April 17, 2026 · 8 min read
The Sporades are an archipelago of 24 islands in the northern Aegean — only four are inhabited, and most of the others are reachable only by boat. Thanks to short crossings, sheltered waters and lush pine forests, this is probably the easiest destination in Greece for your first sailing week.
Main islands to sail
Skiathos
The most popular and visited island of the archipelago. Known for over 60 beaches, including Koukounaries, often ranked among the finest in Europe. The marina in the main town is well-equipped — ideal as a starting or ending point. Nightlife is lively, but the bays on the southern side stay quiet even in peak season.
Skopelos
The Mamma Mia island. Agios Ioannis chapel on a cliff, a main town with Venetian influences, and pine forests reaching right down to the shore. Panormos Bay is one of the loveliest anchorages in Greece — sheltered, crystal clear and rarely overcrowded.
Alonissos and the National Marine Park
Alonissos is the gateway to the Sporades National Marine Park — the largest protected marine area in Europe and home to the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. Here you'll find small, uninhabited islands: Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Gioura. Sailing this area is calmer, quieter, and far from mass tourism.
Skyros
The most distant and least visited island. Traditional life, a native breed of small horses, and a long unexplored coastline. If you have 10+ days, it's worth extending the route to Skyros.
A typical 7-day route
Departures usually start from Volos or Skiathos. Here's the route we most often suggest:
- Day 1 (Volos → Skiathos): Boarding, short crossing, first dinner in the old harbour.
- Day 2 (Skiathos → Skopelos): Beach-hopping, swimming, overnight in Panormos or Glossa.
- Day 3 (Skopelos → Alonissos): Main town, traditional tavernas, walk through the old Chora.
- Day 4 (Alonissos → Kyra Panagia): National Park, deserted bays, anchorage in a sheltered cove.
- Day 5 (Back to Skopelos): Hidden beaches of the western side.
- Day 6 (Skopelos → Skiathos): Koukounaries again, last swims.
- Day 7 (Skiathos → Volos): Return, morning disembarkation.
When to sail
The season in the Sporades runs from May through October. Each period has its own character:
- May–June: 22–28°C, greenery still fresh, few tourists. Water still cool for longer swims.
- July–August: Peak season, 30°C+, marinas full. Book well in advance.
- September–October: Best value. Water still warm (24–26°C), fewer crowds, stable winds.
Winds are mostly northerly (meltemi) in July and August, lighter and more variable in other months. The Sporades are sheltered from the strongest gusts by the Evia peninsula.
Why Sporades, not Cyclades or Ionian?
The Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos) are spectacular but often mean longer crossings and stronger winds — not always comfortable for beginners. The Ionian islands are the calmest, but also the farthest from most airports. The Sporades are the sweet spot: easy access from Athens or Thessaloniki, calm for sailing, and naturally untouched.
What's included with Sail La Vie
Our sailing package includes the boat, skipper, fuel, mooring in marinas, boat preparation and linens. Extra costs cover only food, drinks and possible national park entrance fees. See package details.