Greece is one of the most popular travel destinations for sun-seeking Brits, but visiting the popular islands mid-summer can often be a nightmare.
Busy streets and hiked-up prices are just two of the factors to consider. However, this little-known island is a tranquil paradise offering visitors an authentic Greek experience without the crowds and the hefty price tag.
Alonnisos is a little-known island in Greece that is ideal for travellers who want to unwind, enjoy leisurely walks through pine forests, olive groves, and orchards, and swim in protected, crystal-clear waters. Nestled in the Aegean Sea, the island is merely 20 kilometres long by four kilometres wide and is a sun-seeker’s paradise.
When arriving on this lush island, you’ll most likely encounter Patitiri, the picturesque harbour and the island’s new capital. This little town boasts a stunning, stone-paved waterfront reminiscent of a set from Mamma Mia.
Patriti is the most populated town on the island. Residents of the neighbouring village, Chora, built the harbour town. Chora was initially the island’s capital, but after a devastating earthquake in 1965, all its residents fled to Patitiri.
Colourful houses line the streets in Patitiri and the surrounding hills. Many local homes boast flower balconies and beautiful verandas, creating iconic photo opportunities. Narrow whitewashed streets and stairs give this little harbour a unique atmosphere, further enhanced by the crystalline emerald waters and rock marble formations.
Patitiri is a great little town to unwind and spend days by the beach. Spend a day soaking up the sun and enjoying lunch at one of the beachfront cafes.
Nature enthusiasts can experience this serene haven by exploring the National Marine Park of Alonissos and the Northern Sporades. Founded in 2003, it is Greece’s first and largest protected marine zone, spanning 2,260 square kilometres of sea.
The marine national park protects a diverse ecosystem, including the Mediterranean monk seal. Visitors can enjoy swimming and diving in crystal clear waters, and getting up close with dolphins and seals.
The island is also home to the Alonnisos Underwater Museum, which hosts the oldest and one of the most historic shipwrecks dating back to 425-450 BC. Its size suggests it was among the largest merchant ships of its time, and it is said to have carried around 3,000 wine amphorae from Skopelos.
For those who prefer an on-land holiday, there are beautiful hikes across the island. Visitors can walk through ruins, watch towers, see vestiges of churches and monasteries, and the rubble of settlements destroyed by natural disasters and waves of invaders.
Aloninisos is committed to protecting the environment. In 2015, the little island made headlines as it was the first to ban plastic bags. This decision encouraged many other Mediterranean islands to do the same. So next time you want a beach holiday without the crowds, visit Alonnisos.
At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Notice.
