Sporades Islands
The Sporades islands are located in North and East of Evia and East and South East of the Pilion peninsula and they look like its extension. They are very close to the mainland because they are located at the Northern Sporades complex which consists of eleven islands and only four of them are inhabited: Sporades islands are rich with green pine forests and white sandy beaches. You can reach them from the port of Agios Constantinos and the city of Volos. There are frequent ferries and hydrofoils connecting these islands to the mainland and to each other.
Islands in Sporades Islands
Skiathos
Skopelos
Skyros
Alonnissos .
Sporades Islands Vacations – Attractions
SKIATHOS – Much of pine covered Skiathos is blessed with exquisite beaches of golden sand. Not surprisingly it is one of Greece’s premier resorts. The island has only one settlement, the port and capital, Skiathos Town, on the southeast coast. The north coast is precipitous and less accessible. Most people come to the island for the beaches and nightlife, but the truly curious will discover some picturesque walks, hidden valleys and quiet beaches. Skiathos town has twin harbors divided by Bourtzi islet, which is reached, by a narrow causeway.
SKOPELOS – This lush green paradise is heavily pine forested, the sheltered southeast coast harbors many beaches, most of which are pebbled, while the northwest is exposed with high cliffs. It lies between Skiathos and Alonissos. The tourist development has not affected its intensely traditional character. Skopelos Town is most captivating. It skirts a semi circular bay with dazzling white houses that and clambers in tiers up a hillside, culminating in a ruined fortress.
ALONNISOS – The water around this serene, green island has been declared a marine park, and is the cleanest in the Aegean. Every house has a cesspit, so no sewage enters the sea. Old Alonnisos is a tranquil picturesque place with lovely views. Most of the beaches are on the east coast, which means they avoid the strong summer meltemi winds. Kokkinokastro Beach was once the site of the ancient city Ikos; there are remains of the city walls and a necropolis under the sea.
SKYROS – Skyros is some distance from the rest of the group; it also has a different atmosphere, reminding you more of the Cyclades than the Sporades. Skyros Town is a striking, dazzling white town of flat-roofed Cycladic style houses draped over a high rocky bluff. The resort of Magazia is at the southern end of a splendid, long sandy beach; Molos is at the northern end of the beach. Beaches At Atsitsa, on the west coast, there is a tranquil pebble beach shaded by pines. To the north is the even less crowded beach of Kyra Panagia. At Pefkos there is another good but small beach and taverna. Farther east is the pebble and sand beach at Kalamitsa. Opposite, are the small, uninhabited islets of Valaxa and Skyropoulo.
Sporades Islands Activities: Go snorkeling or scuba diving around the famous Blue Cave or ride ponies through the wooded hills. You will undoubtedly see dolphins and possibly even the endangered Monk Seal when you go sailing round these islands.
Fishing is part of life there, water sea sports available at the most of the beaches. Ideal for the lovers of nature, hike through the trails, the dense pine forests and the historical churches.
