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The Sporades Islands

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Discover the Sporades Islands

Lying in the Aegean Sea, just off Greece’s east coast the Sporades archipelago is one of the Mediterranean’s lesser known island groups that has retained its unique beauty and authentic charm over centuries. Only four of the twenty four islands are inhabited, Skiathos and Skopelos are the most famous while Alonissos and Skyros keep a lower profile. The Sporades are the ultimate island-hopping sailing area, scattered – literally ‘sporadically’. Sail away from a backdrop of thick green pine forest and head out into the turquoise Aegean sea exploring secluded coves and pretty little beaches. Sail surrounded by incomparable natural beauty, breathtaking landscapes and idyllic coastlines and explore dazzling, whitewashed houses, chapels, churches, monasteries and labyrinthine streets in authentic towns full of life. Having provided the backdrop for the film Mama Mia there are still plenty of places you can reach only by yacht.

The Sporades

Legend has it that the gods created the Sporades Islands by tossing colored pebbles into the Aegean Sea.

The myth is reflected in the name Sporades, which means ‘the scattered ones’, as well as in the colours of the verdant green hills, sapphire blue waters and sandy beaches.

Alonissos

Alonissos, the lesser known Sporades island has an unassuming, relaxed charm dotted with quaint villages, small seaside towns, lush greenery and many beautiful little beaches to discover. The marine park with small islets surrounded by emerald water and rich in marine life is home to the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal.

Skiathos

In the heart of the Sporades archipelago, Skiathos is known for its amazing beaches, lush pine forests, natural ambiance, cosmopolitan aura, and vivid nightlife, this idyllic Aegean island offers something for everyone. Fine your own paradise from over 60 stunning exotic beaches with white or golden, soft sand and crystal clear waters. Romantic waterfronts, medieval castles and fortresses, quaint villages and cosmopolitan towns await.

Skopelos

Skopelos is a picture-perfect island full of unspoilt charm and beaches that are out of this world! Only accessible by boat you can dive into the crystal clear waters, laze in peace under the sun, go snorkelling around the coves, wander around the cobbled streets of the pretty harbour town or little hilltop villages and discover why the choice of the stunning backdrop for the famous film Mama Mia!

Skyros

Escape to Skyros, a beautiful and secluded island, an ideal place to get away and experience a relaxing and authentic Greek island experience. Peaceful hidden beaches and coves, fantastic landscapes and a welcoming little harbour port await.

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What is it like to sail in the Sporades?

There’s no better way to see the northern Sporades islands than on a yacht charter holiday through the turquoise waters of this cluster of small islands located in the northwestern Aegean. Unfurl the sails and a light breeze carries you to remote islets, caves, beautiful bays and the pristine national park home to Monk Seals. The waters around the islands, particularly on the southern side offer a gentle sailing experience. As distances between the main cluster of islands are short you don’t have to sail for hours at a time if you don’t want to. More adventurous sailors can catch the exhilarating afternoon winds and see if the dolphins can keep up on your bow waves.

The weather in the Sporades Islands

There are few places in the world which offer a more perfect environment for summer sailing than the northern Sporades. Glorious summer sunshine, crystal-clear warm turquoise seas, golden beaches and a constant summer wind, you will have the perfect Greek island sailing holiday. During the summer months the weather is consistently warm both day and night. The Mediterranean climate brings warm weather to enjoy from May until October when you can expect long, sunny days, bright blue skies with very little chance of rain. Seasonal winds keep air fresh and are perfect for sailing.

A typical day

Enjoy breakfast onboard or in a waterfront cafe, spend the morning meandering around the emerald waters to a secluded bay or pretty traditional Greek village for lunch. Go for a swim, paddle board or snorkel or relax in the sun with a good book . Usually the wind develops by early afternoon and drop again at sunset so you can have a great sail to your evening destination with calm evenings with still, peaceful waters. Anchor off in a sheltered bay, enjoy a relaxing night in a small port or sip cocktails in one of the towns bursting with life.
Local Airports: Skiathos & Volos
   Transfer Time: 5  – 40 minutes
  Bases: Skiathos & Volos
  Flight Time from London: 3 ½ hours

EXPLORE THE SPORADES

Feel inspired by some of our favourite Itineraries

Hot Spots for Yachts in the Sporades

TRAVEL AWARE – PREPARING FOR SAFE AND HEALTHY TRAVEL ABROAD

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provide the latest travel advice by country including safety and security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health. For the latest FCDO advice please refer to https://www.gov.uk/travelaware Current travel health information can be found by visiting https://www.travelhealthpro.org.uk  a resource set up by the Department of Health. The advice can change on all sites so please check regularly for updates.

 

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