Want to explore Greece off the beaten paths? Visit the Sporades Islands and their treasures will be an unforgettable experience!
In the heart of the Aegean, the Sporades are an archipelago gathering four inhabited islands and a constellation of wild islets. Forget all the clichés on them Greek islands ! Here, point of blue and white houses, brown rocks and hordes of tourists. The Sporades offer a green landscape, turquoise waters and houses with colorful shutters and roof tiles. The pines and olive trees, the sandy beaches and the villages on the hillside make up an undoubtedly Mediterranean painting. It is the result of a complex and millennium history, from the Thraces to the Ottoman Empire through Athens and Byzance.
Enjoying natural treasures, heavenly beaches and charming towns, the visit of Sporades will surely seduce you. To help you prepare your trip, we have selected the best things to do in the Sporades Islands. Discover our favourite activities on each of the four inhabited islands: Skiathos Alonissos, Skopelos and Skyros.
1. Skiathos
Skiathos is the most popular of the Sporades Islands, but also the most festive. In addition to a luxurious nature and breathtaking beaches, it offers a beautiful cosmopolitan atmosphere.
The beaches
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Cara-Foto
Are you dreaming of a relaxing holiday on paradise beaches? There is something to do in Skiathos, since the small island has no less than sixty beaches! Here, fine sand and crystal clear waters marvel at pine forests. In general, the beaches of the south coast are well-appointed, family and festive. There is a range of restaurants, as well as sports and water activities.
On the other hand, those in the north are wilder and make the happiness of naturists as well as those who seek calm. Skiathos offers such a choice of beaches that it is difficult to mention only a few. However, with its pinewood, water sports centre and golden sand, Koukounaries is probably the most popular. While Lalaria, with its chalk cliffs and turquoise waters, is perhaps the most picturesque.
A boat ride
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Irma eyewink
The boat trip and a must-see in the Sporades Islands, and Skiathos is perfect for that. In catamaran, sailboat or yacht, several companies offer you to explore the island. These boat tours will allow you to enjoy incredible views on the coast of Skiathos.
In addition, they will give you access to hidden treasures such as the beach of Lalaria, accessible only by the sea.
Hiking
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Aetherial Images
Skiathos is considered the Greek paradise of hikers. On its 47 km2, the island offers no less than twenty-five hiking paths arranged and marked. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a Sunday walker, you'll find your happiness. Indeed, the proposed routes take between one and seven hours.
It should be noted that most trails are largely forested, and therefore shaded even in the summer.
The village of Skiathos
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Cara-Foto
If you want to immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere during your visit to the Sporades Islands, nothing better than Skiathos. The main village of the island is a place full of charms and abundant attractions. Its simple houses with roof tiles form a picturesque seafront, in half moon.
There are many restaurants, just like shops, where you will find local crafts. The city stirs at nightfall, driven by a multitude of bars and clubs. At the turn of the alleys, you will also discover pretty churches.
Finally, do not miss, among the attractions of the village, its amazing outdoor cinema!
2. Alonissos
With its superb nature and its relaxing atmosphere, Alonissos is a must for your visit to the Sporades Islands. Its terrestrial and maritime treasures make it a small paradise of ecotourism.
The National Marine Park
Photo credit: Shutterstock – DbDo
The Alonissos Marine National Park is Greece’s first marine park. Its perimeter covers several wild islands in addition to the island of Alonissos. Fishes, birds, mammals: there are many rare marine animals, such as the Mediterranean monk seal. In addition, by exploring the park by boat, you may have the chance to see dolphins.
In addition, some areas are open to swimming and diving. By venturing underwater, you will discover a beautiful fauna, but also immersed archaeological remains. This marine setting is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful visits to the Sporades Islands.
The beaches
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Constantinos Iliopoulos
On the beach side, Alonissos is not in the rest! Quieter than Skiathos, its beaches are particularly conducive to relaxation. The blond sand, the clear rock, dense vegetation and crystalline water coexist in harmony.
Although there is only the embarrassment of choice, we especially recommend Agios Dimitrios la belle, Chrissi Milia la populaire and Kokkinocastro la couleur.
The villages
Photo credit: Shutterstock – JOAN PHOTO
Chora, the old capital, is a pretty traditional village on the hillside. Much destroyed by an earthquake in 1965, it was abandoned by its inhabitants. But today, he reborn from his ashes and charming cafés and guest houses occupied his alleys. Following the earthquake of 1965, the inhabitants took refuge near the coast and built the new capital, Patitiri.
Its colorful and flowery buildings fit perfectly into the natural landscape and pine forests. Now Patitiri is the epicentre of the island and you will find services, shops and restaurants.
Hiking
Photo credit: Shutterstock – JOAN PHOTO
Lovely and in love with nature, we can only encourage you to visit the Sporades Islands. You will discover a lush Mediterranean vegetation and unspoiled landscapes. Far from being an exception, Alonissos offers hikers fourteen official trails.
These will allow you to discover beautiful gorges and take height to enjoy the panoramas.
The underwater archaeological museum
Photo credit: Shutterstock – scubadesign
In the summer of 2020, the first submarine museum in Greece was temporarily opened. The lucky visitors were able to explore, by diving, the wreck of a Ve century ship BC. If you plan to visit the Sporades Islands, open your eye!
The submarine museum could become a perennial, although it is not confirmed at the time we write these words.
3. Skopelos
Are the scenery of Skopelos familiar? It’s normal: they welcomed the shooting of the Hollywood film Mamma Mia! Full of character, the island is particularly popular with couples and families.
The beaches
Photo credit: Shutterstock – leoks
Yes, in Skopelos too, the beaches are heavenly! We can even say without too much hesitation that they are part of the most beautiful beaches of Greece. Our favorites? Stafilos, a beach bordered by the forest close to the city; Panormos, comfortable and lively; and Hovolo, little wilder wonder.
The church Agios Ioannis Kastri
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Tomasz Czajkowski
You remember the beautiful church that welcomed the wedding in the film Mamma Mia! ? Good news: wedding or not, you can discover it during your visit to the Sporades Islands! This is the church Agios Ioannis Kastri of Skopelos. Perched at the top of a rock, it offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
It is accessed by a long stone staircase to discover, inside, a multitude of relics and icons.
The village of Skopelos
Photo credit: Shutterstock – leoks
With its pretty buildings, the village of Skopelos is particularly picturesque. Its port draws a landscape of postcard in an enchanting atmosphere. By climbing its steep alleys, often paved, you will discover an authentic and charming atmosphere to wish.
Museums
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pit Stock
Want to add a cultural touch to your list of things to do in the Sporades Islands? The villages of Skopelos and Glossa include several museums worth a visit. The Folk Museum and the Museum of Cultural Heritage present the history and traditions of the island.
As for the photographic centre, in addition to its research, it offers interesting exhibitions.
Monasteries
Photo credit: Shutterstock – ACHILLEFS
Skopelos is also famous for its many monasteries, located in the vicinity of villages or in the middle of nature. At the turn of a walk, you will certainly discover their imposing silhouettes.
Some visit and even offer exhibitions, such as the monastery of Metamorfosi and the monastery of Timios Prodromos.
4. Skyros
The fourth island of Sporades is also the wildest. Totally spared by international tourism, it offers a traditional and preserved framework.
The village of Skyros
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gus McLee
Rived on the side of a steep mountain, the village of Skyros is one of the most impressive that you will see by visiting the Sporades Islands. Its architecture, made of white houses with flat roofs, evokes that of Cyclades .
The village is surmounted by a Byzantine fortress. At the turn of paved alleys, pleasant squares and terraces of cafés unfold.
The beaches
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Orestis Markopoulos
As you have understood, beaches remain one of the best things to do in the Sporades Islands. In Skyros, the most frequented are the beaches of Molos, Acherounes and Magazia. But why not venture to less accessible beaches to enjoy an absolute calm?
At the editorial level, we had a real kick in the beaches of Atsitsa Bay, especially the beach of Kareflou.
The church Agios Nikolaos
Photo credit: Shutterstock – yiannisscheidt
Agios Nikolaos is a church like you have never seen! Cut directly into a huge block of stone, it is worth a look. It is located at the end of the beach of Molos.
The archaeological site of Palamari
Photo credit: Facebook – Spiro Coutsoucos
The visit to the Sporades Islands is decidedly full of surprises. Indeed, Skyros welcomes an impressive prehistoric site. This is more precisely a camp dating from the Neolithic, one of the most important ones that have been discovered in the Aegean Sea.
The remains that have been discovered are exposed to the archaeological museum of the city of Skyros.
How do I go to the Sporades Islands?
This is the only flat you will encounter with a visit to the Sporades Islands: they are relatively unavailable. However, this has the advantage of making them less permeable to mass tourism.
By plane
There are two airports in the Sporades Islands, in Skiathos and Skopelos. Skopelos is only connected to Athens and Thessaloniki. However, Skiathos also hosts some international flights in the season. Another option is to land in Athens.
To discover the most interesting flights, we invite you to use a comparison of flights as Skyscanner , and thus uncover the best offers for your trips!
Circulate between the islands of the Sporades
Skiathos will be your epicentre to access the other islands. Indeed, ferry connections are offered from Skiathos to Skopelos and Alonissos and, in season, to Skyros.
Where to stay in the Sporades Islands?
The offer of accommodation is important in Skiathos, where there is a wide range of choices at all prices. On the other three islands you will find a choice of hotels and guest rooms at a globally reasonable price. Several campsites are also available. To find the best accommodation offers, think about using a Compare hotels . Otherwise, you can always find your happiness by booking on Airbnb , for a housing that will adapt to your needs!
So, convinced? Although a little complex, the crossing to the archipelago is quite worth a visit. There's so much to do in the Sporades Islands! By taking one or two weeks to discover them, you will dive into a small paradise between sea, nature and Mediterranean lifestyle.
Loading comments ...