The Most Beautiful Beaches of Alonissos

Most of Alonissos' best beaches are concentrated in the southern part of the island, and access is easy in most cases. On the southeastern side of the island, the colors of the beaches alternate pleasantly (yellow or red sand, pebbles, rocks), and almost all the coves are framed by pine forests or olive groves. 

Southwest, the beaches are smaller, access is more difficult, while to swim in the northern part of Alonissos you'll need your own (or a rented) boat.

Milias: The pine trees almost reach the waves—this is a trademark of the Sporades and northern islands in general. Along with neighboring Chrisi Milia and Megalos Mourtias, they are the three closest organized beaches to Patitiri and Chora.

Chrisi Milia: Considered one of the most beautiful beaches on Alonissos. Be sure to stop for a swim and sunbathe on the sand and fine pebbles. The name Chrisi Milia (Golden Milia) was given by the late "Barba Apostolis or Lambrakis," the boatman who used to bring tourists here with his caique. Its older, original name was “Palavoudim Laka,” meaning “the hollow of the mad Dimos”!

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Megalos Mourtias: A short downhill dirt road from Chora leads to Megalos Mourtias, which is usually sheltered from the northern winds.

Mikros Mourtias: The charming little sibling of Megalos Mourtias (also with fine pebbles) lies within walking distance from Chora. Along with Yalia, Votsi beach, and Rousoum Gialos, it is among the most easily accessible beaches from the island’s main settlements.

Kokkinokastro: One of the most dramatic coastal landscapes on the entire island. The light of the setting sun enhances the striking image of the red cliff that marks the northern edge of the shore. Words fail to describe the waters. Just before the beach there’s a fairly large, well-formed parking area.

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Leftos Gialos: Located in the same "neighborhood" as Kokkinokastro, the beach is bordered by an olive grove that is centuries old. Two tastefully designed restaurants make the most of the landscape’s beauty, and many people enjoy spending hours in this little paradise of Leftos Gialos.

Giorgi Gialos: A beach literally “drenched” in pines, although the width of the beach inland is a bit limited. For the past 17 years, Kyra-Machi has been taking care of swimmers at her taverna.

Agios Dimitrios: The star beach of Alonissos, featured in thousands of promotional photos representing the Northern Sporades—and Greece. There's little risk of overcrowding here, even in August, thanks to the ideal long elliptical curve of the shoreline. (See: Don't Miss). The two beach canteens also rent umbrellas and loungers.

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Marpunta: One of the first beaches on the island to be “discovered” for tourism in the early 1970s. A magical location, with views of Skopelos. The facilities of the namesake hotel stretch along the coves, but nothing stops you from enjoying a swim there.

Yalia: Easy access from Chora via a well-maintained dirt road. The highlight here is the windmill located at the left end of the beach. The space is tastefully arranged and enhances the atmosphere of the landscape.

Tskoukalia: Beautiful and unique. Note that the broader area is designated as an archaeological site. Take a careful look at the ground and you’ll understand why—hundreds of pottery shards are scattered everywhere.

Glyfa: Somewhat… hidden, right next to Steni Vala. Lovely turquoise waters, coarse pebbles, and relatively few visitors.

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Votsi: Mainly serves those staying in the settlement of the same name, usually accessed by stairs rather than by car. A small pebbled beach in the characteristic sheltered “horseshoe” formed by rocks and pine forest.

Rousoum Gialos: One of the most popular beaches, located just below the settlement of the same name, with turquoise waters, white coarse wide pebbles, and tavernas.

Text: Giannis Drenogiannis