Alonissos | Greece

DESTINATION ALONISSOS

Alonissos is one of the most remote islands of the Sporades complex -located in the northern Aegean Sea being easily reachable by boat from Skiathos and Volos and not that far from Athens or Thessaloniki airports. It has crystal clear waters, countless beaches with gold sand and lush vegetation. The feeling of pure and authentic is shocking. Underneath the sea surface there is a whole world waiting for you, dressed with fabulous colours, plants, animals and secrets to be discovered. Here you will have the chance to go back in time exploring the biggest cargo ship ever found form classical times, still lying on the seabed. Please note that, a special permission is required from The Ministry of Culture for diving in submarine archaeological sites.

Additionally, you can visit Steni Vala, a quiet fishing village that for many decades has been the favourite destination of nature lovers in search of a relaxing holiday. It is located in a natural retreat for boats protected from the winds. From Steni Vala you can reach Peristera, Kyra Panagia and several deserted islets surrounding Alonissos. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to visit the National Marine Park of Northern Sporades and with a bit of luck you will meet the famous and protected monachus monachus seal.

DISCOVER THE ANCIENT TRAIL OF PERISTERA

Only 1,5 miles away from Alonissos island, heading east, in the Marine Park of Northern Sporades, is the barren island of Peristera, located in a bay fully weather protected, that always provided a safe shelter from heavy windstorms and rough sea for the passing ships. In 1985, the Greek fisherman Dimitris Mavrikis discovered the large “Classical shipwreck” near Peristera. The wreck was partially excavated in 1992-93 and in 1999 by the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquites – under the direction of the diving archaeologist Dr. Elpida Hadjidaki.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

The shipwreck contains more than four thousand amphorae among other artifacts that created a 25m long, 10m wide and 3m high mound. The ship was probably an Athenian cargo ship, that sank at a depth of about 30m around 420 – 400 B.C. The wine amphorae were transported from Mendi of Chalkidiki and Peparithos, today’s Skopelos. The ship weighed more than 126 tons, which reveals, contrary to previous beliefs, that Greeks were extremely capable in shipbuilding, even of such size.

HIGHLIGHTS

An outstanding natural beauty.
The National Marine Park and its protected fauna.
The Steni Vala village.
The “Bourtzi” fortress in Skiathos.
The house of Alexandros Papadiamantis, one of the most important Greek writers, known as “the Saint of Greek Letters”.

ACCOMMODATION

A wide range of accommodation means is available in the whole area, in order to satisfy all kind of needs, with two to five stars hotels located by the beach. There are hotel chains, boutique hotels, guest houses, studios and camping facilities.

EXPLORE UNTAPPED MEDITERRANEAN FLAVOURS

Greek cuisine does not need recommendations, and in Alonissos there are many local products and traditional dishes not to be missed, for instance the local tuna fish. All the Sporades are famous for their cheese pies, filled with the typical goat cheese produced locally, a real food excellence.

Here you can also taste the delicious pork cooked with local plums that together with the goat cheese, olive oil, and goat meat is famous all over Greece.

NIGHTLIFE

Sporades offer an infinite choice of bars, clubs restaurants and Greek traditional taverns to choose from. There is no specific entertainment district, but in August, the visitor could attend many events with traditional music and folklore festivals. The most intense nights take place at Skiathos Island.

THINGS TO DO

Dive to the ancient wrecks, discover classical archaeology.
Dive into mysterious sea caves and along reefs full of marine life.
Experience snorkelling in crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
Rent a boat and make cruises around the Sporades islands.
Visit the National Marine Park and meet the monk seals.
Enjoy swimming and water sports in the countless beaches.
Make endless walks along cobbled streets of the villages, admiring the handmade products.
Attend local events and folklore festivals.
Party until dawn.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

Skiathos Island: is a cosmopolitan destination with a vivid night life.
Skopelos Island: a destination for calm and exclusive holidays.
Combine Skiathos and Skopelos Islands to enjoy all the magic of Sporades.
Mount Pelion in Volos: the legendary home of the Centaurus, an ineffable natural beauty destination.
Thessaloniki: the second major city of Greece. Don’t miss a tour to the archaeological site of Vergina
and its Macedonian necropolis.
Athens: the capital of Greece, its world-famous Acropolis archaeological site and the New Acropolis Museum.

PROGRAMME PROPOSALS

FOR SCUBA DIVING ENTHUSIASTS

Alonissos is a new scuba diving location in Greece, according to the recent lift of government restrictions. The greatest advantage of this Greek island is that since 1992 the whole area has been declared a National Marine Park.

> Day 1 | Arrival in Alonissos

Briefing with our tour operator partner in the arrival hall of the port, transfer to the hotel in a chauffeur – driven car. The rest of the day is free. We recommend a scuba dive at Agios Petros Reef. The bay is close to the south of Steni Vala, it features a varied seascape with many types of fish. An optional general tour of the island can be offered in the late afternoon. Dinner (optional) and overnight at the hotel.

> Day 2 | Diving in Peristera and Two Brothers Islands

After breakfast, an experienced guide will take you to the diving area. Off the north-eastern coasts of modern Alonissos, there are six deserted islands, ideal destinations for every kind of scuba diving experience. Our programs contains scuba diving at the Classical shipwreck near Peristera (permission from the Ministry of Culture is required, months before arriving). Lunch on boat. Continue your journey towards to the east of Alonissos, to the islands of Two Brothers which is offering some of the most fantastic scuba diving experiences. Dive on the vertical, face fantastic underwater cliffs and watch the sea floor disappear away from you. You can explore a caique wreck that went down around twenty years ago. The perfect experience exploring the underwater scenery. Return to the hotel. Optional dinner package.

> Day 3 | Scuba diving in Klima & Vasilico

After breakfast, departure from the hotel to the diving site called Klima. This diving site is at the opposite site of the Island of Peristera, facing east and is best visited in the morning to make the most of the light. It has a varied terrain just outside of the bay and there is a chance to see some larger fish. We stop for lunch in Peristeri Bay to taste local delicacies. In the late afternoon/or early evening scuba dive in Vasilico Bay, this sheltered location enjoys warm waters and good visibility. The seabed is littered with amphorae shards. Optional dinner package.

> Day 4 | Departure day

The day is free, but if you wish an additional dive can be organized in the morning. Private transfer to the port for the departure.

Price

1^st April - 30^th October: from €479pp in double room
Single room +30%
Discount: 15% for family room (2+2)
10^th July - 10^th September: +50%pp

Your package includes:

► 3 nights at a hotel of your choice on bed & breakfast formula

► Transfers upon arrival and departure with assistance ► Diving guide or instructor.

Your package excludes:

► International flights ► Personal expenses ► Optional meals ► Optional excursions and visits

FOR DIVERS TO BΕ AND FAMILIES

The "Junior PADI Scuba Diver" certificate can be achieved by over 10 years-old participants having already attended the eLearning Scuba Experience Course; available for free after the package booking and through the participation to the 4 diving lessons in the sea presented below.

> DAY 1 | Arrival and preparation

A briefing with our tour operator partner will take place in the arrival hall of the port and then transfer to the hotel in a chauffeur-driven car. The rest of the day is free. An optional general tour of the area can be offered in the late afternoon. Dinner (optional) and overnight at the Hotel. In the afternoon, an optional scuba diving lesson is available, before starting with the activities of the second day.

> DAY 2 |First diving lesson in in Glyfa Bay

After breakfast, an experienced instructor will provide you with all the necessary equipment and the basic information for a couple of hours, in a pool area. The first open water lesson, in the morning, will take place in a safe and protected bay of Glyfa, at the North of Steni Vala at a max depth of 5m, with a reef where more than 30 different marine species have been identified among the formations created by the rocks. Lunch onboard or in a traditional village with local delicacies, according to preferences.In the afternoon, the second lesson will take place in a similar bay of the island, with the same safety requirements. Transfer to the hotel. Optional dinner package.

> DAY 3 | Scuba dive and cruise to Peristera Island.

Early breakfast and departure from the hotel. For those who enjoyed the first scuba lessons, they can continue with a trained instructor, diving in safe and calm waters to explore the rich seabed during the other two diving lessons needed for the ‘PADI Scuba Diver’ certificate. The third day allows deeper and longer dives: enjoy the experience. Afterwards we will take the boat to visit the protected bays on Peristera Island, where you can use the skills you have learned to explore underwater life. Transfer to the hotel. Optional dinner package.

> DAY 4 | Departure day

After breakfast, final exam for the ‘PADI Scuba Diver’ certificate, the rest of the morning is free or if you wish a fun scuba dive, it can be organized. Transfer to the port for the departure.

Price

1^st April - 30^th October: from €586pp in double room
Single room +30%
Discount: 15% for family room (2+2)
10^th July - 10^th September: +50%pp

Your package includes:

► 3 nights at a hotel of your choice on bed & breakfast formula

► Transfers upon arrival and departure with assistance ► Diving guide or instructor.

Your package excludes:

► International flights ► Personal expenses ► Optional meals ► Optional excursions and visits

FOR SNORKELERS AND FREE DIVERS

> DAY 1 | Arrival in Alonissos

Briefing with our tour operator partner in the arrival hall of the port, transfer to the hotel in a chauffeur – driven car. The rest of the day is free. We recommend a boat trip to Peristera, passing over the ancient wreck site, stopping at Kokollias Bay to snorkel. An optional general tour of the island can be offered in the late afternoon. Dinner (optional) and overnight at the hotel.

> DAY 2 | Snorkeling in Two Brothers Islands

After breakfast, an experienced guide will take you to the diving area. Off the north-eastern coasts of Alonissos, there are six deserted islands, ideal destinations for every kind of free diving experience. Visit the two brothers. The islands of the Two Brothers lay to the east of Alonissos and offer some of the fantastic snorkeling adventure. Snorkel out over an underwater cliff and watch the sea floor disappear away from you. The afternoon is spent moored in the south bay exploring the underwater scenery around the peninsular. Lunch on boat. Return to the hotel. Optional dinner package.

> DAY 3 | Snorkeling Kyra Panagia-Blue cave

After breakfast, departure from the hotel to the diving site. First stop is at Planitis Bay in the northern part of Kyra Panagia Island and in the afternoon at the south, at Agios Petros Bay. There are plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, swimming and sun bathing. A picnic will be provided at one of the stops. On the way to Kyra Panagia we will visit the Blue Cave, a magical scenery. Late in the afternoon return to the hotel. Optional dinner package.

> DAY 4 | Departure day

After breakfast the day is free, or used for guided snorkeling/swimming on Agios Petros reef to the south of Steni Vala. Private transfer to the port for the departure.

Price

1^st April - 30^th October: from €438pp in double room
Single room +30%
Discount: 15% for family room (2+2)
10^th July - 10^th September: +50%pp

Your package includes:

► 3 nights at a hotel of your choice on bed & breakfast formula

► Transfers upon arrival and departure with assistance ► Diving guide or instructor.

Your package excludes:

► International flights ► Personal expenses ► Optional meals ► Optional excursions and visits

FOR NON-DIVERS

Enchanting boat cruises and excursions are available for non-divers, for unforgettable baths in untouched spots of the Aegean Sea.

FOR KIDS, TEENS & SCHOOLS

The 'Sea Baptism' is an experience available from 10 to 99 years old participants and no pre-training is required. An experienced instructor, during the sea tour will brief you about the diving basics, in order to provide your first underwater experience with all the needed comfort, safety and fun, and will accompany you in your first dive. The diving site will be maximum 5m deep.

The ‘Bubblemaker’ experience is available for children over 8 years-old, and is carried on in a pool or in a sea water environment maximum 2m deep. The experience lasts 1 hour and no pre-training is required.

The ‘Junior PADI Scuba Diver’ certificate can be achieved by over 10 years-old participants having already attended the the eLearning Scuba Experience Course; available for free after the package booking and through the participation to the 4 diving lessons in the sea presented below. Special rates are dedicated to school groups of minimum 15 participants.

FOR SEA LOVERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Easily combined with the ‘Snorkelers and Free Divers’ package for the accompanying people. An experienced instructor will be dedicated for each of our special divers, to ensure their maximum safety, comfort and fun.