This little island stays the quiet sibling of its extra well-known neighbours.
This little island stays the quiet sibling of its extra well-known neighbours (Picture: Getty)
Whereas thousands and thousands of Brits flock to the celebration hubs of Skiathos and the landscapes of Skopelos, made well-known by the 2008 blockbuster, Mamma Mia, a quiet revolution is occurring on their doorstep. Alonissos, probably the most distant of the Northern Sporades islands, has lengthy been the best-kept secret of the Aegean.
However in 2026, it’s rising as the last word vacation spot for dupe travellers trying to escape the skyrocketing costs and the over-tourism now plaguing the likes of Santorini and Mykonos. Recognized for having the cleanest seawater in all of Greece, this eco-paradise presents a frozen-in-time expertise that many concern has been misplaced elsewhere within the Mediterranean as they fall sufferer to the tourism curse.
Chora sits on a hill with 360-degree views of the Aegean (Picture: Getty)
There are a number of key villages that each customer should hit when exploring Alonissos. Perched excessive on a hill with 360-degree views, the medieval village of Chora (Outdated City) was practically destroyed in a 1965 earthquake. It has since been restored right into a maze of bougainvillaea-clad alleys and boutique tavernas.
In the meantime, Steni Vala, a tiny fishing port, is a should for foodies. It has change into world-famous for its Lobster Pasta, with many eating places serving catch straight from the boats moored simply toes away.
Nature lovers are additionally being urged to go to the Nationwide Marine Park of Alonissos, the most important protected marine space in Europe. It’s the major sanctuary for the Mediterranean Monk Seal, one of many world’s most endangered mammals. Fortunate holidaymakers on boat excursions usually spot dolphins, turtles, and uncommon falcons, making it a bucket-list vacation spot for wildlife photographers.
Agios Dimitrios is ceaselessly voted among the many most stunning on the earth, that includes a dramatic “V-shape” of white pebbles that makes the water glow that iconic turquoise color.
The island’s greatest draw is not simply on land. Alonissos is house to the Peristera Underwater Museum, dubbed the “Parthenon of Shipwrecks”.
Found by a fisherman within the Nineteen Eighties, the location comprises over 4,000 historic wine amphorae courting again to 425 BC. Whereas licensed divers can discover the “hauntingly stunning” wreck firsthand, the island has cleverly catered to those that need to keep on dry land. A high-tech VR Info Centre within the Outdated City permits guests to discover the location with out getting their hair moist.
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Attending to Alonissos in Might is comparatively simple, however as a result of the island has no airport, it does require a two-step journey. Might is a wonderful time to journey, as direct seasonal flights from the UK have simply begun, however the summer time crowds haven’t but arrived. The most well-liked route is to fly on to the neighbouring island of Skiathos, with airways together with easyJet, Jet2 and TUI working direct flights by way of airports like Gatwick and Stansted, after which take a brief ferry throughout.
In Might, Alonissos additionally enjoys heat and nice daytime temperatures, with each day highs sometimes ranging between and 22C and 24C.
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