Fairytale Landscapes and Holidays That Feel Different
When you choose a boat holiday in the sporades islands, it’s not just about the destination. It’s about that slow, soothing rhythm you haven’t felt in a long time.
Mornings with salty breezes, coffee sipped on deck, and days that don’t need planning. These are some of the greenest and most picturesque islands in Greece, with landscapes that taste like real summer: pine trees stretching down to the sea, clear coves, quiet fishing villages, and tavernas scented with white wine and oregano.
How to Plan a Boat Holiday in the Sporades Islands
You can get here easily by plane, with direct flights to skiathos, or one layover flights to volos and board your boat from there. However you choose to arrive, the best way to explore the islands is by boat.
With short but stunning crossings, the route includes skiathos, skopelos, and alonnisos, with stops in places like panormos and koukounaries.
On a boat, no one rushes you. You swim, read, nap, eat—then swim again. If you feel like going ashore to explore, you go. If you’d rather gaze at the sea, you stay. It’s your boat, your crew, and a Greece that reveals itself slowly and fully.
What Makes a Boat Holiday in the Sporades Islands So Special
Those who choose a boat holiday in the Sporades discover more than beautiful landscapes — they discover people, stories, and a whole new way of experiencing summer.
Every evening ends with a sunset toast, every day brings a new island with a different vibe, and every crew becomes a small family. Some come with friends, others come alone and leave with dozens of new contacts and snapshots that feel straight out of a fairytale.
Last June, we brought together seven catamarans full of cheerful people, brave kids who took their first leap into the sea, and explorers who became friends over their first plate of tzatziki in skiathos.
And those who made it to Kyratso’s kitchen in skopelos know this for sure: Maria’s cooking wins you over from the first bite — and the story about Jamie Oliver? Definitely not an urban legend.
A Weeklong Itinerary, Lived on Deck
Skiathos – The Perfect Start
A lively port, bohemian streets, and an urban yet relaxed vibe. The beaches are stunning. You’ve barely left and you’re already feeling nostalgic.
The most sought-after are koukounaries (lined with pine trees and soft sand) and lalaria (accessible only by sea, with white pebbles and turquoise water). Skiathos town also offers vibrant nightlife, with tavernas, live music, and charming alleys perfect for evening strolls.
Koukounaries – Pines Down to the Sea
A beach of pine trees and fine sand. Morning swims, long coffees on deck. You do nothing, yet it feels like the best kind of something.
Skopelos – Stories, Green Hills, and the Mamma Mia Chapel
A quiet, green island made famous by the filming locations of Mamma Mia!. The hike to agios ioannis chapel will leave you breathless and grinning. The view? It leaves you speechless.
The old town and its narrow streets offer the most authentic “Greek home” feeling. Skopelos is a perfect stop on any sporades sailing route.
Wander through whitewashed alleys draped in bougainvillea, where locals greet you with a smile and time seems to slow down.
In the evenings, find a tavern overlooking the sea and savor fresh seafood, clinking glasses of ouzo under the stars.
Panormos – A Hidden Bay and Peaceful Evenings
A picturesque bay on Skopelos island, ideal for anchoring and unwinding.
Calm waters and beachfront tavernas create a serene, authentic atmosphere. In the evening, you dine with your feet in the sand and watch the sun set behind the masts.
Alonissos – Peace, Nature, and Discovery
Part of the Northern Sporades National Marine Park — the largest marine reserve in Europe — Alonissos is a haven for nature lovers. You might spot seals, dolphins, or even a whale. It’s also home to Greece’s first underwater museum, located near the island of Peristera, where you’ll find the wreck of an ancient merchant ship, often called the “Parthenon of Shipwrecks.”
For those who prefer to stay above water, the information center in the old village offers a virtual dive into the wreck and insight into the local marine life.
Ready to start dreaming?
For more details about our routes in Greece, check out the dedicated Sporades Islands page.
A boat holiday in the sporades promises unforgettable experiences, blending relaxation with adventure.
If you’re dreaming of a trip like this, it’s time to give it a name and a date. We’re here whenever you’re ready to turn that dream into a real holiday.