Alonnisos ecology laid back holiday| travel.gr

Recently getting first place in the London Times’ list of “Top 25 Lesser-Known Greek Islands”, Alonnisos is a haven ideal for nature-lovers, especially outdoorsy travellers seeking old-school holiday tranquillity, quaint villages, beautiful swims, cultural expeditions and delectable local cuisine. It’s perfect for excursions to rich historical sites, laid back family holidays on scenic sandy beaches with warm, shallow waters, and invigorating hikes along trails weaving through lush landscapes and pretty coastlines with arresting views.

When thinking of Alonnisos, its impressive National Marine Park usually comes to mind. Established in 2003, it is home to the Monachus Monachus Mediterranean monk seal and a multifaceted variety of rare flora and fauna, which attract visitors of all ages from around the world. Numerous species of animals live in the area, harmoniously coexisting with the people who look after and visit this beautiful and vital habitat.

Following years of challenges, local authorities managed to generate an effective stratergy to globally identify Alonissos as the alluring eco-destination that it is. Indeed, when in 2015 Alonnisos took the pioneering decision to completely ban the use of plastic bag on the island, it set an example that has reverberated throughout Greece. In more recent ears, the island has gained a deeper recognition for its natural beauty and delightful old style, unspoilt charm. Meanwhile, in 2025, travel guide Lonely Planet has named Alonissos the 23 best destinations for solo travelers.

01 The Island & its History

The island is ideal for outdoor, nature-based activities like cycling, kayaking, sailing and hiking. You can rent gear and receive training by highly skilled instructors. In addition, if you’d like to discover the hidden beauties of Alonnisos, you can rent a boat and explore the other nearby Sporades islands or, alternatively, take an organised day cruise.

Alonnisos Underwater Museum is ideal for skilled swimmers who love diving. It is located across from Alonnisos, near the island Peristera, at about a 30 meter depth. The Underwater Museum opened in 2020 and is considered the oldest and most important shipwreck open to the public in the world. It’s one of the largest Classical era shipwrecks, 30m long and 10m wide, and is estimated to weigh more than 150 tonnes. It dates back to approximately 425-450 BC and its size suggests it was among the largest merchant ships of its time, which is said to have been carrying around 3,000 wine amphorae from Skopelos. The museum is open to recreational divers, who can explore the site with the guidance of an experienced, certified diver. Be aware that to be able to dive at the museum you need to at least be an Advanced Open Water Diver.

The National Marine Park of Alonnisos and Northern Sporades is the largest marine park in Europe, and can be visited by boat. Opened in 2003, it is home to the Mediterranean Monk Seal and many other protected species. More than 80 bird species and 300 fish species, as well as various animals and reptiles, with the Mediterranean monk seal being the most prominent among them, live at the Marine Park. The Mediterranean monk seals live in sea caves along the rocky coast, but it’s not certain you’ll see one. It’s more probable that you’ll see dolphins playing in the sea. A tour of the park usually includes visits to secluded beaches that are not accessible by land. During your tour, you’ll also visit the small neighbouring islands, each one a unique experience:

Kira-Panagia, also known as Pelagonisi, is the largest uninhabited island of the National Marine Park of Alonnisos and Northern Sporades. It’s named after the monastery of Geniseos tis Theotokou that is located at its top.

The second largest island in the Marine Park, Peristera has two natural harbours, Peristeri and Vasiliko, and it also is home to many lovely beaches.

Skantzoura is an islet located between Alonnisos and Skyros and home to seagulls and Eleonora’s falcons. There was a fortress there during Hellenistic times, and there are ruins of farm houses. At the island’s tallest spot, there’s an abandoned monastery with an amazing view.

Psathoura, a volcanic island with low vegetation is reachable via a short swim. Visit to admire the wild beauty of its beach, since the golden sand is scattered with volcanic rocks. In addition, there’s an impressive 29m tall 19th century lighthouse on the island.

Alonissos is great for hiking. There’s a widespread trail network on the island, covering almost the entirety of the island, except the very rough, inaccessible northern part. The routes through thick vegetation, scattered with chapels, and with amazing sea views, make the hikes a one-of-a-kind experience. One stunning route we recommend is the Kastanorema Gorge, at the northeast part of Alonnisos.

The Historical and Folklore Museum is housed in an impressive stone building in Patitiri. On the first floor, ancient Greek heirlooms, guns, and objects found in warships and pirate ships are on display. You can also see traditional everyday objects and various tools, like a barber’s razor and an olive press, as well as traditional costumes.

Alonissos is also home to the International Academy of Classical Homeopathy, where medicine students and other health professionals travel from across the globe to receive training from the godfather of homeopathy, Professor George Vithoulkas and work towards acquiring a Classical Homeopathy Diploma.

04 Gastronomy & Top Restaurants

Alonissos is a foodie’s paradise. The flavours you’ll find here are unpretentious and authentic, with freshly sourced local and seasonal ingredients offered up in various flavoursome dishes. The famous white Alalunga Alonnisos tuna, prepared at almost every tavern on the island, the fresh fish, lobsters, langoustines and shrimp straight from the fishing boats are some of the island’s characteristic delicacies, while fish soup and lobster pasta is available almost everywhere. Alonissos’ local pies (pittes) are very popular, mostly prepared in a pan (octopus pie, cheese pie, twisted spinach pie). The “hamalia” a wedding dessert, is an almond cookie wrapped in filo and sprinkled with sugar, with lemon or bitter orange flavour, spiced with cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. Other traditional desserts include fouskakia (fried dough balls) and soultana (a type of custard pie). Alonissos’ winemaking culture may have died down, but its modern winemakers continue to produce small quantities of wine for private consumption from the Roditis, Vradiano, Limnio, Mavrokountoura (Mandilaria) and Moschato grape varieties.