It has been inhabited since the Middle Palaeolithic Age. During the Middle Ages it was named Hiliodromia or Liodromia, while during Classical Period it was named Ikos. The name Alonnissos is given in 1836. Of the most significant events was the establishment of the Minoans (middle of the 16th B.C. century) and the entry of the island in the First Athenian Alliance. During the Revolution of 1821 it was a place of refuge for many Greeks. Alonnissos has rich vegetation and marvellous beaches. It is extended in an area of 64 sq.km. It is in a distance of 62 n.m. (4 hours) from Aghios Kcnstantinos and 60 n.m. (4 hours) from Volos. It has wonderful natural environment being a paradise of the mediterranean seal monachus-monachus. Alonnissos or Hora is the old capital of the island, built in a hill with view to the harbour. Its stone-built houses are next one another so as to form a wall. It has been abandoned after the destructive earthquake of 1965. Sightseeing of the city is the old byzantine wall, St. George at the top of the castle, as well as other remarkable churches as those of Christ and St. Athanassios. The old capital is all a sightseeing by itself. From the castle above the capital the view is unique as they are spread in front of you the picturesque landscapes of the islets all around which are ideal for an excusrion. A real ornament of the region as well as of Sporades is the Sea Park, which contributes the maximum to the saving of the mediterranean seal monachus-monachus. Most of the population is gathered in Patitiri, today’s capital, harbour and serving port to Alonnissos. It is a marvellous landscape with its houses appearing from the pinewood. The bay is full of pines whereas in the clear blue sea they are moored multi-coloured boats awaiting the visitor to guide him to the enchanting seashores of the island. In past time in Patitiri there was the squeezing of grapes taken from the famous vineyards of Alonnissos. By boat you can visit Kokkinocastro. In the islet facing Kokkinokastro they were discovered fossils of bones and tools of the Middle Palaeolithic Age, considered to be the most ancient signs of life in the entire Aegean sea. Passing through a green landscape you will reach the ruined byzantine monastery of Aghii Anarghyri, in a distance of an hour from the harbour of Patitiri. The picturesque by the sea settlement Votsi with rich vegetation going down as far as the marvellous beach of the small bay is almost joined with Patitiri. Next to it there is to be found an amazing seashore Roussoum Ghialos. The village Steni Vala has a wonderful beach. From here you can visit by boat the neighbouring seashores Glyfa, Kalamakia, Aghios Petros. You can also organize an excursion by boat to the Sea Park combining it with swimming in the clear blue sea of Kyra-Panaghia. Cruise-boats supplied with special license visit the islands Skantzoura, Kyra Panaghia, Gioura, Psathoura. Peristera and Skantzoura have wonderful beaches and at the bottom of Psathoura there are ruins of an ancient city that was sunk, while in the caverns live the mediterranean seals monachus-monachus. In Kyra Panaghia there is the homonym monastery, belonging to the monastery of Meghisti Lavra of Athos. In the island Gioura you will see impressive caverns with most famous the cavern of Cyclop.