Getting Around Alonissos

Getting around Alonissos is much simpler than on larger or more mountainous destinations like Pelion, but you still need to plan a little because public transport is limited and many of the best beaches are spread out.

Most people find that renting a car or scooter is the easiest way to explore the island. The road network is straightforward, with one main road running from Patitiri up through the Old Town (Chora) and along the east coast toward Steni Vala and Kalamakia. Distances are short—driving from one end of the island to the other typically takes under an hour—but you’ll still encounter winding sections and some narrower roads as you approach smaller villages or beaches. A car gives you the most flexibility, especially if you want to visit multiple beaches in one day or go out for dinner in Chora and return at night comfortably.

Scooters and small motorbikes are a popular alternative, particularly in summer. They’re well suited to the island’s size and make parking easier in busy spots like Patitiri or near popular beaches. They’re best if you’re comfortable riding on hills and curves, which the island has in moderate amounts.

There is also a local bus service that runs along the main spine of the island, connecting Patitiri with key places like Votsi, Roussoum Gialos, Chora, Steni Vala, and sometimes Kalamakia. It’s useful and inexpensive, but services are limited and scheduled mainly around peak summer demand. Buses run a few times a day rather than frequently, so they’re fine if you plan your day around them but less useful for spontaneous moving around or late evenings.

Taxis are available but in small numbers. They’re best used for short trips, airport-style transfers between the port and your accommodation, or the occasional evening out if you don’t want to drive. For anything more regular, they quickly become expensive, and availability can be an issue in high season unless you pre-book.

Walking is enjoyable within specific areas rather than for getting across the island. In Patitiri and Votsi, you can easily move around on foot, and Chora is best explored by walking through its narrow streets. There are also hiking trails linking some beaches and inland routes, but distances between settlements can be too long or steep for practical day-to-day transport unless you’re deliberately hiking.

One important part of getting around Alonissos isn’t on land at all: boats. Boat taxis and organised excursions are a big part of the experience, especially because the island is part of the National Marine Park. From Patitiri and Steni Vala you can join trips to nearby islets, sea caves, and remote beaches that you simply can’t reach by road. Some beaches are also easier and more enjoyable to access by sea than by driving.

In practical terms, many visitors combine methods: they might rent a car or scooter for a few days to explore freely, use short taxi rides when needed, and take at least one boat trip. Because the island is compact, even a short rental period is often enough to see most of the key places without feeling rushed.