Sporades-Evia

A bit less known than the more famous and quite close Cyclades, the Sporades are incredibly beautiful, with lush greenery, fantastic beaches, an excellent climate, and all kinds of tourist services. These are complete islands but quite different from each other. Some focus more on entertainment and sports, while others offer relaxation and fantastic swims, perhaps in a protected marine area. Everywhere you can find ancient monuments, churches, and monasteries in abundance, and of course, the typical and genuine atmosphere of Greek villages. So, let's not be misled by their name, which in Greek means “scattered” and might suggest a handful of insignificant islands randomly distributed in the Aegean Sea: they are truly fascinating!

We can also include the large island of Euboea in this archipelago because it is located in the same stretch of sea and shares similar characteristics.

CONTENTS INDEX

List of the 9 reviewed Sporades islands
Map of the Sporades - Euboea islands
Which island to choose?
How to reach the Sporades - Euboea islands?
Where to stay in the Sporades - Euboea islands?
Which are the most beautiful according to us?
Which islands have an airport?
What is the climate like in the Sporades islands?
Which are suitable for families with children?
Which have the best sea and beaches?
Which are the best for nightlife?
Which are the most economical?
Which are the least touristy?
Which are the least windy?

List and Names of All 9 Reviewed Sporades Islands (Including Euboea)

Below you can find the list of all the 9 reviewed Sporades islands.

Clicking on an island will take you to the detailed guide containing information on how to reach it, where to stay, what to see, and which beaches to visit!

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Map of the Sporades - Euboea Islands

Where exactly are the Sporades islands? And Euboea? If we look at a map of Greece, we can locate them in the Northern Aegean Sea, near the coasts of Pelion in Thessaly. As for Euboea, we need to look a bit further south on the map, very close to the mainland from which it is only a short distance.

Now that we know where they are, we can understand why, given their geographical location, the Sporades are so lush, rich in water, and mountainous: simply because they have separated from the nearby green coasts. From a geographical standpoint, Euboea, in particular, is quite close to Athens, even though, in truth, the entire archipelago is not very far from it. Here we have reviewed 8 islands, plus Euboea, but the Sporades consist of 24 islands (many of which are uninhabited) and have been inhabited since the Paleolithic era.

The Sporades archipelago also includes a small sub-archipelago off the island of Alonissos, consisting particularly of Kyra Panagia, Ghioura, Peristera, and Skantzoura.

Sporades and Euboea Islands: Which to Choose?

If you are not familiar with the Sporades, where should you go the first time? Which one should you choose as your first approach to the archipelago? It is advisable to stay on one of the three largest, most touristy, and perhaps also the most beautiful islands. We are talking about Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos.

Besides being beautiful and offering various services, they are also well-connected by ferries, and Skiathos, in particular, also has an airport. Let’s briefly summarize the main features of these three islands.

Skiathos

The closest to the mainland, it can be chosen for a vacation filled with beautiful sea, sandy beaches, lots of greenery, interesting monasteries and architecture, and especially lots of entertainment. In summer, thanks to direct charter flights from many European cities, it is also conveniently accessible.

Skopelos

A somewhat chic but also tranquil island, very green, with many small churches and crystal-clear sea. For those who love villages, its very picturesque, white Chora is a delight.

Alonissos

For those seeking tranquility and a very clear sea with beautiful beaches, but especially with rich seabeds offering both archaeological remains and, for the luckiest, encounters with the monk seal. The island is located within an important marine park. The trips to the islands of its sub-archipelago are also interesting.

How to Reach the Sporades and Euboea Islands?

Skiathos is easily reachable by direct flight from many European cities, and Skyros as well, although with a stopover in Athens. For all other islands, the journey might be a bit longer, but the destination will make up for the extra efforts. Here are the main ways to reach them:

Flight

Directly by plane only to Skiathos, which is the only one with an international airport. In high season, direct charter flights operate from many European cities. For the list of Greek islands with airports, you can refer to the article “Which Greek Islands Have Airports and Are Accessible by Plane?”.

International Flight + Domestic Flight

By plane to Athens (Elefthérios Venizélos International Airport) and then, still by plane (maximum 100 seats), with a short domestic flight to Skiathos (if a direct flight was not found) or Skyros, which has only an airport for domestic flights. The latter is also reachable by flight from Thessaloniki (Makedonia International Airport).

Flight + Ferry

By plane to Skiathos (Alexandros Papadiamantis International Airport) or, with a stopover, to Volos (Nea Anchialos National Airport) and then by ferry. The Sporades islands are reached by sea from the ports of Agios Konstantinos or Volos.

Flight + Train

For the island of Euboea, there is also the option of flying to Athens (Elefthérios Venizélos International Airport) and then continuing the journey by train.

Car + Ferry

By car (or other private means such as a motorcycle or camper) to the departure port. Travellers from Western Europe can take a ferry from Adriatic ports (such as Venice, Ancona, Bari, or Brindisi in Italy) to Igoumenitsa or Patras. Those from Northern or Eastern Europe can drive to Greece via the Balkans. From the mainland, it is over 300 km to reach Volos or Agios Konstantinos and board the ferry to the destination island. For the more distant Skyros, ferries also depart from the port of Kimi on the island of Euboea, which in turn can be reached either by land (it is connected by a bridge) or by sea from several mainland ports opposite it.

Where to Stay in the Sporades - Euboea Islands?

After choosing the Sporades island for our vacation, we need to decide where to stay. Accommodation options range from magnificent resorts to simple campsites, hotels and lodges of every category, tourist villages, and especially studios, typical of Greek hospitality.

Regarding luxury accommodation, meaning resorts with every comfort and the possibility to enjoy excellent entertainment and sports, the best-equipped islands are Skiathos and Skopelos.

If you are looking for campsites, the choices are: Skiathos, Alonissos, and Euboea. It should be noted that wild camping is prohibited in Greece, but on some islands, it is still tolerated, as long as it is done with respect for the environment and people. It is strictly forbidden on the islets of the Alonissos sub-archipelago because they are located within a protected marine park.

Hotels and lodges of every category are available on almost all the major islands. The most characteristic accommodations remain the studios. These are small lodgings (studio or one-bedroom apartments) that are very charming and in the typical local style. They are generally inexpensive and family-run, simply but functionally and pleasantly furnished. They always have a kitchenette, which can be very useful if you long for a plate of spaghetti! Some studio stays also include breakfast, and if the owners have a garden, they often provide guests with their fruit and vegetables. It is not uncommon to make friends with both the hosts, who are usually friendly and helpful, and the neighboring guests thanks to the friendly atmosphere that is easily created.

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The Most Beautiful Sporades Islands According to Us

As already mentioned, the Sporades islands that we recommend as a first choice are: Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos. We consider them the most beautiful from a landscape perspective but also the most easily accessible. Giving wise advice on where to go on vacation is always difficult, especially because everyone has their own needs. However, the three most famous islands of this archipelago are truly beautiful. One is more lively, one is more fashionable, and the other is more naturalistic. Moreover, they are close to each other, so it is possible to visit more than one.

A separate discussion might be needed for Euboea: very large, very varied in terms of landscape, tranquil, and mostly frequented by Greeks. Returning to our three favorites, let's see what to absolutely see or do once you arrive on the island.

Skiathos

Visit its beautiful Chora, walk along the sandy beaches and swim in the crystal-clear sea, but also enjoy many entertainments in a cosmopolitan environment.

Skopelos

Visit the very white Chora as well as the many scattered churches and monasteries, swim in the very clear sea, walk amidst the greenery, and enjoy entertainment, especially of the fashionable kind.

Alonissos

Enjoy many swims with a mask and snorkel or diving to discover the beauties of the seabed of its sea within the largest marine park in the Mediterranean, which also includes all the islets of its sub-archipelago (reachable with daily trips).

Sporades Islands with Airports

The only Sporades islands reachable by plane are two: Skiathos with direct flights and Skyros with a stopover.

Regarding Skiathos, its airport is the Alexandros Papadiamantis International Airport (JSI), located 2 km from the main town. In high season, there might also be direct charter flights from many European cities to the island. Generally, Skiathos can be reached directly from the Italian airports of Milan (Malpensa), Naples (Capodichino), Venice (Marco Polo), Bari (Karol Wojtyla), Verona (Valerio Catullo), Turin (Sandro Pertini), and Pisa (San Giusto).

Regarding Skyros, its airport (Skyros Island – SKU) is only for domestic flights and is located 17 km from the main town. From Italy, it is reachable only with a stopover in Athens (Elefthérios Venizélos - ATH) or Thessaloniki (Makedonia – SKG). The domestic flight is short, but the planes have a maximum capacity of about 100 seats.

Climate, Weather, and Temperatures in the Sporades - Euboea Islands

The climate in the Sporades-Euboea islands, as in all Greek archipelagos, is Mediterranean: winters are not excessively cold but often cloudy and rainy, while summers are mostly dry and sunny. Both air and sea temperatures do not generally fluctuate excessively and remain within acceptable values.

The islands close to the mainland are somewhat affected by this proximity and are more subject to slightly lower temperatures in winter and more frequent rains. The best months for swimming are July, August, and September.

Let's see now, month by month, the average temperatures and other weather information:

Month	Air Temperature	Precipitation	Sea Temperature
January	2°-10°	frequent	15°
February	3°-11°	frequent	14°
March	4°-13°	medium	14°
April	7°-17°	few	15°
May	11°-23°	few	18°
June	15°-27°	none	21°
July	18°- 29°	none	23°
August	18°-29°	none	24°
September	15°-26°	few	23°
October	11°-20°	frequent	21°
November	8°-16°	medium	18°
December	4°-12°	frequent	16°

Sporades Islands Suitable for Families with Children

Saying whether an island is suitable for families with children, or rather recommending one in particular, is not easy. Similarly, if the children are curious and accommodating, any place can be a good choice. A destination is usually considered suitable for children when it offers easy access, a pleasant natural environment without dangers, suitable entertainment and sports, curiosities or characteristic places to visit. For more anxious parents, or with somewhat frail children, the presence of a medical clinic, if not an actual hospital, can be a source of relaxation. As for accommodation and dining, there should never be any problems: the food is not spicy or particularly “exotic” and the accommodation facilities in the Sporades-Euboea are clean and functional.

To narrow down the choice, we have selected some islands where perhaps not all the required characteristics coexist but which will be appreciated by both children and parents for their beauty, sense of freedom, possibility of relaxation, but also of fun.

Skiathos

The island has many beautiful sandy beaches that are easily accessible, it can be reached with a direct flight from Italy, the sea is crystal clear, it is very popular and therefore ideal for making new friends. There are many accommodation options, and there is also a small hospital.

Alonissos

For families with children who love nature, swimming with a mask and snorkel to discover underwater wonders, and having fantastic swims during boat trips to the islets of the marine park, perhaps hoping to spot the monk seal. Reachable by plane to Skiathos and then quickly by ferry or hydrofoil. It has a medical clinic.

Skyros

A slightly less obvious choice, recommended for families with children looking for tranquility rather than entertainment and animation. It can be reached by flight, although with a stopover, and has a medical clinic. An adventure vacation for families seeking contact with nature away from the more touristy islands of this beautiful archipelago.

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Sporades Islands with the Most Beautiful Sea and White Beaches

In Greece, the sea and beaches are generally beautiful; in the Sporades-Euboea in particular, you can find fantastic beaches with white sand and crystal-clear, colorful, and gently sloping seas. Let's see where you can find the most beautiful sea with the whitest beaches in this famous archipelago. Since each island has more than one bay for swimming, we will highlight at least the most beautiful and suggestive beaches on the main islands.

Skiathos

Koukounaries, Banana Beach, Little Banana Beach, Lalaria.

Skopelos

Panormos, Milia.

Alonissos

Chrissi Milia, Kokkinokastro, Leptos Gialos, Agios Dimitrios.

Skyros

Agios Fokas, Pefkos.

Euboea

Chiladou, Limnionas, Kotsikia, Pefki.

Sporades Islands for Those Seeking Fun and Nightlife

A vacation in the Sporades dedicated to fun mainly means a vacation in Skiathos. There are several nightclubs, beach bars for night parties, and especially many disco bars. The nightlife is mainly found in Chora and the old port. The entertainment is enjoyable and not over the top.

Even in Skopelos, an island that is definitely more trendy, young people can have fun at beach parties or in the many bars at the port.

Most Affordable Sporades Islands for Those on a Budget

If you're curious to visit one of the Sporades islands or Euboea but aren't sure if it's within your budget, you can relax. There are more affordable islands within the archipelago, but even on the more expensive ones, you can always find a "low-cost" solution if you start your search early enough.

When planning expenses, the cost of travel is certainly an important factor, and to evaluate it, several items need to be considered:

traveling by motorcycle/car/camper/bus
ferries with or without a vehicle
international and/or domestic flights
renting a vehicle on the island
accommodations
etc...

The following articles have addressed the topic and provide specific references to the Sporades-Euboea:

For accommodation, aside from tent and sleeping bag, the most economical option is always choosing one of the many "studios" available on all the islands. These are small apartments equipped with a kitchenette and usually family-run.

In the Sporades-Euboea archipelago, we consider the less touristy islands to be more affordable: Skopelos and certainly Euboea.

Skopelos

For those who love daytime tranquility and some nighttime fun, crystal-clear sea, greenery, beautiful villages, and can do without sandy beaches.

Euboea

For a vacation discovering diverse landscapes where you can relax, enjoy a beautiful sea, and search for archaeological sites.

Less Touristy and More Tranquil Sporades Islands

The Sporades-Euboea archipelago is not particularly overrun by tourism, so most of its islands are relaxing. For a slow-paced vacation, just choose from the less touristy and more tranquil islands of the archipelago. Let's see some brief suggestions for deciding on which Sporades-Euboea island, among the less touristy, to spend pleasant days by the sea.

Euboea

For those who are never idle on vacation and love seeing many beautiful places. The island is indeed very large and, being sparsely populated, offers a lot of tranquility.

Skyros

For those who love living in contact with nature, bird watching, or snorkeling, perhaps exploring the most unspoiled areas of the island and then strolling through its beautiful Chora in the evening.

Alonissos

For those who want to spend a vacation with a mask and snorkel, exploring fascinating and fish-rich seabeds in the tranquility of a slightly wild island with beautiful sea.

Less Windy Sporades - Euboea Islands

Due to their position in the middle of the sea, all the islands are exposed to winds. However, in this archipelago, the renowned and often feared Meltemi is less strong than in the Cyclades where it is at its best. In search of islands that are less exposed to summer winds, one can stop at Skiathos and Skopelos, particularly sheltered along the southwest coasts.