One of the problems you face with the sea crossing to Alonissos is the need for tickets on the ferry, Catamaran or Flying Dolphin. Due to the potential for delays it was best not to book tickets in advance as they were non-transferable and you could lose your money. However things have changed and tickets are now transferable and can be made into open tickets. There are certain conditions and restrictions that apply, so check at the local booking agent.You can now book tickets online and collect them at a designated booking agent at the port from which you are travelling. Except around holiday dates there is not normally a problem with seat availability and we find that booking tickets on the day means you can often leave your luggage in the agents office if you want to wander off to shop or eat before the departure. However in the tourist high season it is prudent to have tickets booked early, especially if you are leaving the island and flying back to the UK on the same day. Book your return tickets in Patitiri shortly after you arrive as it is easier to sort out problems with weather related delays with the same booking agent who will also know what departures are available.
There are two problems that have cropped up in recent years on Alonissos in the summer months:
Block booking during the summer by holiday company agents has meant that independent travellers have been told they cannot have tickets and to come back 1 – 2 days before the departure date with no guarantee of a ticket.
Independent travellers from Alonissos to Skiathos have been refused tickets to Skiathos and told that they would have to buy tickets to Volos or Agios Konstantinos which means that they are paying twice the price for the ticket.
