Handpicked and vouched for by our boat holiday expert, Elpida, this seven day Sporades sailing itinerary will show you authentic Greek culture and awesome natural beauty!
Skiathos sailing trips really are a can’t-miss for sailors of all levels. This August, Elpida, Yacht4Less’ Greek yacht charter consultant, took the sailing holiday of a lifetime with her family in the Sporades. Use her personal itinerary for inspiration, and learn about the best stops when sailing around Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and the smaller isles.
The Sporades Islands (Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, and Skyros) offer a sailing season from late spring to early fall, similar to the rest of Greece, but with generally milder winds than the Cyclades. The period from April to October is all suitable for cruising, with conditions peaking in summer. July and August are the warmest months (expect 28–32°C highs) and also the busiest – these islands were made famous by the Mamma Mia! film, so summer brings many visitors. The good news is that, unlike the open Aegean, the Sporades have more sheltered waters and only a moderate Meltemi influence. The Meltemi still blows from the north/northeast typically mid-May through September, but in the Sporades it is a notch less fierce than in the Cyclades. Sailors with less experience can comfortably choose June or September for ideal conditions: you’ll enjoy reliable sunshine, warm seas, and steady but not overwhelming breezes. During these shoulder months, harbors like Skiathos Town or Skopelos Town are lively yet not overfilled, and you can often snag a prime berth with ease. Spring (April–May) sees the Sporades beautifully green and blooming; the weather is mild (around 20°C) and while you might get the occasional shower, it’s very pleasant for hiking and exploring ashore. Autumn (late September into October) remains warm initially, though rain becomes more likely by mid-October. Many consider late August to mid-September the sweet spot: the Meltemi starts to wane, the crowds thin after Greek holidays, but the summer heat and sea warmth linger. In summary, summer offers guaranteed beach weather and fun, while June and September offer a perfect mix of great weather and easier sailing through the pine-covered Sporades isles.
If you plan to charter a yacht bareboat in the Sporades, you will need to meet the Greek licensing regulations just as you would anywhere in Greece. This means at least one member of your party must have a valid sailing license (such as ICC, RYA Day Skipper, ASA Bareboat, etc.), and one additional crew member should be an experienced sailor able to assist as co-skipper. The Greek Port Authorities in Skiathos or Volos (common departure points for the Sporades) will check that the charter contract lists a qualified skipper and crew. They may ask to see the original license, so be sure to bring it with you. The co-skipper without a formal license will typically sign a declaration of competence (a simple statement that they know the basics of sailing). It’s also recommended (though not always demanded) to have a VHF radio operator’s certificate, since yachts in Greece are equipped with marine VHFs – some charter companies insist on it while others do not, but having one (or an ASA/RYA license that includes radio operation) is beneficial. For those without the required qualifications, skippered charters are readily available in the Sporades. In fact, many travelers choose a local skipper because the area’s hidden gems (secret coves, lesser-known moorings) can be better accessed with local knowledge. In summary, you do need a sailing license to bareboat in the Sporades, plus a competent mate; otherwise, plan on hiring a skipper so you can enjoy the islands without restriction.
The Sporades Islands are lush, green, and culturally rich – offering a different feel from the Cycladic Greek islands. On Skopelos, for example, you’ll find over 300 churches and chapels dotting the hills, including the dramatic cliff-top Agios Ioannis chapel (famous from the Mamma Mia! movie). Sailing into Skopelos Town, you’re greeted by a classic amphitheatrical port with terracotta roofs and a Venetian fortress on the hill. Skiathos, the liveliest Sporades island, blends modern comforts with cultural sites like the medieval Bourtzi fortress and the home of author Alexandros Papadiamantis, now a museum. Skiathos is also known for its monasteries and an active arts scene – summer brings outdoor concerts and traditional festivals. Alonissos, more low-key, is home to Greece’s first marine park and has a charming old village on the ridge where you can experience authentic island life away from the bustle. A fun cultural tidbit: these islands were a retreat for pirates and monks alike in past centuries, and you’ll hear many local legends of hidden treasure and miraculous icons.
Cuisine in the Sporades is hearty Greek fare with island specialties. Skopelos is renowned for its cheese pie – strifti tyropita – a spiraled pie made with local goat cheese and flaky filo pastry, often drizzled with honey; it’s a must-try and pairs wonderfully with a glass of ouzo. You’ll also encounter spiced plum desserts on Skopelos, a nod to the plum orchards there. On Skiathos and Alonissos, fresh seafood is king: think grilled swordfish, stuffed calamari, and astakos macaronada (lobster pasta) if you’re inclined. In tiny tavernas by the harbor, you might find fishermen grilling sardines and octopus straight from their boats. The Sporades also produce excellent olive oil and honey – you can taste these in simple yet delicious dishes like Skopelos’s chickpea stew or Alonissos’s fava spread. And of course, Greek wine flows freely; try a crisp white from mainland Thessaly or a local retsina with your meal. A yacht charter allows you to indulge in these flavors in varied settings: one night you might enjoy a gourmet dinner on board under the stars, the next you’re part of a Greek family feast at a waterfront taverna in Loutraki or Koukounaries. The blend of cultural exploration (perhaps visiting a monastery in the morning) and laid-back culinary pleasure (a beach picnic of local bread, olives, and cheese in the afternoon) is what makes the Sporades a paradise not just for sailors, but for culture enthusiasts and foodies alike.
Sailing the Sporades is relatively straightforward with regard to regulations, but there are a few local considerations, especially because part of this region includes a protected marine park. The National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades is a large conservation area aimed at protecting the endangered Mediterranean monk seal and other wildlife. If your itinerary includes the marine park (around Alonissos and the smaller islets of the Archipelago), be aware of its rules. As of recent updates, boats entering the core zones (Zone A) of the marine park need to obtain a permit or ticket. Certain zones may be off-limits to entry altogether, while others allow daytime navigation but no anchoring. Generally, anchoring is permitted in suitable locations around the Sporades, but not in clearly marked restricted areas such as some parts of the marine park or designated swimming areas. In Zone B of the Alonissos Marine Park (the less restricted area), normal sailing is allowed but activities like free camping or making fires on the beaches are prohibited to preserve the natural habitat. It is also advised to keep boat speeds low and avoid loud noise when in the vicinity of monk seal caves or known wildlife sites.
For the main islands (Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros), the usual Greek port regulations apply. You’ll typically dock at town quays where the port police might ask for your paperwork and have you pay a small mooring fee (in cash) per night. These fees are minimal (often just a few euros) and contribute to facility upkeep. In high season, harbormasters on Skiathos or Skopelos may direct incoming yachts to specific berths – follow their guidance, as these ports can get busy with flotillas. There are no special cruising permits needed beyond your charter transit log, and inter-island sailing does not require check-in/check-out at each stop (just when you start and end the charter). Do remember that free anchoring is not allowed in the immediate harbors themselves (you must use the quay or moorings if provided). Also, waste disposal: use the bins at ports; some Sporades harbors (like Patitiri in Alonissos) provide recycling and even used-oil collection to keep the sea clean. If you plan to do any fishing from your yacht, be aware that spearfishing with scuba gear is illegal in Greece and rod fishing within the marine park zones is restricted. In summary, the Sporades are very navigable – just respect the marine park by obtaining any necessary permits for Alonissos’s waters and adhere to standard Greek maritime rules. With that done, you’re free to explore these islands’ crystal-clear bays and harbors to your heart’s content.
Here is Elpida’s Sporades sailing itinerary:
Similar topics: Boat rentals in Greece | Sailing holidays in Greece
Day 1. Skiathos (check-in)
The week began on the cosmopolitan island of Skiathos, where fun bars and beautiful sandy beaches abound. After checking in to their yacht, Elpida and the rest of the crew did their provisioning at SPAR SuperMarket, and spent their first night in Skiathos town.
Day 2. Skiathos - Limnonari 10NM – Skantzura 15NM
After relaxing in Skiathos, it was time to head to Limnonari. Elpida loved this tiny, lovely sandy beach that is hidden from the main action in Skopelos. With an abundance of surrounding pine trees, the waters at Limnonari are a beautiful almost emerald color!
Next stop for the day is Skantzura, where Elpida said she enjoyed bird watching amongst the olive groves. If you’re lucky, while you’re there you might spot the rare breeds, like the Audouin’s Gulls and Eleanora’s falcon, that call Skantzura home. You can also explore ruins of an old monastery on the coast, which was the first monastery ever built on the island.
Day 3. Sail around Alonissos - Alonissos (Patitiri) 17 NM
Day 3 of Elpida’s Sporades sailing itinerary was spent sailing around Alonissos, one of the first of the Sporades islands to be inhabited. Here, they visited the National Marine Park, which is home to more fantastic wildlife. They were able to spend the day looking for seabirds, dolphins, and monk seals from the comfort of their deck!
Alonissos is also a great place to enjoy some amazing Greek wines. According to Greek Mythology, the island was first inhabited by the son of Dionysus and Ariadne and it has long been considered a famous wine region. There are also many other aspects of agriculture and cuisine on the island, and Elpida recommends trying some delicious fouskakia, hamalia, and amigdalota (doughnuts, flaky sweet pastry, and almond biscuits).
Day 4. Alonissos (Milia) 3NM – Kyra Panagia 12NM
From Alonissos, Elpida and her family continued their sailing holidays in the Sporades by heading to Kyra Panagia. For mooring, there are two natural anchorages. Planitis is the safest, and used to be a shelter for pirates.
Also known as Pelagos, Kyra Panagia is the largest uninhabited island North of Alonissos. It is home to a monastery on the east side of the island, where there is currently only one monk.
Day 5. Psathoura 12NM – Milia Kokkinokastro 12NM – Planitis 11NM
Continuing further North in the Sporades, day 5 was spent on Psathoura island. The spectacular Psathoura lighthouse was built in 1895 and is one of the tallest lighthouses in the Aegean, at 28.9 meters tall. Another uninhabited island ideal for a peaceful day immersed in nature.
If you visit in the beginning of summer, you might also catch the rare white beach lilies that grow in Psathoura’s fertile volcanic grounds. Psathoura is also a great place to explore neolithic ruins that look like an ancient fortress.
Just 12NM away is the beautiful beach of Milia (Kokkinokastro). During her time here, Elpida enjoyed swimming and snorkelling in the clear turquoise waters.
Bonus tip: Look out for the red rocks surrounding the beach, as they make for a stunning sunset backdrop!
For the evening, Elpida recommends the Planitis anchorage back on Kyra Panagia for a nice sheltered spot and a good night’s rest.
Day 6. Alonissos (Mourtia) 21NM – Skopelos 6NM
After waking up in the beautiful harbour of Planitis, it was time to head back to Alonissos.
Another day, another amazing beach. For day 6 of the Sporades sailing itinerary, Elpida spent some time at Megalos Mourtias beach. One of the most beautiful beaches in Alonissos, it’s a great place for swimming and water sports like stand up paddle boarding. It’s protected from strong winds, so the water is always pretty calm.
Bonus tip: If you venture ashore to have lunch at one of the two tavernas, make sure to bring water shoes to protect your feet, as the beach is quite pebbly.
Later in the day, Elpida and the crew made their way further South to Skopelos, where there was still so much to do and see! For nature enthusiasts, Elpida recommends one of the hikes that leads to several monasteries and the chapel of Saint John Kastri (a Mamma Mia shooting location). The best part about Skopelos is of course, the breathtaking natural views.
Looking for a restaurant recommendation in Skopelos? Some of Elpida’s personal favorites on the island are Olivo, Agnanti Restaurant, and Gousto.
Day 7. Tsougria 17NM -Skiathos 4N
Elpida decided to close out her sailing trip in the Sporades with a stop in Tsougria, which is an islet across from Skiathos. Another uninhabited island, it is a nice escape from the crowds. Here, you can lay out on a nice sandy beach, order some food and drinks from the local taverna, and relax before you head back to Skiathos for the check out. With shallow waters, you can actually walk really far out and still stand, making it a great stop for families with children. You can also wander up to the little church on the hillside to get some nice instagram-worthy views.
After enjoying a final pleasant beach day, Elpida and the crew headed back to Skiathos island.
Similar Greek Islands to discover
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Sailing holidays in Lefkas
Sailing holidays in Kos
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Sailing holidays in Rhodes
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