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- Two Week Sporades
Sailing in the Sporades Islands is terrific thanks to the regular summer Meltemi wind. This area is perfect for those of you looking to really get a heel on! The unbeatable combination of gin clear water, great wind and beautiful beaches is a timeless combination that sailors just can't seem to resist - we can't think why!
Sail from Skiathos Town (just two minutes from the airport) and explore Skopelos, Alonissos and Kyra Panagia to name a few of the 24 islands! A swim stop at the beautiful island, famed as the set of the Mamma Mia film on Skopelos Island, is a must.
The summer months in the Sporades are dry and warm with temperatures reaching highs of 26 degrees even in May! Prevailing winds are from the north (sometimes NW) providing fantastic sailing conditions. The Sporades in general enjoy a warm summer with temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees in July and August.
With the stunning clarity of the water and the beautiful bays in the more remote islands that lie further east, our favourite feature of this route is spending the occasional night cooking aboard, rather than dining ashore. These nights are spent anchored in uninhabited, sheltered bays, with just the twinkle of starlight above you. The only sound is of water lapping on the beach and the tinkle of bells from wandering goats! This is a most satisfying and relaxing way to enjoy these outer islands.
When you arrive at the base you'll be met by our local partners who will handle your check-in. Once all the paperwork is complete you'll be shown to your boat and after a quick briefing it's over to you! Time to relax (might we suggest with a cold beer?).
There's plenty to do on your first night in Skiathos, once the sun has set over the white washed houses the bars and restaurants that line the waterfront come alive and have stunning views across the bay. We highly recommend a walk up to the Windmill Restaurant for the most terrific views in the whole town. It is a little pricey but a great spot for a special occasion or to celebrate the first or last night of holiday!
From Skiathos a great first sail is over to Loutraki on the island of Skopelos. It's around 10 miles away which means plenty of time for a lazy lunch and swim stop. Be sure to explore Glossa (the small town above Loutraki), which is up on a hill, giving some specatular views of the island particularly at sunset.
Skiathos Island
Loutraki
From Loutraki a great next day is to head to buzzing Skopelos Town - a spot not to be missed! If any of your crew are fans of the Mamma Mia movie, a sail around the north of the island and a lunch stop at the famous church in the film, is a must!
From Skopelos you can sail over to Alonissos island. Alonissos is a hidden gem of an island with its rugged landscape. This is the start of the National Marine Park that is home to the aptly named Mediterranean Monk Seal. Ensure you keep an eye out for them as well as dolphins!
You can anchor on the north side of the island to access Alonissos Old Town on the hill, but ensure you check the weather, as these bays are open to the prevailing wind. Another alternative is a stop at either Steni Vala or Patitiri where you can get a short taxi up to the old town. Steni Vala is a gorgeous, peaceful town with a scenic beach and just a handful of traditonal tavernas.
Skopelos Island
Loutraki
Steni Vala
Alonissos
From the sleepy town of Steni Vala on Alonissos why not head north to the beautiful and largely uninhabited island of Kyra Panayia. Choose from the Southern or Northern bays for good shelter and a peaceful night under the stars.
Planitis Bay is great for swimming and watching the sunset. If you want to explore, there's a monastery on the east coast of the island and the whole island is a nature reserve so there's plenty of wildlife around.
From Kyra Panayia Island we recommend heading back down to Peristeri. This sail back south from Kyra Panayia is between 20-30 miles depending on whether you circumnavigate the island of Yioura for a lunch stop. You can choose from either Vasiliko or Xero bay to moor up in over night before heading back to civilisation.
Steni Vala
Kyra Panagia
Peristeri
If you're not quite ready to return to the beaten track and the bright lights of the towns head southeast to Skantzoura. The beaches here are stunning, as are the many secret coves. If you like exploring there's a former monastery, an old vineyard and some abandoned stables all lying waiting to be discovered!
Once you've seen Skantzoura (a good lunch stop) it is only a 12 mile sail back to Patitiri on the island of Alonissos for another peaceful day. If you didn't manage it on the sail east make the effort to visit Allonissos Old Town. The views are stunning. We highly recommend drinks at Piano Bar where (as the name suggests) there is live music in the summer. Our favourite taverna is a small unassuming spot above the supermarket. It doesn't sound like much but this is some of the best greek food we have ever tasted!
Patitiri
Alonissos
Skantzoura
From Patitiri it's only a short sail back round to the island of Skopelos. Neo Klima is a relatively new village built around 30 years ago after an earthquake destroyed the original village Palio Klima. The new village was moved to the seaside in order to devlop tourism on the island. There are some lovely restaurants and bars to explore as well two narrow pebble beaches.
A great final night or lunchtime stop is Koukounaries Beach on Skiathos Island. The beach is golden, spotlessly clean and surrounded by pine forests. If you are visiting in May or October you'll likely find it a beautifully empty sandy haven. During peak season there are a number of watersports available from the beach and if you want a partying the night away nearby Banana Beach has DJ's on all night long.
On your last day it's time to head back to base. It is a good idea to get back to the marina between 4 & 6pm. This gives you plenty of time to make the most of one final evening of fun, before watching the sunset on a fantastic week of sailing!
Skiathos Island
Neo Klima
Koukounaries
Below is an indication of the yachts that will sail on this flotilla. Please call us on 020 8459 8787 to check live availability.
Our Shore to Sail holidays are a combination of a one or two week flotilla sailing holiday with another relaxing week or two ashore.
These holidays will appeal to those who enjoy sailing but have family or friends who are not quite so enthusiastic about sailing - a compromise can now be made!
Most people opt for a week of sailing followed by a week of winding down on shore. However it is entirely up to you to do what you want to do (and when!)
The Iris Hotel has been a popular choice for flotilla sailors for many years. This accommodation option will fit in with any of our flotillas starting and finishing on Lefkas Island. The hotel itself is a small family run hotel located close to Nidri Town. It has a combination of studio rooms for two or three people and apartments that can sleep up to 4.
The Salvator Spa Hotel is perched in the hills above Parga town and is a slightly more luxurious offering. The rooms on offer range from the Deluxe Room for two people, up to the Superior 2 Room Villa for up to 6 people. The hotel itself has an excellent restaurant, pool and spa facilities and all villas come with their own private pool.
Our brand new villa in Sivota on Lefkas is exclusive to Sailing Holidays Ltd. Built with families and groups in mind, the 3 double bedrooms all feature en-suite bathrooms. Built into the hill the ground floor level comprises of the master bedroom, a large kitchen and living space. On the same level you will find a huge outdoor seating area and a private pool.
