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ALONISSOS - ΑΛΟΝΝΗΣΟΣ - ALONNISOS

Why buy a house in Alonissos? 

In the middle of the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea, off the eastern coast of mainland Greece lie the North Sporades Islands; Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros and Alonissos. ALONISSOS - ALONNISOS is a naturalist paradise, – an island for the discerning – island living at its natural best. There are also two 'naturist' beaches should one want to be totally immersed in the beauty! 

Alonissos has not been affected by the onslaught of mass tourism like so many islands. Its small population of less than 2,000 live mainly in Patitiri, Votsi and the picturesque old village of Alonissos high up the hill, known as Chora. 

 

I moved to live on Alonissos in 2015, after visiting the year before for the very first time, since then I have never looked back. We fell in love with the island instantly, and purchased a small house in the old village the same year. Since then I have helped a number people buy their dream on the island. 

 

Alonissos is a tranquil unspoilt evergreen island of some 64km² with hilly landscape covered in pine forest, tamarisk, fig trees, olive and almond groves. The island is a paradise for swimmers, divers, artists and walkers with scores of tracks meandering through the fragrant pine woods to idyllic coves and beaches.

 

Walk up to the lovely Byzantine old village of Alonissos (Chora) along the donkey track from Patitiri where the views of the island and the Aegean Sea are stunning, especially at sunrise and sunset. Chora is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, stone steps and pretty alleyways. Once abandoned, the village is now full of life again. Most of the empty properties have now been restored as private homes by musicians, artists, poets and writers of various nationalities, so there is a real cosmopolitan feel to the place. In Alonissos you will find a wonderful sense of peace and tranquility. Most of the old village (Chora) is impassable to traffic and rambling along the ancient paths you can delight in the tiny, carefully tended gardens and courtyards of the restored houses and the wild flowers that grow unabashed from those ruined buildings still lying abandoned. Chora has several really good traditional tavernas, snack bars and cocktail bars with unbelievable views. There is also a supermarket and several gift shops.

 

In the many harbours with crystal-clear waters, you will find gaily coloured caiques, ferries, visiting tourist boats and yacht flotillas sailing around the nearby islands. Patitiri is also the island’s liveliest spot. The harbour is lined by waterfront tavernas where the sea food is exceptionally good. You can sit and eat lobster, octopus and enormous prawns, often baked with cheese and tomatoes, and drink inexpensive wines whilst watching the yachts mingle with the fishing boats. Patitiri has several small hotels, a medical centre, chemists, small supermarkets, a variety of boutiques together with; bakers, butchers, fruit and vegetable grocers, a bank, police office, doctors, dentist and a friendly multilingual priest. There is a local seasonal bus service, taxis, vehicle hire and various craft shops. Hiring boats is easy too - you can either pilot your own or if you wish I will gladly take you round and show you all the main spots including the famous 'Blue Cave' and the neighbouring island of Peristera.

 

The sea around Alonissos has been declared a National Marine Park, the largest marine conservation area in Europe, where all human intervention is forbidden. Yachts and caiques sail between the seven uninhabited surrounding islands, which are now the sanctuary of dolphins, the protected monk seal, turtles, the Eleonora falcon and the last of Europe’s original wild goats. The beautiful island of Alonissos is the perfect choice for anyone who looks forward to, day after day of sun-filled seclusion.

 

Why Alonissos?
I chose Alonissos for my only home for many reasons. The first is that the whole area is of outstanding natural beauty that remains safe from the dangers of mass tourism. The island is ideally located – just far enough from the mainland to deter mainstream tourists; the neighbouring island, Skiathos, already has an international airport, so the likelihood of one being built on Alonissos is remote.

 

Beaches & Sport
Alonissos is famous for its wonderful beaches and many coves that attracts swimmers, snorkelers and divers. Wherever you go, the warm crystal-clear waters are perfect for recreational swimming – and if you fancy wind-surfing, sailing, or water- skiing, these are available from the beaches at Marpounta where you can also hire canoes.  

 

Places of Interest
The remains of the ancient city walls, pot shards, tombstones and graves can be seen at Kokkino Kastro. It is thought to be the site of ancient Ikos. There are ruins of an unknown ancient city at Agios-Dimitrios; and at Agios Petros there is a sunken Byzantine ship (1200 AD). On the island of Gioura you can sail into the legendary Cave of the Cyclop’s, decorated with varicoloured stalactites and stalagmites. Psathoura has remains of an ancient city, most of which lie submerged, for those who enjoy swimming beneath the water the spectacle is unforgettable.

 

The Seasons
Spring time is ideal if you enjoy walking or painting. The spring flowers and migratory birds are an unforgettable sight – colour and the smell of fresh herbs is everywhere.

June, July and August are the hottest months, but temperatures are tempered by cooling breezes of the Meltemi (a prevailing northerly wind). It’s a time for cool drinks in the shade, and enjoying the peace and quiet, and living out doors all day – and the evening too, with charcoal fires in the early dusk cooking your favourite dish whilst you open something chilled from the fridge!

September is cooler, but the sea still remains warm enough for good swimming. When the summer season finally subsides, October sees a lapse into tranquil village life. The autumn and winter months are wonderful for walking, beach-combing and really getting to know your neighbour’s and the local people.

 

Getting to Alonissos. 
Off the beaten tourist track it may be, but Alonissos is certainly not the forgotten island of The Sporades. The island is served by several ferry boats and fast hydrofoils per day from the mainland ports of Agios Konstantinos and Volos, both connected by bus to Athens. Direct international charter flights land on the nearby island of Skiathos for the one- hour hydrofoil cruise to Patitiri.