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Fishing boats at Pegadi

The Aegean islands of the northern Sporades are ever popular with tourists looking to enjoy their golden sands, crystal clear waters and quaint little villages. Compared to the more southern islands of the Aegean, the northern Sporades are lush places with forests reaching all the way to the beaches, enchanting even the most demanding visitor. The close distances between the islands make it ideal for a short hop, quick stop stay.

Milina is a small, attractive seaside village located on the eastern shores of the Gulf of Volos. Attractive tavernas spill out onto either side of the coastal road running through the village which remains a quiet area unspoilt by tourism. The village has a few local stores for provisioning and a good pharmacy and medical centre locally.

The Sunsail base is located in the tranquil waters of Porto Vathudi, nestling in the lee of the island of Alatas being sheltered from the prevailing winds and the open fetch of the Gulf. Our yachts are located next to the small local boatyard on the outskirts of Milina. It has its own private floating pontoon dock on which all our yachts are moored.

Cruising notes

The Gulf of Volos
The waters in the Gulf tend to be sheltered, with some idyllic spots to anchor for the night. It is from here that Jason set sail on the Argo in search of the Golden Fleece. Make sure you visit the harbours and villages of the Trikeri peninsula at the southern end of the Gulf of Volos, before setting sail to explore further afeild.

Paleo Trikeri and Pegadi
On the south side of Paleo Trikeri island is a fishing village of the same name. The nearby port of Trikeri has spectacular scenery and makes an impressive backdrop to an overnight anchorage. On the west side of the Gulf is the little village of Pegadi. It is well worth a walk up to the old lookout tower of Achilles for a spectacular view of the Gulf and the Skiathos channel.

Orei
In Hellenic times, Orei, on northern Evia was an important maritime city and the Acropolis above the harbour stands as a reminder. Now a busy little village, Orei still has a good harbour wall to moor up to and many tavernas and cafes just a short stroll from the quay. Fresh fish abound in the restaurants and you can buy almost anything you need in the many local shops.

Skiathos
The most widely known island of Sporades group, Skiathos is also the smallest – approx 8 miles long. Skaithos has developed touristically at a faster and more advanced rate than the others, due partly to the islands airport, but mainly because of its stunning natural beauty. Like the other islands Skiathos is extremely green, but it also has an abundance of fine, sandy beaches stretching all along the south facing coast offering fabulously clean seas, golden sand and watersports. Skiathos also offers a riding school and a tennis club with clay courts.

Despite the fact that the island and some of its beaches can be busy in high season, it’s still possible to escape from the crowds by sailing along Skiathos’ north coast. More rugged than the south, this area has hardly been developed and there are some lovely natural beaches only accessible under sail. From this coast the views out over the ocean are breathtaking.

Sailing from Skiatos you have access to an area extending from the Gulf of Volos throughout all the Sporades Islands to Skyros. (Skyros is no longer part of the official sailing area, although yachts can visit providing they sign a waiver).

Skopelos
The largest of the Sporades, Skopelos is the capital with the ‘chora’ or main town of Skopelos considered to be one of the prettiest harbour side towns in the Greek islands; its houses are built in tiers ascending up the hills from the port and many hours can be spent wandering the narrow cobblestone streets, discovering hidden courtyards and Byzantine churches (there are over 120 in the town alone!).

The island has a wide selection of beaches, most of which are situated along the southern coast and on your yacht you’ll be able to discover the tiny sandy coves shared only with a few seagulls.

Alonissos
A long narrow island, Alonissos offers even more seclusion and peace than Skopelos making it the perfect island for nature-lovers and those seeking the delights of a simple Greek island. Some of the island women still wear the traditional outfit of headscarf, long full skirt with a white apron and many fishermen can be seen in their brightly painted ‘caiques’ using the same methods as their grandfathers.

The main town of Patitiri is an essentially sleepy harbour side settlement with cafes and tavernas overlooking the comings and goings of the ferries and fishing boats.
Perched high above the main town is the old chora of Alonissos, a pretty, traditional hilltop village which has been slowly and faithfully been renovated following its partial destruction in a 1960’s earthquake.

The seas around Alonissos have National Marine Park status to protect the local endangered species’ including the Mediterranean Monk seal. If you are lucky, you might spot one on the small deserted islands to the north of Alonissos.

Pelagos
Pelagos and the surrounding islands of Skantzoura and Yioura are steeped in history and uninhabited except for wild goats. Visit Cyclops’ Cave on Yioura or head to Skantzoura, the island furthest east for some great daytime coves in which to anchor at for lunch and a swim.

On Pelagos, if you anchor in the aptly named Monastery Bay on the east side of the Island, you can climb a flight of steep winding stairs up to the now deserted 12th c. monastery several hundred feet above. This old monastery was founded by the monks from Mount Athos in the Byzantine period and is now looked after by a friendly caretaker and his dog. A tough climb but well worth it for the view!