Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide

Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide. Alonissos is located in the Northern Sporades east of Skopelos in the western Aegean Sea in Greece at approximately 39°09′N 23°52′E. The island forms part of a dispersed island group including Peristera and other smaller islands, creating a semi-sheltered regional environment depending on wind direction. The principal port is Patitiri on the south-east coast.

The operating environment is semi-exposed Aegean with reduced fetch compared to the central Cyclades but still subject to sustained northerly wind systems. The coastline is indented with multiple bays providing anchorage options. Depths increase rapidly close to shore, and tidal influence is negligible.

Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide – History

Alonissos has a continuous maritime history within the Sporades group of Greece, functioning as a small coastal settlement supporting regional navigation and trade routes. The original settlement was located inland at Old Alonissos (Chora) for defence during periods of piracy, with coastal habitation increasing later as security improved. The island remained under Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman control before incorporation into modern Greece, with present-day settlement focused on Patitiri as the main harbour.

Remaining features include the inland fortified village of Old Alonissos, traditional harbour layout at Patitiri, and dispersed coastal infrastructure reflecting its historical use as a small-scale maritime and agricultural community.

Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide - Approaches

Approach is from open water with offshore depths generally 40–100 m, reducing to 10–20 m within 1 NM of the coast and 5–10 m approaching harbour limits and bays. There are no constrained pilotage channels. Sea state is wind driven. Northerly winds produce short, steep seas across the Northern Sporades. Southerly winds generate longer-period seas with less frequency in summer conditions. The surrounding islands provide partial lee depending on approach sector.  Tidal range is typically 0.2–0.4 m with no operational tidal stream. No current-driven constraints exist.

Hazards include ferry traffic between Sporades islands, local fishing activity, and wind acceleration around headlands. Offshore hazards are minimal, but coastal proximity requires attention due to steep seabed gradients.

Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide - Navigation

Navigation to Alonissos is conducted in northern Aegean conditions within the Sporades group, with partial shelter from surrounding islands but continued exposure to Meltemi winds. Offshore depths exceed 50–100 m, reducing to 20–30 m near the coast and 4–8 m in harbour areas. Sea state is moderate under prevailing conditions but increases in exposed sectors, particularly on north and east approaches.

Primary entry is to Patitiri Port on the south-east coast, with a direct approach and depths of approximately 4–7 m within the harbour. Manoeuvring is constrained by ferry traffic and limited turning space. Secondary entry is to Steni Vala Harbour on the east coast with depths of 3–6 m and more restricted space.

The south coast provides multiple anchorages in 4–10 m over sand and mixed seabed with generally good holding and relative shelter from northerly winds. The north coast is more exposed to Meltemi conditions with increased sea state and limited usable shelter. Wind acceleration occurs around headlands and between nearby islands, and fishing gear may be encountered near shore.

Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide - Chart Accuracy

Charts issued by the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service are accurate for approaches, bays, and harbour areas. ENC data aligns with official charts. Local moorings, laid ground tackle, and seasonal anchoring density are not fully represented on electronic charts.

Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide - Anchorages

Alonissos provides multiple anchorages with generally good holding and variable shelter.

• Steni Vala (east coast) provides depths of 4–8 m over sand and mud with good holding and protection from northerly winds.
• Kalamakia (north-east coast) provides depths of 4–10 m over sand with good holding and partial shelter.
• Patitiri outer areas provide anchoring in 5–10 m over sand and mud with moderate holding and exposure to northerly winds.
• South and west coast bays provide depths of 5–15 m over sand and weed with good holding and improved shelter from northerlies.

No anchorage provides full protection across all wind directions.

Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide - Entry Formalities

Alonissos operates under Greek national and Schengen procedures. Customs and immigration clearance is required for arrivals from outside Schengen areas. Vessel and crew documentation must be available. Harbour authority control applies within port limits. Drones are regulated under Greek aviation rules. Communications equipment must comply with national regulations. Waste discharge is controlled.

Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide - Marina Facilities

There is no full-service marina on Alonissos. Berthing is centred on Patitiri Port on the south-east coast, where vessels berth stern-to or alongside on town quays. Depths are generally 4–7 m with limited space and manoeuvring area constrained by ferry traffic. Shelter is adequate under northerly conditions but reduced under southerly winds. Water and electricity are available at quay points with metered supply.

Secondary berthing is available at Steni Vala Harbour where vessels berth on small quays in depths of approximately 3–6 m. Facilities are limited with basic access only and reduced protection depending on wind direction.

Additional small fishing harbours along the coast provide restricted berthing for shallow-draft vessels in depths of 2–4 m with minimal services. No lift-out, repair yard, or structured marina services are available on the island.

Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide - Local Weather

Alonissos operates under northern Aegean conditions with moderated exposure due to surrounding Sporades islands. Summer weather is dominated by northerly to north-east Meltemi winds typically 15–25 knots, with periods of 25–30 knots under stronger gradient conditions. Sea state is moderate but increases on exposed north and east coasts, while the south and south-west coasts provide reduced wave height and more stable conditions.

Wind strength generally builds through the day with peak conditions in the afternoon and easing overnight. Local acceleration occurs around headlands and between nearby islands, producing gust variability and short, steep chop in exposed areas.

Outside summer, conditions are variable with passing systems bringing southerly winds, rain, and longer-period swell affecting exposed coasts and anchorages. Visibility is generally good outside frontal systems. Tidal range is negligible.

The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible has a complete list of Greek VHF Radio Channel information and weather forecast times for Greece along with NAVTEX UK and Europe and NAVTEX Mediterranean for 490kHz and 518kHz.

Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide - Local Winds

Alonissos is influenced by northerly to north-east Meltemi winds during summer, typically 15–25 knots with periods of 25–30 knots under stronger regional flow. Wind acceleration occurs between islands in the Sporades group and around headlands, producing localised increases in wind speed and short, steep sea conditions on exposed coasts. The north and east coasts are fully exposed under these conditions, while the south and south-west coasts remain in partial lee.

In lighter conditions, diurnal sea breezes develop with winds increasing through the afternoon and easing overnight, with variable direction close to shore. Outside the summer pattern, southerly winds associated with passing systems generate longer-period swell affecting exposed anchorages, while intermittent northerly outbreaks can produce short-duration higher wind events.

The Meltemi is a strong, dry northerly wind that dominates the Aegean in summer, accelerating through channels and between islands to produce steep, short seas. It is most persistent in July and August, often blowing for several days with little diurnal variation, creating fast north‑to‑south passages and challenging return routes. Its strength is shaped by pressure gradients between the Balkans and Anatolia, with local acceleration zones around major island gaps.

Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide - Provisioning

Supermarkets. Provisioning on Alonissos is centred on Patitiri where island-scale resupply is practical. Identifiable outlets include Alonissos Supermarket (Patitiri), Kritikos Supermarket, and multiple independent grocery stores within the harbour area, all supplied via ferry logistics with regular restocking. Range is sufficient for full provisioning at island scale. Additional smaller supermarkets and minimarkets operate in Steni Vala and Palia Alonissos (Chora) with reduced range suitable for routine resupply only.

Markets. There is no central municipal market. Produce is distributed through greengrocers, bakeries, and small vendors in Patitiri supplying vegetables, fruit, herbs, olive oil, cheeses, and dry goods sourced from mainland Greece and limited local production. Local output includes olive oil, small-scale vegetables, and honey. Supply is continuous but distributed across multiple outlets rather than a single location.

Fish Markets. Fish supply is available through fishmongers and quay-side vendors in Patitiri with daily availability dependent on local catch. Species include lavraki (European seabass), tsipoura (gilthead seabream), sardines, anchovies, squid, and octopus. Volume is moderate but consistent, with additional limited supply in Steni Vala subject to weather and fishing activity.

Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide - Local Cuisine

Alonissos cuisine is based on olive oil, seafood, vegetables, and simple meat dishes, reflecting small-scale island production and Sporades influence. Signature dishes include kakavia (fish soup from mixed catch), kolokithokeftedes (zucchini fritters), and cheese pies using local dairy. Goat and lamb are commonly baked or slow-cooked with herbs and potatoes.

Seafood includes lavraki (European seabass), tsipoura (gilthead seabream), sardines, anchovies, squid, and octopus, prepared grilled, fried, or stewed. Octopus is often dried and then cooked grilled or in vinegar-based preparations.

Island-specific products include olive oil from extensive groves and small-scale honey production from thyme and mixed flora. Alonissos is also associated with preserved fish preparations, including salted or marinated small fish, reflecting traditional storage methods.

Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide - Fuel Supplies

Fuel on Alonissos is available at Patitiri Port via road tanker delivery to quay berths, with marine diesel as the standard supply. Delivery is arranged locally with advance notice and coordinated with harbour access and ferry movements. No fuel is available at anchorages or secondary locations.

Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide - Water Supplies

Water is available at Patitiri Port via quay connections with metered municipal supply. Pressure is generally stable but can vary with demand and berth location, and hose fittings may require adapters. No water supply exists at anchorages or secondary locations.

Mechanical and Electrical Repairs Resource

If you are headed to Alonissos or somewhere remote consider the need to expand your knowledge base or have an information resource on board. Why not get a copy of my book The Marine and Electrical and Electronics Bible 4th Edition. By and for yachties, with everything from batteries and charging, solar and wind, diesel engines and marine electronics and so much more. Your complete systems guide. 650 pages of practical advice. In Australia and New Zealand order a copy through Boat Books. UK and European boats can buy the UK Edition Here. US and Canadian boats can get the US Edition Order Here. Marine systems are my profession so let me help you. By a liveaboard boat owner for other boat owners.

Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide - Marine Services

Marine services on Alonissos are limited and centred on Patitiri with basic support only. Local contractors provide minor diesel engine servicing, electrical fault repair, and general maintenance at small scale with no formal authorised Volvo Penta or Yanmar agents based on the island. Marine electronics support is limited to basic troubleshooting, with no dedicated Raymarine or equivalent specialist service presence.

Technical capability is restricted to routine maintenance and light repairs. Specialist work, parts supply, and major fault rectification require transfer to Skiathos or mainland centres such as Volos. Diving support and equipment servicing is available locally through operations such as Alonissos Triton Dive Center, which provides equipment servicing and air systems but not vessel repair.

Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide - Local Customs

Interaction is direct and formal on first contact, with a greeting expected before any request or transaction. Conversation tone is measured and transactional, with limited small talk unless initiated locally. Personal space is closer than in northern Europe, but physical contact is minimal unless familiarity is established. Shore behaviour is conservative in non-tourist areas, particularly near churches and village centres where modest dress and low noise are expected.

In working environments such as quays, chandlers, and fuel delivery, communication is concise and task-focused; instructions from port staff or line handlers are followed without negotiation. Assistance between skippers is common but not assumed, and consent is required before handling lines, equipment, or boarding another vessel

Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide - Summary

Alonissos provides multiple sheltered bays with generally good holding and moderate exposure. Harbour facilities are limited with reliance on anchorages. Conditions are wind driven with partial shelter from surrounding islands. Provisioning and services are basic with regional support required. Alonissos Greece Sailing Guide for all you need to know.