Sporades Yacht Charter
A stunning journey through crystal-clear waters, lush green islands, and charming seaside villages.
The beautiful Sporades Islands of Northern Greece are wonderfully unspoilt by tourism. Only four of these twenty-four Northern Aegean Sea islands are permanently inhabited, making this the most secluded of all Greek island sailing destinations.
Visit the northern Sporades for spectacular scenery, beautiful beach scenes and for starry nights at anchorage, where the only sound is that of water lapping against the hull.
Start your Sporades yacht charter from Volos port on the Pelion peninsula, or the forested island of Skiathos, which shot to fame as a location for the 2008 hit movie "Mamma Mia". Verdant countryside, rural monasteries and a cobbled maze of an old town are but a footnote to the island's main attractions - glorious beaches and fantastically fresh fish.
Skiathos is the more remote and beautiful, but Volos city has better marina facilities and is more easily accessible, being on the Pagasitic gulf.
Skiathos is usually a sailboat, bareboat or skipper destination, whereas a Volos yacht charter caters to all, with more space dedicated to catamaran and crewed yacht charter holiday, under the gaze of Mount Pelion.
Sporades are good for:
Uninhabited islands
Fishing villages
History of the Sporades
Diving exploration
Fresh seafood
Archeological treasures
Start planning your Sporades Charter
Find yachts to charter in the Sporades
Knowledge hub
See & do
Check the following attractions before going to the Sporades.
Lalaria Beach
Koukounaries Beach
Spring of Manas
Palia District
Where to Charter
Skiathos
Skiathos is renowned for its golden sandy beaches, some of which are only accessible by boat. It is the perfect blend of scenic beauty and Aegean charm.
Explore secluded coves and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Skiathos, with its whitewashed houses and lively harbor, makes a perfect starting or ending point for your journey.
Volos
Volos blends modern amenities with rich history, making it an ideal starting point for sailing holidays.
It's a gateway to the stunning Pagasetic Gulf and the nearby Sporades islands. Explore secluded beaches and hidden coves along the coastline.
The calm waters of the gulf are perfect for leisurely sailing, offering picturesque views of lush hills and traditional fishing villages.
Volos’ port is surrounded by vibrant tavernas and cafes, where you can enjoy local seafood delicacies before or after your journey.
Popular yachts for charter in Sporades
Itineraries in Sporades Islands
Sailing the Sporades
From the pine-forests and fine white sand of Koukounaries' stunning beach (SW of Skiathos port), to the legions of nudists at Banana beach and Skopelos town, Skiathos is a sun worshipper's paradise. Sailing from Volos gives you the flexibility to head out to the islands or cruise the Pagasitikos gulf and explore the islands and towns of greek mythology, like Volos city and Paleo Trikeri.
Start your sailing holiday from Skiathos town or the bay of Volos on mainland Greece. Skiathos Harbour is charming but lacking the infrastructure of Volos, which is well-equipped to handle charter yachts of all shapes and sizes, from sailing boat to luxury motor yacht charter yachts.
The Sporades island group offer sheltered sailing with moderate winds making this an ideal destination for families and couples seeking peace and tranquillity on a crewed or bareboat yacht charter.
- Fly to: Nea Anchialos National Airport (Volos) or Skiathos Island National Airport
- 24 Stunning unspoilt islands to explore
- Fishing Villages to enjoy
- Easy sailing - somewhere between the Ionian Island and Saronic Gulf
- Great for families to enjoy time on board
- See a typical Itinerary for the Sporades here
Marinas in the Sporades
Skiathos Harbour
Skiathos, filming location for the hit movie Mama Mia, is a pretty, busy little town on a really stunning island. Wide promenade lined with supermarkets, bars and restaurants.
Departing from a long pontoon just off the town quay, you’re straight out into the densely wooded Sporades.
An international airport makes getting to Skiathos and back nice and straightforward. An excellent place to start any charter
Volos Town
The busy commercial port is well placed in the north of the Sporades.
There are a series of large supermarkets near the marina, and as a large city, Volos has every facility you could need.
Volos has a peculiar localised wind – most afternoons in the summer, a 10-15 knot southerly will blow onto the city, often even if there’s a northerly outside the bay.
Suggested itinerary
Sail to these secret spots on the Pagasetic Gulf, or to the national marine park of Alonissos (and spend the night at Steni Vala) to feel an immediate change of pace. We also recommend visiting the smaller island of Kyra Panagia in the northern Sporades, and Lalaria beach near the Byzantine castle of Skiathos island
Drop anchor off a small island and stroll through a sleepy fishing village, lovely sandy beach and deserted anchorage, not to mention the possibility of spotting dolphins, whales and the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal (monachus monachus).
- Day 1 - Arrive Skiathos
- Day 2 - Panormous (Skopelos Island) - 10nm
- Day 3 - Skopelos Town - 13nm
- Day 4 - Peristeri Island - 14nm
- Day 5 - Steni Vala (Alonisos Island) - 5nm
- Day 6 - Loutraki (Skopelos Island) - 21nm
- Day 7 - Return to Skiathos - 6nm
Total = 69NM
Getting there
Need some help?
If you are unsure about charter or boat selection, contact us at HELM to help you decide.
We only choose boats that are in excellent condition, and we are here to help you every step of the way and to make sure the whole process is as easy as possible.
