relatively unknown outside of Greece, especially compared to islands such as Santorini or Mykonos.
This makes Alonissos the perfect Greek island for travelers who are looking for a traditional, low-key experience during their holiday in Greece.
