In the heart of the Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are an archipelago of four inhabited islands and a group of wild islets where sheltered bays, beaches with crystal clear waters and pine forests welcome those arriving by sailing boat.

The Sporades Islands, which means “scattered” because they are arranged in an irregular shape, are an ideal destination for a sailing cruise where nature gives its most vivid and pristine colors: emerald waters and green trees make up a magical landscape and certainly this is the one of the best sailing areas in Greece. The conditions for sailing are relatively easy and ideal for relaxed holidays, as the winds are moderate and the waves remain low even when the Meltemi blows hard in the Aegean. The distances between the islands in the archipelago are also modest and the coasts of the islands form numerous bays with a safe shelter from all directions of the wind. Volos is the ideal nautical base to start a sailing cruise in the Sporades which can continue for a week around Trikeri, in the Pelion area, and in the rest of the islands: Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, Kira Panagia (or Pelagos island).

Day 1: Volos – island Trikeri, 18 miles

Our sailing cruise starts from the port of Volos. Time to gather all the crew and get groceries and turn the bow towards Sus where the small island of Trikeri awaits us, located near the Pelion peninsula. It is here that we will enjoy the first night of our holiday in a dream landscape with crystal clear sea and pine trees in one of the sheltered bays. Ideal anchorage is on the south side of the island, facing the closest point of the Pelion peninsula. The bays of Pelion are definitely worth seeing. Alternatively, you can try to find a berth inside the small port of Agia Kiriaki, with all the main services.

Day 2: Trikeri – Neo Klima, Skopelos, 32 miles

On the morning of the second day we sail towards the west coast of the island of Skopelos. Here is the village of Neo Klima with a small fishing port which has recently been rebuilt and offers around 25-30 places. Berths may be limited in high season, so it’s best to arrive earlier in the evening. Inside the marina there is also the possibility of having electricity and fresh water, there is as well a local shop that provides ice and all the nautical equipment. Note that when there are strong northern winds, the wind direction changes within the harbor due to the steep slopes of the surrounding mountains. The highlight of the island are the beaches of Megalo Pefko with their pristine beauty. In Neo Klima nature brings peace: the small village is in fact hidden among the trees and you can enjoy the calm enviorement enjoying freshly caught fish dishes at reasonable prices in some taverns. Otherwise the coast of Skopelos forms several open bays, one after the other and they are all safe in calm weather for a swim, but not for the night.

Day 3: Skopelos – Bay of Tzortzi, Alonissos, 18 miles

On the morning of the third day of the cruise you can reach Milia beach which has clear water and a dense clump of trees near the sea. Here you can anchor at about 70 meters from the beach, at a depth of 7-8 meters and take a dip in this enchanting place. Then we leave for the Bay of Tzortzi which is located on the east coast of Alonissos, about 2.5 miles beyond the port of the island, Patitiri. Alternatively, there is the Chrisi Milia Bay and other small shelters that are located on the east coast of Alonissos and offer good shelter and shallow waters. The Bay of Tzortzi offers on the north side the possibility of anchoring with a rope on the ground. Here it is easy to lose yourself in the calming sound of the sea while looking at the tall pines of the hills of the island that go all the way down to the two small beaches of the bay. Then, when night falls, the splendor of the stars and the sound of the sea offer all the pleasure you could wish for. There are also two other beautiful bays for possible anchorages: Alonissos or the island of Peristera.

Day 4: Baia di Tzortzi, Alonissos – Patitiri, 1 mile

After just one mile of navigation from Tzortzi Bay we will spend this fourth day relaxing and wander in the upper town of Alonissos, the “Chora”. Here you can moor in Patitiri, the small port of Alonissos. Due to the limited size of the port, the best time to moor is at noon when the other yachts leave. It should also be noted that the small port offers a rather limited supply of water and electricity. From the port you can reach the upper town in 10 minutes by bus or taxi, which offers a truly pristine spirit and an incredible view of the sea, both from the western and eastern sides of the island. In addition there are many taverns and bars where you can taste some of the delicious local dishes and small colorful art workshops to check out.

Day 5: Alonissos – island Kira Panagia, 21 miles

Early in the morning, we start sailing upwind north through the strait between the islands of Alonissos and Peristera to the bay south of the island of Kira Panagia. Here you can stop at anchor on the small islet up north and inside the bay just for a dip: the waters are in sapphire blue shades and the calmness of the place relaxes the body and mind. Soon after we set sail for the northernmost cruise destination: Planet Bay, on the north side of Kira Panagia. Also note that the shortest route to Planet Bay is following the west side of the island, also nautical maps warn sailsman that when the wind blows and waves are strong it is very difficult to enter this bay from the east. So, if you choose to go along west coast you have to go through the main entrance, due to the shallow bottoms between the western side and the small reef. On the other hand, you can admire the many small caves that serve as a refuge for sea turtles and seals, protected species in the Northern Sporades Marine National Park. For this reason it is imperative to refrain ourselves on board from any form of pollution, oil spill, plastic and to minimize the use of soap and washing dishes: protecting the heart of the Marine Park is essential to keep the spirit and atmosphere that brought us in this magical spot in the first place. Even when night falls, Kira Panagia offers a unique spectacle: the lack of any other light, as well as the small hills around the bay allow you to observe the richest starry sky with the feeling of being on another planet.

 

Day 6: Planet Bay – Panormos Bay, Skopelos, 32 miles

Once we leave Planet Bay, on the morning of the sixth day of the cruise, we saile southwest to the southern cape of the island of Skopelos. While sailing you go around the east of Alonissos and then sail around the south coast of the island of Skopelos to reach the Bay of Panormos, after about 32 miles. The ideal is to enter a small bay on the south coast of Panormos and anchor with a rope on the ground. After the wild nature of the island of Pelagos, here we return to the calm of the green slopes of the Skopelos mountains, swimming and sunbathing until night. In case you need supplies, you can make a stop at the small port of Agnontas which is located a couple of miles south of Panormos bay. Agnontas has a very quiet and picturesque village surrounded by bright green pine trees. The only thing to pay attention to: when the winds from the South prevail (which is rare in the summer months) a sudden storm comes from the open sea, making it difficult to stay at the dock for a long time.

Day 7: Panormos – Bay of Agia Kiriaki – Trikeri, 28 miles

On the last day of our cruise we return to Agia Kiriaki Bay which is located at the furthest point on the south side of the Pelion peninsula and then to Volos. While sailing, you can take a break at the islet of Tsougria, south of the port of Skiathos, where a long sandy beach surrounded by trees extends into a large bay protected from the north wind. After a few hours of relaxation you will then reach the Agia Kiriak pier where you can take a romantic walk by the sea at sunset and then a delicious dinner in one of the many taverns near the pier, before returning to the port of Volos. This is the perfect choice to end this sailing cruise in the Sporades Islands, a part of Greece that is still genuine, slow, away from the chaos of tourist destinations and ideal for recharging.