7 Days Sailing - Hiking Sporades Islands

Skiathos - Skopelos - Alonissos

Itinerary

• Day1: Arrival at the port of Volos, Greece.

Sailing – Hiking Sporades Islands begins. The crew Welcomes you on board. Meet the skipper and the hostess while planning the trip with a welcome drink. Get settled in your cabins, while the crew gets the supplies ready for the trip. (Departure at 6 p.m.).

Our first destination is the third island of Sporades, Alonissos, where we arrive early in the morning. The island is the most remote of the Northern Sporades island group, Aegean Sea, and plays host to the National Marine Park of Northern Sporades, a refuge for rare seabirds, dolphins, and the Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus monachus. Its surrounding waters and minor islands, including Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Gioura, Psathoura, Piperi, and Skantzoura, form the Alonissos Marine Park, the largest of its kind in Europe. Established in 1992, its 2,250km2 is home to a fascinating variety of flora, fauna, marine life, archaeological ruins, and unspoiled natural beauty. Estimated arrival: 6 a.m. (Night trip). It is a peaceful green island with many places worth seeing. We dock in Patitiri, the main port of Alonissos.

We have breakfast on board with the sunrise. Early in the afternoon, we take the traditional path to the Chora. The old capital on the hill, a picturesque village, is recognized as a world capital heritage site by UNESCO.

• Day 2: We leave Alonisos behind and set sail to the small island, Kyra Panagia.

The island has a few inhabitants and is part of the natural park of Alonnisos. Kyra Panagia is a 16th-century post- Byzantine monastery that lies on top of a hill overlooking the sea on the eastern side of the islet. Within the walls of the monastery, is a picturesque church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church is white-washed with red-painted borders and a nice belfry. There is also a lovely courtyard where early Christian remains are found from the 6th and 7th century A.D. The monastery of Kyra Panagia has become very popular with tourists and it is fascinating to see the still-existing remains of the old olive oil press and flour mill.

It’s time to enjoy the silence and the crystal-clear waters for swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. Lunch on board and relaxing time. In the evening we can go for walking to the monastery, from which the island took its name.

• Day 3: Departure for Steni Vala (Alonissos)

You can have your breakfast while sailing, as we arrive at the picturesque, small port of Steni Vala. The place is perfect for walking coast to coast to the Leftos Gialos bay. In the evening we can go swimming at a beach located 5 minutes away from our mooring point and then enjoy a fresh fish meal in a tavern.

• Day 4: We set sails to the next island, Skopelos

If the weather permits, we can visit the rock of St. John, which is featured in the film “Mamma Mia” at the famous wedding scene. The place will offer you the opportunity to take amazing shots. We stop at Stafilos beach for a swim, here the pine woods reach into the crystal-clear waters and offer you their shade. In the evening we arrive at the main port of Skopelos. Skopelos town is a traditional small town on the north of the island. It has declared a traditional settlement. Mainly because of the picturesque beauty. If you want to get the full effect of the beauty and uniqueness of Skopelos Chora as well as enjoy breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea all you have to do is walk uphill from the church of Panagitsa of Pyrgos (Tower of Panagitsa) towards the castle. Free time to visit the Chora and enjoy the nightlife of the island for a drink or two.

• Day 5: We sail through the Skopelos and stop for a swim at Tsougria Island

An uninhabited island full of pine trees, and blue waters that only a yacht can reach. In the evening we dock in the port of Skiathos, which has a great historical and cultural interest. It is known for its amazing beaches, natural ambiance, cosmopolitan aura, and Skiatho's vivid nightlife!

• Day 6: Monastery of Metamorfosi

After breakfast and before the sun comes up, we can go by foot to the monastery of Metamorfosi, to enjoy the sunrise and view. We continue our day, sailing to Koukounaries beach, which has been voted as the third most beautiful beach in the world. There, you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing on the sandy beach and try canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing, and water-skiing, thanks to the water sports facilities. You can also enjoy a cold beer and dance to the music played at the beach bar. We continue our trip heading towards the Pagasitikos Gulf and our next destination is the quiet and small island of Trikeri. There are no cars on the lush green island. There are some narrow lanes, but no actual roads, and most of the island’s infrastructure consists of hiking trails. The island’s port area features just 2 tavernas with excellent seafood meals. In less than one hour one can go from one side of Trikeri to the other on foot, exploring the lush vegetation and the pristine pebble beaches while enjoying stunning views of the Pelion peninsula. Perched atop the highest point of the island is the imposing Monastery of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.

Day 7: Departure from the port of Volos

A quick stop for our last swim at Micra islands. Arrival in the port of Volos, ending this memorable Sailing – Hiking Sporades Islands experience.

Insurance

Participants should be covered by their own personal travel-health insurance prior to the trip. The personal insurance must at least cover medical expenses as well as air rescue and the cost of repatriation. We are not responsible for any accidents or mishaps directly or indirectly related to the tour.