Kokkinokastro beach on Alonissos

Kokkinokastro is one of the most distinctive beaches on Alonissos. Located on the east coast, roughly halfway between Patitiri and Steni Vala, it is recognizable by the large red cliff jutting out into the sea. The combination of reddish-brown cliffs, green pine trees, and blue-green water makes Kokkinokastro one of the island's most beautiful spots.

View of Kokkinokastro.

As you head down towards the beach, you get the best view of Kokkinokastro. The red cliff almost divides the area in two and actually bears a slight resemblance to Red Beach on Santorini, even though the landscape here is considerably greener.

The cliffs and beaches of Kokkinokastro are quite similar to Red beach on Santorini.

The name Kokkinokastro roughly translates to "the red fortress," derived from the Greek words *kokkino* (red) and *kastro* (fortress or castle). The name is fitting, reflecting both the color of the cliffs and the site's long history; indeed, Kokkinokastro was significant long before today's beach-goers discovered it.

Alonissos was known as Ikos in antiquity, and one of the island's two ancient cities was located at Kokkinokastro. Archaeological surveys have uncovered remains of fortification walls and other structures dating back to the Classical period. Finds from significantly earlier periods have also been made, and there are traces of settlements in the area dating back to prehistoric times.

Kokkinokastro beach.

The beach itself consists of sand and pebbles and is sheltered beneath the red cliffs. The water is clear and tends to shift between turquoise and dark blue, depending on the light and the seabed. It is precisely these colors that make Kokkinokastro so special, the beach looks almost different every time you visit. After Kokinokastro lies the beach of Tzortzi Gialos. There is a good taverna at the nearby beach Chrisi Milia. Sunbeds and parasols are available for hire during mid- and high season.

If you, like the person (se arrow) in the picture, climb up the red rock, you see..

...the other side of Kokkinokastro where there is also a beach.

If you climb up the cliff at the far end of the beach, you will see yet another beach. I think, but don't know, that that beach is also called Kokkinokastro. After Kokkinokastro is the beach Tzortzi Gialos where there is a taverna that is open in high season.

The beaches Tzortzi Gialos and Kokinokastro (behind the rock).

Kokkinokastro is a place worth visiting even if you don't plan to spend the whole day at the beach. The views, the red cliffs, and the site's long history make it something more than just another lovely swimming cove on Alonissos.

The lovely water that surrounds the red beach of Kokkinokastro.