Alonissos is one of the most remote and low-key of the islands of the Sporades. At various times it has formed part of the Byzantine, Ottoman and Venetian empires. These days, Alonissos plays host to a mix of British, Italian and Greek visitors and manages to be trendy without trying too hard – there are art galleries, a homeopathic academy and a scattering of alternative therapists.  The island is green, rugged and wild – pine forests, olive groves and fruit orchards cover the southern half. The north is cloaked in a dense maquis of arbutus, heather, kermes oak and lentisc. Alonissos is famous for its apricots, which are at their best in June.

The sea is gloriously clean and the swimming and snorkeling is excellent, although for the most part the beaches have few facilities. Patitiri is the main port of Alonissos, occupying a sheltered, pine-fringed bay flanked by steep cliffs. Its surrounded by an appealing ring of cafes, bars and tavernas and makes for an enjoyable stop-over on a Patitiri Alonissos yacht charter. Archipelagos is one restaurant that’s frequented by the locals and Kamaki, up towards the post office, has some unusual dishes. Nightlife tends to be low-key, centred around the seafront cafes.  The Costas and Angela Mavrikis Museum has a wide range of exhibits including some of local artwork and traditional costumes, war memorabilia, wine-making equipment, piracy and seafaring.  Alonissos is popular with hikers and the island has 14 numbered routes, some of which are challenging enough to get your heart-rate up and legs working hard.  The best is from Aylos Dhimitrios, up the Kastanorema and then back along the coast (2 ½ hours) and from Melegakia to Ayios Konstandinos and Ayios Yeoryios (2 hours).