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Alonissos, the least populated island in the Sporades group, is the place for those seeking a quiet vacation away from the noise and traffic. It is famous because the sea around Alonissos and the seven uninhabited islets near it have been declared a marine park, so it is the cleanest in the Aegean Sea.

All the islets and Alonissos itself have very rich fauna and flora, and they all offer one of the last remaining habitats for the mediterranean monk seal, better known as the monachus-monachus. The marine park was established in 1983 and its research station and rescue-centre for seals are based on Alonissos. Having that in mind, take care not to disturb the wildlife, as the greatest threat for the extinction of the monk seal comes from human disturbance. If a female seal feels frightened by human presence, she may abandon the helpless baby, or have a miscarriage if she's pregnant. If you are lucky enough to see one, make sure that your presence is almost unfelt.

The main port of the island is Patitiri at the southern end of the east coast. Most of the inhabitants went there after an earthquake that badly damaged most of the houses of the hilltop capital, called Old Alonissos or Hora.

Consequently, Patitiri is not a highly traditional town, but it is a safe harbour to leave the yacht and set out for a walk on the delightful path that leads to Hora. The climb will take you about 30 minutes.

Hora itself, is a quiet, picturesque village that offers a beautiful view to the rest of the island. Many houses have been restored and are now owned by wealthy Greeks as well as other Europeans seeking for the tranquillity and peace that the place offers.

Apart from the peace and quiet, the island has nice -mostly pebbly beaches - mainly on the east coast. Starting from Patitiri, the first beach is Chrysi Milia, followed by Kokkinokastro, Steni Vala and Kalamakia (the last two have tavernas), and Saint Dimitrios beach - unofficially - for the nudists. Steni Vala and Lipsos Yialos are sheltered from the meltemi, thus popular with yachts.

The seven islets near Alonissos are Kyra-Panagia (with lovely beaches) and Psathoura (with the brightest lighthouse in the Aegean) to the north, Piperi and Gioura to the north-east, Skantzoura to the south-east, Peristera to the east, and tiny Adelphi between these two.

Peristera has good sandy beaches, and the rest have rare plants, and offer habitat to falcons, seagulls and wild goats. It is forbidden to visit Piperi, as it is a refuge for the monachus-monachus.

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