Not to be missed in Alonissos
As you may have understood, if you are a nightlife lover, Alonissos will certainly not be for you. It is mainly frequented by families and people who love walking as well as avid discoverers.
In addition to the beaches, the island is very interesting to visit for its villages such as Votsi one kilometer from the capital. In a beautiful natural bay with clear rocks and dotted with umbrella pines, it has typical labyrinthine streets and hidden alleys that intersect between the houses. A central square, the beating heart of the village, a few souvenir shops, small cafes where you can take a break and maybe make friends with the locals and a few typical taverns where you can stop and taste delicious dishes of the classic local cuisine. Its atmosphere is typically Greek like the one that everyone has in their imagination when they think of an Aegean island. Once a simple fishing village, nowadays it has become a must to see when you come to Alonissos also for the spectacular view it offers being on the slopes of the low cliffs with a white color streaked with red. In its small port, during the summer season there are many boats and yachts that dock for the night as well as to have a tasty meal of fresh fish and why not a stop for a few hours on its tiny beach. Votsi village can be reached either on foot from Patitiri in about twenty minutes or with a rental vehicle or a local bus.
Continuing on your pilgrimage you will come across the Steni Vala village about ten kilometers from Patitiri. One of the oldest villages where fishing is still one of the main activities today. Given its morphology and in an inlet, it is so reminiscent of a classic fjord once a favorite refuge for pirates who infested the Greek waters. The road that leads from the capital to Steni Vala has a fantastic panoramic view between woods and olive groves with on the horizon the small uninhabited islands that are part of the Alonissos Marine Natural Park, in particular the Peristera island seems almost separated not from the sea but from a large lake. Few families live in Steni Vala but on the other hand it is very small with only four restaurants where, on the other hand, you eat very well. On the beach of the same name, the Monk Seal Treatment and Rehabilitation Center where orphaned babies are lovingly cared for and helped to get used to their natural environment. For hiking lovers, many paths that will allow you to wander through unspoilt nature until you reach secret coves and enjoy a refreshing swim in clear, crystalline and extraordinarily turquoise waters. Reaching Steni Vale is very easy, if you have a rented vehicle no problem, if you don't have a scooter or a car you can get there by public transport but be careful there are only three trips a day.
Palià Chora or commonly called Chora, ancient capital of Alonissos. A postcard landscape with its immaculate white houses peeping out over the green hill, narrow and impervious stairs and streets, churches from the Byzantine era, delightful cafes and taverns where you can stop and be in peace with yourself and shops where you will also find natural medicines made with native herbs according to a very long local tradition. The sunset from this position is something impressive, nowhere else in Alonissos will you see one so beautiful! Located about three kilometers from Patitiri just behind a hill, it has an ancient heart dating back to 700 BC and with a fortress from 2800 BC, the so called Kastro which today retains the two access doors. And yet the Governor's palace at the time of Venetian domination and the Kasarma the bulwark just where the walls begin. Three small churches to go and see, the Church of Christo in the main square with enchanting 17th century frescoes, the Church of Agios Athanassios near the 12th century fortress and finally the Church of Agios Georgios with a magnificent view of the sea and the surrounding landscape . To get to the Chora there are several ways that you can choose. With a rental vehicle, with the local bus, on the back of a donkey that leaves from Patitiri through an enchanted path among the trees (but also not poor critters.) or with a beautiful and healthy walk on foot.
And don't we want to go feast our eyes in the Marine Park? With an area of about 2200 square kilometers, it is considered the largest in Europe and its purpose is to be able to give future generations an uncontaminated environment of animal and plant species in danger of extinction. It was only made official in 1992 while in reality the commitment for the protection of the waters and the territory already began in 1970. The Marine Park, however, does not only deal with defending the environment, it also takes care of the historical and archaeological heritage of the whole area. Some areas are accessible, others totally closed to visitors and therefore only appreciable from afar with a boat. To be able to visit it every day, excursions leave from Patitiri, don't miss them!
And here we are at the Kalambakia village heading north on the east coast twelve kilometers from the capital. Last inhabited village of Alonissos immersed in a wild and virgin nature with a tiny port and a few houses facing the Peristera Island and the two uninhabited islets called the Two Brothers. People come here mainly to stuff themselves with lobster or crab spaghetti as the only four families that have the monopoly of Kalambakia deal with fishing and catering. Here, to get there, you must necessarily have your own transport because there is not even a shadow of public transport.
Patitiri where you arrive when you decide to visit Alonissos for your holidays in Greece. It is in a south-easterly direction and all the boats for the Sporades Archipelago leave from here. A small modern town since it was born after the terrible earthquake that destroyed the Chora with windows and balconies embellished with colorful flowers, whitewashed streets and whose name derives from the word press as in ancient times the production of wine was very important . Patitiri is embraced by a luxuriant pine forest while for beach lovers, a small pebbled coast will give you moments of relaxation. Here you will find various accommodation options and it could very well be your base from which to discover the whole island. Don't forget to drop by the Alonissos Women's Association where a few ladies gather who produce handicraft products such as succulent olives, savory pies such as the famous and disputed Tyropita and sweets prepared according to ancient recipes. A beautiful initiative that serves above all to pass on traditions from generation to generation so as never to forget one's origins.
A visit to the MOM Mediterranean Monk Seal is a must in Alonissos. For lovers of the sea and the environment, this marvelous information center was founded in 1990 and deals with safeguarding seals to continue their species which is now almost on the verge of extinction. There is a lot of information and a rich photographic material which will lead you to the discovery of this curious little animal which is important for the marine environment. During the summer months, programs are organized to make children especially aware of how to protect the environment with interactive activities ranging from theatrical performances to treasure hunts as well as a well-stocked library with over 1300 books where you can learn many interesting things. The center is open to the public from May to September.