Alonnisos beaches

Most of Alonissos' finest beaches are clustered in the southern part of the island, and reaching them is generally quite easy. On the southeastern coast, the beaches offer a delightful variety of colours and textures (yellow or red sand, pebbles, rocks), and almost every bay is crowned with fragrant pine forests or ancient olive groves. To the southwest, the beaches tend to be smaller and access a bit more challenging, while swimming in the northern reaches of Alonissos typically requires your own boat (or a rental).

Milia: Here, the pine trees stretch almost down to the water's edge, a signature feature of the Sporades and the northern Aegean islands in general. Along with neighbouring Chrisi Milia and Megalos Mourtias, these are the three closest organised beaches to Patitiri and the Chora (Old Village).

Chrisi Milia: Widely considered one of Alonissos' most beautiful spots. Definitely stop for a dip and sunbathe on its mix of sand and fine pebbles. Its name, "Golden Apple Tree," is attributed to the late "Barba Apostolis or Lambrakis," the boatman who used to bring tourists here to swim. Its older, original name was "Palavoudim Laka," meaning "the hollow of the crazy Dimos"!

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

Mikros Mourtias: The charming little sibling of Megalos Mourtias (also featuring fine pebbles) is just a stone's throw from the Chora. Along with Gialia, Votsi beach, and Rousoum Gialos, it's one of the most easily accessible beaches from the island's main settlements.

Kokkinokastro: One of the most imposing seascapes on the entire island. The sunset light further enhances the dramatic appearance of the red cliffs that define the northern edge of the beach. The clarity of the water speaks for itself. Just before the beach, there's a relatively large, well-maintained parking area.

Leftos Gialos: Located in the same 'neighbourhood' as Kokkinokastro, this beach is fringed by an olive grove centuries old. Two elegant restaurants take full advantage of the stunning scenery, and many visitors delight in spending hours in the small paradise of Leftos Gialos.

Tzortzi Gialos: A bay literally 'drowned' in pine trees, although the beach itself is somewhat narrow. For the past 17 years, Kyra-Machi has been tending to swimmers' needs at her taverna here.

Agios Dimitrios: The star beach of Alonissos, captured in thousands of images promoting the Northern Sporades, and indeed Greece itself. Even in August, the risk of overcrowding is minimal, thanks to the long, perfect elliptical curve of the coastline. (See Don't Miss section). The two canteens you'll find here rent out umbrellas and sunbeds.

Marpounta: One of the first beaches on the island 'discovered' for the burgeoning tourist industry back in the early 1970s. A magical location with views towards Skopelos. The facilities of the eponymous hotel stretch along the bays, but nothing stops you from enjoying a swim here.

Gialia: Easily accessed from the Chora via a good, well-packed dirt road. The star attraction here is the windmill standing at the left end of the beach. The area has been developed tastefully, enhancing the natural ambiance of the landscape.

Tsoukalia: Beautiful and distinctive. Note that the wider area has been designated an archaeological site. Take a close look at the ground, and you'll understand why – hundreds of pottery shards are scattered everywhere.

Glyfa: Relatively... hidden, right next to Steni Vala. Beautiful turquoise waters, large pebbles, and usually fewer crowds.

Votsi: Mainly serves those staying in the namesake settlement, who typically descend via the steps rather than by car. A small pebbly beach nestled in the characteristic sheltered 'horseshoe' formed by pine-clad rocks.

Rousoum Gialos: One of the most popular beaches, situated below the settlement of the same name, featuring turquoise waters, smooth white pebbles, and inviting tavernas.

Text - Photos: Giannis Drenogiannis