Destination: Sporades

Sporades islands compose an ideal destination for holidays on a sailing yacht. The islands lie on northwestern Aegean Sea, close to Gulf of Pelion and share a similar unprecedented beauty: green landscapes surrounded by the deep blue and crystal clear sea. In most bays, the tall trees of the hills get down to the sea level.

The complex of Sporades is composed mainly of three islands: Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos, and around 20 more islets. Skyros island, which is located toward the southeast, approximately at the center of Aegean Sea, is also included in Sporades complex. The eastern Skopelos and Alonissos islands are part of the National Marine Park, an area with rare fauna and bio-diversity. 

Skopelos is the birth place of the rare caretta – caretta sea turtle and Alonissos Island is the home of the biggest population of the Monk seal – Monachus Monachus.

Our Sailing Yachts

Some of our best yachts are located in the area in Sporades. Although the fleet is not so extended as in the major bases (Athens and Lefkas), there are plenty of options for the sailors. More yachts have 3-4 cabins which is ideal for families and group of friends. Bigger yachts are also available (5 cabins / capacity 12 people) for bigger groups.

Most yachts are available in Volos port but we also have presence on the island of Skiathos. The distance between the two points is around 40-45 nautical miles (or 6 hours of sailing). Skiathos is one of the Sporades islands, and only few miles from Skopelos (1 hour distance) and Alonissos (2-3 hours). However, Volos has easy access on vehicle (4 hours drive from Athens, 2 hours from Thessaloniki). 

Weather Conditions

Sailing holidays are ideal in Sporades islands. Calm weather conditions, small distances among islands (7-10 nautical miles from one to another), numerous beautiful bays offering good shelter, all conditions are present for relaxed holidays. The ports need more caution, each for their own reasons: Skiathos is usually too busy, as the center of the area, the entry of the port of Sporades is affected by strong north winds (although rare and once inside, the port is safe and calm, with many spots. Alonissos has a smaller port and it's full after the midday.

In general, the area is upgraded as a sailing center and an increasing number of persons sail in the area. However, there are still fewer yachts than the main sailing regions, so the islands are still unaffected by mass tourism. 

As mentioned already, weather conditions are mild in Sporades. For some more details please click the link below:

Photo of Planitis bay is shared by our friend and sailor mate, Klazien Matter-Walstra.

Sporades nature is very rich, with pine trees across the islands, offering an ideal relaxation to sailors. At all times respect the Marine Park and the rare species that it hosts, avoiding any activity that causes nature pollution (waste disposal, oil spill, etc.). Moreover, there are few things that one should note when sailing the Sporades islands:

• Skiathos has a limited number of bays to anchor for the night, all at it's south coast. Lalaria beach at North is a beautiful beach and suggested by many, but it's not protected and thus not suitable to stay over night, even when the wind is out.
• On the same grounds, Skopelos best side to anchor is it's southwest (facing Skiathos island). Alonissos also has very beautiful bays at it's east side nothern to Patitiri and opposite to Peristera islet.
• Alonissos main town (chora) up on the mountain is suitable for a romantic walk around traditional houses and offers a spectacular, panoramic view to the Sea, from South, East and West.
• "Planitis" islet, located at the north of Alonissos, has two magnificent bays, on south and north sides, both worth visiting, but with high caution to the protection of the environment, since this uninhabited islet is the 'heart' on the National Marine Park. Click the link below for more details and suggested routes around Sporades islands.