Should You Visit Alonissos or Skip It? Pros and Cons Explained

Is Alonissos worth visiting? I had the same question before I went. Most people just fly into Skiathos and maybe squeeze in a day trip, but honestly, I think that totally misses the point. Alonissos is one of those places you feel. It ended up being my favorite of the three islands I visited.

It’s quiet, a little wild, totally underrated. Out of all the Sporades islands, it’s the furthest out, which probably explains why it’s still kind of a hidden gem.

But I didn’t just pop over for a quick look. I stayed five full nights. Long enough to get a real feel for the place. 

So if you’re wondering if it’s worth going all the way there and, more importantly, if you should actually stay there, let me give you the honest rundown.

Quick answer? If you’ve got more than four nights of vacation, I’d say it’s absolutely worth making your way out to Alonissos and staying. 

Anything less, and you might feel like you’re burning a lot of time just getting there. In that case, a day trip from either Skiathos or Skopelos could be a viable option.

Quick Breakdown: Pros and Cons of Visiting Alonissos

Who Alonissos Is For

• Travelers who want peace and quiet, not pool parties
• Nature lovers, hikers, and people who don’t mind a bit of a slower pace
• Anyone looking for an affordable, low-key Greek island experience
• Folks who are happy with a nice guesthouse/modest hotel, over a flashy resort
• People who want to explore a lesser-known island that still feels real and lived-in
  

Who It’s Not For

• Anyone craving a party scene, nightlife, or even a buzzy beach bar
• Travelers who want five-star hotels and full-service resorts
• People short on time; getting here takes a little extra effort
• Those who aren’t renting a car and still want to beach-hop every day

How to Get to Alonissos

Getting to Alonissos takes a little planning. There’s no airport on the island, so your best bet is to fly into Skiathos. From there, you’ll need to take a ferry. I use and recommend Ferry Hopper!

I flew into Skiathos, walked to the port (it’s super close), and grabbed a ferry to Alonissos. It’s not hard, but timing matters.

Ferries don’t run every hour, so you’ll want to check the schedule in advance. Some ferries go direct, others stop at Skopelos first. Either way, it’s about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the route.

You can also reach Alonissos from the mainland (Volos or Agios Konstantinos), but that’s a longer haul and usually involves more moving parts. Be sure to research your ferry route to find out which ferry is best for your trip.

If you’re already in Greece and want to keep it simple, I’d stick with the Skiathos route.

Getting Around Alonissos

If you’re staying in the port area (Patitiri), you can definitely get by without a car. You’ve got restaurants, shops, and even a walkable beach right there. It’s the most convenient place to stay if you’re not planning to rent anything.

That said, if you want to explore more of the island and visit those harder-to-reach beaches, having a car or ATV will make things easier. There are buses, but they’re limited. Taxis are available, but the cost adds up quickly.

To give you an idea, the port and the old town are about a 10-12 drive, and the taxi is about 12 euros. The bus costs 2 euros.

Still, even if you don’t rent a car, Alonissos is absolutely worth visiting. You can enjoy the town, the nearby beach, great food, and the slower pace without needing to run all over the island. Sometimes that’s kind of the point.

Best Time to Visit Alonissos

I went in early summer, and honestly, it was kind of perfect. The island wasn’t crowded, the weather was warm but not unbearable, and the water was swimmable. If you want that sweet spot, late May through June is a great time to go.

July and August are the hottest and busiest months. Even then, Alonissos never feels too overrun, but prices do go up and ferries can book out, so you’ll need to plan ahead.

September is another solid option. The sea is warm, the crowds thin out, and the weather is still great. By late September, some places start closing up for the season, but it’s still a beautiful time to be there if you like things quiet.

I probably wouldn’t go earlier than May or later than the first week of October unless you’re just looking to totally unplug and don’t mind limited options.

Where to Stay in Alonissos

I stayed in Patitiri, the main port town, and I really think it’s the best option if it’s your first time or if you’re not planning to rent a car.

You’ve got everything you need close by: restaurants, mini markets, cafes, and even a beach you can walk to. It’s low effort and super convenient.

I stayed at Liadromia Hotel and absolutely loved it. It’s walkable from the port, and most rooms have an incredible view. I booked one of their remodeled rooms on the top floor, and honestly, I couldn’t have been happier.

The view was unreal, the room felt brand new, and the location was perfect. If you can, definitely try to book one of the remodeled rooms. Totally worth it.

If you’ve got a car and want more of a quiet village feel, check out Chora (Old Town). It’s set up on the hill with amazing views and that classic old-world charm.

Just know that it’s not walkable to the beach, and you’ll need to drive to get around. I had originally thought about staying up here, but I am really glad I stayed down by the port because I didn’t have a car.

Steni Vala is another area with some small hotels and beach access, but it might feel a little too remote if you’re traveling solo.

It’s peaceful, but pretty quiet at night and harder to get around without your own transport.

Best Beaches in Alonissos

Alonissos has some seriously beautiful beaches. The water is crystal clear, and the coastline is rocky in that wild, untouched way.

Just know that most beaches here are pebbly, not sandy, and some are straight-up hard to walk on without shoes.

I actually had to buy swim shoes at a shop right by the beach because the rocks were brutal. They were 12 euros, not a bad price, and totally worth it.

Here are a few beaches I really liked:

Roussoum Gialos

Walkable from Patitiri, which makes it super convenient. It’s small and calm, with a few tavernas right on the water. There are sunbeds available for rent here; just bring a towel.

Chrisi Milia

One of the more popular beaches on the island. It has a bit of sand, sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, and a beach bar. It’s a good option if you want a beach day that feels a little more set up. You will need a car to reach this beach.

Leftos Gialos

Absolutely stunning water and a peaceful setting. There’s a nice taverna here with sunbeds and umbrellas. It feels a bit more polished than the others, but still quiet and not crowded.

Kokkinokastro

This one stands out because of the dramatic reddish cliffs. It’s rocky, with zero shade, but the water is incredible. Good for snorkeling. You won’t find sunbeds here, so bring whatever you need for comfort.

Some of the more remote beaches are only accessible by car or boat, but even if you stick to the easier ones, you’ll have plenty to enjoy.

Glifa

This beach is walkable from Steni Vala, which is one of the places that the bus goes. It was very calm waters, I could see a lot of families nearby.

You can grab my custom Google Map of Alonissos beaches [insert link] to help plan your beach days without wasting time.

Things to Do in Alonissos

Alonissos isn’t the kind of island with a packed itinerary. And that’s kind of the whole point. But if you’re like me and want a little mix of lazy beach days and light exploring, there’s still plenty to keep you happy.

Wander around Chora (Old Town)

One of the best things I did was spend a few hours up in Chora. The views are amazing, the streets are super cute, and there are a few little shops and cafes to poke around in.

It’s especially nice in the evening when it cools off and the lights come on.

Swim, snorkel, float, repeat

The water here is next level. Bring a snorkel mask if you have one. Lots of fish and rocky underwater landscapes to check out. Even the more basic beaches are perfect for swimming and floating for hours.

Boat trip to the Marine Park

Alonissos is part of a protected marine park, and you can take a boat tour around the nearby islands. Some include swimming stops at completely wild beaches. Just head down to the port, and you will see all the boats with their day trip information signs.

If you’re lucky, you might spot a monk seal. It’s one of the best ways to see the more untouched parts of the area.

Eat fresh seafood

This is one of those islands where the food is simple and so good. Grilled fish, local cheeses, and a ton of olive oil on everything.

I had one of my favorite meals of the trip here. Nothing fancy, just super fresh and cooked right. Try the swordfish skewers at Restaurant Akrogiali.

Or, if you’re in the old town, definitely head to Astrofegia at sunset for the most incredible views and homemade Greek cuisine.

Visit the Alonissos Museum

If you’re into history or just want something to do that’s not beach-related, the museum in Patitiri is small but worth a stop.

It covers pirate history, traditional island life, and has some cool old photos.

Hike a little (or a lot)

There are a few trails if you’re feeling active. Some connect the beaches, others go inland through pine forests. Even just short walks along the coast are beautiful.

The Final Verdict: Who Will Love Alonissos

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves a slower pace, clear water, and a little off-the-radar charm, Alonissos will probably steal your heart. It’s not flashy, it’s not packed with attractions, and that’s exactly what makes it special.

You’ll love it if you’re into nature, quiet beach days, long dinners by the sea, and not needing a big itinerary. It’s also great for solo travelers who want to feel safe and relaxed without having to be on the go all the time.

If you’re after luxury resorts, nightlife, or that buzzier Greek island energy, this probably isn’t your spot. And if you’re short on time, getting here might feel like too much effort for just a day or two.

But if you’ve got at least four or five nights and you’re craving calm, clear water, and an island that still feels untouched in the best way, then yes, Alonissos is absolutely worth it.

Still have questions? Feel free to reach out!