Page 112 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Greek Islands

Tavernas lining the
colourful backstreets of
the old town of Alónnisos

from Patitíri, reveals a fertile
land of pine, olive and arbutus
trees. At popular Kokkinó-
EXPERIENCE The Sporádes and Évvia ancient city of Ikos, the name
kastro, a pebble beach edged
by red cliffs and pines, are the
scattered remains of the
of Alónnisos in antiquity.
Further north, Tzortzí Gialós
and Leftó Gialós are scenic,
east-facing beaches, good for
swimming. Leftó Gialós has
two tavernas.
Stení Vála beyond attracts
many yachts and has a
scuba operator; it also hosts
the main local station of the
Hellenic Society for the
Study and Protection of the
12 islands in the Sporádes Marine Monk Seal, where any
Park. Picturesque backstreets
orphaned or injured seals
Alónnisos display typical Greek pride are rescued and treated
Αλόννησος in the home, evident in the before being released.
imma c ulate whitewashed Nearby Kalamákia has a more
4 @ Patitíri n alonissos.gr
courtyards and pots of flowers. pronounced fishing-port feel,
Similarly to the other islands Rousoúm Gialós and Vótsi, with some seafood tavernas.
in the Sporádes, Alónnisos 3–4 km (2–2.5 miles) north of At the end of the paved
has a history of attacks by Patitíri, are quieter alternatives road is the last beach on the
the Ottoman pirate-admiral with their natural cliff-faced east coast, Ágios Dimítrios.
Barbarossa. It also sustained harbours and tavernas. This shadeless south-facing
severe damage in the earth- The old capital of Paleá pebble beach has a basic bar
quake of 1965. However, the Alónnisos, west of Patitíri, and sunbed rental.
island is relatively unspoiled perches precariously on a
by tourism, with most devel- clifftop. The ruins of a 15th-
op ment centred in the main century Venetian castle here
towns of Patitíri and Paleá offer superb views across the
Alónnisos. There are many straits to Skópelos. Paleá
beaches – though none as Alónnisos was seriously
spectacular as those on damaged by the earthquake
Skiáthos or Skópelos – and a of 1965, and the inhabitants
good network of maintained, were forced to leave their
marked hiking paths. homes. They were rehoused
The port of Patitíri is a hive initially in makeshift concrete
of activity, and is the place to shelters at Patitíri. During the
hire boats for day trips to 1970s and 80s, the wrecked
houses of Paleá Alónnisos
were bought and restored by
foreigners and Athenians;
300 there is now little genuine
village flavour here. The road

The number of across the island, north east
endangered monk
seals that live in A glimpse of the
the Aegean.
stunning natural beauty
at Sporádes Marine Park
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