Sailing holidays in Skiathos, the Sporades islands & Evia

The Sporades islands lie in the north west Aegean, near the peninsula of the south Pelion mountains. The closest mainland city is Volos, in the Pegasitic gulf, from where Jason began his legendary voyage in the Argo. Although Skiathos is one of the most popular holiday destinations in central or northern Greece, with the most famous beaches, the remaining Sporades islands (Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros) are relatively unspoilt. Evia is the island which lies parallel to mainland Greece. The inner route up the narrow gulf between Evia and the mainland is more frequently travelled by sailors coming up from Athens, there being sheltered waters and many safe harbours and anchorages. Along the east coast of Evia there are a few anchorages sheltered from the prevailing wind.
Wind and Sailing Conditions for yacht charter holidays from Skiathos and the Sporades islands
Sailing Level - Easy to Intermediate

The prevailing wind in the summer is the "Meltemi", blowing from the Northeast, Force 3-4, although occasionally in July and August wind blows stronger from a North-West direction with a force 4-6 and dies at the end of September. The Sporades Islands hug the east coast of central Greece. Beautiful white sandy beaches, unspoiled anchorages, ancient ruins and abundant sea life, will offer you a sense of exploration and independence. So, let the beauty of the islands, forests, beaches, villages, churches and castles take you on a journey back in time. Our base, which is about 15 minutes from Skiathos airport, is an ideal starting point, for a journey to explore the Sporades and the coast of northern Greece.

History
Skiathos took part in wars against the Persians and in 478 BC, became a part of the Athenian Alliance. Later it was occupied by Alexander the Great and then by the Romans.
During the Byzantine period it sank into oblivion. In 1204 Skiathos was conquered by the Venetians and in 1583 by the Turks. It was then that the inhabitants of the old town, built on the site of present-day 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 opposite, took refuge on the island.
Skiathos was liberated in 1823. In 1830, the local people, left the historic Kastro and rebuilt Chora.

Travel notes
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, Skyros (information - tel: ++30 4210 38888) and from Ag. Konstantinos (166 km on the Athens - Lamia highway on the mainland). Direct connection to Ag.Konstantinos by bus from Athens. We can also arrange for you to be picked up by taxi for a reduced fee, should you decide to fly to Athens or Thessalonika. Please let us know if this is convenient for you well in advance.

Skiathos, the Sporades islands, Volos and Evia

Athens and the Saronic

Corfu, Lefkas and the Ionian

Santorini, Mykonos and the Cyclades

Rhodes, Kos and the Dodecandese

For more information about chartering a yacht in Greece, visit our sister site:
www.sailing-yacht-charter-greece.com