Sporade Islands

The Sporades form a chain of islands in the northern Aegean, stretching out from the coast of Thessaly into open water. They are four in number: Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos and Skyros - and each has a character that sets it apart from the others, yet together they make one of the more coherent sailing itineraries in Greece.

Skiathos is the natural starting point for most crews. Its airport brings in flights from across Europe, making it straightforward to join or leave a boat and the main harbor. The island is known for its beaches, Koukounaries in particular stretches along a bay on the southwestern coast, backed by a lagoon and pine trees that come down almost to the sand.

From Skiathos, the crossing to Skopelos is short and the scenery along the way is worth the sail. Skopelos town is one of the better-preserved ports in the Aegean, with whitewashed houses, tiled roofs and a row of churches above the harbor. Alonnisos lies beyond, surrounded by the waters of the National Marine Park, where monk seals still live and the fishing has recovered over the years.

The Sporades are not a destination for sailors looking for solitude in the height of summer - Skiathos in particular fills up in July and August - but the shoulder months of May, June and September offer a different experience entirely.