Sailing in the Sporades

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Exotic beaches and lush green islets grace the route from Skiathos to Alonissos, offering breathtaking views at every turn.

The best way to explore the Sporades is by sea. Whether aboard a sailboat or speedboat, the crystal-clear waters guide you to hidden gems inaccessible from the shore. During your journey from one cove to the next, each stop unveils something unique: pristine beaches, charming tavernas serving authentic local flavours, and picturesque villages that make you feel deeply connected to each island. 

Starting from Skiathos, you set sail for beaches that preserve the charm and purity of another era, as if they’ve emerged straight from the pages of Papadiamantis’ stories. There’s Mikros Aselinos with its adjacent small cove, the quiet Mikri Banana, Kastro with its wild, rugged beauty, Lalaria with its dazzling white pebbles, and Lechouni, hidden in a deep sea passage surrounded by cliffs. After Lygaries, just below the chapel of Agios Alexandros, lies an open cave with brilliant blue waters. The uninhabited islet of Tsougrias, with its otherworldly sandy beaches is one of the area’s most stunning treasures, as is the islet of Arkos, before you reach Skopelos. 

Here, the sea takes on a lush green hue from the pine trees reaching down to the surf. There’s Chlia Stefani with its striking bluffs, Hovolo with azure waves and white rocks, Ftelia or Neraki, Stafylos, and Ekatopenintari with its idyllic sunsets. There’s Sarres and Mari with their dramatic vertical formations, Pethameni with its fine pebbles, and the wild Spilia, beneath the chapel of Agios Ioannis.

As the journey unfolds toward Alonissos, an island boasting countless beaches, the waters take on an even more vibrant turquoise hue and unmatched clarity. Among them, you can choose from Mikros and Megalos Mourtias, Gialia, the pine-clad Tourkoneri, and the striking yellow sands of Kokkinokastro. A stop at Peristera, located on the island of the same name east of Alonissos, is a must. This island is renowned for its emerald coves and seal caves.

The ultimate dreams lie hidden among the uninhabited islets: Kyra Panagia, Skantzoura, Adelfi, Psathoura, Gioura, and Piperi. These secluded havens touch lightly in passing places, where local sailors drop anchor for the summer. Home to National Marine Park and a sanctuary for the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), these are some of the world’s last untouched maritime paradises. Walks, shipwrecks, diving, and seabirds – life here is far removed from civilization, entrusted entirely to nature. And at its heart, there’s you.

TEXT : ELENI PSYHOULI
PHOTOS : MARINA VERNICOS
 

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REGION OF THESSALY