Alonnissos

The Island's History

Alonnisos was only given this name after the War of Independence and in ancient times it was known as Ikos. It was colonised by Cretans in the 15th Century BC, during the Minoan domination of the Aegean and it was at this time that the vineyards (the island has always produced excellent wine) and olive groves were established.

Its chequered history meant that it was then colonised by the Myceanans and after, the Dolopes who were to become dangerous pirates and the scourge of the Aegaen. They were routed by the Athenian Navy in 476 BC, and thus the island joined the 1st Athenian Alliance. In 190 BC, the Romans took the island and eventually it fell to the domination of Constantinople, which in turn was to pass it onto the Venetians. In 1538 Turkish authority was imposed by Barbarossa.

During the Greek Revolution (1821) Alonnisos was a refuge for many from all parts of Greece, and their descendants along with the native inhabitants form the present interesting mix.

Alonnisos has an unfortunate recent history, the vineyards were wiped out by disease in 1950 and then in 1965 tragedy struck in the form of a devastating earthquake. The Chora was almost completely destroyed, but luckily was rebuilt and some examples of traditional architecture still exist. The village was built in an amazing position, on high ground with views to the four points of the horizon.