Alonnisos is an authentic Greek island mostly known for its incredible natural beauty and its amazing beaches. The waters of the Greek island are considered as the cleanest in the Aegean Sea and have been declared a marine park because they are a breeding ground for the rare species of monk seal, the Monachus Monachus. So after waking this morning we decided to check out some of the gorgeous beaches that we read about. Some of the beaches can be reached on foot, while others you need a boat. After talking to some locals in the port we decided to head to the small village of Steni Vala and explore the surrounding area. The best and easiest way to get to Steni Vala was by the local bus, and the ride took about 30 minutes.
Steni Vala is a lovely tiny village, which only has a few families living there full time. It is located on the north east coast of the island, and used to be a lair for pirates, although today it is quite popular with sailors. The first thing we did when we arrived was to find a Kafeneon (coffee shop,) for a tiropita (cheese pie), and of course coffee.
After relaxing a little it was time to head to our first beach which we found, looked at, and decided to try some thing else. We headed then to Agios Petros beach, set up our towels, and headed into the water. Agios Petros Beach still remains almost untouched. The incredible beauty of Agios Petros Beach, like most beaches on Alonissos, lays on a coast with marble formations offering a super view of the fine sands descending into the crystal blue emerald waters, surrounded by dense pine trees. For most of the day we had the entire beach to ourselves, but when the sun started to set, and it became a little chilly it was time to head back to Steni Vala for some lunch.
As we sat at a Psari Taverna (Fish Tavern) the first of many sailboats pulled up. The first sailboat was a group of German men, then came several other sailboats of British couples, and families. The Sporades Islands in Greece are known for sailing, and it is a popular holiday option for Europeans to rent a sailboat and just sail through the islands. The funny thing is most of these people are not professional sailors, and just watching them try to dock their rented boats it showed. I couldn't help but laugh, and laugh at the complete chaos that was unraveling in front of me. At one point my husband (who actually has his sailing license) went down to help, and just as the man on the boat threw my husband the rope the man along with his friend actually fell into the water. Another boat couldn't get the dinghy around the boat, so decided to bring it through the boat getting it stuck. We could have stayed there all day watching and laughing, but the last bus back to our village was coming, so we had to leave.
Once back at our hotel we showered and relaxed a bit before heading into the village for an ice cream. While walking around the port, we were thrilled to find out that a dance group from another village on the main land was there to perform later that night. This was not my first time seeing traditional Greek dances (I've seen them at weddings before) but nonetheless this was a great surprise.
Greek dance is a very old tradition. There are different styles and interpretations from all of the islands and surrounding mainland areas. Each region formed its own choreography and style to fit in with their own ways. There are over 4000 traditional dances that come from all regions of Greece. Traditional Greek dancing has a primarily social function. It brings the community together at key points of the year. The dancers on this night displayed two different costumes and dances and at the end combined together for a finale. At the very end the dancers pulled people from the audience to take part, and basically the whole village danced the night away.
Steni Vala is a lovely tiny village, which only has a few families living there full time. It is located on the north east coast of the island, and used to be a lair for pirates, although today it is quite popular with sailors. The first thing we did when we arrived was to find a Kafeneon (coffee shop,) for a tiropita (cheese pie), and of course coffee.
After relaxing a little it was time to head to our first beach which we found, looked at, and decided to try some thing else. We headed then to Agios Petros beach, set up our towels, and headed into the water. Agios Petros Beach still remains almost untouched. The incredible beauty of Agios Petros Beach, like most beaches on Alonissos, lays on a coast with marble formations offering a super view of the fine sands descending into the crystal blue emerald waters, surrounded by dense pine trees. For most of the day we had the entire beach to ourselves, but when the sun started to set, and it became a little chilly it was time to head back to Steni Vala for some lunch.
As we sat at a Psari Taverna (Fish Tavern) the first of many sailboats pulled up. The first sailboat was a group of German men, then came several other sailboats of British couples, and families. The Sporades Islands in Greece are known for sailing, and it is a popular holiday option for Europeans to rent a sailboat and just sail through the islands. The funny thing is most of these people are not professional sailors, and just watching them try to dock their rented boats it showed. I couldn't help but laugh, and laugh at the complete chaos that was unraveling in front of me. At one point my husband (who actually has his sailing license) went down to help, and just as the man on the boat threw my husband the rope the man along with his friend actually fell into the water. Another boat couldn't get the dinghy around the boat, so decided to bring it through the boat getting it stuck. We could have stayed there all day watching and laughing, but the last bus back to our village was coming, so we had to leave.
Once back at our hotel we showered and relaxed a bit before heading into the village for an ice cream. While walking around the port, we were thrilled to find out that a dance group from another village on the main land was there to perform later that night. This was not my first time seeing traditional Greek dances (I've seen them at weddings before) but nonetheless this was a great surprise.
Greek dance is a very old tradition. There are different styles and interpretations from all of the islands and surrounding mainland areas. Each region formed its own choreography and style to fit in with their own ways. There are over 4000 traditional dances that come from all regions of Greece. Traditional Greek dancing has a primarily social function. It brings the community together at key points of the year. The dancers on this night displayed two different costumes and dances and at the end combined together for a finale. At the very end the dancers pulled people from the audience to take part, and basically the whole village danced the night away.
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