Hiring a boat is the ideal way to explore the hidden beauty of Alonissos or Alonnisos. This tiny paradise that rests in the Aegean Sea has verdant sceneries and emerald waters creating the perfect adventure with a yacht. Alonissos has several picturesque marinas where you can easily find the ideal catamaran, sailboat, motor yacht or speedboat of your choice. You can directly contact the owners or simply allow a BednBlue travel expert to guide you with some suggestions.
You have plenty of options:
You can book and hire a sailboat or speedboat with a skipper, or without if you own a license, and enjoy a one-day cruise to Skopelos. You can also rent a motorboat and tour various beaches you desire with ease, comfort and luxury. With the option to book a catamaran you can throw a party or visit the Marine Park of Alonissos where you can enjoy snorkeling with your private group. Finally, you can hire a luxury sailboat at a fair price and go island hopping in the Sporades for as many days as you wish.
Alonissos is the largest island in the Sporades with an area of 64.5 square kilometers and only 3,000 people. Just like the many other islands in the complex, Alonissos has an impressive combination of green and blue, where pine forests and gorgeous turquoise beaches seem to co-exist. The National Marine Park is a favorite ecotourism destination in Alonissos, a refuge for the Mediterranean monk seal and home to around 80 species of birds. There are 5 more islands that constitute the main park area and these include Peristera, Skantouza, Kyra Panagia, Piperi and Gioura where you can find a rare type of goat as well as falcon, gulls and important findings from the popular Cyclops cave revealing human presence dating back to the 9th-millennium bc. The old capital is Chora and consists of an old castle, many churches, picturesque courtyards and cobblestone alleys. The current capital of Alonissos is Patitiri on the south side of the island, also a busy harbor where several boats depart for daily trips. By the harbor you can visit the large historical and Folklore museum, walking enthusiasts can also reach the old village of Horio in 30 minutes with an old path from the port. Visitors who would love to enjoy traditional Greek cuisine must try the local dishes of the island, some of which include black linguine with tuna, cheesepie, baked goat with honey and lobster accompanied by the black wine of Alonissos. Generally, the area and the chain of islands in the Sporades played a crucial role in Greek naval history, pirates would raid the inner and outer perimeters. During the Byzantine years, fortresses were built to protect the inhabitants from threats. The agricultural production of the island from the systematic cultivation of olives and the export of wine helped boost Alonissos economically. Today you can still enjoy the precious natural asset this island offers, with verdant lush greenery everywhere and a variety of beaches that you can explore with your selected boat.
Those who want to rent a sailboat, catamaran or yacht will be able to discover the island’s countless beaches. About 5 km from Patitiri you will find the two southernmost beaches known as Mikros and Megalos Mourtias which have a hidden bay between them known as Vithisma. The former was used as the main port for daily excursions to Skopelos and is more peaceful, the latter is more popular with amenities where you can enjoy drinks or lunch by the three taverns aside. Near Patitiri you can also cruise to Rousoum, Marpouda and Votsi beach. Rousoum and Marpouda have white thick pebbles and are known for the many accommodations they offer, Votsi is an isolated bay where fishing boats moor from the harbor right opposite and has crystalline waters. To enjoy the perfect private catamaran cruise head to Milia which is known for its tranquility and unspoiled natural beauty. If you prefer more of a cosmopolitan feel then head to Chrissi Milia which is a little more organized and is ideal for watersports and scuba diving. Some boats also depart from the port of Steni Vala which is known to be the center of protection for the Mediterranean monk seal, an endangered and rare species. Boats depart this narrow-looking fjord to visit Glyfa beach known for its exotic scenery and calm waters. Finally, one of the best beaches to visit when renting a boat in Alonissos is Agios Dimitrios which is furthest from Patitiri but is a must-add to your bucket list.
Because the Marine Park of Alonissos features many inhabited islands and over 20 rocky islets, hiring a sailboat with a skipper is highly recommended. You can enjoy sightseeing from your chartered yacht as your captain navigates the waters with caution and spot birds, numerous species of fish and even dive in fascinating shipwrecks dating back to the ancient and Byzantine times. Kyra Panagia is one of the largest islands around the marine park, a great stop where you can also tour the old monastery. On September 8, there is a celebration of the birth of the Virgin Mary and monks from Mt.Athos even complete an excursion by boat here the same day. Throughout your cruise, you can also visit the blue cave of Alonissos (preferably with an inflatable or RIB, so you can go inside the cave!), the volcanic island of Psathoura and swim and snorkel in the beautiful bays of Skatzoura. A day cruise to Skopelos is also an option which is just half an hour away. Skopelos has various traditional settlements with unique architectural beauty and great nightlife. Finally, those who want to enjoy multi-day trips in the Sporades island-chain can include Skiathos in their sailing itinerary, known for its harmonious combination of the green and blue landscape.
Below you will find some useful information for your boat trip to Alonissos.
Alonissos has one main organized marina in Patitiri, the capital of the island.
Patitiri: Located on the south side of the island and well protected from the winds. In earlier times, viticulture was widely practiced here and was the main source of income to the few inhabitants of the island. Today you can enjoy the restaurants, shops and cafés near the harbour or an excursion to the nearby beaches.
Palio Horio: the old capital on the south side of the island. You can enjoy a fantastic promenade by the village which surrounds a natural bay or stroll around the charming square of Hora.
Steni Vala: a seaside village where several boats can anchor. Close to Glyfa beach and many diving spots.
Votsi: a seaside village on the southeast side of the island with traditional houses, labyrinthine alleys and cliffs surrounding a charming bay. Boats tend to depart from Patitiri and come here as an alternative or resting mooring spot.
Gerakas Bay: Found on the northern part of Alonissos with a small mooring spot for yachts where you can also enjoy a swim in the clean waters.
Skiathos is the only island in the Sporades with an Airport, you might like to head to Alonissos right after or head directly with a ferry from Volos, Thessaloniki or Euboea.
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