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7429 Greece 2020 Alonissos.qxp 22/11/2019 12:01 Page 157 Greece | Sporades islands | Alonissos Moules Mt kouvoulis Alonissos 476 m dhiasselo Alonissos is the least developed of the northern Aghios dimitrios Mourtero Sporades; a green retreat in which to swim, walk and Barbakis kalamakia gently explore. Around its shores are many coves and Manolas Steni Vala peristera beaches, lapped by the clearest of seas and backed by island green hills. inland is a scenic joy, and the network of kokkinokastro Milia Alonissos Votsi marked trails through the varied countryside makes for Old Town PATITIRI Mikro some excellent walking. Mourtia Megalo Mourtia TO SkOpelOS, SkiAThOS & MAinlAnd The island is about 20 kilometres the old houses are now largely authentic local tavernas plus a couple swimming – the re is a string of fine long by 4 wide, its hilly terrain restored and favoured by artists and of cafés and mini-markets. A dive beaches up the east coast from softened by oak and pine. writers. The village now has a dozen centre is now also based here and a peaceful Milia to picturesque Aghios Ferries and catamarans leave regularly tavernas, several cafés, a couple of bus service to patitiri operates June to dimitrios – and walking. from the main port of patitiri for bars and a mini-market. There is a bus September. link from patitiri (operates June to Skopelos, only 20 minutes away, and Alonissos is a quiet, very beautiful AlonIssos InfoRmATIon for Skiathos, another hour further to September) and it can also be island which is quite happy to remain Getting to Alonissos the west. This makes the odd day reached on foot in about 40 mins via off the main tourist path. largely Friday flight Gatwick or Manchester excursion easy, as well as twin-centre a goat track or by taxi. Old Alonissos is traditional, it would suit those looking to Skiathos (note: Gatwick inbound holidays. particularly atmospheric in the for an unhurried holiday in natural flight via Volos). Regional flights also evenings, and we'd recommend all may be available – please enquire. Some twenty minutes walk to the surroundings, fine views, good Then 60-70 minutes by scheduled visitors to come for dinner here at north is the delightful fishing harbour Flying Cat or 2½ hrs by ferry. (Note: least once. should ferry schedules remain as last of Votsi, its clear waters and pretty year you should expect an early pebble beach backed by cliffs and Alonissos was one of only 22 areas morning departure from the island pines. Votsi has a traditional, generally from more than 1000 in the world to on your return journey). For flight sleepy village atmosphere, a handful be awarded a Quality Coast certificate details see page 270. of small shops and some good in 2013 (www.qualitycoast.info). The multi-Centre options Skiathos and Skopelos. For multi- tavernas. Walk back over the headland seas around the island are designated centre details see page 8. towards patitiri and you will come to a national Marine park, set up to Car & Boat Hire the beach at Rossoum which has protect the indigenous Monk Seal. See pages 268-9 for car hire details. tavernas of its own. You can visit it by organised boat trip. Motor boats can be hired locally via our representative. Old Alonissos, high above patitiri, On the edge of the park, halfway up Representative boasts stunning views and is certainly the coast, is the pretty fishing harbour Based in Patitiri - visits all areas picturesque. Abandoned in the 1960’s, of Steni Vala – very peaceful with four 020 8758 4758 www.sunvil.co.uk Greece & Cyprus | 157 7429 Greece 2020 Alonissos.qxp 22/11/2019 12:01 Page 158 Greece | Sporades islands | Alonissos Marpunta Resort near patitiri Set amongst pine trees on a rocky 35-40 minute walk along the little- promontory some 2½ kms south of used road. patitiri, the Marpunta offers a quiet due to the location of the rooms, relaxed stay in some comfort with most of which are reached by steps nature all around. The hotel is or the alternative winding path up designed in a 'village' style, with the hill, we would not recommend a most of its 104 rooms in one- or stay here to those of limited mobility two-storey bungalow units above - however a Club Car can be called the main building, pool and beach. from reception to assist. please note There are various types of rooms and that the three deluxe Junior Suites suites ranging from 20 sq m up to 55 are at a lower level near the main sq m - see our website for details. building, pool and beach. Following the recent full renovation Half Board: £238 per week adults; £119 in 2016 they are furnished in a clean child 2-11. Guests can swap dinner for minimalist style with village (hotel), lunch with a little notice to reception. garden, side-sea or sea views from their terrace. All possess the facilities early Booking Offers and mod cons you would expect, Reductions apply for bookings including luxury bedding. made before 31/3. please note that 50% of the hotel cost must be paid The main building houses a lounge, at the time of booking for the offer main restaurant (buffet), bar and to apply (quoted on request - non- terrace. The large lagoon-style pool refundable). below has a pool bar and a seasonal Pay BB get lunch and dinner free a la carte restaurant. The main beach – free upgrade to full board for all is usually sheltered and has canoes bookings made by 29/2 (worth up for rent, and there is a second to £420 per person per week). smaller pebble beach around the corner. elsewhere in the grounds is a Swimming pool tennis court. The Resort: 4 Stars Air Conditioning The hotel operates a free bus to and Free WiFi from patitiri port twice a day, which Bed & Breakfast or half Board can also be reached in a pleasant Atrium Hotel near patitiri Set amongst the pine trees up the include a mini-bar (initial stock is hill at the back of the village, where free of charge), a safety deposit box, the road to Alonissos Old Village filter coffee machine (plus coffee!), begins, the Atrium has lovely views hydro-jet shower and hairdryer. The out to sea over the forest. The edge hotel also offers free Wifi. of patitiri, with its shops and The hotel has two swimming pools attractive waterfront tavernas, is (plus one for children) and a pool approximately 600m away (a ten bar - pool towels are provided. minute walk and a further five to The Atrium offers good modern the harbour), and it’s a similar standards and facilities in an distance to the very nice beach of attractive location and with Rossoum. excellent views from almost The Atrium provides good facilities everywhere. and a high level of comfort from its upgraded and stylish 30 double or twin-bedded rooms. not only do The hotel: Air Conditioning they all possess air conditioning, Sat 3 Stars Swimming pool TV and a sea view balcony, added Bed & Breakfast Free WiFi benefits (all at no extra charge) Alonissos Old Town 158 | Sunvil 020 8758 4758 www.sunvil.co.uk 7429 Greece 2020 Alonissos.qxp 22/11/2019 12:01 Page 159 Greece | Sporades islands | Alonissos Nina's Studios patitiri patitiri is the main port of Alonissos (some with an extra single) and and has a wide selection of each has AC, Wifi, TV, hairdryer, restaurants and cafes strung along room safe, light kitchen facilities (2 the waterfront against a backdrop ring hob, fridge, kettle, toaster) and of chalk-white cliffs. a bathroom with shower. nina Studios enjoy fabulous views The views from your private from their elevated location to the furnished balcony over patitiri Bay side of the bay overlooking the are superb, and one could sit for turquoise waters below, and yet hours watching the harbour life they are a short walk from all the below come and go. facilities and a small beach at the The very nice beach of Rossoum in far end of the harbour, reached by a the next bay can be reached in footpath and some steps in just 5 around 10 minutes. minutes. The studios are some of the loveliest we have yet seen on The Studios: Air Conditioning Alonissos, being beautifully Self Catering Free WiFi furnished and decorated with care Studios for 2/3 and taste. All have double beds Patitiri view from near Nina’s and Liadromia Hippocampus Apartments Votsi hippocampus (which is the sea- air conditioned, with a sofa-bed. horse of Greek mythology if you They have two regular balconies, were wondering!) is on the front one front and one rear. row of the cliff above Votsi Bay, and There are now four or five tavernas thus enjoys superb views. it is a five at Votsi and all can be reached in minute walk down to the harbour around a 5 minute walk, as can the in one direction and Votsi's pretty mini-market up the hill. due to the beach in the other. location we would not recommend The five studios are a good size and this property to those with mobility mostly double-bedded. All possess problems. a ceiling fan in addition to AC, a We can also offer similar sea view basic kitchenette with 2 cooking studios at the Oniro Apartments rings and fridge, a shower room next door – see our website for and a spacious front terrace with details. sunblind and fine views over the bay to the front or side.