Should I spend my holidays in Alonissos? Is it worth it?
Like every island in Greece, Alonissos is a beautiful destination for sea diving, sunbathing and relaxation.
So yes, it is worth it and more!
Or rather, we will de-regulate the reasons and the beauties of the island and the choice is entirely yours!
Blessed with rugged natural landscapes and surrounded by small islands scattered in the sea,
Alonissos is an island ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy leisure walks
surrounded by pine forests, olive groves and orchards.
The island is the most remote from the island complex of the Northern Sporades and hosts
the National Marine Park of Northern Sporades, a refuge for rare seabirds, dolphins
and the Mediterranean monk seal monachus monachus.
The sights of the island.
Once you arrive on the island you will find Patitiri, the picturesque port and the capital of the island with the beautiful
paved waterfront named after the wine presses used by the locals,
who were engaged in winemaking.
Chora is the old capital of the island.
A medieval castle offering a magnificent view of the sea, stone houses with lovely courtyards, narrow cobbled streets
and a series of churches encompasses the essence of a typical Greek island village.
A path from Chora leads to the church of Agioi Anargyroi,
where you can enjoy a wonderful walk in the dense pine forest.
In Milia, in an idyllic green location, you will find the International Academy of Homeopathy, which is still alive and kicking.
the deeply rooted and beloved tradition of folk medicine, thanks to the miraculous herbs that grow on the island.
Sea lovers will also find in Alonissos beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters
(Megalos Mourtias, Steni Vala, Milia, Golden Milia, Marpounta) that promise to offer you unforgettable moments
of peace and tranquility.
A nice idea is to take a day on a boat trip and explore the uninhabited islands
around the National Park.
Events of the island
During the summer, check out all the not-to-be-missed celebrations, such as the traditional wedding on August 15th or the traditional wedding on August 15th.
the representation of the harvest in July.
Have a taste of pure, local specialties: cheese pie, baked figs with honey, kakavia (fish soup) and walnut pie.
And don’t forget to buy some “fuskakia” (traditional doughnuts), “hamalia” (triangular crust sweets filled with a mixture of ground almonds, honey, cinnamon and nutmeg)
and almonds so that you can offer your loved ones back home!
Myths and History
The first inhabitant of “Ikos” (as the island was called in antiquity) was Staphylos, son of Dionysus and Ariadne.
The legend demonstrates the strong links of the island with viticulture from antiquity until today.
In ancient times, urns were stamped with the word “Icon” and exported throughout the ancient world,
confirming the fact that the island was an excellent wine-producing region.
According to legend, the burial of Peleus, the father of Achilles, took place in Alonissos.
Therefore, this is the reason why the second name of the island is “Achillionodromia”.
Different versions of this name have survived over the years: ‘Sunways’, ‘Liarodromia’, ‘Diadromia’.
Finally, Alonissos was one of the first inhabitable islands of the Aegean,
as indicated by the remains of Neolithic settlements found at Cape Kokkinokastro.
