Sporades Flotilla from Skopelos
The Area
Now most definitely `off the beaten track` Greece, this coastline once played home not only to Jason and his Argonauts, but was the spot where Achilles set sail to conquer Troy. The small islands here are beautiful with sandy beaches, wooded headlands and pretty villages. It`s a `must see` area for lovers of Greece with `must sail` waters for more experienced crews.
The programme begins in the traditional small port of Loutraki on Skopelos, only a hop away from Skiathos by ferry or water taxi. There are two programmes to choose from: the Sporades route visiting the more remote northern islands as well as Skopelos and Alonissos, or the Pelion route which visits Skiathos, the mainland city of Volos and some delightful bays and anchorages in between.
With fresh breezes, which strengthen in the summer Meltemi winds, the open waters of the Sporades offer excellent sailing. The end of each day on the water rewards you with a wonderful mix of cosmopolitan towns on our island route, such as Skiathos and Skopelos as well as sleepy little hamlets like Steni Vala and deserted island bays such as Kyra Panagia. For culture vultures you can visit some of the locations for the hit movie "Mamma Mia" or anchor up and relax on one of the stunning sandy beaches.
The contrasting Pelion route explores the Gulf of Volos and its islands as well as the northern part of Evvia island. Paleo Trikeri and "Donkey" island are must see destinations as you explore the crystal clear waters on your Sporades flotilla holiday.
2023 Sporades flotilla dates and itineraries
THE PELION ROUTE
embarkation dates from Skopelos:
19 May,
2 June, 16 June, 30 June,
14 July, 28 July,
11 August, 25 August,
8 September, 22 September
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FRIDAY |
Fly to Skiathos. Our base is in the pretty harbour of Loutraki on the island of Skopelos, a short ferry ride away from Skiathos harbour. |
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SATURDAY |
Skiathos After a morning briefing, set sail to the lively island of Skiathos. Plenty of time to anchor on one of the fantastic beaches, such as Koukounaries, before stopping in Skiathos town for a punch party and a meal together in this party town. |
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SUNDAY |
Paleo Trikeri (25 nm) – Sail into the gulf of Volos and to this gem of an island, Paleo Trikeri. Stop at donkey island to say hi! |
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MONDAY |
Amaliopoli (10 nm) – The small town of Amaliopoli has some great beach front tavernas, a great place to spend the evening after a day on the water. |
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TUESDAY |
Orei (18 nm) – Visit the lively town of Orei, with plenty of tavernas and shops and a beach right by the harbour. |
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WEDNESDAY |
Free Sailing – Aghia Kiriaki or Achillio on the mainland, which have wonderful fish tavernas, or for the party goers, head back to Skiathos town. |
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THURSDAY |
Loutraki, Skopelos (20 nm) – Explore the south coast of the Pelion peninsula on your way back to our base in Loutraki, Skopelos. Time for a final dinner at one of our favourite tavernas there. |
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FRIDAY |
Arrivals & departures - Return by ferry or water taxi to Skiathos for departure. Two-week flotilla-goers, carry on independent sailing – explore the South Pelion Coast or southern Skopelos then rendezvous at Patitiri on Alonissos. |
THE SPORADES ROUTE
embarkation dates Friday - Friday from Skopelos:
12 May, 26 May
9 June, 23 June,
7 July, 21 July,
4 August, 18 August,
1 September, 15 September
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FRIDAY |
Fly to Skiathos. Our base is in the pretty harbour of Loutraki on the island of Skopelos, a short ferry ride away from Skiathos harbour. Embark, settle in and meet the flotilla team. |
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SATURDAY |
Patitiri (18 nm) – Capital of Alonissos and an enchanting and timeless harbour. |
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SUNDAY |
Kyra Panagia (19 nm) – a chance to escape to the beautiful island inhabited by the residents of the monastery. We anchor for the night under a star filled sky in Planitis bay. |
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MONDAY |
Steni Vala (14 nm) – a pretty fishing village with a choice of good tavernas ashore. |
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TUESDAY |
Skopelos Town (12 nm) – Capital of the island of the same name and a charming harbour town rising amphitheatrically from the scenic harbour. |
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WED/DAY |
Free Sailing – We suggest either Agnonda Bay or Panormos Bay (15 nm) – these fjord like bays lined with wooded hillsides boast great beaches, waterside tavernas and good shelter. Alternatively the small harbour in Neo Klima offers good fish restaurants in the village. |
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THURSDAY |
Loutraki (5 nm) – a swimming stop and a leisurely sail back to our base. Time for drinks on board before a last night out in this authentic island fishing village. |
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FRIDAY |
Arrivals & departures - Two-week flotilla on independent sailing with rendez-vous in Skiathos |
Combine weeks 1 & 2 for a two week flotilla sailing holiday in the Sporades!
SPECIAL OFFERS:
10% off on the following dates:
12th, 19th & 26th May
Contact us for more details while availability lasts
The Yachts
| 2 cabins | 3 cabins | 4 cabins |
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Sun Odyssey 33i (2014) 2 cabins, 1 WC/shower |
Sun Odyssey 349 (2015) 3 cabins, 1 WC-shower Bavaria 36 cruiser (2012-13) 3 cabins, 1 WC-shower Oceanis 37 (2013) 3 cabins, 1 WC-shower Oceanis 40 (2011) 3 cabins, 2 WC-showers Bavaria 40 cruiser (2013) 3 cabins, 2 WC-showers Sun Odyssey 419 (2016) 3 cabins, 2 WC-showers |
Sun Odyssey 439 (2015) 4 cabins, 2 WC-showers |
The Weather
Generally the prevailing wind is from the North / North West and the strength ranges from force 3 to force 6. Stronger sailing breezes can generally be expected in the afternoons, between 2 and 5pm. During the Meltemi season, which is generally late July to the end of August, the winds can be a little stronger, between force 4 to 7 at times, although much of the sailing area is protected by the island so the swell is not too exaggerated.
Getting There
Our base in Skopelos can be reached by ferry or hydrofoil from Skiathos (about 15 minutes). International flights to Skiathos airport. If flying to Athens you can take a ferry from Agios Konstantinos. Or fly to Volos and take a ferry to Skopelos. Transfers can be arranged on request.
Area map
