A Holiday on Alonissos

Fri, 08/19/2011 - 13:53 — Anonymous In the Eastern Aegean Sea lies the
island of Alonissos. This wonderful Greek isle is a great place for a
relaxing holiday. It is a short trip from Athens and is just a hop across the
water from Istanbul. You can even drive in from Athens, if you are willing to
take the ferry. The island is only 65 square kilometers in area and is mostly
made of limestone, but the residents manage to grow olives, figs, almonds and
grapes in abundance. The sea also provides sustenance and is the basis of the
many wonderful seafood dishes offered on the island. There are several
villages, including one which is also called Alonissos, but the island only
has 2700 full-time residents. The best way to reach Alonissos is by ferry or
hydrofoil. Once there you can relax on the wonderful white sand beaches or
swim in the cleanest waters in the Aegean. The sea is the deep, crystal blue
one normally associates with the Caribbean, and most of the waters around the
island are a marine park dedicated to the protection of the endangered monk
seal. Nowhere in the Greek Isles will you find more beauty than Alonissos.
Between the pure waters of the Aegean, the picturesque villages and the
soaring cliffs covered with spruce trees, the island is unbeatable. Alonissos
has mild winters and warm summers that are made cooler by the north winds. A
variety of accommodations are available. There are only a few hotels on the
island, but they all offer good service at a decent price. Many visitors
choose to rent an apartment, house or villa instead. Some residents also rent
out rooms in their houses. Those who like to sleep outdoors can choose from
many possible camp sites. Camping is very easy to do in the summer on
Alonissos; the nights are cool and there is very little rain. Despite being
one of the smaller islands in the greek isles, Alonissos is not second-rate
in anyway when it comes to cuisine. Many restaurants serve traditional Greek
and local specialties. Almost all the dishes are made with local ingredients.
Some of the local specialties include hamalia, amigdalota and rice pudding. A
number of bars and nightclubs offer adult entertainment, but the island's
primary attractions are the beaches and the water. Cruises are available
everyday. Alonissos also has a number of monuments and ruins that are of
interest to those who love history. A number of wonderful local shops are
scattered about the island. The primary means of transportation on the island
are boats and buses, but there are plenty of roads for car and bike travel.
Many tourists and locals prefer to walk. The island is only 2.7 miles wide
and about 12 miles long, after all. Most visitors come to Alonissos between
July 15 and August 15. The island can be quite crowded at these times, but
tourists are few and far between in the spring, winter and fall. If you want
top-notch service and no crowds, consider timing your visit for the
off-season.