Evia and Sporades islands

EVIA, the second largest Greek island in both area and population, is a seahorse-shaped island that stretches along mainland Greece from just above the Northern Cyclades to Thessaly, 180 km in all. Separated from the mainland at Halkida by only 40m, this is the site of the famous Evripos tide phenomenon. A current that reaches speeds of 8 miles per hour and changes direction every 6 hours. North of Evia is the Sporades, a group of islands with rich vegetation and mountainous terrain, some of the greenest islands in Greece. Popular places to explore by sailing boat, they consists of 24 islands, four of which are permanently inhabited: Alonnisos, Skiathos, Skopelos and Skyros.

SKIATHOS, is the busiest and most crowded island in the high season and it is not always easy to find a berth in the marina.  Most people come to the island for the spectacular beaches and  the nightlife. 

SKOPELOS is a lush and green island, the sheltered southeast coast has many, mostly pebbled beaches, while the northwest is exposed to the wind and sea with high cliffs. It lies between Skiathos and Alonissos. Panoramos is the most beautiful bay on the island, popular with sailing boat charters as an overnight stop.

ALONNISOS, surrounded by the National Marine Park of the Alonissos, North Sporades, is home to the last colony of Mediterranean monk seals, although these shy creatures are very difficult to see. The least crowded of the Sporades, it makes a great base for exploring the outer islets. 

ISLETS AROUND ALONISSOS Alonissos is surrounded be eight uninhabited islets well-worth exploring by yacht.

SKYROS is the outlier island with a different atmosphere, more like Cyclades than the Sporades, and less sheltered too. Some distance from the others, and an adventurous sail away.

Prevailing winds called the 'Meltemi' are from the north (sometimes NNW) providing fantastic sailing conditions. This  wind can get up at times and may blow quite strongly for days. The ‘Sirrocco’, is a southerly wind that blows every few weeks in early and late season.

The east coast of Evia is inhospitable when the meltemi blows. The channel between Evia and the mainland is convenient for making a passage north.. The Sporades Islands offer many natural harbours for your boat charter and more protected sailing.

The area is recommended for novice to experienced sailors. The southern route is better protected and recommended for those who want to avoid more challenging sailing.