Skiathos

Skiathos is the westernmost island in this group, and is the most important island in the group due to its tourist appeal, its airport (Skiathos Airport) and of course, its yacht charter port. This green, forested island boasts some of the best beaches in the Aegean with 68 white sand beaches gracing its shores. The west coast of Skiathos is the least developed with the ruins of Kastros, the medieval capital of Skiathos making for an interesting sailing stopover. The remaining stretches of town walls and its drawbridge are still visible from the sea making your yacht a prime viewing platform!

Koukounaries

Situated on the southwest of the island Skiathos lies Koukounaries, one of the more famous beaches of the Sporades Islands. One mile of golden sand, azure waters backed by dense coniferous woods and a lagoon it is easy to see why it is loved by water sport enthusiasts and families alike.

Koukounari derives its name from the Greek word 'pine cone' which becomes evident by the number of green pines found along the waterside. Behind this forest of pines lies the lagoon Strofilias, a protected area for migrating birds and wildlife.
With its marina lying at the east of the beach it is here you will find peddle boats, banana boat rides, waterskiing and sailing on offer for those who want to get out onto that crystal blue water!

Skopelos

Skopelos is known as the Island of Reefs because of its offshore islets and rocks and magnificent craggy coastline. Secluded bays fringed by its famous pine forests and olive groves, it could also be called the Green Island.

In recent years Skopelos has become famous as the island where the movie Mamma Mia! was filmed.

Skopelos is remarkably undeveloped with networks of traditional paths and tracks joining scattered settlements. The islands eponymous capital is a bustling port on a spectacular bay with a maze of narrow streets linking tavernas and churches.

 Where the pine forests end, the olive groves begin and where they end the orchards begin! Virtually every fruit tree can be found on Skopelos, although plums are an island speciality. In fact the great Aristotle was moved to state that the wine of Peparethos, the island’s name in antiquity, after its king, a son of Ariadne and Dionysios, was renowned for its aphrodisiac qualities, although he didn’t record whether he had personally put the claim to the test!

Skopelos Town is characterised by tranquil small squares with quaint churches and marvellous views. Its traditional architecture is unique amongst the Greek Islands. Narrow flower filled cobbled streets climb the hillside between white washed houses with slate or red tile roofs and bougainvillea cascading down their walls.

The old town is a designated preservation area, any new building must retain the old style. Explore the 120 Byzantine churches with the carved temples or the ruins of the 13th century Venetian fortress. A bustling waterfront of cafes and tavernas is sheltered by huge plane or mulberry trees and behind these, boutiques, jeweller’s and souvenir shops reflect the more sophisticated side to Skopelos.

The northernmost village on the island. Glossa is a hillside town with magnificent views looking across to Skiathos. A traditional village with elegant, whitewashed, town houses and narrow cobblestone streets, it has a selection of tavernas, bakery, shops and a café bar. Glossa is linked to the coast by the small harbour and pebble beach of Loutraki.

Skyros

Skyros is the largest and most isolated of the Sporades chain, it is also the most remote, with no airport and few ferries.  For sunbathers amongst you, head to the sands along the east coast around the main town at Chora.

The northern half of Skyros is green, fertile and smothered in pine forests, whereas the south is bare, barren and scoured by harsh winds. Also the island has long been noted for its arts and crafts, beautiful pottery and hand-carved furniture.

Kyra Panagia

The ancient island of Kyra Panagia is the first island in the northern part of the Marine Park. It is hilly and fertile and is the largest island in the highly protected area of the Marine Park. Kyra Panagia is mainly covered by dense vegetation and is rich in olive trees.  In the east of the island there is a recently repaired post-Byzantine Monastery dedicated to the Birth of the Virgin Mary. There are two deep bays that provide a natural harbor for sailors, Agios Petros (St. Peter) to the south and Planitis (Planet) to the north.

At Agios Petros there are the remains of a Neolithic settlement which is thought to be the oldest settlement in the Aegean. There is also an unexplored shipwreck from Byzantium times beneath the sea at Agios Petros, although the island is most famous for its monastery of the Virgin Mary.

Alonissos

Alonissos is one of the remotest of the Sporades Islands.  You’ll generally arrive into Alonissos through its small port and main town, Patitiri. This narrow, wooded island is a haven all about relaxation and tranquillity. There are many old trails criss-crossing the island, often leading down to its fantastic uncrowded beaches. Its offshore Marine Park is a sanctuary for the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal.

After an earthquake in 1965, reconstruction and growth was rapid and now Patitiri is the biggest village and the capital of the island. “Patitiri” means winepress in Greek and the village takes its name from the fact that all the winepresses and storage areas for the wine of Alonissos that were in this area. The majority of the shops are in Patitiri as is the post office, supermarkets, banks, ATM’s, tourist agencies, and  police station. Patitiri’s beach is crystal clear and perfect for swimming.

Chora (Alonissos Old Town) is positioned on the hillside three kilometres above Patitiri. It was the capital of the island until the 1965 earthquake, when the population moved down to Patitiri. Now five local families stay here all the year around. After the earthquakes many foreigners started to buy the old houses, lovers of the traditional style of the island who have kept the character of the village, repairing many of the old buildings. Because of its location the views are incredible with one of the best sunsets in the area, it is becoming one of the best parts of the island to visit. There is a fantastic selection of tavernas and small shops and a completely different atmosphere from the rest of Alonissos. Chora is 3 kilometres from Patitiri, using the old footpath to walk, a journey of approximately thirty minutes.

Steni Vala is a small fishing harbour about 10 kilometres from Patitiri. The village is older than Patitiri and has kept its traditional character, housing and tavernas. Steni Vala’s tavernas are famous for fresh fish and all owned by fishermen. The hospital unit for Monk Seals is also in Steni Vala and if you are lucky you might see one there. Steni Vala is becoming a popular yachting destination and the small port is usually full of sailing boats, giving a unique atmosphere.