You might have heard of
Skopelos or Skiathos (popular and crowded), but possibly not of Skyros and, even less likely, of Alonissos (serene and undervisited). Yet, they are all inherently unique and positively stunning in their own right.
Sporades are a world away from the emblematic Cyclades, the islands that became so characteristic of Greece as a country. Travel to Sporades with no Cycladic expectations: No cubic white houses with colourful shutters, no lunar-like landscapes with sparse vegetation, no ancient ruins carrying the respective Touristically-Correct weight. Sporades will single-handedly seduce you with Hollywood-worthy charm - the highest grossing musical film worldwide Mamma Mia! was shot here. They boast intense greenery from the very top of each hill to just barely off the sea, pines, olive- and fig trees to name just a few, and alluring indigo waters to entice even the snobbiest of swimmers. Yes, you will find some of the best beaches in Greece here and you will be spoilt for choice: be it in neatly-arranged-umbrella-and-matching-lounger setups or in I-am-in-heavenly-paradise secluded-cove eye-rubbing spots. Although Skiathos and Skopelos feel like a department store at sales time during high season, they get a heavily toned-down make-over for the rest of the time, much like Skyros and Alonissos. Despite the almost reluctant-to-tourism nature from the part of the locals, the package tourist will be catered for with a fair share of fast-food joints, souvenir shops and some nightlife options in the respective Choras, or main villages, of Skiathos and Skopelos, while in the other two, one will be offered an array of tavernas and, well, nature. Take your pick. For avid nature-lovers, Skyros and Alonissos will provide plentiful and multi-levelled hiking opportunities in jaw-dropping surroundings, while throwing in some local fauna for amusement – in Skyros you will encounter the miniature wild Pony, while Alonissos’ waters are home to the timid and endangered Monachus Monachus or Monk Seal. For underwater explorations, you can scuba-dive in a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore a sunken city and ancient shipwrecks.
How do I get there might you ask? Sporades offer you a choice: you may fly in style to Skiathos and indulge in a short ferry ride to the rest of the islands or make your journey an adventure in itself by taking an absurd number of ‘planes, trains & automobiles’ to reach some of the most alluring destinations in Greece. No matter which way you choose to travel to Sporades, paradise awaits…
