Alonnisos

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Revision as of 04:06, 4 January 2010

Alonisos

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	39°08.52′N, 23°52.03′E
	[Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

Alonnisos (Αλόννησος) or Khelidromi is part of the Sporades it has about 1,100 inhabitants and an area of 62 km², and its tallest peak, Kavouli, is 470 m. It is a green island with many olive trees, fig trees, almond trees, etc. In the antiquity, 5th century BC, Alonnisos was occupied by the Athenians under Kimon and then, on the 3rd century, by Philip of Macedonia. It was later a place used by pirates. The ruins of the ancient city of Iko (Ικώ) have been excavated near Kokino Kastro (Κόκκινο Κάστρο) where some walls and some inscriptions have been found. Also on the little island of Vrachos (Βράχος) were found some Paleolithic tools.

The main town in Alonnisos used to be Chora or Alonnisos until 1965 when it was destroyed by an earthquake.

Charts

BA

1062 Nísoi Voríoi Sporádhes

Imray-Tetra

G25 Eastern Sporades and North Evvoia

Greek

31 North Evoikos to Kavala Gulf

Greek 74 Corinth to Skopelos Island

Greek 331 Sporades to Ay. Efstratios

Radio Nets

Also see Cruiser's Nets

• Coast Guard - VHF channel 12 and tel. Tel. +30 4240 65 595 (Patitiri)
• Olympia Radio - VHF no signal

Weather

See Aegean Sea.

Approach and Navigation

In general, during the summer months the meltemi is weaker in the Sporades region. Approaches to the island are straight forward, no dangers. Specific dangers are mentioned, as needed, for each port or anchorage.

Check-in facilities

None.

Ports and Popular Stops

Ports

The main harbor in Alonnisos is Patitiri but, near by Votsi, is a more attractive anchorage. So is Steni Vala and Kokino Kastro.

Patitiri

39°08.52′N, 23°52.03′E Patitiri (Πατητήρι) is the harbor and the largest town in Alonnisos. The harbor affords good shelter from the meltemi. You can anchor moor stern-to at the quay to the north of the ferry dock, though space here is limited, or anchor moor on the south side of the ferry quay itself. The bottom is mostly sand and provides good holding. The quay is liable to be crowded during the summer months, while the SW of the harbor is more exposed to westerlies and is crowded with permanent moorings. The town is attractive and has good shopping but it is relatively new and its architecture is nothing special. The society for the preservation of the Mediterranean Seal, Monachus Monachus or as it is locally known,MOm have an information pavilion in Patitiri which is also the headquarters for their patrol boats. The Harbor of Patitiri Click for larger view

Chart of Patitiri - Chartlet Click for larger view

Votsi

39°08.9′N, 23°52.4′E Votsi (Βότση) is one cove north of Patitiri. It is my favorite anchorage in Alonnisos in that it is fairly easy to anchor, very well protected from both the meltemi and the south-west winds, it is very quiet, and only about 40 minutes on foot to Patitiri. It is best to anchor just behind the jetty. In the fall, when the wind can change direction it is best to use two anchors: one from the bow and one from the stern. This will keep the boat form swinging in the small cove. Alternatively one can take a long shore line to the trees, W of the jetty. The bottom is mostly sand and provides good holding. There is a small quay, but it usually occupied. The Anchorage of Votsi Click for larger view

Chart of Votsi - Chartlet Click for larger view

Anchorages

Steni Vala

39°11.5′N, 23°55.5′E
Steni Vala (Στενή Βάλα) is a small harbor, just across from Peristera Island. A flotilla operates from here during the summer months and the quay is crowded. It is an attractive place with a few tavernas. Go stern-to the quay.

MOm has been operating their seal rescue center here but in 1999 they relocated it in Gerakas.

Kokino Kastro

39°10.1′N, 23°54.1′E
Kokino Kastro (Κόκκινο Κάστρο) is located about 2 nM north of Votsi. It takes its name from the red color of the cliffs. There are several very attractive coves with sandy beaches and pine trees all well protected from the meltemi.

The ruins of the ancient city of Iko (Ικώ) have been excavated near by and you can visit them. Also on the little island of Vrachos (Βράχος) were found some Paleolithic tools.

Gerakas

39°16.3′N, 23°56.9′E
Gerakas (Γέρακας) is a narrow bay at the nothern tip of the island. It is very nice but it is exposed to the north-east and not a suitable anchorage during the meltemi season.

The MOm seal rehabilitation center operates here.

Mourtia

39°08.5′N, 23°50.3′E
This is a bay on the south-west side of the island. It is very exposed to the south but offers some protection to the north winds. Not a very safe anchorage.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Yacht Services and Repairs

Marine Stores

None.

Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel

About 1 km up the hill from either Patitiri or Votsi. Almost impossible to carry jerry cans without a vehicle

Water

N/A (Not Available)

Electricity

N/A

Offshore Islands

Peristera

The island of Peristera (Περιστέρα) or Peristeri or Xero is very lightly inhabited island just east of Alonnisos. There are three anchorages on the island and no facilities.

• Vasiliko - Vasiliko (Βασιλικό) 39°12′N, 23°58.6′E is a bay at the middle of the west side of the Peristera. The northern corner of the bay is well protected from the meltemi but is exposed to the south winds. The south corner offers some protection but you have to anchor at 15-20 m depth on weed. Bad holding.
• Vourlia - This cove 39°11.2′N, 23°56.7′E, just south-west of Vasiliko, provides much better shelter from the south winds than Vasiliko. Anchor near the N coast and take a shore line to a rock on the south coast. Good holding on a mostly sand bottom. Here you will be totally isolated save for a large flock of seagulls that roost here.
• Xero Bay - An isolated bay 39°10.2′N, 23°58′E at the south of the island. Well protected from the meltemi but open to the south.

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The restored town of Chora is well worth a visit. It is about 5 km from either Patitiri or Votsi.

The town was destroyed in 1965 by an earthquake. At that time Greece was under a military junta. They ordered the town to be evacuated and set temporary housing for the inhabitants at Patitiri. The inhabitants were prevented from going back and rebuilding but were ordered to stay in Patitiri. Chora remained in ruins for several years. Some enterprising Germans bought a few ruined houses, for a very low price, and restored them. Their example was followed by more Germans and a few Englishmen. This process was just beginning in 1986. Now, more then half of the houses have been restored, most of them very tastefully. There is, alas, an overabundance of restaurants and bars. There are also a few art galleries but today they were all closed. Several of the streets have been re-paved with flagstones. By in large, the restoration of Chora is an example worthy of imitation.

Grocery & Supply Stores

There are several grocery stores in Patitiri

Eateries

• Good and moderately priced food at the Kamaki restaurant just off the waterfront on the road towards Votsi
• Rather indifferent food in the waterfront restaurants in Patitiri
• Pleasant tavernas and cafés in Chora

Internet/WiFi

In cafés.

Laundry

There is a laundry in Patitiri.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

There is motorbike rental place up the hill from Patitiri on the road to Chora.

Garbage Disposal

There are bins around the harbors and in several anchorages.

Transportation

Frequent hydrofoil service to the other Sporades and the mainland.

Routes/Passages To/From

• Cruising the North Sporades Islands

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum

External Links

• Alonnisos (Wikipedia)

References & Publications

See Greece.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• September 1998 --Istioploos
• June 2006 --Athene of Lymington

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

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