The Sporades islands are in central Greece and are noted for their rich vegetation and mountainous terrain. They are some of the greenest islands in Greece and they are very popular places to explore by a sailing boat as Sporades Group consists of 24 islands! Hidden out of sight from tourists and less adventurous sailors, crystal – clear turquoise seas everywhere, golden beaches and nice wind conditions, make the archipelago of the Sporades a true sailing paradise!

Although Skiathos is the most popular holiday destination in the area with the most famous beaches, the other three bigger islands of the Sporades Group Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros, are equally beautiful and more unspoilt.

There are numerous beaches in the area and many of them are only accessible by boat. They are found not only in the bigger and smaller islands, but in the North coast of Evia as well and inside the Pagassitikos Gulf (Volos) and the East coast of Thessaly mainland. Another area to explore is the MARINE PARK of the seal Monachus-Monachus just where the minor islands of Piperi, Kyra-Panagia, Yioura, Peristera, Psathoura, Skyropoula and Skantzoura) are situated.

Skiathos island is known for its amazing beaches, natural ambiance, cosmopolitan aura, and Skiathos vivid nightlife!

The highlight of Skiathos island the exotic Skiathos beaches. The best ones of its over 60 beaches in total are located on the southern part of the island. Among the most beautiful ones are Koukounaries beach on the south part of the island, and Lalaria beach and Kastro at the north part where you can anchor only in very light wind conditions.

Don’t forget to visit the small islands Tsougrias and Arko and if the weather is ok, spend a night there! Arkos is a 15-minute cruise from Skiathos Harbour. There is a fairy-tale sandy beach with a bar on the west coast. From the beach, you can climb a steep sandy dune which is especially fun for children. Moor in front of the beach, ideally anchoring from the bow with a long rope to the stern. Tsougkrias is only a 40-minute cruise from Skiathos Harbor. It is a unique island with numerous beaches you don’t want to miss! A lovely spot to spend a day or night.

Sailing east from Skiathos, you’ll come across Skopelos, the island with the unspoilt beauty. This green and pleasant island has some fantastic ports to stop in for the night. Along the southern coast are the lovely ports of Glossa, Neo Klima, Agnontas and Panormos – all great places to anchor for the night. Explore Kastani and Hovolo beach, a pebbly beach in front of impassible white limestone cliffs with tufts of dark green vegetation!

The sheltered southeast coast has many, mostly pebbled beaches, while the northwest is exposed to the wind and sea with high cliffs and without any good anchorages, except for the Bay of Skopelos. The only place to overnight on the northern coast is Skopelos Town where it’s worth exploring the small alley ways and charming shops. The northern coast is worth sailing along, if the weather permits, on your return from Alonissos for its breathtaking natural beauty.

The most remote of the inhabited islands, Alonissos is surrounded by the National Marine Park of the North Sporades. The marine park is home to the last European colony of Mediterranean monk seals.

The main port of Patitiri is charming, through crowded with sailboats in the high season. From here you can visit the Old Village which offers incredible views of the island. The popular beaches along the west coast of the island are worth stopping in at too and Steni Vala is a good place for provisioning and tavernas before the sail out to the even more remote isles. Opposite Steni Vala is the island of Peristera which has some wonderful inlets and anchorages.

Kyra Panagia or Pelagonisi is the largest islet of north Sporades. An isolated island with a Byzantine monastery that lies on top of a hill overlooking the sea which is really worth a visit. 

Mooring is possible in the bay of Agios Petros or at Planitis Bay. Planitis bay is nearly completely enclosed on the north coast of Kyra Panagia. The swell reaches up to the narrow opening of the bay (70 m), which can be problematic when a strong north wind is blowing. It becomes calmer once you’re within the bay. The bay is completely natural and does not offer any kind of amenities for buying provision. Anchoring with a bow anchor or a shore line is possible.

Skyros is the outlier island with a different atmosphere, more like Cyclades than the Sporades, and less sheltered too. Some distance from the others, and an adventurous sail away. If you have time, it’s well worth a visit.

Linaria is little bay where fuel, water, tavernas and basic provisions are available. You can also take the bus up to Chora (Skyros main town) for a better variety.

Most beaches and anchorages are found on the W-SW coast: Atsitsa, Alyko, Ag. Fokas, Pefki  and Acherounes are all worth a stop.  The islets of Valaxa Skiropoula, Sarakino and Prasso, and  the rocky bay of Tristomou, Kalamitsa beach, Kolympiada, and Renes are extremely pleasant to sail around. If there are no North winds blowing, the N and NE coast of the island becomes accessible where there are a lot of beautiful anchorages and beaches

A very good journey choice especially in case of strong north direction wind, is to visit sites at Pagasitikos gulf on the inner side of Pilion where is protected from the strong 'meltemi' winds of the Greek summer and offers lovely coves and anchorages to stop for a dip or for the night.

The Palaiotrikeri Island with the monastery of Evangelistria at his hill, which began to be built in 1825 and experienced days of glory in the maritime past of the place when the icon of Panagia was found at the root of an olive tree. From this well-preserved monastery, you will have the opportunity to look out for the Aegean, Evia, Pagasitikos, and the whole of Pelion.

Agia Kiriaki is the seaside village of Trikeri with a lot of fishing boats, trawlers, sailing boats and ribs. A very nice place for having lunch spent the night.

Note: Above data are included merely for informational purposes. Always assess a nautical chart before your trip, and advice weather forecast to ensure a safe and pleasant trip.

Note: Above data are included merely for informational purposes. Always assess a nautical chart before your trip, and advice weather forecast to ensure a safe and pleasant trip.