Sporades Islands
East of the Thessaly region on mainland Greece lie the four islands of the Sporades – Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skiros. They are becoming very popular and it is advisable to book early, especially in the high season. It is possible to reach these islands by either ferry or hydrofoil from Volos on the mainland, and from Kimi on Euboea. Skiathos and Skiros can also be reached by plane from Athens.
SKIATHOS: (Volos 41 nautical miles). Planted with pine trees and olive groves, Skiathos is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its indented coast with numerous sandy coves. The capital, Skiathos Town, was built in 1830 on two low hills. The seafront is lined with cafes and seafood restaurants, and there is a good marina. Numerous hotels, villas and private rooms provide seasonal accommodation, and the town’s bars and discos ensure a vibrant nightlife through summer. Boat trips take tourists around the island to visit the Blue Cave, the ruins of the medieval walled town of Kastro on the south coast, and the pebble beach of Lalaria. From Skiathos Town, a good road follows the southern coast with its many bays, to arrive at the renowned pine grove beach of Koukounaries.
There is an airport, providing daily flights to and from Athens the year round.
SKOPELOS: (Volos 58 nautical miles). This island has small bays, golden sands and slopes covered with pine forests, olive groves and plum trees (prunes are a local speciality). Less busy than Skiathos, it is known for its traditional architecture and tiny white chapels. The main settlement, Skopelos Town, is made up of narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and the Venetian Kastro (fortress). The island has numerous beaches, both of sand and pebble, and shallow waters safe for children.
There is an airport, providing daily flights to and from Athens during summer.
ALONISSOS: (Volos 62 nautical miles). The most distant and least populated island of the Sporades, the hills of Alonissos are covered with unspoilt woods. There are limited tourist facilities – a number of small hotels and private rooms to let. With only 10km (6 miles) of roads, the best way of getting about is by motorboat, sharing the fare. There are a number of good beaches, but as the coast has been declared a Marine Conservation Park, building development is forbidden.
SKIROS: (Kimi 25 nautical miles; Piraeus 118 nautical miles). The largest of the Sporades, Skiros lies far out from Volos and is most easily accessed from Kimi on Euboea. Tourist facilities are not particularly developed, though there are some beautiful sand beaches, good tavernas serving authentic seafood and local cheeses, and interesting craft shops. The main settlement, Skiros Town (also known as Horio) is made up of whitewashed cottages and narrow winding alleys, crowned by the hilltop Venetian Kastro (fortress). The Folklore Museum gives an excellent presentation of local handicrafts, and includes a reconstruction of a traditional house. Close to town lies the large sand beach of Magazia.
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