Top Things to Do in Alonissos With Kids [2021]
Alonissos is a hidden paradise in the Sporades group of islands, with an exceptional and peaceful natural landscape full of pines and oaks. This is an excellent destination for your family to create lifelong memories.
Alonissos is famous for its wild natural beauty, the crystal blue waters of the Aegean Sea, and amazing traditional food. If you and your family love adventure and want to stay active during your vacation, Alonissos is the best choice.
Family activities are numerous, but let’s dive into the top things to do in Alonissos with kids.
National Marine Park in Alonissos
One of the first things to do in Alonissos is to visit the unique National Marine Park. It is one of the must-visit places in Alonissos and unique activity in Greece. This extraordinary park is not only located in Alonissos but also includes part of the Northern Sporades Islands in general. The Blue Cave is one of the highlights!
Hundreds of animals and plants are under the protection of this Marine Park, the largest marine protected area in Europe. Your children will have the unique opportunity to discover numerous terrestrial and marine species living in the Mediterranean Sea, such as the monk seal Monachus-Monachus.
Chora (Old Village)
The traditional and beautiful village of Chora was the old capital of Alonissos until 1965 and is located on the southwest side of the island. Likewise, Chora has a long and rich history. After a strong earthquake in the ’60s the village was abandoned and it was not until the 90’s that the locals started to rebuild the old houses and the village gradually shone again in its old glory.
The architecture of the old village will amaze you. The buildings are made of quaint limestones and terracotta roofs. Many of them are covered with the world famous Greek colors, blue and white. Other buildings are inspired by Venetian architecture and are painted in rusty white and gold tones.
You and your family will enjoy dining in the numerous tavernas with exceptional and delicious traditional Greek food. Apart from that, you can walk on the beautiful stone paths and steep stairs in Chora.
Boat Trips From Alonissos
From Alonissos, various boat trips are offered to the other Sporades islands such as Skiathos and Skopelos or to the numerous beaches of the island. There are day trips by boat or self-guided boat tours where you can explore small and uninhabited islands.
Kyra Panagia is just one of them with its ancient monastery and olive press.
There are also the remains of an ancient city on the volcanic island of Psathura and the highest lighthouse in the Aegean, built in the 1800s.
Skatzoura is another inhabited island where you can admire the ruins of a monastery and explore its unique wildlife.
Finally, Peristera Island is visited by tourists who want to have a picnic, light a fire and relax under a tent. There is also a specially designed area where you are allowed to barbecue.
In 2020 and during the global covid-19 pandemic, the Peristera Underwater Museum opened its door for the first time. Scuba divers can see there the shipwreck of Peristera, at a depth of 22-33 meters, which is so far considered the most important ancient shipwreck in the world.
Diving & Snorkeling in Alonissos, for an unforgetful diving experience
Alonissos is one of the best Greek islands for diving and snorkeling due to its rich marine life, small surrounding islands, and long history. Moreover, you will be able to dive into many incredible places like shipwrecks and caves.
The so-called Two Brothers are two small islands on the south side of Alonissos. There is a fantastic wall there with a passage through an underwater canyon. You will be able to explore the rich marine life that has been hanging on the wall for centuries.
The Peristera shipwreck is located on the seabed of Alonissos from 425 BC. This incredible underwater treasure was a trading ship full of jars of wine. Nowadays, visitors can explore its treasures and the sea life that inhabits it.
Almost all of Alonissos’ beaches offer the ultimate snorkeling experience for you and your family. However, the best beaches for snorkeling are Glyfa and Tsoukalia.
Beautiful Natural Beaches
Alonissos is an incomparably beautiful place. The island is famous for its clean, crystal clear water and green landscape. There are numerous family-friendly and organized beaches that also offer water sports activities.
Be sure that you will visit the fantastic beach of Kokkinokastro, which is located in a natural landscape of reddish cliffs and coarse sand. The cliffs help to shelter the beach from the wind.
The most famous family-friendly beach is Chrisi Milia. It has shallow waters that is perfect for children and golden sand. You can find many tavernas to have lunch after a long day at the beach.
Other beautiful beaches in Alonissos are Agios Demetrios, Leftos Yalos, Votsi, Georgie Yalos, Milia, Roussoum Yalos, and Megalos Mourtias.
Food You Must Try in Alonissos
In Alonissos, you can have an ultimate traditional culinary experience with a wide variety of dishes with delicious local elements.
You and your family will enjoy the Tiropita (cheese pie ) of Alonissos, which is typically prepared in the shape of a circle and a twist pie. Apart from that, you should definitely try the famous tuna and all the fresh fish platters that you can find in the taverns of the island.
Finally, Alonissos is also known for its sweet desserts. You and your children will have the opportunity to try the Greek galatopita (milk cake) for dessert, and the amygdalota, the traditional delicious almond cookies.
How to Reach Alonissos?
Where is Alonissos located in Greece?
Alonissos is part of the Sporades group of islands located in the northwest Aegean Sea.
How far is Alonissos from Athens?
The distance between Athens and Alonissos Island is approximately 310 km. There are two ways to travel from Athens to Alonissos:
By plane
This is the easiest way to reach Alonissos. There are many flights from Athens to Skiathos airport. The flight takes about twenty minutes. From Skiathos you will have to take a ferry to Alonissos. The journey time is about 2 hours.
By boat
Alternatively, you can take a ferry to Alonissos from 4 ports in mainland Greece: Volos, Mantoudi, Agios Konstantinos, and Thessaloniki. The best and fastest way to reach the island is from Volos port, as there is a high-speed boat there.
Volos to Alonissos by ferry
Anes ferries: 5 h 30 min, Hellenic Seaways: 4 h 35 min, Aegean Flying Dolphins: 3 h 5 min
Best season to visit
- All
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