Pine-clad islands, the largest marine park in the Mediterranean and reliable summer winds — the Sporades are one of Greece's most rewarding and uncrowded sailing grounds. A Sporades yacht charter takes you from buzzing Skiathos to tranquil Skopelos, wild Alonissos and the protected waters of the Gulf of Volos, with a sheltered anchorage waiting almost everywhere you drop the hook.
Why Sail the Sporades?
The Northern Sporades sit in the north-west Aegean, north of Evia and east of Pilio. Only three islands — Alonissos, Skopelos and Skiathos — are inhabited; the rest are scattered islets where human presence is limited to a handful of guards and the occasional shepherd. With short distances between islands, steady but moderate winds and an abundance of secluded bays, the region is famous for its scenery, its beaches and its wildlife, making it ideal for a relaxed island-hopping yacht charter in the Sporades.
- Short, easy hops between islands — great for first-time and family charters
- Steady summer winds with flatter seas than the central Aegean
- The National Marine Park of Alonissos & Northern Sporades, the Mediterranean's largest
- Countless sheltered anchorages, pine forests and white-sand beaches
- Bareboat and crewed yachts available from Skiathos and Volos
The Sporades Islands
Skiathos
The gateway to the Sporades and the closest island to the mainland, Skiathos pairs a lively old town of whitewashed walls and bougainvillea with some of the finest beaches in the eastern Mediterranean, including the famous Koukounaries. Its natural harbour and nearby airport make it the most convenient place to begin a charter. Read more about a yacht charter in Skiathos.
Skopelos
Often called the "forest island," Skopelos is around 80% covered in dense pine forest tumbling down to clear water. Its handsome harbour town, sheltered bays such as Panormos and Agnontas, and the cliff-top chapel made famous by Mamma Mia! make it a favourite stop for cruising sailors.
Alonissos & the Marine Park
Alonissos anchors the National Marine Park of Alonissos & Northern Sporades — the largest marine protected area in the Mediterranean and a refuge for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. The park includes the smaller islands of Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Psathoura, Piperi, Skantzoura and Gioura, plus 22 rocky islets, with designated anchorages such as Planitis and Agios Petros at Kyra Panagia.
Skyros
The southernmost and least-visited of the group, Skyros shows clear Cycladic influences in its cube-shaped, whitewashed houses. Wilder and more remote, it rewards sailors seeking solitude, distinctive culture and quiet beaches well off the tourist trail.
Charter a yacht in the Sporades
Tell us your dates and group size, and we'll match you with the right sailing yacht or catamaran and help you plan the perfect Sporades route.
When to Sail the Sporades
The Sporades sailing season runs from April to October. Winds are generally fresh but more forgiving than in the Cyclades, and the seas stay flatter, so the region suits newer skippers as well as experienced crews. July and August bring the warmest weather and the liveliest harbours; late spring and September offer quieter anchorages and excellent sailing. Whatever the month, the more sheltered Gulf of Volos is always close at hand if you want calmer water.
Explore the Sporades
Dive deeper into the islands, harbours and beaches of the Sporades with our latest guides and articles.
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Sporades Sailing Itineraries
Not sure which route to take? A typical seven-day Sporades sailing itinerary starts in Skiathos and works through Tsougria, Skopelos (Panormos and Agnontas), the Alonissos marine park and its outlying islands before returning via Koukounaries — all within comfortable day-sailing distances. For more route ideas across every Greek cruising ground, see our full collection of sailing itineraries.
Sporades sailing itineraries & routes
FAQs About Yacht Charter in the Sporades
Where do Sporades yacht charters start from?
Most Sporades charters begin in Skiathos, whose natural harbour sits just minutes from the island's airport, making crew changes easy. Volos, on the mainland, is the other common starting point and gives quick access to the sheltered Gulf of Volos. From either base you can reach Skopelos, Alonissos and the marine park within comfortable day sails.
Are the Sporades good for beginner sailors?
Yes. Distances between islands are short, the winds are fresh but generally more moderate than in the central Aegean, and the seas stay flatter. With many sheltered bays and the calm Gulf of Volos close at hand, the Sporades are well suited to first-time skippers, families and anyone wanting a relaxed island-hopping holiday.
When is the best time to sail the Sporades?
The season runs from April to October. July and August bring the warmest weather and the liveliest harbours, while late spring and September offer quieter anchorages, pleasant temperatures and excellent sailing conditions.
What is the Alonissos Marine Park?
The National Marine Park of Alonissos & Northern Sporades is the largest marine protected area in the Mediterranean and a refuge for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. It covers Alonissos and the surrounding islands of Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Psathoura, Piperi, Skantzoura and Gioura, plus 22 islets, with designated anchorages such as Planitis and Agios Petros.
Which islands can I visit on a Sporades charter?
The three inhabited islands are Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos, surrounded by smaller islands and islets. A typical week takes in lively Skiathos, the pine-clad bays of Skopelos, the wild Alonissos marine park and quiet anchorages such as Tsougria and Kyra Panagia. Skyros, further south, can be added on longer cruises.
Can I charter a bareboat or do I need a skipper?
Both options are available. If you hold the required sailing qualifications you can take a bareboat and sail yourself; otherwise you can add a professional skipper, or choose a fully crewed yacht. Browse our bareboat and crewed yachts, or ask our team to recommend the right option for your experience and crew.
