Beaches on Alonissos
Our Hand-Picked Guide to the Best Beaches on Alonissos
Agios Dimitrios
Where: about two-thirds of the way up the east coast, approx. 5km north of Steni Vala
Description: one of Alonissos’s most photographed beaches, Agios Dimitros wraps around two sides of a pointed headland that protrudes into the sea. Crystal clear waters, vibrant green surroundings and pure white pebbles make for a vivid palette, while a lido, taverna and other facilities make it a firm favourite with families.
Access: easy, by car, though the last 250m is by dirt track
Glifa
Where: 50m north of Steni Vala, about halfway up the east coast
Description: a white-pebbled beach whose transparent blue waters and its proximity on foot to Steni Vala’s tavernas and facilities make it popular. Take your own water and shade, as there are no facilities actually on the beach.
Access: easy, by car or on foot from Steni Vala
Agios Petros
Where: just 1km south of Steni Vala, about halfway up the east coast
Description: a small, secluded pebble beach with pebbles seemingly hidden away amongst pine woods. There are no facilities but the views of the island of Peristera are great.
Access: an easy 10-minute walk from Steni Vala...
Leftos Gialos
Where: about one-third of the way up the east coast, mid-way between Steni Vala and Patitiri
Description: Leftos Gialos is a beach for those who like idyllic-looking beaches (think white pebbles, turquoise waters and fragrant pine woods) and a bit of liveliness. Popular with young people and families alike, there are lidos, renting sun loungers and umbrellas, tavernas and a couple of beach bars, which stay open into the evening.
Access: easy, by car
Tzortzi Gialos
Where: the next bay down from Leftos Gialos
Description: a small, secluded pebble beach in a perfectly formed bay surrounded by pine trees. A favourite with those who like the simple things in life (i.e. there are no lidos or other amenities).
Access: easy, by car
Kokkinokastro
Where: Just south of Tzortzi Gialos, about 6km north of Patitiri
Description: possibly the most evocatively named beach on Alonissos (literally meaning “red castle”) after the red-hued cliffs that form a dramatic promontory separating two stretches of pebbly beach. The beaches offer a secluded atmosphere, the possibility of renting sun loungers and deep waters that are great for snorkelers. There are no bars or tavernas though, so visitors should take their own provisions.
Access: easy, by car
Chrisi Milia
Where: about 4km north of Patitiri
Description: with its pebbles, its lidos and its watersports facilities, it is no wonder that Chrisi Milia is one of Alonissos’s most popular. Children will enjoy the shallow waters and when hunger strikes one of the beachfront tavernas will welcome you to taste their specialities.
Access: easy, by car
Milia
Where: just round the headland from Chrisi Milia heading south
Description: a mix of sand and pebbles, Milia is a secluded beach flanked by pine woods that tinge the transparent waters with a green hue. There are no facilities here, but nature is at its splendid best.
Access: easy, on foot
Marpounta
Where: the southernmost tip of Alonissos, about 3km south of Patitiri
Description: at the end of a small, south-facing bay on Alonissos’s southern point, Marpounta beach is flanked by dramatic cliffs and offers a variety of facilities including lidos and watersports. The presence of quite a large hotel means that it can get busy in the high season.
Access: easy, by car
Vithisma
Where: on the south coast of Alonissos, just west from Marpounta
Description: Vithisma and its neighbour Marpounta have little in common, the former being relatively remote, rather off-the-beaten-track and without any facilities. Possibly for these characteristics, it is popular with naturists.
Access: not so easy, involves quite a walk and signposting is not great
Megalos Mourtias
Where: on the south coast below Alonissos Town, the former capital of the island
Description: a mainly pebble beach offering translucent waters, a peaceful atmosphere and shelter from the northerly winds, not to mention stunning views across the water to Skopelos island. It also boasts a series of seafront tavernas and facilities such as sun loungers and umbrellas.
Access: easy, by car, though the last part is a dirt track
Vrisitsa and Gialia
Where: on the west coast, due north of Alonissos Town
Description: these two near-identical beaches are separated by a jutting headland. They are quite wild and popular with those who love to immerse themselves in nature. There are no facilities so visitors should take their own provisions for the day. The water can get quite choppy when the wind blows from the north.
Access: fairly easy by car, though the road is mainly a dirt track
Tsoukalia
Where: on the west coast, a few kilometres due north from Patitiri
Description: though relatively remote, Tsoukalia is arguably one of Alonissos’s loveliest beaches, with a mix of sand, shingle and irresistible aquamarine waters. There are no facilities.
Access: easy, by car
Megali Ammos
Where: about a quarter of the way up the west coast
Description: another of a series of wild, pebbly beaches on the west coast. Like Vrisitsia and Gialia, it’s only frequented by those keen on getting away from it all and there are no facilities, just mother nature in all her beauty.
Access: fairly easy by car though most of the roads are dirt tracks. Best by 4x4
Gerakas
Where: near the northern tip of the island
Description: the most remote of all Alonissos’s beaches, Gerakas is situated at the end of a long east-facing bay that is used by fishermen and boaters to shelter from the northerly winds. Pebbles and stones give way to clear waters and the beach rarely gets busy.
Access: easy, though quite a long drive, by car
