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Did you know that Alonissos Island in Greece holds the title of Europe’s largest marine park, is home to Greece’s first underwater museum, and has been named a hidden gem and crowd-free paradise by multiple travel publications?
Probably not! Which is why despite its growing popularity, Alonissos retains its charm and laid-back attitude.
How is that possible?
One reason lies in its size; another could be the multitude of beaches, while a third is the wide variety of activities travelers can enjoy.
While a lot of people go to nearby Skiathos and Skopelos, I think you should give Alonissos a try.
Especially if you’re looking for a laid back Greek island.
Here is a comprehensive overview of the best things to do in Alonissos when you’re visiting in 2026.
💭 I update guides like this regularly rather than rewriting them from scratch, so you’re always working with the most up-to-date information. If there’s something you think I’ve missed, feel free to reach out — I’ll either reply in the comments or update the guide. The prices here are updated for 2026.
🥳 TESTED TOP PICKS FOR GREECE
- 🚌 Airport transfer: Athens to City Centre — guide to cheapest options from Athens Airport
⛴️ Ferry tickets: There are a lot of ferry providers but I prefer Ferry Scanner for their simple UI. (You’ll need one to reach Alonissos)
- 📱Grab an eSIM to stay connected from Airalo
Alonissos is accessible by ferry from the mainland and neighboring islands. The nearest airports are Skiathos and Volos, where you can catch a ferry to Alonissos. During peak season, ferries operate frequently from Volos, Agios Konstantinos, and the nearby islands of Skiathos and Skopelos. The journey from Volos to Alonissos takes around 4-5 hours, offering scenic views of the Aegean Sea.
Another option is to catch a direct fast ferry from Thessaloniki in northern Greece. This was the option I chose for my first visit to the island. The ferry from Thessaloniki takes approximately 4 hours and is reasonably priced considering peak season rates.
🚗 Alonissos is not a big island, but public transport is not good, you’ll need a vehicle to get around, or you’ll be stuck around the main port area.
I usually recommend booking through platforms like Discover Cars, which takes some of the stress, questions, and uncertainty when it comes to insurance, paperwork, and coverage.
But for Alonissos, you’ll also want to check out scooter and ATV rentals. If you’re a good driver. The roads here are windy, and have weird inclines, so you need to go SLOW.
🚙 CAR
- The road network is not perfect but allows easy driving between most beaches, villages, and attractions, with only small parts that are gravel. All car rental services are in Patitiri, the main port town.
🚌 BUS
- Alonissos has a very limited but useful bus service connecting Patitiri with a few major villages and beaches. Buses are a cost-effective option for those who prefer not to drive. You can find the bus schedule, bus stop, and information as soon as you arrive at the port. The times and routes vary during peak and off-season.
🛵 ATV or SCOOTER
ATV or Scooter
- It was my first time renting an ATV, and I found Alonissos a great island to explore on four wheels. Many locals also use ATVs as their mode of transport. If you haven’t driven an ATV before, be cautious of potholes, sharp turns, or steep roads.
15 Awesome Things to do in Alonnisos
You’re in for a treat, I managed to have a full week of fun, on a reasonable budget. Here are some of my favorite things to do.
Visit some of the beaches
One of the things I loved the most about Alonissos is how easy it is to get to a good beach. Compared to other Greek islands, you don’t need a boat tour or 4×4 to get to beautiful spots without the crowds.
I managed to visit quite a few of the beaches on the island in my last trip, and you can find the full guide to Alonissos beaches here.
Most of them have pebbles (rather than sand) but the surroundings lush vegetation and trees create the most magical setting.
My two favorite are Agios Dimitrios and Kokkinokastro Beach especially during sunset. I’m also partial to Gerakas beach on the north part of the island because it’s very secluded and relaxing.
Explore the villages
The main village on the island where the port is located, is called Patitiri. Here is where you will come to organize your car rental and any boat tours. It also has a lot of nice restaurants and some interesting spots to walk around.
Patitiri
Patitiri, the main port town, is where most things happen. There are plenty of narrow streets, hidden spots, shops, and viewpoints to explore. What I liked most about the port is that it feels laid-back compared to other islands and doesn’t experience a mad rush of activity, even when the ferry arrives.
Don’t forget to wander around the Patitiri waterfront to book your boat tour. Most travel and tour operators are also based in Patitiri. Some are not easy to find or book online, so checking them out in person, if possible, is best.
Votsi
I love Votsi. Just a 10-minute drive north from Patitiri, or a 5-minute boat ride if you’re exploring by water, Votsi is a quaint fishing village with charming hillside houses and a serene harbor where yachts and local boats dock. I also recommend considering Votsi for your accommodation. The small beach in Votsi is a great spot for snorkeling or sunbathing. This is also where I stayed (with a great view of this little harbor pictured below).
In Votsi, you’ll find a couple of excellent restaurants:
- Dendrolimano
- Panoulis
For a bit of adventure, make your way to the cave behind the harbor stones.
Steni Vala
Steni Vala is another charming fishing village that is known for two things: sailing and great seafood. Yachts, catamarans, and other vessels frequently dock here, making it a perfect spot to dine, swim, and enjoy the peaceful bay. Although the village is small, it’s worth strolling around before settling in for lunch or dinner. We chose Tassia’s Cooking that came recommended where we enjoyed excellently grilled scorpion fish, sardines, and other fresh seafood.
Other popular dining options include To Fanari.
Chora
Chora, also known as the Old Village, is the historic heart of Alonissos.
You’ll have to drive up to the top of the hill, which also means… stunning panoramic views of the surrounding sea and islands.
The village is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, stone houses, in classic Greek style, and charming squares. Chora was once the island’s capital until an earthquake in 1965 led to its partial abandonment and Patitiri became the unofficial capital.
As is usually the case in peak summer, it is better at sunset. You can spend your time exploring little shops, tavernas and cafes or visiting the remains of the old castle.
There are a few famous spots here for dinner and drinks but a favorite even among locals is Hagiati (linked here).
They often have live music, plus great cocktails and sweets. Even if you are not a big drinker (like me) you will enjoy the serene setting, and desserts.
For food, I would recommend Thea Restaurant for a more modern setting, or Demi’s Restaurant at the entrance of the village, under the trees.
Visit the Blue Cave
The Blue Cave is one of the hotspots and it’s only accessible by boat.
You’ll have find a lot of boat tour options that include it or stop here. The name comes from the intense color inside of course.
Even though it is quite magical, I can’t say it is anything that special. Worth it if you plan to dive or snorkel around it though for sure. (I did neither on this trip)
Go to Peristera Island to See the Shipwreck
Less of a beach and more of an attraction point, the bay where the shipwreck of Alonissos stands is located near the main natural harbor of Vasiliko. Here, you can snorkel, free dive, and explore the wreck and surrounding area while relaxing.
Approaching or touching the wreck is not permitted, as is removing anything from the area. There is a lot of debris and rusted iron, so make sure to not get too close.
You also come here on a boat trip, and I actually had a lot of fun free diving to check out the debris near and under the wreck.
Boat Tour
A boat tour around Alonissos is one of the best ways to experience the island’s natural beauty. It should be one of the first things to ask around about, when you arrive.
These tours often include stops at secluded beaches, hidden coves, and nearby islands like Peristera. You’ll have the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters, explore sea caves, and enjoy the stunning coastline.
Many tours also include a stop at the Marine Park, where you might spot dolphins, monk seals, and a variety of seabirds. Tours vary in length and can be tailored to include snorkeling, diving, or simply relaxing on deck. If possible, book a tour that goes to Kyra Panagia and nearby smaller islands. Despite the peak season, we easily found a spot. Head to Patitiri for first-hand information from providers, as some are hard to find online.
Go scuba diving
We went on four dives in Alonissos with two different providers, one was Alonissos Seacolors and the other was Triton Dive Center.
The two are completely different, but we were happy to get a diverse experience.
For SeaColors Dive Center, one of the first things visitors might notice is that the setup feels more traditional and laid-back compared to larger commercial dive operations. The dive boat is a classic wooden fishing-style boat, which adds character to the experience, even if it means transfers are a bit slower. Panos, the owner, has years of local experience on the water and knows the area extremely well. If you prefer a more personal and relaxed diving atmosphere, this will probably suit you well.
Triton Dive Center on the other hand is what you would expect a dive shop to feel like. Lots of staff and a more organized flow from booking > gear > experience.
The boats here are larger and you might dive with lots of other people of various skill levels. But you can also usually go to spots that are a bit further out.
We purposefully chose not to dive the most popular spot (the underwater museum) and hit up some of the other dive sites.
Overall, Alonissos is a fantastic place to learn scuba diving or to plan diving holidays. While there are not a lot of providers, you’ll get an intimate and much different experience, plus the marine park has a lot of life, including seals!
After completing four dives around the island, my favorite was the shipwreck of the Two Brothers and Nudi Cove. The visibility was excellent, and the water, even at 30 meters, was pleasant.
📍Cost: To dive the Peristera shipwreck you’ll need to pay the cost of the dive + a fee to the museum which is €50 per person. That makes the total of the dive to € 145.
Other scuba experiences are well priced for € 110- € 140 for 2 dives in one day depending on the place.
See the sunset at Agioi Anargyroi
One of the best moments of the whole trip was watching the sunset from the north coast of the island, near the chapel of Agioi Anargyroi.
It is only a 10 minute drive from Patitiri and then another 10 minute walk from the car park.
The little church is located inside the forest, by the edge of the cliffs, so you will have unobstructed views to all of the northwestern coast of the Aegean, towards Volos.
Nowadays, there are two small chapels. The older one was once also used as a monastery. If you have extra time and energy, you can also do a walk down to the beach of Tourkoneri.
Underwater Museum VR
If you don’t go scuba diving, you should at least go to the Knowledge Awareness Centre, that has a VR experience and info on marine life and the park.
It is housed in the old primary school of Alonissos which was built in 1903 and the spot has great views.
It once taught children in 6 classes, with one teacher, a pretty common setup for remote spots in Greece. There are different ways to reach the school, the longest of which is to walk all through the Old Village, up towards Hagiati, and turn left and down, just before reaching the restaurant.
I found the visit worth it for the short documentary film. There is also a 3D representation of what it is like to dive in Peristera, which as a diver, I found underwhelming.
📍Cost: The ticket entry was €2 in 2023 and 2024. It is a small way to support the initiative and further research around the island.
Drive all the way to the north part of the island
The drive to the north part of the island is not the best (sometimes you get fallen trees, potholes and lots of turns) but the people that make it there, will have it pretty much all to themselves.
The area of Gerakas (the beach) has a small canteen and a small harbor where you can walk around for photos of the fishing boats. The water is insanely clean and calm. One of my favorite spots.
Places to Eat in Alonissos
Favella
I wanted to check out Favella cause it was the fun, different place in Alonissos and it didn’t disappoint. It has a great atmosphere and view of the port, funky decor and great cocktails.
Tassia’s Cooking in Steni Vala
Tassia’s Cooking came highly recommended and I can see why. You come here for the homemade Greek cuisine meals and fresh seafood. We tried a range of dishes, including grilled scorpion fish, which was delicious.
Hagiati in Chora
Hagiati is a popular spot in Chora, known for its live music, great atmosphere, and stunning sunset views. It’s the perfect place to unwind in the evening with a glass of local wine or a cocktail while enjoying traditional Greek music. Don’t skip trying one of the many desserts.
Even though we visited in mid August (peak summer season) I loved that there was none of the typical party scene of other Greek islands. The traditional folk music at Hagiati was just what I needed for a night out.
Other recommended places in Chora:
- Barbarossa: A cozy spot offering a mix of traditional and contemporary Greek dishes.
- Thea: Known for its scenic views and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
- Astrofegia: A quaint restaurant that serves classic Greek fare in a charming setting.
Konaki near Votsi
For grilled meats, Konaki near Votsi is the place to go. Trust me on that one.
This is a local spot and it is not “fancy” plus you usually get a slightly longer wait time (you are on island time, after all) since all the meat is cooked to order.
I would recommend coming here to try some of the grilled cuts: kontosouvli and lamb chops. There’s also a children’s playground nearby, making it a good choice for families.
To Steki
Simple and affordable gyro or souvlaki, perfect for a quick snack or lunch. We came here a few times for some last minute sustenance. If you want a budget meal, you can get your souvlaki to go, and enjoy it down by the beach.
Where to Stay in Alonissos
Most of the rooms in Alonissos are in Patitiri, but you’ll find various price points, even though not as many luxury hotels.
- Patitiri: If you prefer staying close to the port and main hub of activity, Patitiri offers a range of hotels and guesthouses, many with sea views and easy access to local amenities. If you are not planning on renting a car, this is the only place where it makes sense to stay.
- Chora: For a more traditional experience, staying in Chora allows you to immerse yourself in the island’s history and enjoy breathtaking views from the hilltop. Accommodations here range from boutique hotels to charming bed-and-breakfasts.
- Votsi: Ideal for those who want a quieter stay, Votsi offers a selection of accommodations that are close to the sea and the village’s charming harbor. It’s perfect for a relaxing holiday with easy access to both the beach and excellent dining options.
Adults-Only Retreats
- The Infinity 180 Luxury Suites: This boutique, adults-only hotel offers a luxurious escape with private suites featuring infinity pools and breathtaking sea views. Located on the way towards Steni Vala, it is a bit further away from the main settlements of the island, which adds an extra layer of privacy and relaxation.
- Yalis Hotel: While not exclusively adults-only, this hotel is ideal for couples looking for a tranquil stay in Votsi. The traditional architecture, modern comforts, and panoramic sea views make it a perfect romantic retreat.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
- Alonissos Beach Bungalows & Suites Hotel: Located on Chrissi Milia Beach, this family-friendly resort offers bungalows and suites surrounded by lush gardens. With direct beach access, a swimming pool, and various activities for children, it’s perfect for families looking for a relaxing beach holiday.
Luxury Escapes
- Ilya Botanic Suites: New, modern, stylish, with award-winning architecture and at close distance to Glyfa Beah.
You can also check out the wonderful and eco-friendly Ikion Eco Boutique Hotel outside Patitiri, or the private suites of Aletri, equipped with floating sunbeds and incredible views.
Budget-Friendly Options
- Hotel Paradise (Patitiri): This affordable hotel offers simple, clean rooms with beautiful sea views. Located just a short walk from Patitiri Beach and the port, it’s a great budget option with easy access to local amenities.
- Machi Rooms (Patitiri): Machi Rooms offers basic but comfortable accommodations at a budget-friendly price.
- Casa Nina (Patitiri): A charming and affordable guesthouse in the heart of Patitiri, Pansion Nina offers traditional Greek hospitality with stunning views from its terrace. It’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want to stay in a picturesque, central location.
- Pension Votsi: Also a great option for budget-conscious travelers, Pension Votsi offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price. Its location in Votsi village, close to the beach and local tavernas, makes it a convenient and cozy choice for those exploring the island on a budget. With its comfortable rooms and close proximity to Votsi Beach, it’s a great option for families looking for a quiet and relaxing stay. The warm hospitality and homey atmosphere make it a popular choice among visitors.
FAQ for Alonissos
⭐ Is Alonissos Safe?
Yes, Alonissos is considered very safe for travelers. The locals are friendly and welcoming, always ready to provide recommendations or directions to one of the many small coves. As with any destination, it’s wise to take basic safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and being cautious when exploring unfamiliar areas. Alonissos offers plenty of activities for thrill seekers, including water sports and hiking. Know your limits and always let someone know where you will be.
⭐ Is Alonissos Good for Families and Solo Travelers?
After spending a week on the island, it’s clear that Alonissos is an excellent destination for various groups. Families will enjoy the island’s safe beaches, relaxed atmosphere, nature, and activities. Solo travelers will feel safe and at ease, with plenty of affordable accommodations and friendly locals to connect with or laid-back spots to unwind. Alonissos is also a great spot for digital nomads looking to work from a Greek island, though the signal reception can be weak in some areas. However, WiFi is available everywhere.
⭐ When is the Best Time to Visit Alonissos?
The best time to visit Alonissos is from May to October. During these months, you’ll experience warm, pleasant weather ideal for beach activities, hiking, and exploring the island. July and August are the hottest and busiest months and are also the most expensive for accommodations, car rentals, and activities. September and October offer the best value for money and excellent weather. Although I’d usually avoid popular Greek island destinations in August, Alonissos is an exception. The island felt relaxed even during the busiest season, and there seemed to be fewer options for activities off-season.
⭐ What is the weather like in the summer?
Alonissos enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. During the summer, temperatures can exceed 30°C (86°F) during the day. The waters, while deep, are pleasantly warm even early in the season. The average water temperature for July and August is 25°C (77°F), which is perfect for swimming. Even at 30 meters depth while scuba diving, the water temperature was 21°C (69.8°F)—the warmest I’ve experienced at that depth.
