Climate
The island’s climate is Mediterranean, with moderate rainfall during wintertime and long dry summers. During August, the meltemia (average to very strong northerly winds) refresh the atmosphere but cause significant disturbance at sea.
Trails
On the island there are marked routes of varied difficulty and distance which somebody can walk. The landscape is usually beautiful. However it is better to avoid walking during the hot summer days, especially from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. when the danger of a sunstroke is greater therefore always carry along a hat, sunblock and water. Trekking is ideal from September to November and from March to June when the sun is not so scorching, temperature is not as high and rainy days are fewer.
Diving
Diving is quite popular on the island. There are several diving schools both in Patitiri and Steni Vala that make daily diving excursions. You can get your first star or dive with experienced instructors around the island.
Birdwatching
For the birdwatching enthusiasts, some of the species that can be seen are Eleonora’s Falcon (Falco eleonorae), Audouin’s Gull (Larus audouinii), and the Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) which are considered rather rare. More common are the eagle (Hieraetus fasciatus), the cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and the white gull (Larus cacchinans), and, nesting among the rocks, the Apus capus and Apus melba, the Rock Nuthatch (Sitta neumayeri) and others.
Excursions
Each morning departing from the port of Patitiri, boats will take you for a tour around the National Marine Park and a swim in the nearby islets, before they bring you back in the afternoon. If lucky, you might see dolphins or monk seals.
International Academy of Classical Homeopathy
Founded in 1995 by Mr. G. Vithoulkas, the academy is based in Alonissos. Every summer conferences and seminars take place in their premises with participants from all over the world.
Food
A traditional pie is something one must taste in Alonissos. There are different kinds of pies, the most popular of which is the fried cheese (feta) pie (Alonissos tyropita). Try it along with a Greek salad (tomato, cucumber, onion, green pepper and maybe olives or caper, with olive oil and oregano on the top) and a cold beer and you mightnot want to eat anything else for the rest of your vacations.There is also onion pie, or pie with various herbs, pumpkin pie and milk pie (on the sweet side). One should also try local delights such as “amygdaloto” (almond and sugar made sweet) or “karidopita” (walnut pie with syrup). Visit the women’s cooperative store in Patitiri and try local made products. Last but not least is the Alonisso’s tuna. Tuna fish filets are boiled and canned in glass jars with oil and sometimes rosemary or hot red peppers that spice it up.
Moving Around
The island is not very big, about 25 km from one end to the other. However, one will need a means of transportation in order to visit most of the beautiful and popular beaches. So, one can ferry his own car or motorbike or rent one from Patitiri. Cycling is another option if you are an experienced cyclist. Distances might not be great, but there are significant altitude variations due to the mountainous terrain. Remember to bring spare tubes and parts, as there is no bike shop on the island that can provide you with tubes or any other sort of bicycle spare parts. Walking is another way to move around the island, though I would not recommend it during the very hot summer days. I must say though, that there are some trails that cross a pine tree forest, so at least one would walk under the shade of the trees. There are beaches that are close to the Old Village, such as Megalos and Mikros Mourtias (about 2 km) or Gialia and others that are further away. Remember that the village is built on a hilltop and you will have to walk uphill during your return home! Finally, a more adventurous way of moving around is by renting a boat. Apart from taking you to the islands beaches, the boat can get you to the beaches of the nearby islets, where you can swim at a more isolated beach. However, you must be extremely careful because the sea is dangerous and not all islets in the Marine Park are accessible to visitors. Always ask information and advice from the boat owner. As far as public transportation is concerned, there is only one bus that makes the trip from the port of Patitiri to the Old Village on a hourly basis during the summer months.
Travel Options
There are different traveling options for the potential visitor. One can travel by ship (about 5.5 hours) or high speed boat (catamaran, about 3.5 hours, flying dolphin, about 2.5 hours) from Volos, and Agios Konstantinos (during the summer). Ship is also a choice during the summer when you come from Kymi (about 2.5 hours). Last, one can fly to Skiathos and get on board a ship from there to Alonissos (about 3 hours).