The Sporades Islands

General information

The Northern Sporades is the proper name for what people usually call the Sporades. The Sporades lie in the northwest Aegean and consist of the scattered (hence: sporadic) remote and fertile islands on the east coast of Central Greece. In contrast, the less travelled Eastern Sporades refer to the sailing area that includes the islands of Lesbos, Limnos and Chios, which string along the Turkish coastline.
The bigger islands in the Northern Sporades sustain small populations - mostly of craftsmen, farmers and fishermen - and the only proper towns double as ports: Skiathos town, Skopelos town, Patitiri on Alonissos and Linaria on Skyros.
Ancient ruins of the Sporades archipelago, their quite different architecture, abundant sea life and beautiful white sandy beaches are just waiting to be discovered. In fact, five or six beaches on Skiathos and Skopelos are considered the best in the eastern Mediterranean. But don't forget, the Northern Sporades are as famous for the beautiful scenery and beaches as for the amount of secluded anchorages and wildlife, so they make an ideal destination for yacht charter holidays.

History of the Sporades Islands

The history of Skiathos dates back to 478 BC when it took part in wars against the Persians and subsequently became a part of the Athenian Alliance. Later it came under Alexander the Great and then under the Romans. During the Byzantine period it sank into oblivion. In 1204 Skiathos was occupied by the Venetians and in 1583 by the Turks. At that point the inhabitants of the old town, which was located on the site of today's Skiathos, abandoned it and constructed on the north side of the island the famous Kastro, perched on a nearly invisible rock. During the Greek War of Independence of 1821, many warriors from Thessaly took refuge on the island.
Skiathos was liberated in 1823. In 1830 the local people left the historic Kastro and rebuilt Chora.

Wind and sailing conditions

The prevailing wind in the summer is the meltemi which blows from the NE direction at Force 3-4. Occasionally in July and August it can blow stronger from the N-W direction with a force 4-6 and dies at the end of September.

Travel tips & itineraries

There are direct flights to Skiathos, Skyros, Nea Ancheallos (Volos), Thessaloniki or Athens. Regular charter flights operate between May - late September direct to Skiathos and Skyros from most European cities, and from Athens, Olympic airways. Remember, if you are planning to have just a sailing holiday, it is better to arrive in Skiathos directly on a Saturday, to pick up your boat, but there are many alternatives. Ferries depart daily from Volos to Skiathos, Skopelos, Glossa, Alonissos and Skyros.
The best charter base in this area is the marina in Skiathos port. But although Skiathos is one of the most popular holiday destinations in this part of Greece, with the most famous beaches, don't forget the remaining Sporades islands (Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros) which are relatively unspoilt. The island Evia lies parallel to mainland Greece. The inner route up the narrow gulf between Evia and the mainland is pretty frequent because of the sheltered waters and many safe harbours and anchorages of that area. Along the east coast of Evia there are also a few anchorages sheltered from the prevailing wind.

 

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