Hiring a boat in the Sporades is the ideal way to explore the enchanting beaches of the islands and their unique coastline. The Sporades are known for their rich vegetation, greenery and have some of the cleanest waters in Europe. There is a plethora of marinas in the islands where you can pick the ideal yacht, followed by an interesting set of anchorages where you can dock your boat. You can directly contact the owners for the ideal boat or allow a BednBlue travel expert to guide you with some suggestions.
You have plenty of available options:
You can book and hire a sailboat or speedboat with a skipper or without if you have a license and enjoy a one-day cruise to the unique coastline of your preferred island. You also have the opportunity to hire a catamaran to throw a party or go for a sunset cruise with your loved one. If you want to visit many places at once and you have limited time, you can rent a motorboat and tour the beaches you desire with ease. Finally, you can hire a luxury sailboat to visit the islands of Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros for as many days as you want.
The Sporades consist of Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros, the name of the islands originate from the number of scattered islands (‘sporadic’) outside the central archipelago of the Cyclades. You can combine the cosmopolitan holidays in Skiathos, the relaxing holidays in Skopelos which is drenched in greenery, the ecotourism holidays in Alonissos with the renowned Marine Park to the most thrilling holiday experiences in Skyros with its wild beauty. Skopelos is the largest island of the Sporades with rich contrasts and natural beauty and is the administrative center of the Sporades famous for its long standing history of fine wine. Skyros has incredible vegetation, picturesque villages and beautiful resorts that create the ideal environment for an escape into nature. Four different islands with four distinct characters each promising a unique vacation in Greece.
Rent the boat of your choice in one of the most beautiful islands of the Aegean, Skopelos. The crystal clear waters next to the green pines create the perfect backdrop to your sailing vacation in Greece. One of the most famous beaches of Skopelos is Milia, a beach with a large shore, pebbles, sand and turquoise waters, surrounded by pine trees that reach the shore, ideal for water activities and diving which can be toured by a yacht of your choice. Kastani beach is extremely popular and is where many scenes were shot for the movie "mamma mia", truly a magnificent blue-green sandy beach and a great visiting spot to many yacht-goers. Skopelos has unique beaches of indescribable beauty such as Velanio, Limnonari, Agnontas, Agios Ioannis and Panormos ideal to visit with a sailing boat or catamaran excursion.
Alonissos is an island with cosmopolitan air, dense vegetation and many magnificent paths built in lush pine forests. This blue-green paradise is recognized for its pure and wild Mediterranean beauty. The dense pine forests, the fragrant shrubs and the enjoyable views from up the hills are perfect for the most ardent naturists. Chora, the former capital of the island, continuously brings visitors for the winding cobbled alleys, stone houses and a castle which features a picturesque courtyard. The main city of the island is Patitiri, which took its name from the wine presses, when viticulture was widely practiced by the locals. Patitiri is a quiet settlement and port of Alonissos with sweet cafes and taverns, always ready to offer you the best moments of enjoyment and relaxation.
You can rent a boat in Alonissos to visit the impressive caves that the island is also renowned for and the Alonissos Marine Park which is suitable for diving and exploring the interesting seabed. The best beaches of the island are Agios Dimitrios, Glyfa, Leftos Gialos, Kokkinokastro, Chrysi Milia, Spartines and Votsi, all of them can be toured with a speedboat at a good price.
Skiathos consists of 60 different beaches with golden sand and is surrounded by rich vegetation. The beaches of Lalaria, Koukounaries, Banana, Kanapitsa and Achladies are some of the best on the island to be explored with the catamaran or sailing boat of your choice, for moments of relaxation, tranquility and fun. You can hire a speedboat or RIB boat to tour the beaches of Kastani, Milia, Stafylo, Velanio, Kastri and Andrines, which have crystal clear waters and trees edging the shore.
Skyros is the furthest from all the other Sporades and is the perfect getaway destination from all the crowds. The island retains its traditional character and is famous for its furniture and the rare breed of ponies (also known as the Skyrian Pony) which are only found in the wild at Skyros island. Chora or Chorio, Linaria, Magazia and Molos are the settlements that have the largest concentration of attractions. An ideal way to explore all the beaches of the island is by a boat or catamaran of your choice.
Finally, you can go island hopping in the Sporades for up to a week or more. An example itinerary would be setting sail from Neos Marmaras in Halkidiki and heading south to Kyra Panagia island which has two natural harbors, Agios Petros and Planitis, that used to be a shelter for pirates during the Middle Ages. You can anchor in Alonissos where you can stop for a swim or enjoy the bars and tavernas in the main town. You can visit Skopelos and Skiathos next, for as many overnights as you want or head to Skyros that is further away. A secondary Sporades sailing itinerary can begin from Mavri Petra, southeast of Volos and you can circumnavigate the islands you desire with a skipper who knows best.
In the Sporades you have the opportunity to anchor your boat in some of the most beautiful marinas in Greece.
Central Marina of Skopelos: Can accommodate 4-cabined yachts and has all the facilities for sailors to stock up on water and electricity. There is a great selection of tavernas and other restaurants with Greek cuisine.
Loutraki Marina, Skopelos: the second largest marina of the island with multiple ferries and boats coming from the mainland of Greece or from Skiathos. The port extends from the main town of Skopelos.
Agnontas Marina, Skopelos: a fishing port with great restaurants in a beautiful scenery. A very family oriented place who can enjoy their time in a nice beach in the bay.
Koukounaries Marina, Skiathos: can berth up to 70 sailing boats and nearby is located the most famous beach of Skiathos, Koukounaries.
Patitiri Marina, Alonissos: Ideal to anchor your boat with several berths at the edge. Also has a small beach with turquoise waters and high cliffs that illuminate at night, creating a magnificent atmosphere.
Tzortzis Marina, Alonissos: ideal for families with kids and offers a great mooring spot for regular sized sailboats (40ft).
Leftos Gialos, Alonissos: situated in an area with some of the nicest beaches in Alonissos. Great marina for boats to dock their boat with top class facilities.
Airports:Only Skiathos has an international airport with many available charter flights from abroad.The airport is very close to the town and port of Skiathos , is just 5 minutes by taxi outside of Skiathos.
The main ports to the Sporades islands are the ports of Volos and Agios Constantinos, in central Greece. Ferries from these two ports go to the islands of Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos. Ferries to Skyros depart from Kymi, a small port town in Euboea island.
Travelers should be aware that for ferry tickets from Skiathos to Skopelos and Alonnisos ( Alonissos ) there is always availability so do not worry. The morning route by catamaran from Skopelos and Alonissos to Skiathos on Fridays during high season is usually occupied, so we suggest to book tickets earlier just in case.
Unfortunately several ferry timetables towards the other islands of the Sporades may not be synchronized with flights from Skiathos so you should check carefully the timetables for the specific date you will travel.
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