Sporades Yacht Charter | Greece's Green Sailing Paradise

Sporades Sailing: Blue Waters, Green Islands and Relaxed Cruising

The Sporades region is among Greece's most beautiful yet underrated yacht charter destinations. Scattered across the northern Aegean Sea, these lush, pine-covered islands and the nearby mainland offer a refreshing contrast to the drier Cyclades, combining crystal-clear water, sheltered anchorages, traditional fishing villages and some of the country's finest beaches.

With reliable summer sailing breezes, relatively short passages (with optional longer ones) and excellent natural protection, the Sporades are ideal for families, couples and crews seeking a relaxed sailing holiday without sacrificing variety. Add in charming waterfront tavernas, fascinating history and the protected Northern Sporades Marine Park, and it's easy to see why many sailors return time and again.

Top Places to Visit on a Sporades Yacht Charter

Most Sporades yacht charters begin from the island of Skiathos, which is easily reached by seasonal international flights or via Athens and the Greek mainland. The lively harbour town is well worth exploring before casting off, with excellent restaurants, attractive waterfront cafés and the historic Moni Evangelistria monastery overlooking the island from the hills above.

A short sail west brings you to Skopelos, famous for its traditional whitewashed villages, forested hillsides and sheltered bays. The island offers a delightful balance of authentic Greek charm, beautiful swimming anchorages and welcoming waterfront tavernas. Fans of the film Mamma Mia! will also recognise several locations around the island.

Further east lies Alonissos, home to the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades, one of Europe's largest protected marine reserves. Quiet anchorages around Patitiri, Steni Vala, Peristera and nearby Kyra Panagia provide some of the region's most memorable overnight stops, with exceptional swimming, snorkelling and opportunities to spot Mediterranean monk seals and other marine life.

Venture Further Afield

For crews chartering over two weeks, the Sporades offer rewarding opportunities to explore beyond the main island group.

Skyros, the southernmost island, rewards the longer passage with attractive harbours, traditional villages and a distinctly authentic atmosphere. Along the way, the remote island of Skantzoura provides a peaceful overnight anchorage.

To the west, the Pagasetic Gulf and the city of Volos introduce another dimension to your charter. Explore the beautiful Magnesia Peninsula, visit the tranquil island of Trikeri or enjoy the rich history associated with Jason and the Argonauts before returning to the islands.

Experienced crews with sufficient time may even continue north towards the spectacular Chalkidiki Peninsula, where dramatic coastlines, secluded anchorages and traditional fishing villages provide a fitting finale to an unforgettable sailing adventure.

Ideal Sailing Conditions

The Sporades enjoy reliable summer sailing conditions between May and October. Afternoon sea breezes provide enjoyable sailing throughout the season, while the surrounding islands offer plenty of sheltered anchorages should stronger Meltemi winds develop.

Compared with the Cyclades, sailing is generally less demanding, making the Sporades an excellent choice for competent first-time bareboat charterers as well as experienced sailors seeking a more relaxed Greek cruising ground.

Whether you choose a bareboat charter, a skippered yacht or a fully crewed sailing holiday, we'll help you select the right yacht, operator and itinerary to make the most of this remarkable corner of Greece. With more than 35 years' experience arranging yacht charters worldwide, we provide independent advice and access to the widest range of quality charter yachts available.

Our client reviews about charter sailing in Greece

Rating: ★★★★★
Boat was fantastic - was it's first charter so perfect condition. We sailed around Ithica and Kefalonia - both islands were beautiful. Sail connections was easy to deal with. Kurt, Australia, Jul 12th, 2024

Rating: ★★★★★
Boat had plenty of space for the 7 of us. The sleeping cabins were well appointed and clean as were the communal areas.

The skipper Socarates took us to pristine beaches and bays that were not overrun with other boats. Loved being able to sail during the day and then visit the local towns at night. The skipper always gave us recommendations and asked what we would like to do each day. Crew were totally there to make our trip comfortable and to experience the beautiful Greek islands

The booking experience with Sail Connection was good would recommend to friends wanting to charter a boat. Anna, Australia, Oct 2nd, 2024

Rating: ★★★★★
(The boat was) perfect for our family of four. Only slight negative is that the helm position has a fairly large blind spot and there is no shade.
Favourite spot ... Sarakiniko Beach, Ithaka. This beautiful spot offered good anchorage, a local taverna and easy access over the hill to Vathy.
(Your service was) excellent. Dimitri in particular was very accommodating and nothing seemed to be a problem.
Stephen, Australia, Jul 8th, 2024

Rating: ★★★★★
The Lagoon 46 was the best catamaran we have chartered. There was plenty of deck and seating space and all the bedrooms/ensuites were a good size.

Preveza was a great starting point and we enjoyed travelling south to Ithaki and north to Paxi. Kalamos was a highlight we tied up to a pier next to a taverna for the night and it was a lovely spot.

We had very good service from Robert and Sue at Yachting Holidays and dealing with an NZ company gave us peace of mind. The service from Fyly in Greece was also excellent. We really appreciated being able to board the boat early and our skipper was also very friendly and easy to get along with.

Our skipper Adrian Dimitru was keen to get away on Saturday afternoon so we headed south and got a day ahead which was great. .he cruise was excellent and Adrian got us to some of his favourite spots so we were very lucky.

Ithaki not to be missed. Craig, New Zealand, Oct 18th, 2023

Rating: ★★★★★
Dear Sue, we would like to thank you and Robert for all the work you put in to make our charter run so smoothly from your end. We absolutely loved the Greek Islands, they were everything we had ever imagined. Jill and Pip, New Zealand , Oct 9th, 2019

Good breezes that provided just the right level of challenge. Not super crowded - no troubles berthing / mooring / eating / etc. Fairly chilled - at least compared to Croatia. Patmos was very good. John, Australia, Aug 17th, 2019

Had a great time. The wind was terrific - good fun, but nothing too hairy - exactly what we were looking for to take it up a notch or two from Croatia last year. And the Dodecanese were really good - nice ports, not too crowded (esp compared to Croatia) - just felt a bit more out of the way. DYC were fine - a little bit more on the 'smell of an oily rag' end of things compared to the very efficient German-run scene at Trogir, but it all worked and no real issues. Excellent recommendation Robert - boat and destination - you nailed it!

John, Australia, Jul 31st, 2019

The Lucky Clover was fantastic. We travelled around the Saronic Islands which were beautiful. A new adventure every day. One day we hired scooters and explored the islands. Great service thank you. 10 out of 10, a trip of a lifetime! Deborah, New Zealand, Aug 1st, 2017