The Sporades flotilla will reveal the less known side of Greece. This coastline once played home not only to Jason and his Argonauts, but was the spot where Achilles set sail to conquer Troy. The small islands here are beautiful with sandy beaches, wooded headlands and pretty villages. It’s a must see area for lovers of Greece.
The Sporades flotilla programme begins in the traditional small port of Loutraki on Skopelos, only a hop away from Skiathos by ferry or water taxi. There are two programmes to choose from: the Sporades route visiting the more remote northern islands as well as Skopelos and Alonissos, or the Pelion route which visits Skiathos, the mainland city of Volos and some delightful bays and anchorages in between.
With fresh breezes, which strengthen in the summer Meltemi winds, the open waters of the Sporades offer excellent sailing. The end of each day on the water rewards you with a wonderful mix of cosmopolitan towns on our island route, such as Skiathos and Skopelos as well as sleepy little hamlets like Steni Vala and deserted island bays such as Kyra Panagia. For culture vultures you can visit some of the locations for the hit movie “Mamma Mia” or anchor up and relax on one of the stunning sandy beaches.
The contrasting Pelion route explores the Gulf of Volos and its islands as well as the northern part of Evvia island. Paleo Trikeri and “Donkey” island are must see destinations as you explore the crystal clear waters on your Sporades flotilla holiday.
Embarkation from Loutraki port, Skopelos, every Friday:
THE SPORADES ROUTE
12 May, 26 May, 9 June, 23 June, 7 July, 21 July, 4 August, 18 August, 1 September, 15 September
THE PELION ROUTE
19 May, 2 June, 16 June, 30 June, 14 July, 28 July, 11 August, 25 August, 8 September, 22 September
Combine weeks 1 & 2 for a two week flotilla sailing holiday in the Sporades!
The Weather
Generally the prevailing wind is from the North / North West and the strength ranges from force 3 to force 6. Stronger sailing breezes can generally be expected in the afternoons, between 2 and 5pm. During the Meltemi season, which is generally late July to the end of August, the winds can be a little stronger, between force 4 to 7 at times, although much of the sailing area is protected by the island so the swell is not too exaggerated.
Getting There
The Sporades flotilla base in Skopelos can be reached by ferry or hydrofoil from Skiathos (about 15 minutes). International flights to Skiathos airport. If flying to Athens you can take a ferry from Agios Konstantinos. Or fly to Volos and take a ferry to Skopelos. Transfers can be arranged on request.
Day 1
Fly to Skiathos or Volos. Our base is in the pretty harbour of Loutraki on the island of Skopelos, a short ferry ride away from Skiathos harbour. Embark, settle in and meet the flotilla team.Check in from 17:00
Day 2
After a morning briefing, set sail to the lively island of Skiathos. Plenty of time to anchor on one of the fantastic beaches, such as Koukounaries, before stopping in Skiathos town for a punch party and a meal together in this party town.
Day 3: Sunday
Sail into the gulf of Volos and to this gem of an island, Paleo Trikeri, with its two traditional tavernas and picturesque monastery. Swimstop at nearby “donkey island”.
Day 4: Monday
The small town of Amaliopoli has some great beach front tavernas, a great place to spend the evening after a day on the water.
Day 5: Tuesday
Visit the lively town of Orei in Northern Evia with plenty of tavernas and shops and a beach right by the harbour.
Day 6: Wednesday
You could head to Aghia Kyriaki or Achillio on the mainland, which have wonderful fish tavernas, or for the party goers, head back to Skiathos town.
Day 7: Thursday
Explore the south coast of the Pelion peninsula on your way back to our base in Loutraki, Skopelos. Time for a final dinner at one of our favourite tavernas there.
Check out and departure next morning after breakfast. Those staying for a second week can spend the day free sailing or relaxing in Skopelos.
Day 1
Fly to Skiathos or Volos. Our base is in the pretty harbour of Loutraki on the island of Skopelos, a short ferry ride away from Skiathos harbour. Embark, settle in and meet the flotilla team.Check in from 17:00
Day 2
Capital of Alonissos and an enchanting and timeless harbour.
Day 3
A chance to escape to the beautiful island inhabited by the residents of the monastery. We anchor for the night under a star filled sky in Planitis bay.
Day 4
A pretty fishing village with a choice of good tavernas ashore.
Day 5
Capital of the island of the same name and a charming harbour town rising amphitheatrically from the scenic harbour.
Day 6
We suggest either Agnonda Bay or Panormos Bay (15 nm) – these fjord like bays lined with wooded hillsides boast great beaches, waterside tavernas and good shelter. Alternatively the small harbour in Neo Klima offers good fish restaurants in the village.
Day 7
Swimming stop and a leisurely sail back to our base. Time for drinks on board before a last night out in this authentic island fishing village.
Day 8
Arrivals & departures – Two-week flotilla on independent sailing with rendez-vous in Skiathos
Sun Odyssey 33i – 2014 – 2 Cabins / 1 head
This 2 cabin yacht is ideal for couples and smaller families, easy and safe to sail.
She has a comprehensive specification, with bimini and sprayhood, wheel steering, chartplotter, electric windlass, holding tank, autopilot and dinghy all as standard.
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Interior
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Sun Odyssey 349- 2015 – 3 Cabins / 1 head
This new model 3 cabin yacht is ideal for couples and smaller families, easy and safe to sail. The spacious cockpit has twin wheel steering for easy access. She has a comprehensive specification, with bimini and sprayhood, twin wheel steering, chartplotter, electric windlass, holding tank, autopilot, dinghy all as standard.
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Interior
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Bavaria 36 Cruiser Avantgarde Special Edition- 2012 – 2013 – 3 Cabins / 1 head
This latest model 3 cabin yacht is ideal for 2 couples and smaller families, easy and safe to sail with all controls from the cockpit.
She has a comprehensive specification, with bimini and sprayhood, wheel steering, chartplotter, electric windlass, holding tank, autopilot, bow thruster and dinghy all as standard.
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Bavaria 36 Cruiser Avantgarde Special Edition- 2012 – 2013 – 3 Cabins / 1 head Exterior
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Interior
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Oceanis 37 – 2013 – 3 Cabins / 1 head
This 3 cabin yacht is ideal for 2 couples and smaller families, with the spacious cockpit benefiting from binnicle chart plotter and bathing deck.
She has a comprehensive specification, with bimini and sprayhood, chartplotter, electric windlass, holding tank, autopilot and dinghy all as standard.
Exterior
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Interior
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Oceanis 40 – 2011 – 3 Cabins / 2 heads
This larger 3 cabin yacht is ideal for 2 to 3 couples and families, with the spacious cockpit benefiting from twin wheels and bathing deck.
She has a comprehensive specification, with bimini and sprayhood, chartplotter, electric windlass, holding tank, autopilot and dinghy all as standard. The additional heads compartment forward turns the forepeak cabin into an en-suite – perfect for the parents!
Saloon head height: 6.6ft / 2m
Exterior
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Interior
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Bavaria 40 – 2013 – 3 Cabins / 2 heads
This new model 3 cabin yacht is ideal for 2 to 3 couples and families, with the spacious cockpit benefiting from twin wheels and bathing deck.
She has a comprehensive specification, with bimini and sprayhood, chartplotter, electric windlass, holding tank, autopilot and dinghy all as standard. The additional heads compartment forward turns the forepeak cabin into an en-suite – perfect for the parents!
Saloon head height: 6.4ft / 1.97m
Exterior
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Interior
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Sun Odyssey 410 – 2021 – 3 Cabins / 2 heads
New to our fleet for 2023, this yacht is ideal for 2 to 3 couples and families, with the spacious cockpit benefiting from twin wheels and bathing deck.
She has a comprehensive specification, with bimini and sprayhood, chartplotter, electric windlass, holding tank, autopilot and dinghy all as standard. The additional heads compartment forward turns the forepeak cabin into an en-suite – perfect for the parents!
Saloon head height: 6.4ft / 1.97m
Exterior
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Interior
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Sun Odyssey 419 – 2016 – 3 Cabins / 2 heads
This 3 cabin yacht is ideal for 2 to 3 couples and families, with the spacious cockpit benefiting from twin wheels and bathing deck.
She has a comprehensive specification, with bimini and sprayhood, chartplotter, electric windlass, holding tank, autopilot and dinghy all as standard. The additional heads compartment forward turns the forepeak cabin into an en-suite – perfect for the parents!
Saloon head height: 6.4ft / 1.97m
Exterior
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Interior
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Sun Odyssey 439 – 2015 – 4 Cabins / 2 heads
This 4 cabin yacht is ideal for groups of friends and larger families, with the spacious cockpit benefiting from twin wheels and bathing deck.
She has a comprehensive specification, with bimini and sprayhood, chartplotter, electric windlass, holding tank, autopilot and dinghy all as standard. 3 double cabins and 1 bunk bed cabin gives plenty of space for friends and family.
Saloon head height: 6.4ft / 1.97m
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Interior
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Sun Odyssey 509- 2014 – 5 Cabins / 3 heads
This 5 cabin yacht is ideal for groups of friends and larger families, with the spacious cockpit benefiting from twin wheels and bathing deck.
She has a comprehensive specification, with bimini and sprayhood, chartplotter, electric windlass, holding tank, autopilot and dinghy all as standard. The luxurious accommodation comprises 3 doubel and 2 twin cabins with bunk beds, ideal for the biggest families!
Saloon head height: 6.4ft / 1.97m
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Interior
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