Local Sights

DIVING TOURISM

The sea world has so many new experiences to offer! The largest natural marine park of the Mediterranean Sea is found in Alonissos. Its impressive wildlife and amazing landscape give the feeling of intact natural surroundings. It’s no coincidence that Alonissos is the natural habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) and other rare wildlife species forming the precious ecosystem of Northern Sporades.

Incomparable natural beauty meets ocean myths and legends. Marine archaeology has verified the existence of old shipwrecks of historical interest dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries or the Byzantine period. Since 2011, there are 14 spots in the marine park where diving is allowed, according to the Greek Official Gazette No. 1741/3.8.2011 - "Approval of re-delimitation of the marine archaeological site of Northern Sporades & Alonissos".

Furthermore, in compliance with the resolution adopted by the sixth meeting (28/7/2011) of the Board of Directors representing the Management Body of the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades, underwater fishing is ONLY allowed, for administrative purposes, in the areas specified in the Greek Official Gazette No. 1741/3.8.2011 and described as follows:

Area No. 1: The coastline to the north of Steni Vala (Alonissos Island), from the cape of Apithmenos to the area located to the north of the beach of Agios Demetrius (Alonissos Island).
Area No. 4: The bay of Spartina (Alonissos Island).
Area No. 11: The bay of Klima (Peristera Island).
Area No. 13: The coastline to the east of the island of Megalos Aderfos.

Experienced and properly trained professionals provide all support and services necessary for a magnificent scuba-diving experience.

Alonissos Underwater Museum, Peristera

The Undewater Museum is the first of its kind in Greece that is open to the public. It was launched in August 2020 by the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, along with the Mayor of Alonissos Petros Vafinis and the Thessaly Regional Governor Kostas Agorastos, who both participated in the 30-meter inaugural dive.

The shipwreck is now open to recreational divers who will have the opportunity to explore it under the guidance of experienced divers. The Museum operated in pilot mode until October 2020 and is now open to everyone during the summer season.

The Alonissos Underwater Museum features one of the biggest Classical-era shipwrecks. It is dated around 425 to 420 B.C and was discovered in 1985 by Dimitris Mavrikis at a 25-meter depth off the coast of the islet Peristera.

Due to its unique size, the ship ranks among the biggest commercial ships of its time. It was 30 meters long and 10 meters wide. It was carrying around 3,000 amphorae full with the renowned wines of Mendi (a city in modern day Chalkidiki) and Peparithos, which is modern day Skopelos. The big commercial vessel probably belonged to an Athenian merchant and seems to have run into stormy weather while sailing near the coast, where it sank. Another plausible theory is that a fire broke out on deck, which eventually caused the sinking of the ship.

The amphorae found had the letters ΛΥ inscribed on them, which was probably at that time a way of marking the goods. The course of the ship cannot be determined; some say that, when the fire broke out, it was heading to Alonissos to unload the goods, while others speculate that it had just departed from Alonissos, that’s why it was found not very far from the port.

The vessel is considered to be of uttermost importance to archaeology because of the number of intact findings. It is so important that it is dubbed as “The Parthenon of Shipwrecks“.

THE HISTORICAL & FOLKLORE MUSEUM

The Historical and Folklore Museum of Alonissos is a source of historical and cultural information about an island with fascinating history and traditions. It is housed within the premises of an impressive stone building in Patitiri village. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Alonissos is a private institution, established in 2001 on the initiative of Konstantinos and Angela Mavrikis

On the ground floor, there is a wide collection of ancient Greek exhibits including weapons and various utensils retrieved from old warships and pirate ships. This interesting collection revives legendary pirate figures - active from the 16th to the 18th century - that never fail to stir visitors' imagination. There is also an underground space especially designed for traditional objects and other utensils of everyday life. Exhibits such as old barber razor blades, traditional oil presses and outfits offer a short yet exciting journey back to the traditional life of the island.

NATURE TOURISM

Alonissos’ landscape is ideal for day trips and long walks in nature. Enjoy local forests and wildlife; visit the chapels and bays found on the island. And to refresh yourself, have a swim in the crystal blue sea!

Enjoy the little things in life, such as watching the sunset from Kalovoulos Mountain, visiting different villages every day, exploring the Old Village or having a swim in Yalia beach!

It’s also a nice idea to walk along some of the most beautiful ravines, such as Vathi Rema rising from Megalo Chorafi and flowing into Megali Ammos beach. Or, you could also explore the fascinating ravine of Kastanorema that cuts the north-eastern part of the island in half before flowing into Strovili beach.

Kalovoulos

Kalovoulos Mountain is the southern cape of the island; the mountain top is elevated 325m above sea level and is definitely rewarding to visit. The eastern mountainside is covered by pine forests, olive groves and bushes, whilst the western side forms a steep vertical cliff rising above the sea.

Megalo Chorafi

Megalo Chorafi Mountain is 8.5km from Patitiri village, right in the middle of the island; elevated at 350m above sea level, its top is perfect for visitors to enjoy magnificent views over the south-eastern coast of Alonissos. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you will certainly appreciate the beauty of this area, where pine forests gradually give their place to various species of oaks and arbutuses.

Kouvouli - the highest mountain top in Alonissos

Kouvouli is the highest mountain on the island with its top elevated at 475m above sea level. Steep cliffs with an average height of 450m come out from the sea to be gradually smoothened out before reaching the mountain top. The easiest way to approach this mountain is by land. Setting out from Diaselo area, you can even reach the mountain top!

Kastanorema

Kastanorema ravine lies in the north-eastern part of the island. It rises from Kastania area and gradually widens as it runs through the rocky landscape. In spite of the rocky terrain, trees and bushes spring up everywhere. In November, autumn leaves of Holm oaks and maple trees turn fiery-red, brightening up the scenery.

Short walking routes around the Old Village