Welcome to Sporades
About
An alternative destination of unique beauty
Sporades complex is an alternative destination of unique beauty spread across 24 islands, which are primarily located on the northern side of the Aegean Sea. Skiathos, Skyros, Alonissos and Skopelos are among the greenest islands in the Mediterranean Sea. During summer season are among of the most popular destinations in Greece and an ideal destination for sailing vacations. Choose to enjoy laid-back holiday with family and friends or an adventurous one with the love of your life.
Skyros
A rich blend of different styles and historical influences
The largest island of the Sporades complex is Skyros. A rich blend of varying styles and the influence of different eras makes the island a one of a kind experience. In Skyros, you have the chance to explore the Byzantine Castle built at the highest spot of the island. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Sarakiniko island with a yacht or meet the famous Skyrian Horses and enjoy a horse riding on the beach at sunset!
Activities
Inside a castle
The Byzantine Castle of Skyros is one of the best sightseeing places the island has to offer. The castle is located on a high mountain peak and overlooks most of the island and the Aegean Sea. It offers a spectacular view and manages to hold its place as one of the best attractions on the island of Skyros
- Duration: 2h
- Time of day: 10:00-20:00
- Ages: All
The life in a Monastery
The monastery of Agios Georgios of Skyros is located in the Byzantine Castle on the island. It has been nicely preserved throughout the years and houses the priceless “agiografies” (paintings of saints). You can visit the monastery on foot if you wish as it is easily accessible. Inside the monastery you will have the chance to view the medal of Spyros Louis, the first winner of the Greek Olympic games, who donated his medal to the monastery to help it flourish and collect funds for restorations.
Duration: 4h
Time of day: 09:00-13:00
Ages: All
A Pony’s Tale
In a protected environment and under the care and control of specialists, you will meet the famous Skyrian horse, a special race, dating back from ancient times! Learn all about their history and evolution, get familiarized with their daily habits and contribute in many ways to their raising. You can volunteer in the daily tasks, bring your special skills and knowledge to the project or just offer a donation. Our little visitors will have a chance to have a ride with them under the guidance of the professionals.
Duration: 5h
Time of day: 11:00-20:00
Ages: All
A Poet's Pray
Rupert Brooke was a British poet and sub-lieutenant who died on the island of Skyros due to a mosquito bite. Brooke and some of his friends were resting in the olive groves at Tris Boukes, waiting for the orders to set sail, when he got the fatal bite. When he died his friends buried him in the place where he met his fate. His mother, after the war was finally over, ordered a tomb for him with one of his poems written on it, ‘The Soldier’. The locals decided to name the main square after him and raised a statue of a man staring at the sea, calling it ‘The Eternal Poet’ in his honor.
Duration: 2h
Time of day: 10:00-20:00
Ages: All
Learn about Tradition
The Faltais Folklore museum of Skyros was a residence of Manos and Anastasia Faltais who made it into a museum in 1964. By making their family home into a folk art museum they wanted to keep alive the traditional Skyrian way of living for people to see. Inside the museum there is a house-sized library, traditional clothing, and plenty of curious antique furniture.
Duration: 4h
Time of day: 10:00-14:00, 18:00-21:00
Ages: All
A Day with Horses
Enjoy a horse ride by the sea and spend the day bonding with these beautiful animals while surrounded by untouched nature. This unique experience is ideal for both adults and children as guidance and supervision of professionals is provided at all times. The horseback ride will be followed by a pleasant picnic on the beach where you will enjoy local delicacies and complete the day in the best way!
Duration: 4h
Time of day: 10:00 – 14:00, 16:00-20:00
Ages: All
Skopelos
Preferable location for exploring the wild nature
Skopelos is the second largest in the Sporades chain. The stunning greenery and the splendid sea view makes it the preferable location for exploring the wild nature of the Greek islands. Skopelos is covered mostly in forest and has plenty of interesting hiking trails. Among the most fascinating attractions of the island is the Venetian Castle, the Rock of Kastri and Panormos, a natural port between pines and rocks, perfect anchorage for sailing yachts. Oh, don’t forget to taste the traditional cheese pie called “Strifti”…
Activities
Lost in the alleys
The Venetian Castle of Skopelos is located in the northeast side and is at the highest point of Chora. The fortress was built by the Venetians for protection from invasions in the 13th century. Some of its remains can be spotted on the east side of the island. You can reach them either by hiking or climbing. The remains of the fortress are at a vantage point and are thus visible from any point of the island. As a historic monument of Skopelos, the Venetian Castle has an important role to play when it comes to the matters of local history.
Duration: 2h
Time of day: 10:00-20:00
Ages: All
The Path of Faith
Starting from the Skopelos port and following a path through the forest and along ancient trails with spectacular views, you reach the monasteries which will offer us shelter and plenty of shade to rest in. Learn the history behind those sacred walls and take your moment to ease your spirit in this peaceful environment. An easy-level trail that will lead you through the forest to some of the most sacred places of the island, in a unique combination of nature and religion.
Duration: 4h
Time of day: 09:00-13:00
Ages: All
Discover the caves
The newest trend in the world of watersports is the so-called SUP, also known as paddle-boarding. This specific watersport traces its origin back to the early days of the African continent when similar techniques were used for fishing and transportation. Today it is mostly used as a whole-body exercise and a way to ease the mind and enjoy nature. It is easy to imagine just how beneficial it could be for you and your loved-ones to have a go at paddle-boarding on the beautiful Aegean waters. Try SUP and discover the beautiful beaches, mysterious caves, and many other hidden gems of the island.
Duration: 2h
Time of day: 10:00-20:00
Ages: All
Let yourself Free
On the island of Skopelos there is an opportunity for you to meditate in one of the best yoga centers in all of the Greek islands. It skillfully combines the calmness of the scenery with the guidance from the experts. Spend the day relaxing in a serene environment with view of the Aegean Sea. Ideal for every age and level of experience, yoga in Skopelos is the best way to stop time and find your inner peace.
Duration: 1:15 h
Time of day: 10:00-20:00
Ages: Over 8
Find the Artist in you!
Art is essential for mankind. It can be used to empower people to create and make tremendous changes in the world around them. This is exactly what we aspire to achieve by introducing people to the world of art through carefully guided lessons. The classes are adjusted to your knowledge and experience and can facilitate even advanced learners. The workshop is primarily for beginners, and in it you will learn the technique called ‘monoprinting’. We will gather plants and use various object that can be run through a press to create an image, with the final result ranging from very realistic to quite abstract. The inks used are water-based and non-toxic. You never know, maybe there is an artist in you just waiting to shine through!
Duration: 4h
Time of day: 10:00-20:00
Ages: All
Alonnisos
The heart of the sea nature of the Sporades island complex
The beautiful island of Alonissos is the heart of the Sporades island complex’s aquatic life. The west and the north coast are a mix of sandy and rocky beaches, while the east is speckled with seductive aquamarine bays. It’s full of olive and fruit trees, whitewashed houses and narrow paved streets. If you plan on visiting Alonissos you should visit by boat the National Sea Park, the only Sea Park in Europe. Rich in marine life and home of several endangered species, such as the famous Monk Seals, or Monachus Monachus.
Activities
God's garden
Monastery of Ag. Antonios is the sole structure on the island of Kyra Panagia, built-in 8th century AD and thus has a very long and significant history. After walking up the hill while enjoying the view we will learn all about the monastery and the island from the only monk living there. He welcomes us with local products and shows us his rich garden and the old-stone olive oil mill. Let your mind wander through the history of those walls as you feel the cool breeze and the holiness surrounding this sacred place.
Duration: 4h
Time of day: 10:00-18:00
Ages: All
Tales from the Sea
The pirates’ museum of Alonissos focuses on the firearms and the lifestyle the pirates used to have. Apart from these, the museum also has local historical and cultural items that depict the history of Alonissos. It consists of four floors and the exhibits provided are definitely worth a visit!
Duration: 2h
Time of day: 11:00-18:00
Ages: All
Discover the Blue plannet
Unlike some of the other watersports, snorkeling does not require any special qualifications, just a pair of fins and a mask so get your gear and dive in the turquoise waters of the Aegean, between rocky formations and sandy bottoms. The underwater life will thrill you and is sure to make you lose track of time! Get the waterproof camera ready for some amazing shots!
Duration: 2h
Time of day: 10:00-18:00
Ages: All
A night under the stars
In the northern part of Kyra Panagia island is the quietest bay of the Aegean, called Planet. After sunset you will understand how it got its name as at night you will clearly the milky way in the sky. As our skipper describes the constellations above, you become one with the universe. No other sounds, no other lights, nothing between you and the endless sky. Highly recommended: Find a nice spot and sleep outside onboard, it will be an experience of a lifetime!
Duration: 10h
Time of day: 20:00-06:00
Ages: All
A Dolphin’s Life
In order to make your trip truly memorable we partnered up with a non-profit organization MOm in order to participate in the innovative research project for evaluating the conservation status of the Cetacean population (i.e., dolphins and whales). The research takes place in the wider area of the National Marine Park of Alonnisos in Northern Sporades (NMPANS). The specialized scientist of MOm will join us on board for a scientific guided tour during which the life, the behavior, and the problems of those magnificent mammals will be presented. As a result, you will get the chance to witness and photograph some of the most fascinating wildlife in the Aegean Archipelago and visit unique locations with amazing landscapes and breathtaking sceneries.
Duration: 7h
Time of day: 08:00-15:00
Ages: All
Skiathos
Preferable location for exploring the wild nature
Probably the most popular destination of N. Aegean as combines both the natural beauty of the landscapes along with the cosmopolitan style of the island. You can spend the day swimming in the various beaches, visit with a sailing yacht the small “Tsougria” island nearby or get lost into the many traditional, white alleys. For those who prefer to party, Skiathos offers the best nightlife till early morning…
Activities
Into the Magic Forest
This easy hiking trail starts from a monastery and ends at the “Magic Forest”, next the stream of Kechia. It is a unique place, full of plane trees and ferns, beautiful waterfalls, as well as five distinct old watermills. It looks like something straight out of Greek mythology.
Duration: 3,5h
Time of day: 10:00-14:00/17:00-20:00
Ages: All
Discover the depth
Close to Skiathos, you can discover the colorful depths of the Tsougria island through snorkeling. A small island, full of green and with a beautiful, dark-colored beach, awaits you to discover its hidden gems. The underwater life will thrill you and is sure to make you lose track of time! Get the waterproof camera ready for some amazing shots!
Duration: 4h
Time of day: 10:00-20:00
Ages: All
Walk with a friend!
Skiathos, although tiny, used to have many abandoned dogs. This forced concerned locals who couldn’t turn a blind eye to take the matter into their own hands and establish a dog shelter. A happy place where many dogs are loved for the first time in their lives. While sailing through Skiathos don’t miss the chance to walk with those dogs and feel all the love they are capable of giving you. We are sure they won’t say no to any treats you might bring them.
Duration: 2h
Time of day: 09:00-13:00
Ages: All
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