Avoid Crowds At This Greek Island Alternative To Santorini
By Jenna Busch
VACATIONS
If you're looking for a more relaxed Greek vacation, the peaceful island of Alonissos offers beautiful beaches, hikes, tavernas, and a Marine Park with a shipwreck you can dive.
Alonissos is known for having incredibly clear blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. You can get there by ferry from Volos Port outside Athens or Skiathos Island.
Alonissos has lovely villages, including Chora, the old capital, and Patitiri, which is close to the main port. Both towns have wonderful restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops.
This island features 18 beautiful beaches and caves along the coast. You can catch one of the daily boat tours from Patitiri to see and swim in them and the surrounding islets.
There are 14 trails on the island to explore, and you can rent bikes to see the sights a little faster. With waters this clear, scuba is a big draw.
Alonissos is also part of the National Marine Park, which protects the Mediterranean monk seal population and features an advanced dive to the wreck of the Peristera from 235 BCE.