The name ‘sporades’ means ‘scattered ones’ and legend tells how they were created by one of the Greek gods when he threw a handful of coloured pebbles into the Aegean. The islands are green and leafy, with beautiful golden beaches and clear azure waters and they are the perfect place to go island hopping. The Sporades may have remained relatively unknown if it had not been for the 2008 blockbuster movie Mamma Mia!
As with most Greek islands, the best time to visit the Sporades islands is during late spring, summer, and early autumn. Spring months offer mild days and lots of lovely wildflowers, while autumn days provide warm waters and beautiful sunsets. The summer months are, of course, the warmest and busiest, but unlike hugely popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini, the Sporades islands never get too busy.
The best known of the Sporades is Skiathos as it lies closest to the Greek mainland and also has an airport. It is a gorgeous island known for its beautiful beaches – there are more than 50 to enjoy! The golden sandy beaches on the southern side of the island are perfect for relaxing and the sea is lovely and calm – ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Lalaria Beach, Skiathos - best greek islands for beaches. In contrast, the beaches on the northern side are windswept and deserted. Skiathos has plenty of good bars and a lively night scene.
Skopelos is one of the prettiest islands and has stunning panoramic views over the azure Aegean. The island is said to be the greenest in Greece with pine trees, olive groves, plum orchards, almond trees, and undulating vineyards. Its towns and villages have white-washed buildings with red-tiled roofs. Skopelos is a paradise for nature lovers as it has such rich wildlife and there are 360 churches, monasteries, and convents to explore including 11th century Ayios Athanasios – the oldest. The island has the largest population, but enjoys a slower pace of life, making it ideal for couples and families. It gained worldwide fame when its beaches and the tiny chapel of Agios Ioannis Kastri (with its 200 rock-cut steps) was filmed for Mamma Mia. Since then, more visitors have come to the island, but the islanders have been very careful to ensure that it retains its natural beauty.
Much of the lovely Alonnisos island is covered with pine forests that fill the air with their distinctive fragrance and there is an extensive network of walking trails for those keen to explore. Alonnisos is one of the quietest islands, so is the perfect choice for those seeking peace and tranquillity. It is a really beautiful island with olive groves, apricot orchids, and honeysuckle. The island lies in the heart of a National Marine Park, so its beaches are clean white pebble beaches with amazingly clear water which is rich in marine life. The marine park was created in 1992 and is the largest in Europe as it covers 2,260 square kilometres. The marine park protects the Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachos monachos) and many different sea birds. It is not unusual to see three species of dolphins and rare sea birds and occasionally, the shy Monk Seal which lives on the island’s beaches.
Skyros is the most southerly island and the largest in the Sporades. The island has villages of white-washed houses tumbling down hillsides, pretty countryside, glistening bays and in the north, fragrant pine forests. The island is sprinkled with 300 churches and most of these are now privately owned. Skyros is situated in the central Aegean and was a naval base for centuries because of its strategic position. In Skyros there is the chance to enjoy yoga and windsurfing on the island. Interestingly, the island is home to the institute of Holistic Studies which researches alternative therapies. Its main town is known as the ‘Chora’ and is a maze of white-washed houses once guarded by the Byzantine fortress.
The uninhabited islands in the archipelago including Kyra Panayia, Peristera, Skatzoura and Goura offer plenty of quiet and private anchorages, magical sunsets and a totally free of light pollution starry sky to behold in awe. A popular place to see is Cyclops’s cave on Goura with its beautiful stalagmites and stalactites and a couple of shipwrecks, ancient and modern, that are present in these waters make snorkeling a unique experience. Diving courses are available and if you already have a diving license you can visit a cargo ship wreck from the 5th century B.C.!
Sporades complex is a great choice concerning beauty, quality of offered services on the islands, and privacy especially during high season when other places are too crowded. In case you'd like to visit a different destination contact us and we'll make a custom offer for you according to your wish.