A Guide to Sailing in the Sporades Islands, Greece

Panormos beach is one of many stunning stretches of coastline on Skopelos
Panormos beach is one of many stunning stretches of coastline on Skopelos | © Constantinos Iliopoulos / Alamy
Helen Iatrou

Located in the northwest Aegean, the pine-clad Sporades islands resemble a collection of priceless emerald jewels scattered (hence “sporadic”) across serene aquamarine seas. Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros are the region’s four main islands, while there are around 20 smaller, uninhabited islets and countless placid bays to drop anchor in if you’re approaching the islands by boat. Weather conditions are mostly gentle, making it ideal for a relaxed family sailing holiday. Fans of Mamma Mia! will recognise Skopelos’s Kastani beach, featured in the original film.

Explore the coast of Greece in style with the Culture Trip’s Sailing Trips.

What to see and do

Densely-forested Skiathos attracts the greatest number of visitors – for good reason. It’s teeming with golden sandy beaches, like bustling Koukounaries and Agia Paraskevi, but also numerous secret coves, easily reached by yacht or motorboat.

Skopelos town is a charming spot for some on-foot explorations

Less-developed Alonissos still retains an air of wildness. Hike its well-marked trails through pine and cedar forests and gather wild herbs to season your next on-board meal. In the national marine park you’re unlikely to spot its shyest resident, the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, but you may see striped dolphins and Eleonora’s falcons.

On Skyros, pay a visit to the archaeological museum, where you can admire an example of a traditional island home, replete with intricate hand-carved Skyrian furniture.

Best mooring locations

Skyros’s Linaria Marina may appear minuscule but it is one of the Aegean’s best-organised public marinas. Run by university students, the Blue Flag marina (VHF channel 9; +30 6972 002020) can host a maximum of 50 vessels up to 50m (164ft) and offers mooring lines, water, electricity, toilets, showers, free wifi and a laundry. Laid-back Linaria has a handful of tavernas, cafe-bars and boutiques. Head up to Kavos Lounge Cafe – with tiered terraces set into a sea-facing cliff – for breakfast or sundowner cocktails.

Linaria Marina is peaceful and well-equipped

On Skopelos’s southwestern coast, drop anchor at Limnonari Beach, take lines ashore and dip into brilliant blue-green waters. Sheltered from all winds but southerlies, it’s a wonderful spot to overnight.

Where to eat and drink

Delicate olive oil, pine-scented honey, pungent herbs, plump fruit and vegetables, wild goat, fish and seafood dominate this fertile region’s wholesome recipes.

On Skyros, head to taverna Istories tou Barba, set above Molos beach with views of the whitewashed main town, for crisply fried fish. Traditional taverna Agios Petros is known for its succulent lamb cutlets.

On Skiathos, dine al fresco at the Windmill restaurant, perched high above the main town with views of the Aegean and nearby islands. Tables are set around a late-19th-century windmill and the menu features novel takes on classic Greek and Mediterranean dishes. Wind down with an exotic cocktail or two at hip GinFish, at the old port.

Enjoy superlative waterfront dining in Skiathos

Best charter options

You have some options in Skopelos. Though, Skiathos has a considerable number of charter yachts available, so it makes sense to start your journey from there.

Note that to skipper a sailing yacht in Greece, you are required to present a sailing licence, certificate from a recognised sailing association or an International Certificate of Competence.

Where to get groceries

Skiathos and Skopelos have multiple supermarkets and minimarkets in close proximity to their ports, whereas there are fewer on Skyros and Alonissos. At all ports, seek out farmer’s markets or grocers to stock up on fresh fish, fruit, vegetables and island herbs. Butchers are your best bet for quality meat.

Key annual sailing events

Join local sailors competing in the Northern Sporades Sailing Race, organised by the Volos Offshore Sailing Club and held over Greece’s annual Holy Spirit long weekend in June. Dates change in accordance with the moveable holiday.

The week-long Aegean Regatta and Evia Island Regatta, occasionally call in on Skyros, too.

The Aegean Regatta was founded in 2001

Climate and weather

The Sporades’ sailing season runs from April to October, with warm, sunny days and temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F). Novice sailors should consider scheduling a trip for April, May, September or October, when light winds of between Force 3 and 5 steadily blow through. In summer, winds can reach Force 7.

Alonissos is a perfect haven for sailors and wildlife

How to get there

Skiathos has good connections, with direct flights to its international airport from London, Paris, Munich, and a number of other European cities, mainly from June through to October. Alternatively, fly into Athens and take one of the numerous domestic flights to Skiathos. A taxi transfer between the airport and port takes a mere five minutes.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article