ALLONISSOS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Allonissos is an evergreen island of 64 sq. km and with a population of approximately 3.500 inhabitants. A place of exquisite beauty and unparalleled tranquility, it is an ideal destination for calm and relaxing holidays in harmony with nature. 

HISTORY-CULTURE

Archaeological and Paleontological findings have proven that Allonissos was inhabited by humans long before any other island in the Aegean Sea. These date as far back as 100000 years BC. Yet the history of the island can be traced back into the 16th century BC, when Minoan settlers set foot on the island. Renowned for her limited supply of splendid wine, a scarce commodity which was exported to numerous distant locations, ancient Ikos was the place where Pileas, father of Achilles, chose to spend the last of his days. Its strategic location quickly established it as a center of commerce and as a refuge for ships passing by, although the many shipwrecks found in her waters reveal that some were not lucky enough to find sanctuary in her port. Control of the island passed on from Athenians to Macedonians, from Romans to Byzantines, and from Venetians to Turks, until it was finally liberated after the Greek Revolution of 1821.   

SIGHTS

Every last corner of Allonissos is a sight in itself. Any picture of this island could become a best-selling post card. Here each reclusive beach is accompanied by a pine forest of its own, a green frame over the crystal blue of its waters. The fortified town of Chora is a passport to the midde ages, its stone-paved streets winding through centuries-old buildings, most impressive of which is the one that once housed the Venetian Magistrate. Smaller islands, some of which once were united with Allonissos, scattered around the island almost like a solar system, add to this image of beauty with their own considerable charms. Some of these are large Peristera, Kyra Panagia with her picturesque monastery, Skantzoura with her unmatched beaches and her own monastery which offers hospitality, Lechoussa, Adelphoi, Psathoura with the underwater ancient city and with the small caves who serve as a refuge for the last of the endangered Mediterranean seals, and Gioura, whose large cave is said to be the home of the legendary Cyclops.

ENTERTAINMENT-SPORTS-SHOPPING

The town of Patitiri is the center of the action in Allonissos, hosting most of the accommodations facilities, cafes, bars, night clubs, and taverns. The villages of Chora and Votsi offer somewhat less in this respect in terms of quantity, yet nothing less in terms of quality. Water sports facilities are available on the beaches of Marpounda and Glyfa, while tennis, basketball and volleyball courts can be found in some of the hotels. The forested interior of the island is suitable for enjoyable trekking, while divers will be fascinated by the crystal clear waters, as well as by occasional shipwrecks. A chance to attend traditional festivities should not be missed, and neither should be the opportunity to taste local lobster, cheese pie, and masterfully boiled goat.  

ACCESS

Ferries and speed boats depart for Allonissos daily from the ports of Volos and Agios Constantinos in Central Greece. Both ports are easily accessible by bus. Routes are more frequent during the Summer season.

CONNECTIONS

Ferries and speed boats also connect Allonissos with Skyros, Skiathos, Skopelos, Evia, Chalkidiki and Thessaloniki. 

MUSEUMS

The monastery of Agioi Anargyroi hosts a folk art museum with a collection which depicts the history and the traditions of the island.

ALTERNATIVE TOURISM

Archaeological, cultural-historical, gastronomy, spiritual, ecotourism, sporting (windsurfing, water ski, trekking, scuba diving, sailing).

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

ALONISSOS AREA CODE:   24240-

POLICE STATION: 24240-65205

MUNICIPALITY: 24240-65555

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 24240-65550

PORT POLICE: 24240-65595

MEDICAL CENTER: 24240-65208