Sporades

After relaxing in Skiathos, it is time to head to Limnonari in Skopelos island. With an abundance of surrounding pine trees, the waters at Limnonari are a beautiful almost emerald color. Next stop for the day is Skantzura, where you can enjoy bird watching amongst the olive groves. If you’re lucky, while you’re there you might spot the rare breeds, like the Audouin’s Gulls and Eleanora’s falcon, that call Skantzura home. You can also explore ruins of an old monastery on the coast, which was the first monastery ever built on the island. Although there is no swimming, it’s the ideal spot to anchor for the night on your Sporades sailing itinerary. You’re likely to hear little but the sound of the waves reaching the shore since visitors are few and far between at this hidden location. After a busy day of sailing, nothing is more common than spending a night on the sea, looking at the stars above.

On day 3 we will sail to the islet of Kyra Panagia. The beaches here are almost completely free of visitors and offers a short walk to the local church where you can see some traditional architecture. You’ll be resting here for the night, where you can savor the rocky cliffs around you and the stunning water. After a quick visit to the church take a moment to admire the white beaches–a combination of sand and small stones.

This day is offered for relaxation and wandering in the upper town of Alonissos, “Chora”. After a relaxed morning in Tzortzi bay, or in any other nearby bays of Alonissos or Peristera island, we will visit the small port of Alonissos, Patitiri. This is the only town we visited in Sporades islands, because of it’s unspoilled spirit as well as the amazing view it offers to the sea, from both the western and the eastern sides of the island. There are plenty of tavernas, bars with beautiful view and little shops.

A special day today, as we will sail to Koukounaries Beach in Skiathos. Koukounaries is the most famous beach of Skiathos, rated 7th best in the world, 3rd in Mediterranean and best in Greece. The beach is also known with the name “Chrisi Ammos”, meaning Golden Sand, because it has fine- texture powder-like sand that sparkles underneath the sun. The beach is a long stretch of sand and the waters are crystal clear with low inclination. The uniqueness of Koukounaries beach is related to the surrounding environment as well. Behind the beach is the famous pine trees forest. The trees are reaching all the way to the shore offering generous shade. Although you may enjoy unspoiled nature, Koukounaries is a very well organized beach. Koukounaries offers a wide variety of water activities with well equipped water schools with experienced and friendly staff that can assist you with water skiing, banana, water rings, wind surfing, sea bike, kanoe kayak, scuba diving and many more. Last but not least, Koukounaries village is a short walk away from the beach. At the village, you may find quite a few restaurants, taverns and bars to end your day with a special dinner before returning to Skiathos Mystery.

This is the last day of our trip and we will close out our sailing trip in the Sporades with a stop in Tsougria, which is an islet across from Skiathos. Another uninhabited island, it is a nice escape from the crowds. Here, we can lay out on a nice sandy beach, order some food and drinks from the local taverna, and relax before we head back to Skiathos for the check out.