There is something deeply calming about sailing the Sporades Islands. The water shifts from blue to emerald, pine trees reach all the way down to the sea, and time seems to stretch in the best possible way. This is not a place for rushing. It’s a place for early swims, long lunches in quiet bays, and evenings spent watching the sun fade behind a harbor wall.
For many sailors, the Sporades feel like Greece as it used to be—greener, gentler, and refreshingly unpretentious. Whether you step on board a sailing yacht or a catamaran, and whether you choose a bareboat, skippered, or fully crewed charter, this island group invites you to slow down and truly enjoy life at sea.
With boats available from Volos, Skiathos, and Skopelos, getting started is easy. What follows is the kind of sailing holiday that stays with you long after you’re back on land.
The Sporades don’t shout for attention. They quietly win you over.
The winds are generally kind, the distances between islands are short, and the sailing feels forgiving. That’s why this region works so well for families, couples, and first-time charter guests. You don’t spend all day sailing unless you want to. Most days, there’s time for a swim before breakfast, a gentle sail, and a lazy afternoon at anchor.
Then there’s the landscape. Unlike many Greek islands, the Sporades are rich with greenery. Pine forests, olive trees, and rolling hills frame the coastline, giving every anchorage a soft, natural feel. It’s the sort of place where dropping anchor feels instantly right.
The Sporades lie in the northern Aegean Sea, close to the Greek mainland. They are compact and easy to navigate, making them ideal for relaxed sailing itineraries.
The main islands you’ll explore by yacht are:
Skiathos
Skopelos
Alonissos
Skyros (for longer and more adventurous routes)
Each island has its own rhythm, and sailing between them never feels repetitive.
Starting your sailing trip from Volos feels like setting off on a proper journey. The city sits on the mainland, backed by mountains and facing open water. There’s a sense of anticipation as you leave the port behind and point the bow toward the islands.
Volos is well organized, easy to reach, and ideal for sailors who enjoy a longer first sail before settling into island cruising. It’s especially popular for bareboat charters, offering freedom, space, and a satisfying sense of adventure right from day one.
Skiathos is lively, welcoming, and instantly charming. If you like the idea of stepping off a plane and onto your yacht, this is the place to start.
The marina buzzes with energy, the town is full of cafés and restaurants, and beautiful beaches are never far away. From Skiathos, sailing days are short and gentle, giving you more time to swim, explore, and enjoy evenings ashore. It’s a favorite starting point for skippered and fully crewed charters.
Skopelos feels quieter the moment you arrive. The air seems softer, the pace slower. Starting your sailing holiday here feels deeply authentic, as though you’ve already left the busy world behind.
The island is green, traditional, and wonderfully unspoiled. It’s perfect for travelers who want calm anchorages, simple tavernas, and evenings filled with conversation rather than crowds. Skopelos pairs beautifully with relaxed catamaran cruising and unhurried sailing days.
Skiathos is bright and social, with golden beaches, clear water, and a lively town. It’s a great place to begin or end your sailing holiday, combining easy mooring with excellent dining and a touch of nightlife.
Skopelos is all about balance. Traditional villages cling to hillsides, bays stay calm even in summer, and the water is always inviting. Many sailors say this is the island that makes them fall in love with the Sporades.
Alonissos feels like a deep exhale. It sits within a protected marine park, and the environment here is treated with real respect. Expect quiet nights, incredible snorkeling, and the chance—if you’re lucky—to spot monk seals near your anchorage.
Skyros is for those who want to go a little further. Less visited and more rugged, it rewards experienced sailors with raw beauty and a strong sense of place.
A sailing yacht offers that timeless connection with the sea. You feel every shift of wind, every gentle roll, and every mile covered. In the Sporades, monohulls perform beautifully, especially for sailors who enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
A catamaran, on the other hand, is about space and comfort. Wide decks, steady sailing, and room for everyone to relax make catamarans ideal for families or groups. Shallow drafts mean you can anchor closer to shore, often in stunningly clear water.
Both work wonderfully here—it really comes down to how you want to feel on board.
A bareboat charter is pure freedom. You decide where to go, when to sail, and how long to stay. The Sporades are perfect for this kind of independence, thanks to straightforward navigation and forgiving conditions. If you enjoy being fully in charge, this is a deeply rewarding way to sail.
With a skippered charter, you gain peace of mind and local insight. Your skipper knows the hidden bays, the best tavernas, and when to move—or stay put. You can help sail or simply relax, knowing everything is handled with care.
A fully crewed charter is the ultimate way to slow down. Meals appear effortlessly, routes are tailored to your mood, and your only real decision is whether to swim before or after lunch. It’s perfect for special occasions or for travelers who want sailing without responsibility.
From May to September, the Sporades shine. Early summer and September are especially beautiful, with warm water, soft light, and fewer crowds. Even in high summer, the climate remains comfortable, and the sailing stays enjoyable.
Sailing the Sporades Islands is not about ticking boxes or racing from port to port. It’s about mornings that begin with a swim, afternoons shaped by the wind, and evenings that end under a quiet sky.
From Volos, Skiathos, or Skopelos, aboard a sailing yacht or catamaran, bareboat or fully crewed, the Sporades offer something rare: sailing that feels natural, human, and deeply restorative.
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SEVEN – Sailing & Tourism Services is authorised by:
Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Greek National Tourism Organization
License No : 0458E60000094101
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