Alonnisos combines a distinctive historic townscape with tangible opportunities for culture and outdoor activities. In Old Village, lanes lead to the Old School, which houses the Alonissos Underwater Museum information center. Another hiking trail passes through orchards to the port of Patitiri, while the Peristera wreck is a diving destination nearby. This gives you a choice of different focuses for your trip: local history, hiking, marine exhibitions or diving.
Old Village and Information Center
Alonissos Town, also called Old Village or Palio Chorio, lies at an elevation of about 180 meters. Old Village is one of the best-preserved medieval settlements in the Aegean. Its position on a hill offered protection from pirate raids. The settlement was continuously inhabited until the 1965 earthquake. Those interested in local history will find several historical layers here: the medieval settlement, the hill’s protective role and the turning point of 1965.
One route leads from Kato Alonia through the picturesque lanes of Old Village to the Old School. The Alonissos Underwater Museum information center is located in the Old School in Old Village. The Old School is therefore both the end point of this route and the location of the information center. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out.
The information center features interactive displays about marine fauna and flora, as well as 3D representations of pots and vessels from Peristera. A virtual reality experience lets visitors dive into the Peristera shipwreck. The schoolyard also offers its own vantage point: from there, panoramic views extend across the surrounding area.
Trails and Views
Another hiking trail starts at the bus stop and descends from Chora (Old Alonissos), through orchards, to the port of Patitiri. The walk takes no more than 45 minutes. Its start and end points, along with the route through the orchards, give this hike a different character from the route through Old Village’s lanes to the Old School.
From the summit of Kalovoulo, there are views towards Chora and Skopelos. This gives you a choice of different routes and landscape experiences when planning your trip: a town route ending at the Old School, a downhill hike to the port of Patitiri, and the view from the summit of Kalovoulo.
Alonismata and Traditional Threshing
At Alonismata, threshing is reenacted on historic threshing floors known as Alonia. In the past, local people beat bundles of grain there to separate the kernels. Visitors can sample local dishes and wine, dance, and learn about the tools used in traditional threshing. Thus, the event includes not only a demonstration but also food, wine and dancing. If you are traveling for the program, check the dates and current activities in advance.
Diving at Peristera
The Peristera shipwreck is a diving destination near Alonnisos. Divers can explore among ancient amphorae at depths of up to 25 meters with certified guides. An Advanced Open Water Diver certification (second level) is required. If you plan to make this a focus of your trip, confirm the current diving arrangements before you travel.
If you are looking for a hotel in Alonnisos, first consider which experiences you want to shape your stay: Old Village and its information center, the hiking trails or diving at Peristera. Then compare the available options according to your own priorities.
Discover more destinations: Agnontas, Sporades, Glossa, Votsi, Koukounaries, Skiathos, Isomata, Achladias
For the broader travel overview: Sporades.
