Experiences

Hiking

When thinking of Alonissos, the first thing that comes to mind is nature. Alonissos is a magnificent, unspoiled island characterized by its simplicity and its lack of tourism noise. It is not a coincidence that many people have called it a minimalistic paradise. All this minimalism derives from the “harshness” of the Alonissian landscape that renders it the perfect hiking destination.

The island hosts a rich and widespread network of paved and natural trails. Many of these trails constitute old transport routes from the era that mules and donkeys were the only means of transport. Most of these paths are kept clean of heavy undergrowth, documented, and revived in order to be usable and satisfy the hiker’s needs and desires.

In particular, fifteen routes have been surveyed, numbered and admirably signposted. Many provide just short walks from a beach to a village or the main road, but some can be combined to make meaty circular treks. The rich trail network of Alonissos offers to the travelers the opportunity to choose among routes of different duration and difficulty level ranging from fifteen minutes (the easiest ones) up to seven and a half hours (the more challenging ones).

Considering Koumaro Villas as a starting point, we would suggest you the following routes: Two nice routes to walk would either be Agios Petros - Isomata - Remata - Raches - Mega Nero - Patitiri, or Agios Petros – Isomata – Spartines – Votsi - Roussoum Gialos - Patitiri. For those who prefer to walk a shorter distance the route from Agios Petros to Steni Vala would be an excellent option. Despite this, by no means should you miss the chance to walk from the Patitiri harbor to Old Alonissos (Chora) and then to Kalovoulo Mountain in order to relish the amazing view and watch the sunset.

The island’s routes either pass through picturesque houses and settlements or through dense pine forests, bushes and the lush vegetation of the area in general, part of which are the miraculous herbs. Lastly, it is worth mentioning that hiking can be enjoyed on the uninhabited islands of Kyra Panagia, Skantzoura, and Peristera as well. Some tourist offices in the harbor of Patitiri may offer guided hikes.

There are two ways to explore the island. The first is to buy a map or a walking guide book, in case you prefer to explore it on your own, while the second one is to participate in some guided walking excursion in case you feel bigger safety in this way. The latter, will be very educating as you will find out a lot of information from your guide.

Diving

Thinking about learning to dive? Then you are at the right place! Alonissos is the new diving destination for a good many reasons. First of all, the whole area has been declared a National Marine Park since 1992, constituting the largest Marine Park in Europe and the only one in Greece. Therefore, this highly preserved marine ecosystem provides an excellent opportunity for diving into crystal clear waters of high visibility and at the same time allows divers to explore the beautiful underwater scenery consisted of amphorae shads, caves and shipwrecks, as well as hundred rare species of plants and sea animals such as sponges, corals, moray eels, blackfish etc. Furthermore, it is home to the endangered Monk Seal, which hides in one of the numerous underwater caves.

Diving is addressed to everyone over eight years of age. Both absolute beginners who want to learn and acquire their first certified diving diploma and certified divers who want to further their training are eligible to try. If you are looking for a diving school close to Koumaro villas, you might visit “Ikion Diving Center” in Steni Vala. There, experienced and properly trained professionals provide excellent supervised training with high quality dive equipment, giving emphasis on both security and at the same time on respecting the natural environment. Moreover, the diving centers of Alonissos offer complete education in all levels of SSI and PADI, the biggest educational organizations in recreational diving. According to your level they can help you choose the program that best suits your needs ranging from: Divemaster, Rescue Diver, Open Water Diver to Discover Scuba Diving (for beginners). There is permission to dive through these centers in fourteen locations where, after subsea survey, no antiquities were found. Amongst these are: Agios Petros, The Caverns, Gorgorian Gardens, Blue Cave, and Two Brothers Islands-Shipwreck.

On the island of Alonissos, tradition and authenticity are strictly connected with gastronomy. The island’s cuisine constitutes the perfect example of the Mediterranean diet providing both food quality and variation.

The cheese pie is considered as the major symbol of the island’s gastronomic tradition. According to the local women, they are the only ones to possess the unique technique for its making. For all those, who turn out to be cheese pie-lovers, I would suggest you not to stop there. The pie- tradition of the island includes also frumenty pies, spinach pies, meat pies of “bourekia” and pumpkin pies.

On the other hand, for those who want to sweeten their palates, a visit to the traditional cafes or sweet shops will be a reward. There, you will have the chance to choose among a variety of sweet confectionery choices that includes: walnut pies (karidopita), fouskakia (doughnut dessert), hamalia (triangle shaped sweets with delicious staffing sprinkled with castor sugar), almond cookies, the so-called “amigdalota”, grilled figs with honey, rice pudding and many others. Last but not least, You must absolutely stop at the Ikos Women's Cooperative on the edge of Patitiri for a selection of gourmet delights such as Homemade marmalades and Spoon Sweets (preserved fruits in jars) to buy and offer to your beloved ones back home!

The tone (tuna) of Alonnisos is considered one of the best in the world. Tuna is being fished with the traditional way that local fishermen are using, for centuries. The processing is done in the most natural and unique way with the use of all the secrets that only the women of Alonissos know. The largest amount of the caught tuna is exported to Japan to become delicious sushi. The white makrypterygos tone Alalunga, is known as the little tuna of Alonissos. Alalunga is one of the smallest tuna species and its meat is considered tasty and very healthy. Red tuna, known as blue fin tuna, is one of the largest species of fish found in the entire Mediterranean. In contrast to the tuna fished in Atlantic, tuna caught in Alonissos is free from heavy metals and mercury because of the environment in which it lives (Aegean). Both species are world famous for their flavor and are used by chefs in many different recipes. On the island, there is the Women’s Cooperative IKOS and two private workshops manufacturing and marketing tuna “Alonissos”.

For those who wish to combine tuna-tasting with a nice environment, they have no better choice than to visit one of the numerous local taverns. The visitors’ favorite choice is considered to be “Tassia’s Tavern” which is located within a walking distance from Koumaro villas, at the picturesque harbor of Steni Vala. “Tassia’s Tavern” is the paradise of fresh fish and seafood. Being there, you must definitely ask for the scrumptious lobster pasta which constitutes the island’s trademark seafood.
Last but not least, Alonissos has a great agricultural tradition. Most of the residents produce their own olive oil from local olive groves while others produce the well-known Alonissian black wine, continuing in this way a tradition of thousands of years. Finally, animal husbandry and the production of dairy products such as goat cheese and mizithra cheese are still active and contribute significantly to the island’s economy.