SAILING IN THE SPORADES ISLANDS: 2 WEEKS ROUTE

Day 1: Skiathos island

The route starts from the main port of Skiathos, the island that is closest to mainland Greece. It is a cosmopolitan island, with a growing number of tourists and busy nightlife. Bars and nightclubs are usually full, especially from mid July to August. There are nice restaurants close to the old fish port. Skiathos port is a sailing centre, so we will deliver the yacht in Skiathos port, waiting for your embarkation.

Day 2:  Beach Koukounaries

 For the first day of sailing pick a close destination, the famous beach of Koukounaries on Skiathos island. It is located at the SW side of the island, 6 nautical miles (nm, equals 1854 meters) west of Skiathos port. Considering the north wind, it is a beam reach sailing with low waves, if any. Koukounaries is a famous and busy beach, accessible by road, as well as one of the best protected bays, safe to anchor and spend a relaxed night...

Day 5: Hrisi Milia

Continue your trip around the south cape of Alonissos to enjoy sailing around this wonderful island, filled with pine trees. Any bay at her east side is ideal for anchorage; we suggest Hrisi Milia bay. It offers a typical safe berth. The bay has rich landscape, big pine trees reaching the level of the sea. Hrisi Milia is about 8 nm far from the bay of Agalou Laka. Be careful when you approach the NW rocky coast of the bay, as there are few rocks inside the sea reaching 3 meters depth. However, we had an ideal anchorage there, using a line toward north to keep us near the shore.

Hrisi Milia is an ideal place to spend the evening, and then a relaxed night, under the starlight that trembles on the dark sea..This is one of the most beautiful bays within the National Marine Park of Alonissos and North Sporades.

Day 7:  Patitiri port, Alonissos island

After you enjoyed swimming in turquoise waters under the shadow of the trees, sail toward the port of Alonissos, Patitiri (just 5 nm from Peristera isle or 2 nm from the bay of Hrisi Milia). Although it is a small port, its north-NW side offers basic yachting facilities (electricity and water) and there are a few stores for food supplies. You better arrive there no much later than noon, to find a free spot for the yacht. Otherwise, you may berth at its south dock, in which case mind the shallow waters when putting down the anchor. In any case, Patitiri offers perfect protection from winds

This small port of Alonissos is another place too beautiful to describe by words (or photos). There are trees all around, a small beach nearby where children swim (waters are very clean, and yachts have to respect it!), a small sidewalk by the dock, all compose an ideal destination.

Day 9, 10: Kyra Panagia island

Next day continue the trip upwind to the north, to the island of Kyra Panagia. The name of the island is Holly Mary, in Greek language. The distance from Peristera's shipwreck to the south gulf of the little island is 9 nm, but it can be more if you go upwind beating. The calmness and beauty of this place is exceptional. It is very popular to anchor near Agios Petros' rock, but any other spot is as beautiful

We suggest staying in Kyra Panagia for two days. Depending on your sailing appetite, you can make sailing trips to nearby rocks, or even the north gulf of the island, with its impressive narrow entry. The rich nature, above or under sea level, will fill your free time, your memories, and above all, your soul.
Note: Sailing, swimming, snorkeling and making pictures is allowed in all areas in Northern Sporades Marine Park except for the western coast of Kyra Panagia, isle Yioura (northeast of Kyra Panagia), and isle Piperi, east of Kyra Panagia. Isle Piperi hosts the biggest population of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus Monachus).

Day 12: Round of Skopelos

Next day leave the port and sail northeast, along the northern coast of Skopelos. After approximately 6 nm you will reach  the beach of Ai-Giannis. Because of the famous Hollywood movie that was shot there a few years ago, the beach is now known also by the name 'Mamma Mia'. Unless there is a strong north wind, the sailboat anchors easily there and you can enjoy the picturesque landscape with the combination of amazing colors. A few hours later, continue your trip over the north cape of Skopelos and turn to the west coast of the island. Further to the southeast Skiathos island appears.
Few miles further you will reach the port of Neo Klima. Distance from beach of Ai-Giannis is 10 nm. It is a small port at the  wonderful village and offers safe berth to most wind directions. It is traditional, easy going and relaxing place to spend a night

Day 14: Return in the port of Skiathos

Enjoy the bay of Panormos and at noon set your sails for the destination port of Skiathos, it's 9 nm away. If the crew prefers a swim just before Skiathos, sail earlier to Tsougkria, a little isle outside Skiathos port. Then arrive for the final berth and a walk in the busy town.

Disembarkation takes place in the morning. The sailing trip is completed after two weeks of harmony and relaxation in Sporades islands, one of the most beautiful sailing destinations of Greek Waters.