ALONNISOS
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Alonnisos Island is part of the Sporades Island Group, Greece.
By boat: There is no direct ferry route from Athens to Alonnisos. Services are from Volos or Aghios Konstantinos (closer to Athens): by car ferry (6 hours) daily from Volos, and five times weekly from Aghios Konstantinos. The island is also connected by rapid hydrofoil service (Flying Dolphin) in 2 hrs 30 mins from both of the above ports with varying frequency throughout the year. All serv ices to the island stop in Skiathos and Skopelos en route.
In the summer months, the hydrofoil connection is more frequent and the network extends to include Thessaloniki to the north and Kymi and other destinations on Euboea to the south.
Access to the outlying islands in the Marine Park (with the exception of Pipéri which is closed to ordinary visits) can be arranged with a boat opera tor in Patitíri: there are boats of varying size—the M/V "Gorgona" (Ikos Travel, details above); "Plantiri" (Alonnisos Travel, T. 24240 65188); and the smaller "Stella".
Chora is a cooler, quieter and more panoramic place to stay than the port: Fantasia House (T. 24240 65186), to the left as you approach the village, is attractive and simple.
In Patitíri, the Hotel Haravgi (T. 24240 65090, fax 65189) is comfortable and pleasant, and open most of the year. There are many room or studio rental solutions on the island, which can be found at www. alonissos.gr.
A good place to sample the island's traditional, spiral tyropitta called striphtiko is at the taverna To Paradosiako at Steni Vala where they are freshly and delicately made along with a variety of good fish dishes, and where fresh wine from the island is served in the late spring.
370 05 Alonnisos (sometimes written Alónissos), also referred to by its Mediaeval name‘Chelidromi(a)’ (and a current local variant, ‘Liadromia’): area 65sq. km; perimeter 81km; resident population 2399; max. altitude 475 m. Port Authority: T. 24240 65595. Travel information both for Alonnisos and for visits to the outlying islands: Ikos Travel (T. 24240 65320, fax 65321, www.ikostravel.com)
Ὰνω Μαγνὴτον Νησοὶ, Kostas Mavrikis, Alonnisos 1997 (currently only in Greek), is a comprehensive historical study of the island and its waters.
Walking on Alonnisos is a popular pastime. The following knowledgeable and informative guide can be of help: Alonnisos Through the Souls of your Feet, Chris Browne, 2008 (available through www.alonnisoswalks. co.uk). For information on the North Sporades Marine Park, see: www.alonissos park.gr