As with most islands, there are several beautiful beaches and it is always a spirited debate as to which is the “best beach”. For some it is the water. For some it is whether it is a pebble beach or sandy beach. For me the question is “where are the best sunbeds?” Angelos tells me the best are at Leftos Gialos beach and this is what makes me choose it.

Alonnisos has a unique bus system. They have a public bus system that makes multiple stops around the island but primarily between Patitiri (the port where I am staying) and the Old Village, the main village inland. But they also have what I call the “Beach Bus” that goes to a different beach each day of the week. They leave the port at 10:15 and return at 4:00 and the round trip ticket costs $6 Euro. Today they are going to Leftos Gialos, home of the “best” sunbeds.

We are approaching the end of the season so there are only about 15 people on the bus. And the taverna is happy to have a few customers for the day.

The specialty of this island is fish, but especially tuna. They have tuna tartare, tuna fillet, tuna in tomatoes and this delicious tuna salad. When the girls in Skopelos told me I should get tuna salad, I’m certain you will know what I imagined…some special version of tuna salad with mayo. But this is a beautiful salad with local tuna. I really do not know what they do to make this tuna a local specialty but it is amazing.

A perfect day for me here is a beautiful beach with warm water, a comfy beach bed (with a deep cushion…not a mesh pls), a book and a taverna for lunch. And a frappe…

Around 3 o’clock there is a mad scramble as it starts to rain. We all grab our stuff and head up to the bar until the bus comes. In the bar I ask if I can share a table with a beautiful girl with a tiny dog, Romeo. Penelope is Greek American from New York and is living in Athens. She is surprised to find another American solo traveler here in Alonnisos, there are so few people from the US on this island. We trade stories and she shares that she was working remote in a corporate job during Covid, based in Athens. But as she has dual citizenship she was able to travel wherever European countries were open. After the pandemic she decided to move to Athens and explore filmmaking. I love her spirit and energy. She shares that it is challenging to find enough film work in Greece but it is her dream. We are having a great conversation but the bus comes and I have to run to catch it before we have a chance to share contact info. Penelope, if you are reading this please reach out to me here or on LinkedIn! I would love to follow your journey!

For dinner I take a taxi to this small local port where they say they have the best local fish. Lots of boats dock here so it’s a very relaxed vibe.

It’s a quiet and peaceful dinner with a small light show.

This is my last night in Alonnisos before I take the ferry back to Skiathos. I’ll spend 4 days in Skiathos before taking the short flight back to Athens.

I’m so glad I found my way to this beautiful, natural island. It is more “modest” than the trendy islands with a focus on marine preservation. I didn’t see the rare Monk Seal but I can see the attention they pay to creating a safe place to preserve this rare animal.

And, of course, I’m glad I got to meet Angelos and experience his hospitality in this cool boutique hotel. Angelos I wish you all the best in your travels this winter. Thank you for your kindness and the introduction to your island. I see why you love it.

As I leave I see this sign which is a good example of why it is tricky to get around in Greece.

When someone shares the Greek name of a beach, a restaurant etc, I cannot understand what they are saying. Nor can I follow the signage unless they show the English version. As an example, I was told probably 10 times to go to Steni Vala. I transposed it every time to some other version…Stevi Nala, Stena Vila, Stava Nila…my brain just can’t process it. When Jules and Tony and I were talking about going here, I ended up saying “you know…that village that starts with S that has good fish”. It is pitiful. I’m not proud of it but I accept it and hope I’m not insulting my Greek hosts.

To Jules and Tony, my new UK friends, I truly hope our paths cross again. It was a joy to hang out with you and get to know you. Jules, maybe we will meet up on the Camino de Santiago!!

On to Skiathos! Thank you Alonnisos.

Ps. I used two different spellings when referring to this island…Alonnisos and Alonissos. I learned that both are acceptable!