Alonissos

Travel advice and information on Alonissos in the Sporades in the Greek islands, with details of ferries and flights, and the best things to do on 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 in the Sporades Islands of Greece, pinned from https://www.greece-travel-secrets.com/Alonissos.html

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.

Alonissos in the Sporades Islands of Greece, pinned from https://www.greece-travel-secrets.com/Alonissos.html

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.

Our Pick of Greek Islands Guides

Rough-Guide-Greek-Islands-2022.png

Other Sporades Pages

  • The Sporades are the Greek islands of Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros, and this page has information on hotels, restaurants, and what to do.

    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.

  • 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.

    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.

  • 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.

    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.

  • 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.

    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.

  • 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.

    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.

  • The best things to do on Skiathos include seeing Skiathos Town, enjoying its beautiful beaches, hiking in the forests, and visiting ancient monasteries.

    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.

  • 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.

    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.

  • 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.

    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.

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Latest Posts

  1. How Wine Bars Are Redefining Nightlife in Athens

    Wine bars are now a cornerstone of Athenian nightlife, as an international trend goes local with a modern aesthetic and a distinctly Greek personality.

    Read More

  2. 10 Historic Tavernas in Athens and Piraeus

    These places win us over with their authenticity, unpretentious atmosphere, and dishes that, though simple, are crafted with precision and care.

    Read More

  3. Next Stop: Ancient Thessaloniki

    The “open museums” unveiled by the operation of the metro – Guided tours begin in January.

    Read More

  4. Syros: A Culinary Tapestry

    The gastronomic identity of Syros is a blend of romance, nostalgia, and a hint of drama – a rich mosaic of international flavors imbued with urban sophistication.

    Read More

  5. Thessaloniki Metro: A New Era on Track

    Thirty years after the first plans were announced, a new subway system is changing not just how residents get around town but how they experience their city, too.

    Read More

  6. A Day Trip to Mount Parnassos

    Busy schedules don’t always allow for extended getaways, but Mount Parnassos and its enchanting landscapes are perfect for a refreshing day trip.

    Read More

  7. 3 Museums Showcasing Athens’ Industrial Heritage

    Step beyond the well-trodden paths of Athens’ iconic landmarks and explore a different side of the Greek capital by visiting three lesser-known industrial museums.

    Read More

  8. Greece’s November 20 Strike to Disrupt Ferry Services and Public Transport

    A 24-hour nationwide strike is set to disrupt transportation in Athens and travel across Greece on Wednesday, November 20, as public transport and ferry employees join a general strike organized by Gr…

    Read More

  9. Museum of Modern Greek Culture

    A New Cultural Jewel in Plaka

    Read More

  10. Zakynthos: Greek Draft Law Plans Ticket Requirement for Navagio Beach

    Visitors to Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) on the island of Zakynthos will be required to purchase tickets for entrance once it reopens to the public, according to a new draft law proposed by the Gre…

    Read More