Everything you ever needed to know about

Sailing Yacht Charter in Greece

These islands lie to the north and east of Evia (Greece's second largest island) and to the east and south east of the Pelion Peninsula on the mainland - the nearest mainland city is Volos, from where Jason is said to have set sail in the Argo in mythological times. They are very green islands, Skopelos having more pine tree forest than any other island (70%), and quite mountainous. In addition, they are reported by many to have the best beaches in Greece - Koukounaries on Skiathos is famous for its long golden sandy beach - and it is also believed that only here will you find something to suit everyone.
There are 11 islands altogether, only four of which are habited: Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros. The minor islets offer great sailing locations and beaches. The first two of these islands have quite a lot of international tourism annually, (Skiathos has its own international airport), but the latter are less commercially developed and have managed to retain most of their original cultural identity.
For sailors they are an ideal location for one week or two week sailing charters - see suggested itinerary. For even longer charters it would be possible to sail across the Aegean and visit the Eastern Sporades (Limnos, Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria and Patmos) on the west coast of Asia Minor. We intend to be covering these islands next month.

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Getting there

By air: International charter flights direct to Skiathos operate between April and October from most European cities. Sometimes fifteen flights or more daily arriving. Please see your local travel agent. Also domestic flights operate from Athens airport. Please visit: www.olympic-airways.gr for more information about these. Skyros (Skiros) airport also receives domestic flights and the occasional charter flight from northern Europe. The mainland city of Volos has a nearby airport (Nea Ancheallos) which also receives the odd international charter flight, but until now its main emphasis has been as an airforce base. This is thought to be changing and more commercial flights are expected in the future.

By ferry / fast ferry / hydrofoil: Connections to Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros operate from Thessaloniki in the north, Volos, central Greece, and Ag. Konstantinos, near Evia for Athens connections. The Hellas Flying Dolphins (hydrofoils and Jet Ferries) have the fastest routes and operate several times daily in high season. For further details please visit: www.dolphins.gr

By bus / train: From Athens Terminal B bus station there are regular buses to Ag. Konstantinos (2 hrs) that link up directly to the ferry or hydrofoil connection. Bus to Volos is 4 hours from Athens and 3 hours from Thessaloniki. Trains run frequently from Athens Larissis station for above destinations. Further details from www.ose.gr

By taxi: Many taxi companies are willing to do long distance journeys for a reasonable fee, but it is better to arrange this in advance. In some cases, yacht charter companies offer to provide this service if you need it.

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Sailing information

These islands get the Meltemi from the NNE, but not as badly as some islands further south. On the whole they are protected on their southern coasts, an area which makes for excellent sailing from beginners level through to intermediate.

Skiathos is separated from the mainland by a narrow channel called Stenon Skiathou. Lefteris rock is clearly marked by a light and floating buoy. The current is usually south through the channel at about 1 knot. Koukounaries harbour and beach, SE corner of the island, conspicuous by its large hotel, offers good shelter and mooring. Anchor on the mole if their is room or in the bay. The next bay along is Ormos Platania, again with good holding and shelter. Conspicuous rocks approaching. Skiathos main town is identifiable by its lighthouse and cluster of small islands. Go stern or bows-to on the quay beyond the ferry boats or the pontoon. A new marina is being built for 2003 which will probably increase fees but will provide better facilities. You can anchor in the bay but make sure you stay away from the prohibited area under the flight path. The bottom is mud, sand and weed and offers good holding.

For further details about sailing around these islands see our suggested itinerary.

Further links to sites of interest in the Sporades:
www.volos-m.gr - information about the city of Volos at the foot of Mount Pelion
www.port-volos.gr - information about the port of Volos
skiathosinfo.com - all the information you need about Skiathos island
skopelos.net - a truly informative site with everything you ever needed to know about Skopelos island
www.skopelosweb.gr/skopelos.html - plenty of good information about Skopelos island
www.greekisland.co.uk - find detailed information about every Greek island, not just the Sporades
www.greekislands.com - a beautiful site with everything you need to know about the Greek islands

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