Alonissos is a narrow, wooded island in the Sporades, east of Skopelos. In 1992 the National Marine Park of Alonissos and the Northern Sporades was created here, Greece's largest marine protected area, covering Alonissos and a string of uninhabited islets (Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Gioura, Piperi). The park protects the Mediterranean monk seal, one of Europe's rarest marine mammals, as well as dolphins, Eleonora's falcons and seabirds. Boat trips, regulated by the park, cruise among the islands; seeing a seal is rare, as they are shy.
The old Chora (Palia Alonissos), on the hill, was abandoned after the 1965 earthquake and then restored by Greeks and foreigners: today it is a village of stone houses with sea views. The port and main village is Patitiri. Off Peristera lies a 5th-century BC wreck laden with amphorae, one of Greece's first underwater museums, visited by divers with licensed guides.
Beaches: Agios Dimitrios, Leftos Gialos, Chrysi Milia, Kokkinokastro, with crystal-clear water. A network of trails crosses the island.
Getting there
Ferries from Volos and Agios Konstantinos via Skiathos and Skopelos; from Skiathos airport continue by boat.
See also Skopelos and nature in Greece.