Across the shimmering warm waters of the Aegean, from the eastern coast of mainland Greece lie the Sporades Islands: Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros and Alonissos, each a beautiful and peaceful haven. ALONISSOS is an untouched corner of Greece - an island for the discerning - island living at its best.  Alonissos has not been affected by the onslaught of mass tourism. Its small population of less than 3,000 live mainly in Patitiri, Votsi, Liadromia and the picturesque old village of Alonissos. The warm and friendly inhabitants work in the fields on the small but fertile plains, or else are shepherds and seamen. The Halonnisians make the best of neighbours and are ever ready to welcome visitors with their warm words and generous hearts.

My wife ‘Robyn’ and I first went to Alonissos in 1986. We fell in love with the island, purchased a plot of land and built our own Greek house. Since then we have built 18 individually designed houses/villas for our clients on Alonissos and demand for holiday and retirement property has increased dramatically. As in other areas in Greece, 2005 saw a substantial rise in property sales in Alonissos, especially to the British, buying now to beat the forecast property shortage.  The indications are that 2006 will be even busier, as people seize a great chance to buy at a good price and also perhaps to see the value of the property appreciate considerably. Land and building plot prices will rise in the near future due to the lack of availability of building plots with wonderful views. There are a few choice plots still available on Alonissos where one can build the ideal Greek property.  

Alonissos is a tranquil unspoilt evergreen island of 64km² with a precipitous north-western coastline and a hilly landscape covered in pine forest, tamarisk, fig trees, olive and almond groves. The island is a paradise for artists and walkers with scores of tracks meandering through the fragrant pine woods to idyllic coves and beaches.

One of the best ways to get your bearings is to walk up to the lovely old Byzantine village of Alonissos (Chora) where the views of the island and the Aegean are stunning, especially at sunset. Chora is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, stone steps and pretty alleyways. Once deserted, the village is now coming to life again. Most of the abandoned property has now been restored as private homes by artists, poets and writers of various nationalities, so there is a real cosmopolitan feel to the place. In Alonissos you will find a wonderful sense of peace and tranquility here. Much of the village is impassable to traffic and rambling along the ancient paths you can delight in the tiny, carefully tended gardens and courtyards of the restored houses and the wild flowers that grow unabashed from those ruined buildings still lying abandoned. Chora has several really good traditional tavernas, an Italian restaurant, a snack bar and two cocktail bars with unbelievable views. There are also two supermarkets and half a dozen gift shops. 

Anchored in the crystal clear harbour waters, you will find gaily coloured caiques, ready to carry visitors to the lovely coves and beaches around Alonissos. Patitiri is also the island’s liveliest spot. The harbour is lined by waterfront tavernas where the sea food is exceptionally good. You can sit and eat lobster, octopus and enormous prawns, often baked with cheese and tomatoes, and drink inexpensive wines whilst watching the yachts mingle with the fishing boats. Patitiri has several small hotels, a new medical centre, several supermarkets, two bakeries, two butcher’s shops, a bank, three policemen, two doctors and a friendly multilingual priest, one bus, four taxis, vehicle hire and various craft shops.

The sea around Alonissos has been declared a Marine Conservation Park, where all human intervention is forbidden. Yachts and caiques ply between the seven uninhabited surrounding islands, which are now the sanctuary of the dolphin, monkseal, turtle, elenorus falcon and the last of Europe’s original wild goats. The beautiful island of Alonissos is the perfect choice for anyone who looks forward to day after day of sun-filled seclusion.

WHY ALONISSOS?

I chose Alonissos for my second home for several reasons. The first is that it is an area of outstanding beauty that I believe will remain safe from the dangers of mass tourism. The island is ideally located - just far enough from the mainland to deter too many tourists; and its neighbouring island, Skiathos, already has an international airport, so the likelihood of one being built on Alonissos is remote. Also, there is only sufficient water supply for the local population. The cost of a distillation plant or reservoir to supply the needs of major hotels is, in my opinion, prohibitive.

The cost of running a property in Alonissos is nominal. A couple who live relatively simply would need about £750 a month. That would include, for example, eating out once a day, running a small car and having sufficient money to fix a hole in your roof! An allowance of £12,000 would mean you’d never have to worry about money. If you live in, or close to, Patitiri or the Old Village (Chora) and you are fit and energetic, a car is not necessary. Both are within walking distance of one another and so are some wonderful coves and beaches. 

BEACHES AND SPORT

Around Alonissos you’ll find everything from beaches of smooth sun-warmed pebbles to pine- fringed stretches of sand. Wherever you go, the warm crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming - and if you fancy wind-surfing, sailing, or water- skiing, these are available from the beaches at Marpounta where you can also hire canoes and pedalos. Divers, amateur fishermen and speargun fishers may enjoy their hobby in the best sea fishing grounds in Greece - with its choice lobsters, bass and red mullet. The numerous coves, outer islands and natural harbours make Alonissos a yachtsman’s paradise, both Votsi and Patiri are favourite ports of call for the island hopping flotillas.

PLACES OF INTEREST

The remains of the ancient city walls, pot shards, tombstones and graves can be seen at Kokkinokastro. It is thought to be the site of ancient Ikos. There are ruins of an unknown ancient city at Ai- Dimitris; and at Agios Petros there is a sunken Byzantine ship (1200 AD). On the island of Gioura you can sail into the Cyclop’s Cave, decorated with varicoloured stalactites and stalagmites. Psathoura has remains of an ancient city, most of which lie submerged, for those who enjoy swimming beneath the water the spectacle is unforgettable. 

THE SEASONS

March, April and May are ideal if you enjoy walking or painting. The spring flowers and migratory birds are an unforgettable sight - colour is everywhere. June, July and August are the hottest months but temperatures are tempered by cooling breezes of the Meltemi (a prevailing northerly wind). It's a time for cool drinks in the shade, and enjoying the peace and quiet, and living out doors all day - and the evening too, with charcoal fires in the early dusk cooking your favourite dish whilst you open something chilled from the fridge! September is cooler, but the sea still remains warm enough for good swimming. When the summer season finally subsides, October sees a lapse into tranquil village life. The autumn and winter months are wonderful for walking, beachcombing and really getting to know your neighbours, the local people.

GETTING TO ALONISSOS. 

Off the beaten tourist track it may be, but Alonissos is certainly not the most remote island of The Sporades. The island is served by up to eight ferry boats or fast hydrofoils per day from the mainland ports of Aghios Konstantinos and Volos, both connected by bus to Athens. Direct international charter flights land on the nearby island of Skiathos for the one- hour hydrofoil cruise to Patitiri. 

 
Flights and accommodation :

For flights to Skiathos (the closest airport to Alonissos try Imperial Air Tours, tel 020 8881 3036, e-mailimperial@aflex.net  . Imperial can also arrange flights with Olympic Airways to Athens and then on to Skiathios if required.

For accommodation on Alonissos call us for details of villas, rooms and hotels. Tel 01590 626266.

For a package holiday in excellent accommodation try Simply Travel ltd, tel 020 8541 2203,www.simply-travel.com   e-mail Greece@simply-travel.com

Direct flights from major and regional UK airports can be purchased from May to October. Alternatively, you can fly to Athens and then on to Zakynthos, either by bus and boat, or a domestic flight with Olympic Airways. Zakynthos offers a wide mixture of entertainment. Excursions are available by boat or by coach around the island, there is lots to see. You can hire boats by the hour or day at the lake of Kerry. There are various centres providing watersports during the day: St. Nicholas at Vassilicos, at Laganas, at Keri, at Argasi and at Tsffivi (to name but a few). 

The city of Zakynthos provides a wider range of tavernas for good Greek food, wine accompanied by cantata music and singing. At other tavernas you will find Greek dancing and bouzouki music. At the end of the evening you can return to sit on your veranda and sip a cool drink and relax and read, play cards, chat or just look out to sea.

The delights of the southern Peloponnese  area of mainland Greece are a well kept secret. This applies  not only to the dramatic and wild mountain scenery and unspoilt beaches, but also to the opportunities to purchase excellent holiday and permanent accommodation at attractive local prices. Lying to the south of mainland Greece the Peloponnese is joined to Central Greece by a main road, a motorway and a rail bridge spanning the Corinth Canal.  As well as offering beaches and mountains for holiday pastimes and pursuits, the area has a rich wealth of historical and archaeological sites, appealing to the amateur sightseer and serious student alike. The scenery is very impressive, dramatic and wild, appealing to walkers, hikers, artists and photographers.

Although the climate is mild, making it suitable for year round holiday breaks, the winter ski resorts of Kalavrita and Menalo can be found just a short drive into the Mountains. For sporty types, Kalamata also offers a new and expanding marina, a league soccer team, swimming pool, public stadium, gyms and exercise centres. The EEC has awarded flags for the seas safety and cleanliness. 

GETTING THERE

You can fly direct from the UK to Kalamata in the Southern Peloponnese from May to October. 

The Ancona to Patras ferry is the most direct route if you wish to drive. The crossing takes about 19 hours with superfast ferries. Patras to Kalamata is three hours by car.

The Peloponnese has its own rail system, which offers delightful scenic journeys along the coast and through the mountains.

There is a summer ferry service between Kalamata and Crete for those who wish to explore further afield. See Useful Links.

The region boasts an efficient transport system. Kalamata, its hub, is a lively modern town and the southern end of the Athens-Tripoli motorway extension. The frequent bus service from Athens to Kalamata takes around four hours and departs from Kifissias Street bus station seven days a week. The service runs hourly at a return fare of about £25 (40Euro) 

CHOICE OF PROPERTY

A variety of properties are available through out the area. There include traditional stone cottages requiring renovation, new property constructed in the traditional manner, and luxury villas and apartments. As a central base for the area, Kalamata offers the opportunity to invest in high quality, property at sensible prices.