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The Sporades
The Sporades are the Greek islands of Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros, and this page has information on hotels, restaurants, and what to do.
Even within such a small group as the Sporades, with only four major islands, there is a great deal of diversity… and yes, they are ‘Sporadic’, as the name means ‘scattered’ in Greek. They have all been opened to tourism to varying degrees, in roughly inverse proportion to their size. The smallest, Skiathos, is by far the busiest and has the best beaches, while the largest, Skyros, is the one that most retains its traditional Greek feel.
The islands were once extensions of the Pelion peninsula, and like that part of the mainland they are green and thickly-wooded with pine trees. The lushness does mean that mosquitoes can be more of a problem here than in the drier islands further south in the Aegean, so come prepared.
Not that mosquitoes prevent the crowds from rushing to Skiathos in high summer, and if you want any of its superb beaches to yourself you will have to visit in the spring or autumn. Another option is to take the ferry to the neighbouring island of Skopelos, which is scenically much more dramatic (making it a good base for walkers) and with beaches almost as good as on Skiathos. Yet somehow it has escaped, so far, the worst excesses of tourism that have blighted its little brother.
Alonnisos is an unusual island, long and thin with few roads, it was left behind in the tourist boom though many foreigners, notably from Germany, bought property here either to live in cheaply or to start up tiny businesses. Alonnisos has many small islets around it, and it is here that is home to Europe’s rarest animal, the Mediterranean monk seal. In 1992 the Greek government created the country’s first National Marine Park here, to protect the seals and bring eco-tourism to Alonnisos.
Finally there is Skyros, where old customs and costumes survive, helped by the fact that it is remote from the other islands, and harder to get to from Athens and the mainland. Whether that will survive now that a new airport has opened remains to be seen.
Click on the image below to take you to the specific page for each of the Sporades islands:
Be sure to see our page of Pictures of Skiathos!
Other Sporades pages
Skyros in the Sporades Islands of Greece
Travel advice and information on Skyros in the Sporades islands, with details of ferries and flights, and the best things to do on Skyros in Greece.
Skopelos in the Sporades Islands of Greece
Travel advice and information on Skopelos in the Sporades islands, with details of ferries and flights, and the best things to do on Skopelos in Greece.
Skiathos in the Sporades Islands
Travel advice and information on Skiathos in the Sporades islands, with details of ferries and flights, and the best things to do on Skiathos in Greece.
Pictures of Skiathos
This page of pictures of Skiathos in the Sporades by photographer Nick Karvounis will help you decide whether you want to visit this beautiful Greek island.
Northern Greece Guide
The Bradt Guide to Northern Greece is a detailed guide to Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Macedonia, Thrace, The Pelion, The Sporades and the rest of Northern Greece.
Best Things to do on Skiathos
The best things to do on Skiathos include seeing Skiathos Town, enjoying its beautiful beaches, hiking in the forests, and visiting ancient monasteries.
Best Beaches on Skiathos
The best beaches on Skiathos are the best in the Sporades, and some of the best in the Greek islands, ranging from busy and crowded to quiet and remote beaches.
Alonissos in the Sporades Islands of Greece
Travel advice and information on Alonissos in the Sporades in the Greek islands, with details of ferries and flights, and the best things to do on Alonissos.
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Latest Posts
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Storm Elias continues, bringing heavy showers and thunderstorms until Thursday
Sep 27, 23 01:24 PM
The Elias weather system was affecting several parts of the country on Tuesday, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail and lightning. -
EasyJet Launches New Route and Package Holidays to Skiathos
Sep 27, 23 04:07 AM
British low-cost carrier EasyJet and tour operator easyJet holidays have announced the launch of flights and holidays to Skiathos from London Gatwick, Bristol and Manchester for next summer. -
Highway to Athens from Eleonas Toll re-opened to traffic
Sep 27, 23 03:44 AM
The highway to Athens from the Eleonas Toll Station was opened to traffic by opening a lane on the opposite side of the road following its closure due to mudslides. -
This Less-Visited Region In Southern Greece Has Stunning Beaches & Almost No Crowds
Sep 27, 23 03:44 AM
On my first visit to the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece, I don’t remember what exactly prompted me to jump in a rental car and start exploring. I do remember the route: it was a narrow road… -
Best Restaurants on Mykonos
Sep 23, 23 07:06 AM
Greece Travel Secrets picks its best restaurants on Mykonos, choosing those gourmet restaurants known for their fine dining, and some with tasting menus. -
Things to Do on Mykonos
Sep 23, 23 06:21 AM
There are plenty of things to do on Mykonos, one of the most popular Greek islands, such as nightlife, beaches, churches and visiting the ancient site of Delos. -
Mykonos
Sep 23, 23 06:18 AM
Mykonos in the Cyclades islands in Greece has cheap and luxury hotel accommodation, car rental, ferries from Athens, Santorini, Crete and other Greek islands. -
Tsikoudia: Cretan Raki and the Taste of Tradition
Sep 23, 23 04:06 AM
With its distinctive fruity aromas, tsikoudia is more than just a drink - it is a symbol of conviviality, hospitality, and the rich heritage of Crete. -
New Maria Callas Museum to Open Soon
Sep 23, 23 04:06 AM
A museum dedicated to the legendary Greek opera singer Maria Callas, located in the heart of Athens, will open its doors to the public later this year.
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