Alonnisos is made for a water-led itinerary. Pine-covered slopes drop into clear coves, fishing villages sit on the protected east coast, and the surrounding National Marine Park extends the route to remote islands and reefs.
That protection brings responsibility. Access, anchoring, speed, landing, diving and fishing rules vary by zone, and Zone A requires a ticket. Check the current NECCA map and instructions before departure.
A relaxed visit combines a compact harbour, a Marine Park day with an authorized plan and an evening in the Old Village above Patitiri.
Why visit Alonnisos?
Alonnisos is quieter than neighbouring Skiathos and particularly rewarding from a yacht. Most useful stops line the east coast, while Peristera, Kyra Panagia and other protected islands extend the cruising ground northward.
The National Marine Park protects habitats used by the Mediterranean monk seal as well as seabirds, fish and archaeological sites. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed; good practice means distance, low speed and no pursuit.
Two nights allows one evening in Patitiri or Steni Vala and a second day shaped around the park. Add time if you want hiking or the underwater museum rather than squeezing it between swim stops.
Exploring Alonnisos by private catamaran
Patitiri is the ferry port, capital and main provisioning stop. The harbour is compact and busy, so call ahead, keep the ferry manoeuvring area clear and have an alternative if the quay cannot take a wide catamaran.
Votsi, one cove north, is a small fishing harbour with permanent moorings and limited room. Steni Vala, opposite Peristera, has tavernas and a small quay used by fishing boats, flotillas and excursion craft. Neither should be treated as a guaranteed marina berth.
East-coast bays around Kokkinokastro, Tzortzi Gialos and Agios Petros can work in the right conditions. Inspect water depth and swing room carefully and protect seagrass by anchoring only where lawful and appropriate.
Before entering the National Marine Park, buy any required ticket and check the current zone rules. Some places permit passage but restrict anchoring or landing; others impose daylight, speed or activity conditions. The captain’s current official information overrides any guide.
Beaches and swimming stops
Chrisi Milia has a sandy, gently shelving shore and summer facilities, making it practical for families. Nearby Kokkinokastro is more dramatic, with reddish cliffs and views toward the small islet offshore.
Leftos Gialos combines white pebbles, pine and two seasonal restaurants. Agios Dimitrios forms a distinctive pale-pebble point farther north and is easy to visit by road if the sea state is unsuitable.
On the southwest coast, Megalos Mourtias is a useful beach below the Old Village and has tavernas in season. West-facing bays need a separate weather assessment from the more sheltered east coast.
In park waters, never approach caves or shorelines hoping to find seals. Give wildlife an escape route, reduce speed and follow any ranger or tour-operator instruction immediately.
What to see
Walk the stone lanes of the Old Village, the island’s former capital, and continue to viewpoints on both sides of the ridge. The settlement was largely abandoned after the 1965 earthquake and later restored; go in late afternoon and stay for sunset.
In Patitiri, visit the Marine Park Information Centre before a park trip. The local museum also covers traditional life, piracy and maritime history; confirm seasonal hours.
The underwater museum at the Peristera shipwreck presents a fifth-century BC cargo wreck to certified divers through supervised visits. Book with an authorized local dive centre and do not attempt an independent visit.
From the water, the Blue Cave and the cliffs of the northern islands are striking, but access depends on sea conditions and park rules. A licensed excursion is a sensible choice when your own itinerary or permit does not cover them.
What to do
Join a guided Marine Park trip or build the day with a skipper who has checked the current zones. Use binoculars for dolphins and seabirds, keep voices low near cliffs and take all rubbish back to port.
Hike between the Old Village, Patitiri and Megalos Mourtias, or choose an east-coast route toward Steni Vala. Carry water and use an up-to-date trail map; paths can be rough and summer shade is not continuous.
Book a certified dive at Peristera or a conventional guided reef dive. The park has strict controls and archaeological diving is supervised, so reserve ahead rather than improvising from the yacht.
Spend an easy evening in Steni Vala watching the fishing boats, or take a taxi from Patitiri to the Old Village and walk back only if you have suitable shoes and daylight.
Food & where to eat
Try the island’s fried spiral cheese pie, grilled octopus, fish soup, local tuna when available, and sweets made with almonds, figs or honey. Ask for the day’s catch rather than ordering by species from a generic menu.
Steni Vala is the most convenient dinner stop from a yacht when mooring works: several tavernas sit directly around the small harbour. Agree the fish price by weight and reserve in busy flotilla weeks.
At Leftos Gialos, Dolopes serves seafood and Greek dishes beside the beach and states that it uses local honey, olive oil and garden vegetables. Treat it as a seasonal lunch destination and confirm opening before setting out.
The Old Village has terraces suited to sunset, while Patitiri offers the broadest choice and easiest provisions. For the most local meal, order pie, greens and smaller fish before defaulting to imported lobster or a familiar resort dish.
Research sources
These sources were used to check the guide. Port operations, opening hours and restaurant schedules can change, so confirm details close to your visit.
This guide supports itinerary planning; it is not a navigational source. The captain remains responsible for current charts, weather, safe depths, berth instructions and local restrictions.
