Because the small islets surrounding Alonissos are so beautiful they have become popular as flotilla destinations and for private yachts.
The island of Peristera is covered by olive trees, has plenty of sandy beaches and a ruined castle. Peristera is a mirror image of the east coast of Alonissos, and it's easy to see how the quake separated to two land areas.
The island of Psathora has one of the largest lighthouses in Greece. Due to its submerged ruins and sunken volcano, Psathora is postulated to be the island of the Sirens in Homer's Odyssey as well as ancient Halonnesos. Caiques only go to Psathoura every ten days.
The island of Kyra Panagia is 2 to 3 hours by boat from Patitiri. It once had two monasteries but is now home to goats and the occasional sheperd. Kyra Panagia is owned by Mt. Athos. It is beautiful and heavily wooded with sandy beaches. A sunken Byzantine ship, its hold once filled with ceramics, lays in the waters of the port of Aghios Petros. The islet also has a stalactite cave thought to be residence of the one-eyed Cyclops of ancient myth.
Verdant Skantzoura island also has a monastery founded by Mt. Athos. Fishermen enjoy this islet with its many caves and coves.
On Pappou, hares run wild among the ruins of a 7th Century church.
On Gioura (ancient Geronta) a rare breed of goat related to the African Ibex skips from rock to rock among the remains of classical and Roman ruins. Gioura has an even better Cyclops cave. In the cave, caution is advised as well as sensible boots and a flashlight! You must get island guardians to unlock the gates to see the Cyclops cave and its stalactites.
Piperi is home to a small but stable monk seal population and the Elonora falcon! This island is prohibited without special permission. It is at the north end of the National Marine Park.
This is a great spot to splurge on that lobster dinner. Fresh, flavorful, delicious and an island specialty.
SCUBA diving is forbidden without special government permits. Motorcycles are available for rent, but be sure you are expert and handing one on sand and slippery shale because the tracks on this island are steep and tricky. You'd do better to consider a walking tour.
At the 17th Century church Christos in Hora, be sure to keep an eye out for the dancing ghosts! Local lore says they haunt the area.
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