Diagram by Greece Trips. Free to reuse with credit - CC BY 4.0.
The marine park
The park exists chiefly for the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world, which breeds in sea caves on the uninhabited islands north of Alonissos.
Access to those islands is graded: some can be visited, some only approached, and the core zone around Piperi is closed entirely. Boat trips run into the permitted zones from Patitiri.
Nobody should promise you a seal. They are wild, scarce and shy, and the honest description of a park trip is that you will see extraordinary empty islands and might see a seal.
The old village
Chora, the old capital on the hill, was badly damaged by an earthquake in the twentieth century, after which the population was moved down to the new port at Patitiri. The old village was left empty.
It was then bought and restored, largely by foreign residents, and is now inhabited again: stone lanes, a long view down the island, and tavernas along the ridge. The story is unusual and the result is one of the better evenings in the Sporades.
The rest of it
- Patitiri, the port, is the working town and where the boats leave.
- The coast is clear, quiet and mostly pebble, with Chrisi Milia, Kokkinokastro and Steni Vala the names people use.
- The island is long and thin with one main road along its spine.
Getting there and how long
Ferries and hydrofoils from Volos and Agios Konstantinos on the mainland, via Skiathos and Skopelos. Skiathos has the nearest airport.
Three nights, including a marine park boat day.
Last checked August 2026. Boat trips and park access rules are seasonal - see our editorial policy.
Common questions
What is the Alonissos marine park?
The National Marine Park of Alonissos and the Northern Sporades, the first marine park in Greece, protecting the waters and uninhabited islands north of Alonissos.
Will you see monk seals at Alonissos?
Possibly, but they are wild, endangered and shy. Boat trips go into the permitted zones of the park; the core area around Piperi is closed entirely.
What happened to the old village on Alonissos?
Chora was damaged by an earthquake and the population moved to the new port at Patitiri. The old village was later restored and is inhabited again.
How do you get to Alonissos?
By ferry or hydrofoil from Volos or Agios Konstantinos via Skiathos and Skopelos. The nearest airport is on Skiathos.
Is Alonissos busy?
It is the quietest of the three main Sporades, and noticeably so compared with Skiathos.
Plan by category
The Alonissos guides
2 guides, each scoped to a decision you actually have to make.
AttractionsThings to do
See the attractions →
BeachesThe beaches
See the beaches →