(Credits: Vasilis Drosakis)

Tucked at the quiet end of the Sporades chain, Alonissos has long flown under the radar of mass tourism — and for many, that’s the point. It’s not a place that’s easy to reduce to bullet points or bucket-list stops. Instead, it’s an island that invites questions. Some practical, some poetic. Questions about how to get there, what it’s like to stay, what’s worth doing — and what it means to truly arrive in a place that doesn’t clamour for your attention.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or simply curious about this lesser-known Aegean isle, Alonissos has a way of sticking in the mind. Its remoteness is part of its charm, but it also means there’s less widely known information. You won’t find an avalanche of TikTok guides or influencer maps here. What you’ll find instead is word-of-mouth wisdom, quiet recommendations passed between travellers, and a rhythm you have to experience to understand.

This is an island of paradoxes — remote but deeply connected to its marine neighbours, small in scale but full of natural and historical depth. It’s an island that has been touched by Minoan myths, Athenian ambitions, pirate raids, and Venetian hands. Today, it’s shaped by a gentler kind of tourism: hikers, divers, food lovers, and those seeking stillness.

So, if you’re wondering where to stay, what to eat, how to get around, or why a monk seal might be considered a local celebrity — you’re in the right place. Here are the ten most frequently asked questions about Alonissos, answered in full.

The 10 most frequently asked questions about Alonissos

1. Where exactly is Alonissos, and how do you get there?

Alonissos is part of the Northern Sporades, a group of islands off the east coast of mainland Greece. It sits to the northeast of Skopelos and Skiathos and is the most remote of the three inhabited islands in the group. That sense of isolation preserves its character, but it also makes getting there a little more involved, especially compared to its jet-set neighbours.

There’s no airport on the island, so your best bet is to fly into Skiathos, which is served by regular flights from Athens and several European cities during summer. From Skiathos, ferries to Alonissos run daily — some fast, some leisurely. You can also reach Alonissos by ferry from Volos, a port city on the mainland that connects to Athens by bus. In the warmer months, there are also ferry links to other Sporades islands, making Alonissos an ideal stop on an island-hopping itinerary.

2. What makes Alonissos different from other Greek islands?

Alonissos isn’t built around spectacle. It doesn’t have Santorini’s caldera views or Mykonos’ party buzz. What it offers instead is a slow, immersive, and grounded experience — a kind of lived-in beauty that rewards observation rather than performance.

The island is also known for its strong eco-conscious identity. It’s home to the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades, Europe’s largest marine protected area. This means a focus on conservation over consumption, which shapes everything from its tourism style to its seafood menus. You don’t come to Alonissos to be seen. You come to disappear — in the best possible way.

3. When is the best time to visit Alonissos?

The high season — July and August — brings the most consistent ferry schedules, warm seas, and village energy. But it also brings heat and higher prices. For many travellers, the sweet spot lies in late May to mid-June or September, when the island is quieter, the weather is still reliably pleasant, and the sea is warm enough for swimming.

In early spring or late autumn, the island takes on a different rhythm. You’ll find fewer restaurants open but more space to breathe. Hiking trails are greener, the light softer, and the villages quieter. It’s not for everyone — but if you’re looking to write, read, or think, it might be just right.

4. Is Alonissos expensive?

Like all Greek islands, Alonissos has gone up in price in recent years. However, in certain areas, the island can still be surprisingly affordable, especially compared to islands like Santorini or Paros. Accommodation ranges from family-run guesthouses to boutique hotels, and you’ll find options at most price points. Food, too, is reasonable — you can eat extremely well at small tavernas without needing to break out a credit card.

That said, peak season prices do climb, especially for car rentals and seafront villas. The lack of an airport also means travel costs can add up slightly, especially if you’re ferry-hopping. Still, if you plan ahead, Alonissos can be one of the more budget-friendly Greek island experiences — without ever feeling like a compromise.

5. What are the must-see places on the island?

Start with Chora (the Old Village). Once abandoned after a 1965 earthquake, it’s been beautifully restored into a maze of cobbled alleys, ceramic shops, and tavernas with unbeatable sunset views. It’s one of those rare places that feels both frozen in time and quietly alive.

Then there’s the Marine Park, which includes surrounding islets and hidden beaches. Don’t miss Kyra Panagia, an uninhabited island with a working monastery and wild goats. Or Peristera, home to the recently opened 5th-century BC shipwreck, now a dive site. And, of course, the beaches — Kokkinokastro, Agios Dimitrios, and Leftos Gialos are all worth the journey.

6. What’s the food like in Alonissos?

Seafood leads the way here — especially lobster spaghetti, which is practically an island signature. Locally caught octopus, anchovies, and sardines appear in simple but masterfully prepared dishes. Fava, horiatiki, and local cheeses round out the table.

Look for homemade dishes in small tavernas, especially in Steni Vala and Kalamakia. And don’t miss trying fouskakia, a kind of island-style doughnut often flavoured with orange or ouzo. Meals here aren’t rushed — they’re part of the daily ritual, often shared over a carafe of local wine or a glass of tsipouro that seems to refill itself.

7. What’s the best way to get around?

If you want to explore beyond the main villages, renting a car or scooter is the most flexible option. Roads can be narrow and winding, so confident driving is essential, especially if you’re heading toward remote beaches like Megalos Mourtias or Vithisma.

There’s also a reliable local bus network that connects Patitiri, Chora, Steni Vala, and some beaches — particularly during summer. Taxis are available but limited, and hiking is also a viable (and beautiful) way to get around, especially with well-marked trails that cross olive groves and pine forests.

8. Is Alonissos good for families?

Very much so – especially for families looking for a quieter kind of holiday. Many of the beaches have calm, clear waters, ideal for young swimmers. The slower pace means less stress, and children are genuinely welcomed in tavernas and public spaces.

That said, families should be prepared for less infrastructure than you’d find on larger islands. There aren’t many playgrounds or kids’ clubs — but there’s the sea, the trails, the wildlife, and the joy of exploring somewhere real and grounded together.

9. Can you hike in Alonissos?

Yes — and it’s one of the best ways to connect with the island, but not during the dangerous heat of peak summer. Alonissos is laced with well-marked trails, many of which follow old mule tracks linking villages, chapels, and beaches. In spring, the hillsides are thick with wild herbs and flowers; in autumn, the light sharpens and the air turns crisp.

Popular routes include Chora to Megalos Mourtias, Patitiri to Votsi, and inland paths through dense pine forests. There are trails for all levels, and maps are available from local shops or online. Pack water, sun protection, and something to snack on — and don’t rush it.

10. What’s the deal with the monk seals?

Alonissos is home to the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals. The island plays a critical role in its preservation, both through habitat protection and public awareness.

You won’t always see them, but you’ll know they’re there. Boat tours from Patitiri or Steni Vala sometimes spot them near sea caves or rocky outcrops. And even if you don’t catch a glimpse, just being on Alonissos means being part of an ongoing conservation story — one that matters far beyond the shores of the island.