Posted by The Sporades are a group of islands east of the Greek mainland, north of Athens. The four main islands are Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos and Skyros. The number of tourists has increased significantly in the last 30 years, not least because an airport was opened on Skiathos. The tourists are predominantly Greek. The Sporades are a popular destination for Athenians on summer weekends. During the week the islands are much quieter. The Sporades are also often referred to as the “Northern Sporades” or, less frequently, the “Magnesian Islands”.
Three of the four large Sporades islands can be reached from the mainland from Agios Konstantinos and Volos. Normal ferries are rare and more expensive and faster hydrofoils are more common. The islands are also connected to each other by ferries. Skyros is a little off the beaten track and can only be reached by ferry from Kimi (good bus connections from Athens).
Skiathos Island is the most important Sporades island with around 5000 inhabitants and the largest airport. Skiathos is known for its fine sandy beaches and clean water. The 800 m long Koukounaries beach is considered the most beautiful of the over 50 sandy beaches, but is quite crowded in summer. The small capital, which has the same name as the island, is a lively town with lots of flair and good tavernas.
Boat trips (day trips) to and from Skopelos and Skiathos can be booked online. You can find an overview on the following link: >>> More information and booking
The island Skopelos (around 3,500 inhabitants), just 7 km from Skiathos, is also known for its beaches. The island is predominantly wooded (pine forests). The picturesque capital (Skopelos Town) is worth seeing with its over 100 churches and chapels. In the second port town of Loutraki you should visit the Acropolis of Selinoutra (ruins).
The Alonnisos island (around 2,800 inhabitants) is less densely populated than the other Sporades. The elongated shape of the island is ideal for hiking.
The Skyros island (around 2,500 inhabitants) is further from the mainland than the other islands. It is the largest island in the Sporades. Because it is off the main ferry routes, fewer tourists come to Skyros. Skyros is also a good holiday destination for hikers. You can also reach Skyros by plane from Athens and Thessaloniki.
Overall, it can be said that the Sporades islands further away from the mainland are more peaceful and have fewer day-trippers than the islands of Skiathos and Skopelos closer to the mainland.
There are at least 50 other small Sporades islands, but they are all uninhabited today. Some only for a short time: for example, Kyra Panagia had almost 100 inhabitants 50 years ago, but by 2000 there were only 10. A similar development took place on Peristera. The uninhabited Sporades are partly protected, mainly because of the rare marine life, bird species and plants. In the Sporades, north of Alonissos, there is a marine park, the largest water protection area in Greece. In particular, a rare seal (monk seal of the species Monachius monachius), dolphins, rare seagulls and fish are to be protected.
The Sporades are a paradise for sailors. You can also visit the uninhabited islands with a sailing ship. However, you do need a permit for some islands. The four large islands are very popular with hikers. The proportion of Greek holidaymakers is significantly higher on the Sporades than, for example, on the Cyclades such as the island Santorini or the island Mykonos. The Sporades are green and rainy islands with forests by Greek standards.
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Boat trips (day trips) to and from Skopelos and Skiathos can be booked online. You can find an overview on the following link: >>> More information and booking