Vosporou 21, Atenas | info@triptailorsgreece.com | +30 210 512 3228

Alonnisos

January 4, 2021
Posted by admin
On January 2, 2021

Alonnisos

The island of Alonnisos is the most remote of the group of the Sporades.

Blessed with beautiful beaches, unique natural landscapes of pine groves, olive groves and orchards, and surrounded by small scattered islands, is the ideal island for those who want to relax and enjoy the sea and walks in nature.

Alonnisos or “Ikion”, as it was called in antiquity, was one of the first Aegean islands to be inhabited, according to Greek mythology, its first inhabitant was Stafylos (grape in Greek), son of the god Dionisio and Ariadne. This myth explains the strong ties of Alonnisos with the viticulture from Antiquity until our days. Ancient amphoras found bearing the seal of “Ikion” were exported all over the world which confirms the great fame of the island as an excellent region producing wine. Alonnisos was also called “Achilliodromia” because according to the mythology, Pileas, the father of Achilles, was buried there.

The island of Alonnisos, located at the junction of important sea routes has been a very important naval center over the years. From Alonnisos sailed Argo, the ship in which Jason and the Argonauts sailed to Kolchida to retrieve the Golden Fleece. From Alonnisos the ships of the Achaeans also departed for Troy. Numerous shipwrecks of the classical and Byzantine times that exist at the bottom of the sea confirm the naval power of the island.

The island hosts the North Sea National Park of Sporades, a haven for peculiar birds, dolphins and the monk seal of the Mediterranean, Monachus Monachus.

The port and capital of Alonnisos is Patitiri. Chora o Hóra is the ancient capital of the island from where you can enjoy stunning views of the sea. Stone houses, flowered courtyards, cobbled streets, and small churches create the image of a typical Greek island.

In Milia, in an idyllic place, is the International Academy of Homeopathy, which still keeps alive the deeply rooted tradition of folk medicine that was developed thanks to the miraculous herbs growing on the island. The lovers of the sea will also find in Alonnisos beautiful beaches of crystalline waters (Megalos Mourtias, Steni Vala, Milia, Chrisi Milia, Marpounta) that will offer you unforgettable moments of peace and serenity.

From the port of Patiriri, small boats depart to visit the islets near Alonnisos which are included in the Marine National Park. It is a very beautiful experience where you will surely sail alongside dolphins and, if they are lucky, you will be able to see some of the seals that find protection in their waters.

The islet Gioura, according to the excavations, was inhabited from the Neolithic, there you can visit a cave of stalactites where according to Homer lived the giant Cyclops; In Gioura there is also a peculiar species of wild goats.

Kyra-Panagia (or Pelagonissi) belongs to the monastery of Megistis Lavras on Mount Athos. On the island is a 12th-century monastery and Planitis Bay, one of the largest natural harbors of the Mediterranean Sea.