The Sporades Islands is the absolute destination for Island Hopping. Each island is an ultimately new challenge for your senses! Everyone loves them due to their pristine beaches and their pine-forests which gained international reputation in 2008 thanks to the movie Mamma Mia, mainly filmed on Skopelos Island. Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros are four islands scattered in the center of Aegean Sea, like an extension of the peninsula of Pelion – Magnesia. Each of these islands, along with its unique color, is going to captivate every traveler!
This small “paradise” of the Sporades is characterized by its verdant pine-plant landscape and it is famous thanks to its coastline and beaches with the crystal-clear waters. In addition, providing the proper features for a relaxing and hospitable atmosphere, it welcomes everyone to experience dreamy vacation!
The visitor is undoubtedly going to admire the long-standing history of the island. Skopelos is an island crossed with scenic paths for hiking lovers that lead one to amazing archeological and historical spots through ancient landmarks.
You may take a walk in the scenic Chora with its ascending cobblestone paths, the traditional houses and the flowering yards, ending to the port for unique gastronomic experiences, such as the “skopelian” cheese pie and the spoon sweet plum “avgato”.
The enormous advantage of Skiathos is nothing but its beaches, reaching about 75 and being distinctive for their clear blue waters and the verdant landscapes. Koukounaries has the natural shadow of the pines and is adjacent to Strofilia, a scenic lake considered as one of the most important wetlands in Greece. There, flamingos and endangered wild life may be often spotted, including sea turtles.
If you wish to learn more about local traditions, follow Papadiamantis street in Chora that leads to Papadiamantis’ house, one greatly beloved Greek novelist. At the verdant peninsula of Bourtzi, standing proudly between the two wonderful ports of Skiathos, you will meet a remote Venetian fort with fantastic view of archipelagos.
Alonissos is an attraction for divers who visit the island to explore the first Submarine Archaeological Museum of Greece on the islet of Peristera, where the exciting exhibits include the remains of a merchant ship, dated back in the 5th century B.C. Alonissos is also well-known for the first National Marine Park of Greece, the largest one in Europe. Sailing through crystal seas, you will discover hidden bays loved by the seals monachus monachus.
Travel in time inside the old town of Chora, from the ancient churches and the traditional stoned houses to the medieval castle and stop to admire the vast view from the sea. The rhythms here are mild, the distances are really small and most beaches are hidden between the pine-forests and the olive groves.
The 365 chapels, the famous recipes of lobster spaghetti and goat meat, the protected Skyrian small-bodied horses and the rich folklore offer the island a unique style that gains each visitor at first glance! Chora, the northeast part of Skyros, with the white houses built amphitheatrically on the hill and the imposing castle, almost chiseled on the rock, is definitely one of the most attractive places of the island.
Don’t miss the marine adventures! Nearby the port of Linaria, there is a complex of marine caves full of stalactites that can be explored through a trip by boat. In addition, you can embark on Ydrovatis, a small boat sailing to Sarakiniko island and to the most beautiful beaches of the island during a day trip. Visually, it offers scenes of an island consisted of wild beauty as well as scenes of a verdant island, synthesizing an extraordinary destination!
Useful Information
The Sporades are connected by ferry to the mainland from the ports of Volos, Mantoudi (Euboia), Kymi (Euboia), Thessaloniki and Aghios Konstantinos, while there is regular connection among them.
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