(Credits: Vasilis Drosakis)

As everyone around you is busy planning their summer holidays, it often gets difficult to decide where you want to go yourself. If you’re also stuck in a pre-vacation limbo and don’t have any idea about a possible destination, this might just be the year to check out the island of Alonissos in Greece.

For those who have had enough of urban getaways and want a change of pace, Alonissos offers the perfect chance to relax while being surrounded by mesmerising natural beauty. Ranging from breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea to interesting villages and delightful local cuisines, this small part of Greece has it all.

Once you’re in Athens, getting to Alonissos shouldn’t be too hard as there are regular ferries from Mantoudi, with a direct connection from the Agios Konstantinos port in Volos to the island. There are buses that shuttle back and forth between and the ferry itself should last somewhere around four hours.

Alonissos’ primary draw is its collection of scenic beaches that can range from beloved tourist spots to relatively hidden gems that are peaceful even during the peak of the travel season. For an ideal vacation to Alonissos, we have made a list of ten essential beaches that you need to visit if you decide to make the trip.

The 10 best beaches on Alonissos:

10. Roussoum Gialos

Situated just a short distance from Patitiri, this might be the perfect place to kick off your Alonissos vacation. Many tourists favour the shore for its scenic views, small white pebbles, and amazingly clear water.

Not just that, it’s also a great starting point because the area has experienced a lot of development due to tourism. Whether you want to sample some of the popular local dishes in the tavernas or watch the boats at the small harbour, you can’t go wrong with Roussoum Gialos.

9. Chrisi Milia

Chrisi Millia is one of the first beaches that get mentioned in a conversation about Alonissos. Every season, hundreds of tourists gush about the soft, sandy beach, the relatively shallow waters and the excellent dining options that are available in the vicinity.

Its popularity is also boosted by its easy accessibility, and the taverna on the right offers some of the best food on the island. For fans of moderate temperatures and fantastic beach bars, this is the place to be.

8. Agios Petros

Petros is one of the entries on this list that is not always populated by tourists but is hard to omit from any discussions revolving around the beaches of Alonissos. Within walking distance of Steni Vala, this is what you’re looking for if you just want some time alone with the sea, away from most people.

Also surrounded by pine woods, Agios Petros is great for swimming and admiring the amazing view of the island of Peristera. While chairs and food are available, it does not have the same facilities as some of the other spots due to its relative seclusion.

7. Georgi Gialos

Against the backdrop of verdant hillsides and towering cliffs, Georgi offers a serene setting for relaxation and contemplation. The beach is very small in size, but the water is shallow and warm, given it’s location with a cove.

With a local taverna on the beach serving traditional food, Georgi has grown more popular in recent years and continues to boast a number of sailing boats taking respite.

6. Leftos Gialos

Located to the east of Patitiri and fairly easily accessible by car, Leftos Gialos is another Alonissos beach that’s straight out of the picture books. The pebbles – with splatterings of sand – are surrounded by pine forests, and turquoise waters will make you feel like you have stepped into a dream the moment you set foot there.

With well-reviewed restaurants and bars as well as excellent facilities offering equipment such as umbrellas and sun loungers, it’s almost impossible to resist the urge to swim once you’re there. On the right, you have Eleonas Restaurant and Elia Cafe, offering a more contemporary and lively experience. On the left is Dolopes, with a pool and great food. It’s hard to split them, but you’ll end up picking your team.

5. Megali Ammos

Megali Ammos is for those who really want to get away from it all. Located along the west coast of the island, it’s possible to reach it by car, but since the roads are mostly dirt tracks, it’s recommended that you park your car midway through the trails and walk the rest of it.

Almost like an old painting made up of trees, clear waters, rocks and pebbles, the low tourist density means that it’s perfect for a quiet day out. Megali Ammos has also been of great archaeological interest to researchers who have conducted studies in the surrounding regions for prehistorical remains.

4. Milia Beach

Milia Beach is a serene and beautiful spot known for its clear turquoise waters and pebbly shore. Nestled in a lush green setting, it offers a tranquil escape for visitors. The beach is easy to access, and while it has some amenities like sunbeds and umbrellas, it remains less commercialised and retains its natural charm.

Milia is also ideal for swimming and snorkelling due to its excellent underwater visibility. The quiet atmosphere also makes it perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. Though Milia Beach doesn’t have large resorts, there is a local taverna nearby that provides fresh food and drinks. In recent years, the right-hand side of the beach has had music playing from the taverna, but it generally isn’t overbearing.

3. Kokkinokastro

The title of this beach translates to ‘Red Castle’, which is very appropriate since a red cliff towers over it. It has all the usual tourist facilities, but what makes Kokkinokastro so special is its immense historical significance.

Determined by archaeologists to be one of the first human settlements in the Aegean sea, tourists can also check out some of the remains that once belonged to Ikos, an ancient city. Other palaeolithic artefacts were also recovered from the surrounding region, making it an essential spot for history buffs.

Now though, it split with one side reserved for beach bar and umbrellas, the other free for towels. Truly one of the most impressive spots on the island.

2. Mikros Mourtias

Mikros Mourtias offers a secluded haven for travellers seeking solace amidst nature’s embrace. Tucked away from the bustling tourist crowds. Accessible via a winding coastal dirt road that meanders through the island’s verdant landscape, the journey to Mikros Mourtias is an adventure in itself, offering glimpses of Alonissos’ untamed beauty – but not one for the fainthearted.

Unlike its more commercialised counterparts, Mikros Mourtias remains relatively undeveloped, with limited facilities dotting its shoreline. Travellers are encouraged to pack their own provisions, including refreshments and sunscreen, as there are no beachside cafes or tavernas to be found.

This is also one of the very few designated nude beaches.

1. Agios Dimitrios

Ranked in some surveys as one of the clearest waters in the world, Agios Dimitros regularly dominates the conversation about the best beaches of Alonissos. The unique horseshoe shape, the interesting landscape, and the activities make it a tourist favourite, and road access has also improved over the years.

With amazing fresh fish and lobster dishes on almost all the menus in the local tavernas, Agios Dimitros might not offer the same kind of seclusion as some of the other entries on the list, but it will definitely live up to the quintessential tourist experience. It has something for everyone to do, making it the most universally praised option.