Alonissos

Holidays In Alonissos

Some twenty minutes walk to the north of Patitiri is the delightful, and very pretty, fishing harbour of Votsi, its clear waters and pretty pebble beach backed by cliffs and pines. Votsi has a traditional, generally sleepy village atmosphere, a handful of own small shops and some good tavernas, which come alive in the evenings. Walk back over the headland towards Patitiri and you will come to the beach at Rossoum which has some good tavernas of its own.

Old Alonissos, high above Patitiri, has the best views. It is certainly very picturesque and holds particular appeal for artists, writers and walkers. Abandoned in the 1960’s, the old houses are now largely restored. The village now has a dozen tavernas (some very good and with stunning views), a pizzeria, several cafés and bars and two minimarkets. Old Alonissos has a bus link to Patitiri (up to ten times daily in high season), which can also be reached on foot in about 45 minutes via a goat track. The island’s four taxis will also take you inexpensively between the two. You can walk down the hillside to the beach of Megalo Mourtia in about half-an-hour. Due to the hilly location a stay in Old Alonissos would not be suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

The seas and coastline around Alonissos have been designated a National Marine Park, set up to protect the indigenous Monk Seal. You can visit it by organised boat trip. The pretty fishing harbour of Steni Vala is on the edge of the park – very peaceful with four authentic local tavernas plus a couple of cafés and a minimarket. A dive centre is now also based at Steni Vala.

Alonissos is a quiet, very beautiful island which is quite happy to remain off the main tourist path. Largely traditional, it would suit those looking for an unhurried holiday in natural surroundings, fine views, good swimming – there are some fine beaches up the east coast – and walking.