Why settle for one beautiful Greek island when you can have three?! Island hopping in the Greek Sporades is an experience you won’t forget.
Skiathos
Skiathos is known as the ‘boomerang island’ because once visited, people just keep going back! Home to a beautiful coastline with some 60 plus beaches Skiathos has something for everyone. As well as clubs and bars to suit all tastes, it offers the historic old settlement of Kastro where the now only surviving monastery on the island sells its own wine, honey and oil.
The beaches are stunning and some of the most romantic sunsets can be seen at Agia Eleni beach or you could venture further north to Krifi Ammos for seclusion and crystal-clear waters. The beaches in the north tend to be less crowded as they are less easily accessible – you may need to hire a jeep, quad bikes or be prepared for a walk. The more popular tourist beaches such as Koukounaries and Kanapitsa are in the south and offer a wide variety of water sports.
You should include Skiathos in your island trip – it’s not called the ‘boomerang island’ for nothing!
Skopelos
Skopelos is the largest of the Sporades islands and made popular by the 2008 movie, Mamma Mia. Who can forget the tiny whitewashed chapel (the church of Agios Ioannis Kastri) where more than one ‘wedding’ took place!
Skopelos town is characterised by tiny streets, up to 140 religious buildings and café bars perched above the sea offering stunning views. Platonas Square is known particularly for souvlaki and gyros (Greek kebabs) not to mention the local cheese pie.
The western side of the island has beautiful beaches such as Panormos. This is a popular choice for families because the water isn’t too deep and there are tavernas right on the beach. The white sands of Limnonari beach are hidden in a cove, and the ‘Mamma Mia beach’ of Kastani is picture postcard perfect.
Alonissos
Alonissos is the most remote of the Sporades and surrounded by waters rich with marine life, including dolphins, so areas around the island are part of the protected National Marine Park. The waters contain a number of shipwrecks, and in fact in 2021 a wreck dating back to 400BC, Peristera, will be opened up for scuba diver to explore.
This is a traditional and unspoilt Greek island which remains uncommercialized – you won’t see many souvenir shops here. It has a rugged interior with acres of pine trees nestled alongside olive groves, fig and plum trees. The small bays and beaches are truly beautiful and create a feeling of quiet isolation. This is certainly an island to visit if you are looking for a peaceful paradise!
There are so many beautiful Greek islands to experience; these are a very small sample. The combination of sun, sea, fantastic food and the friendly Greek welcome ensures that they will be a popular destination for years to come.
As a Personal Travel Consultant, I am able to organise fantastic holidays all over the world that are completely ABTA and ATOL protected. Also being part of the Hays Travel Group, I have the backing and resource of the largest independent travel group in the UK – meaning great service and prices!