SAILING IN SPORADES ISLANDS
Located in the northwest Aegean, nestled between the island of Evia and Mount Pelion on the mainland, you'll find the captivating Sporades Island group. This group comprises 24 islands and islets, with only four - Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, and Skyros - being permanently inhabited.
Despite its extraordinary natural beauty, the Sporades remain one of the Mediterranean's less-visited and lesser-known island groups. Here, pine-scented hills slope gently toward the sea, where inviting sandy and pebble beaches meet irresistibly blue waters, perfect for relaxation and swimming. Notably, the Sporades are home to the Mediterranean's largest marine reserve, extending over 2,250 square kilometers (870 square miles) in the Aegean Sea. This sanctuary boasts a rich variety of flora, fauna, and aquatic life, including monk seals and dolphins, with Alonissos island situated at its heart.
Sailing conditions in the Sporades are ideal and safe, even for novice charterers. Unlike the strong 'Meltemi' wind that prevails in other parts of the Aegean during the summer, the Sporades Islands are protected from these fierce gusts. Instead, a gentle breeze from the northeast prevails during the summer months, providing a predictable, moderate wind with an average force of 3-6 Beaufort. This consistent wind direction can vary as it meanders through the islands. On the leeward sides of the islands, the sea remains calm, creating the perfect setting for an exciting sail when the wind is favorable.
You may start your sailing vacations in the Saronic Islands from different marinas, according to yacht availability, flight schedules, charter duration and desired itineraries:
Marina Alimos (Athens)
Marina Zeas (Athens)
Marina Agios Kosmas (Athens)
Marina Vouliagmeni (Athens)
POPULAR SAILING DESTINATION IN THE SPORADES
Although quite a small island, Skiathos is the most popular island in the Sporades group, and it was the first one to be commercially developed in the 1960s. It is unbelievably beautiful with lush greenery and over 60 stunning beaches. The most famous ones being Koukounaries and Lalaria beaches. Skiathos town features a romantic waterfront with many seaside taverns that overlook the island’s marina. At night, the town transforms into a vibrant area with lots of bars and clubs that attract visitors of all ages.
SKIATHOS
Skopelos is one of the greenest islands in Greece, with a beautiful dense and luxuriant forest that covers 80% of its area. Trees and sea merge into one on the majority of its beaches, such as the famous Milias and Panormos beach, where pine trees embrace the Aegean Sea and provide the most refreshing natural shade. Its’s picturesque old town features many tiny chapels, neoclassic building and a cluster of cobblestone streets that invite for romantic strolls.
If you are a movie fan, you can trace the paths of the film “Mamma Mia!”, which was filmed on the island in 2007 and made its romantic ‘Saint Ioannis’ Chapel world-famous.
SKOPELOS
Alonissos is quite a tiny island (just 14 km long and 4 wide) that nevertheless boasts an incredible number of breathtaking beaches and places to explore. Sailing into Alonissos port, you can instantly feel the non-pretentious elegance and relaxing appeal of the island. Alonissos town is perched in an impressive hill-top position, from where you have a stunning 360 degree panoramic sea view. The town was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1965, making many residents move to more modern housing close to the port. However, the town was soon restored and is now one of the most charming villages you can find, being home to people who enjoy tranquility and a relaxed lifestyle.
ALONISSOS
Skyros is the biggest and most remote island in the Northern Sporades Island group, situated 50 km southeast of Alonissos. It features a unique landscape that offers a rich interchange of sceneries reaching from a dramatic rocky and wild coulisse to a verdant vegetation. Beaches are the same diverse with sandy seashores and rugged coastlines. Skyros’ pretty whitewashed main town clings to a hill, at the top of which you can find a Venetian fortress, perfectly situated for surveying the Eastern Aegean Sea. A labyrinth of small streets with charming cafes and small shops and boutiques invite to wander around and relax.
SKYROS
CHARTER A YACHT IN THE SPORADES ISLANDS
Monohull sailing yacht or Catamaran? Bareboat, Skippered or Crewed Charter? No matter what is your preferred sailing yacht and charter type, we can offer plenty of options, so that you can tailor your sailing vacations in the Saronic Islands to your needs.
MONOHULL SAILING YACHTS
Monohull Sailing Yachts are beautiful classic sailing yachts that are characterized by their one hull. Since they are smaller in width than catamarans, it is easy to find them a room to moor in Greek ports, even in the peak months July and August. All our monohull sailing yachts can be chartered bareboat and with a professional skipper.
CATAMARANS
Catamarans are characterized by their two hulls, which provide significantly more pace than classic monohull sailing boats. They are an ideal choice if you are planning a cruise with a group of friends or family. Our camarans can be chartered either bareboat or with a professional skipper.
SAILING ITINERARIES IN THE SPORADES
The Sporades Island group is a year-round sailing haven, thanks to its temperate climate and gentle winds. The ideal gateways to this paradise are Marina Skiathos and Marina Volos. Skiathos boasts a substantial international airport with daily connections to numerous European airports, particularly during the summer season. Meanwhile, Volos is conveniently situated on the mainland, between Athens and Thessaloniki. You can easily reach it via taxi, train, or bus from Athens or Thessaloniki International Airports.
When planning your itinerary, you have a plethora of options, depending on the distances you wish to cover and the amount of time you'd like to spend at sea.
For a relaxing one-week journey with shorter distances, consider stops at Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos, and the small islets surrounding Alonnisos. There are eight charming, uninhabited islets around Alonnisos, each with its unique appeal. To the northeast, Piperi serves as a refuge for the Mediterranean Monk seal, and although setting foot on the island is prohibited, observing its natural beauty from the boat is a priceless experience. Kyra Panagia, the largest of these islets, features lovely beaches and the remnants of an abandoned 16th-century monastery. Psathoura Island is a diver's dream, with submerged remains of an ancient city. Peristera Island offers several sandy beaches and the remains of a castle. The other smaller islets in the vicinity include Pappous, Skantzoura, Psathouropoud, Gioura, and Adephi.
If you desire a more extended voyage or plan a two-week excursion, you can also sail to Skyros Island or explore the Pagasetic Gulf (also known as the Gulf of Volos). Add stops on Evia Island and the Greek mainland to create a comprehensive and memorable journey.
Although quite a small island, Skiathos is the most popular island in the Sporades group, and it was the first one to be commercially developed in the 1960s. It is unbelievably beautiful with lush greenery and over 60 stunning beaches. The most famous ones being Koukounaries and Lalaria beaches. Skiathos town features a romantic waterfront with many seaside taverns that overlook the island’s marina. At night, the town transforms into a vibrant area with lots of bars and clubs that attract visitors of all ages.
Skyros is the biggest and most remote island in the Northern Sporades Island group, situated 50 km southeast of Alonissos. It features a unique landscape that offers a rich interchange of sceneries reaching from a dramatic rocky and wild coulisse to a verdant vegetation. Beaches are the same diverse with sandy seashores and rugged coastlines. Skyros’ pretty whitewashed main town clings to a hill, at the top of which you can find a Venetian fortress, perfectly situated for surveying the Eastern Aegean Sea. A labyrinth of small streets with charming cafes and small shops and boutiques invite to wander around and relax.
Skopelos is one of the greenest islands in Greece, with a beautiful dense and luxuriant forest that covers 80% of its area. Trees and sea merge into one on the majority of its beaches, such as the famous Milias and Panormos beach, where pine trees embrace the Aegean Sea and provide the most refreshing natural shade. Its’s picturesque old town features many tiny chapels, neoclassic building and a cluster of cobblestone streets that invite for romantic strolls.
If you are a movie fan, you can trace the paths of the film “Mamma Mia!”, which was filmed on the island in 2007 and made its romantic ‘Saint Ioannis’ Chapel world-famous.
Alonnisos is quite a tiny island (just 14 km long and 4 wide) that nevertheless boasts an incredible number of breathtaking beaches and places to explore. Sailing into Alonnisos port, you can instantly feel the non-pretentious elegance and relaxing appeal of the island. Alonnisos town is perched in an impressive hill-top position, from where you have a stunning 360 degree panoramic sea view. The town was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1965, making many residents move to more modern housing close to the port. However, the town was soon restored and is now one of the most charming villages you can find, beihom to people who enjoy tranquility and a relaxed lifestyle.