Old Alonissos or Chora Alonissos

Although nowadays Patitiri is the largest settlement in Alonissos, the capital of Alonissos remains Palia Alonissos (or Chora or Palio Chorio) a mountainous settlement, almost at the top of the mountain, 3km. from Patitiri. It was founded in the 10th century. A.D. and was the main settlement of the island for many centuries. After the earthquake of ’65, the settlement was almost completely abandoned, but in the 1980s, the majority of the old buildings were bought by foreign visitors, lovers of tradition and traditional architecture, who repaired them, keeping their architecture intact. . Gradually, the inhabitants of the island began to follow them, where with the economic development of the decade and the flourishing of tourism, the Old Village began to come alive during the summer months, always keeping the local idiom intact. Chora has now been transformed into a beautiful, idyllic, traditional village. Her image is special. Narrow streets, cobbled streets and stone houses in a fortified layout. The view is impressive, from all sides, towards the narrow rocky bays and the open sea.

Today only 15-16 families live there permanently all year round. Old Alonissos is located on the top of a hill, with a view to all parts of the horizon. Its climate is airy and cool, which is why summer is full of life. It is only 3 km from Patitiri, (port and capital of the island) and one can visit it with the regular itineraries of the municipal bus, or with one of the 4 taxis that exist in Alonissos. Even the old country is accessible on foot through an old cobbled path. The walk takes about 20-30 ‘.
In the village it is not possible to drive a motorbike or a car due to the cobbled streets, however there is quite a spacious municipal parking lot on the side of the cemetery. Walking in its picturesque streets you will see the old windmill of the island that has been renovated in a house, the threshing floors, the picturesque churches and if the weather is good you will see the deserted parks of the Park, from Skopelos and Evia to Mount Athos.
In old Alonissos guests can find beautiful traditionally rented rooms and traditional dwellings in a warm friendly atmosphere. You will also find various gift shops as well as many family taverns specializing in … spit where you will taste amazing kontosouvli and a wide variety of meats. Also in Old Alonissos you will enjoy art, rebetiki and Jazz music along with your drink or dessert in one of the music bars that exist there.

One of the most beautiful moments of the village is the festival of August 15, where you organize a representation of the traditional island wedding and a party follows until morning. Other cultural events organized are: the representation of threshing floor (in July) and a concert with art song in the old threshing floor (usually in August, during the full moon). In these events you will have the opportunity to try the local sweet almonds, hamalia and bubbles (donuts) as well as on August 15 at the Festival the local wedding food is cooked or Gida Vrasti as it is called which is a reddish goat that boils it in big buns from morning with thick spaghetti.