Marpunta Resort Alonissos review

marpunta resort

B’s editor Sally J Hall visited the gorgeous Marpunta Resort on the island of Alonissos, Greece

Owned by the Santikos family since 1984 and recently refurbished, it’s only two years since UK customers have been able to visit this resort, built on the site of an old fishing village and still with the feel of a traditional Greek village. I visited in June to discover the delights of this magical, unspoiled island.

Claim £150 off your booking with Olympic Holidays when you quote BBABY150 at the checkout.

marpunta resort

Travel to the small island of Alonissos in the Sporades and you feel that you are truly getting away from it all. For one thing, you need to take a hydrofoil or ferry from Skiathos, via Skopolos (where Mamma Mia was filmed) to the sparsely populated, peaceful island of Alonissos.

marpunta resort

Marpunta Resort is in an isolated location, the accommodation set in gardens on a hillside. Below, near the beaches, is the main hotel reception, plus restaurants, bars and a gorgeous pool, complete with its own bar and café.

marpunta resort

Breakfast in the main restaurant where eggs are cooked to order and there’s a comprehensive buffet, or have lunch in the Mediterranean café by the pool. Join a hiking tour to the Old Town with its stunning views or take a yoga or Pilates class by the sea or choose tennis, volleyball or basketball with friends.

marpunta resort

If watersports are more for you, take a Scuba or paddle boarding class. It’s worth renting a car (car seats can be booked) to visit the island’s villages; you can eat at three restaurants as part of a dine-around package. Babysitting can be booked at reasonable rates and cots and high chairs are free.

Most recommended: an amazing trip to the marine park aboard the boat Planitis with lunch on board (book via Marpunta’s concierge) to visit deserted beaches, a spectacular cave, a tiny monastery and on the way you can, hopefully, spy an elusive dolphin – we had four play around the prow of the ship for over half an hour! There’s a free shuttle bus each day for shopping and dining trips to Patitiri port and village and to the Old Town.

marpunta resort

Island Hopping? If you’d like to take a two-island break, Marpunta’s sister location, Skiathos Princess, is a five star family-friendly resort with kids’ club and a stunning sandy beach.

Book it: Two adults plus two children in a family garden room, B&B for seven nights from £968 per person, transfers and return flights from Gatwick. olympicholidays.com

Claim £150 off your booking with Olympic Holidays when you quote BBABY150 at the checkout.