Skiathos and the Sporades islands

Holiday Activities in Skiathos and the Sporades islands

Harbours & anchorages

Sailing charts, itineraries & distances

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Holiday Activities

Skiathos The most popular of the Sporades islands, Skiathos is famous for its golden beaches and lively night life. It has its own airport and is the marina base for the islands. Skiathos town has a huge variety of things to do and see. During the day, you could visit the museum home of Alexandros Papadiamantis, or explore the old fortress at Bourgi. In the evening there are tavernas, including a spectacular windmill restaurant at the top of the town with a view over the whole area. You could visit the ouzeris and try local seafood dishes. There are discos and clubs, bars, a cinema and weekly theatre performances or concerts at Bourgi.

Around the island there are no less than nine small islets which are easily accessible by boat. Tsougria, directly opposite the main harbour offers safe anchorage to boats and a small jetty. Or you could sail to Koukounaries, one of the most famous sandy pine beaches in Greece. You can hire cars and mopeds easily all over the island. At Kastro, an ancient walled town, you can visit the Church of Christ to see its icons and carved woodwork. You could also go snorkelling or scuba diving around the famous Blue Cave or ride ponies through the wooded hills. You will undoubtedly see dolphins and possibly even the endangered Monk Seal when you go sailing round these islands.

Skopelos The greenest of all the islands in Greece, Skopelos is also famous for its beaches and its natural beauty. There are a variety of beautiful locations for sailing stopovers. A number of ancient ruins cover the island including the grave of the first king of the island, Staphylos, the ruins of a Venetian fortress and a 9th century chapel at Agios Athanassios. You can also visit the church of Zoodohos Pigi, which is said to contain a miraculous icon painted by St. Luke the Evangelist.

Alonissos The quietest of the main islands, Alonissos is ideal for those who want to get away from it all - especially other visitors. Here you can visit Kokkinokastro to see the remains of an ancient city, possibly ancient Ikos, while at Ag. Petros there is a sunken Byzantine ship dating from 1200AD. The legendary cave of Odysseus' Cyclops can be seen at Gioura and at Psathoura, a small islet to the north of Piperi, there is a submerged ancient city. The rock's lighthouse is one of the brightest in the Aegean.

Skyros Further away from the other islands Skyros offers a combination of all of the above. The main port is at Linaria. The island has many lovely beaches and caves to explore. You can go underwater fishing or pony-trekking. In fact the island also boasts a unique species of wild pony that can only be found here. You can also see the remains of Byzantine cities and Venetian fortresses. The Monastery of St George, founded in 962, dominates the island. There is an archaelogical museum and a folklore museum. You can even visit the grave of the English war poet, Rupert Brooke. The local inhabitants often celebrate with folk dances in traditional costume and the shops and houses are full of beautiful handmade crafts and artwork.

Volos Volos is a main city (120,000 population) which stands at the foot of the Pelion mountain range. The waters of the gulf are sheltered and there are a number of spectacular stopping places and anchorages, including Milina, Paleo Trikeri and Ag.Kiriaki. Stroll along the seafront, visit the archaelogical museum or take a day trip out to the neolithic archealogical sites at Dimini, Sesklo and Nea Ancheallos . You could even hire a car or take a bus out to the famous rock built monasteries at Meteora. Or explore the villages and beaches of Pelion, home to the mythical centaurs, and renowned for their breathtaking beauty.