The Sporades Islands are an enchanting archipelago located in the northern Aegean Sea, characterised by lush vegetation that contrasts with the typical barren landscape of the more famous Cyclades. Their name, which means ‘scattered’ in Greek, perfectly describes the geographical layout of these green pearls of Greece. The archipelago of the Northern Sporades consists of four main inhabited islands – Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros – and some 20 uninhabited islets and reefs.
What makes the Sporades a unique destination in the Greek landscape is the extraordinary combination of pine forests that often stretch down to the sea, golden sandy beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters and an authentic atmosphere that can be felt in the picturesque villages. The islands also became famous thanks to the film ‘Mamma Mia!’, filmed mainly in Skopelos, which made the breathtaking landscapes of this archipelago known to the world.
Each island of the Sporades has its own distinctive identity: Skiathos is the liveliest and most worldly, with a comprehensive tourist offer ranging from beaches to discos; Skopelos enchants with its traditional villages and quiet bays; Alonissos is a protected natural paradise, a refuge for the monk seal; while Skyros, the largest and most remote, captivates with its contrasting landscapes and rich folkloric traditions.
Skiathos is the smallest but also the most touristically developed island of the archipelago. Famous for its more than 60 beaches, it offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and nightlife. Its capital, Skiathos Town, is a charming centre with whitewashed houses, picturesque alleys and a lively gastronomic scene along Papadiamantis Street.
The most famous beach of Skiathos is undoubtedly Koukounaries, considered among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, with its fine golden sand framed by a dense pine forest. Nearby is Banana beach, popular with young people for its lively atmosphere. For lovers of nature and tranquillity, Lalaria beach, accessible only by sea, offers spectacular limestone rock formations.
On the cultural side, the Monastery of Evangelistria, where the first flag of modern Greece was created, and the House-Museum of Alexandros Papadiamantis, dedicated to the famous writer born on the island, are worth a visit.
Skopelos is the greenest island in the Sporades, with more than 50 per cent of its territory covered by pine forests. It became famous as the main location for the film ‘Mamma Mia!’ and has managed to preserve its authenticity. Skopelos Town, the capital, is a picturesque settlement climbing a hill, with white houses with red slate roofs and over 120 churches and chapels.
The most photographed attraction on the island is the Church of Agios Ioannis Kastri (St John of the Rock), located atop a rock rising 100 metres above the sea and reached by climbing 198 steps. Skopelos’ predominantly pebble beaches include the spectacular Panormos, Milia (the largest sandy beach on the island) and the picturesque Limnonari.
Mount Delphi, the highest point on the island, is an ideal destination for trekkers, while the picturesque village of Glossa, with its traditional houses and flower-decked balconies, offers an authentic insight into island life.
Alonissos is the third largest island of the archipelago and the most remote. It is a true paradise for nature lovers, famous for the Alonissos National Marine Park, the first marine park in Greece, which protects numerous species including the extremely rare Mediterranean monk seal.
The island’s capital includes Patitiri, the main port, and the picturesque Chora (or Old Alonissos), the ancient settlement 200 metres above sea level, partially rebuilt after an earthquake in 1965 and today one of the most picturesque places on the island.
The beaches of Alonissos include Agios Dimitrios, with its white pebbles and crystal-clear waters, Chrisi Milia, the only sandy beach on the island, and Kokkinokastro, characterised by its striking red rock. Not to be missed is a boat trip to the Marine Park, where you can visit uninhabited islands and, with a bit of luck, spot dolphins or other protected species.
Skyros is the largest island of the Sporades but also the most isolated and least touristy. The island is divided into two parts: the northern half is mountainous and covered with pine forests, while the southern half is more arid and rocky, similar to the Cyclades.
The main town, Skyros Town (or Chora), is built around a rock topped by a Byzantine castle, where the Monastery of St George with its precious icons is located. Skyros is famous for its cultural heritage and handicraft traditions, with numerous workshops where local craftsmen work wood, ceramics and textiles, and for its small Skyros ponies, an endangered native breed.
The beaches of Skyros, such as Molos, Magazia and Pefkos, are among the least frequented in the archipelago. According to mythology, it was here that Thetis hid her son Achilles, disguised as a woman, before Odysseus persuaded him to join the Trojan War.
The Sporades Islands are located in the north-western part of the Aegean Sea, off the east coast of mainland Greece. This archipelago extends parallel to the peninsula of Magnesia and the island of Evia. The four main islands – Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros – form an arc stretching from west to east, with Skyros positioned further south and separated from the other three islands.
Skiathos, the westernmost of the four, lies just 4 km from the coast of mainland Greece and about 160 km north of Athens. Skopelos is located about 8 km east of Skiathos, while Alonissos lies 6 km further east than Skopelos. Skyros, the largest and most isolated, is located about 80 km south-east of Alonissos and 36 km from the coast of Euboea.
Reaching the Sporades Islands is easier than one might think, thanks to the numerous air and sea connections serving the archipelago, especially during the summer season. Here are the main options for getting to each of the islands:
Skiathos is the only island of the Sporades with an international airport, the Skiathos Airport ‘Alexandros Papadiamantis’ (JSI). During the high season (May to October), the airport receives direct flights from many European cities. The main airlines operating these flights are Volotea, Vueling, TUI, EasyJet, Ryanair and Aegean Airlines.
Alternatively, you can fly to Athens and from there take an internal flight to Skiathos with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air. The flight time from Athens to Skiathos is approximately 40 minutes.
The ferry is the main means of travelling between the Sporades Islands and reaching the archipelago from the Greek mainland. The main ports of departure are:
Once in Skiathos, it is easy to travel to the other islands thanks to the frequent ferries and hydrofoils that connect the Sporades with each other. The journey times are:
The main shipping companies operating in the archipelago are Hellenic Seaways, ANES Ferries and Aegean Flying Dolphins. During the high season (July-August), it is advisable to book well in advance, especially if you intend to travel with a vehicle.
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