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Island Hopping Experience in the Northern Sporades
Greek islands are a paradise for island hopping. Visiting several islands at once is going to be an unforgettable experience. Visit the Northern Sporades Islands in one trip!!!
By traveling this way you have the chance to meet more beautiful places, swim on more marvelous beaches, taste more delicious greek local and traditional dishes, learn more about the greek culture, and gain more memories from the unique greek summer.
SKIATHOS
Skiathos is the cosmopolitan island of the Northern Sporades. Compared to the rest of the Sporades, it is not considered as quiet as it is known for its nightlife. It is also the island that has an international airport, making it even easier to access especially from abroad. Despite the fact that it is a small island it has more than 60 beaches. Skiathos is the island of the important Greek writer Alexandros Papadiamantis.
Chora:
Skiathos Town is the heart of the island. You will definitely admire the traditional architecture of the white houses with red roofs and alleys. Don’t miss walking along Papadiamantis Street and visiting his house. In Skiathos Town, you can either walk along the pebbled streets or enjoy the cafes and bars. The main attractions of Chora are Bourtzi and the Castle of the Old Town, perhaps the most romantic part of the town because of the wonderful view. Although the highlight is the nightlife.
Sightseeings:
Apart from the amazing and numerous beaches, and the cosmopolitan nightlife, there is so much more to see and visit on the island of Skiathos. First of all the biotope in Strofilia lake, flamingos and sea turtles live there. Church of Three Bishops, Monastery of Panagia Kounistra, Bourtzi, and Medieval Castle are all worth seeing.
Beaches:
As already mentioned, Skiathos is particularly popular for its many beaches of unimaginable beauty. On a small coastline spreading magical beaches for unforgettable summer holidays under the Greek sun. The best 15 beaches of Skiathos are Koukounaries, Lalaria, Banana, Mandraki, Tsougkria, Vromolinnos, Megalos Aselinos, Agistros, Agia Paraskevi, Big Ammos, Agia Eleni, Vasilias, Bourtzi, Troulos, and Ligaries.
Accommodation:
The beachfront Elivi Skiathos Hotel is a luxury 5-star Hotel located on Koukounaries beach. The hotel features restaurants, a taverna, a beach bar, a spa, and swimming pools. The elegance of the hotel is perfectly matched with the landscape expressing respect for the natural environment.
SKOPELOS
Skopelos is not only the green on the blue island but is also the island of Mamma Mia. The greenest island of the Northern Sporades became popular after the release of Mamma Mia Musical. The waters are emerald and the beaches are surrounded by pine tree forests. Do not forget to taste the plums (avgato), olive oil, Peparithios Wine, and the Cheese pie. Be sure to take knives, ceramics, and other traditional souvenirs with you.
Chora:
Chora of Skopelos has gained worthily the title of the traditional settlement. It is built amphitheatrically and extends from the castle ( Kastro) down to the port. At the edge of Chora, you can see the popular church Panagitsa of Pyrgos, above Plaka beach.
The cobblestone paths (or in greek calderimia) with the bougainvillea and the sea air of the harbor are magical. In the town, there are many interesting tourist shops and places to taste the delicious cheese pie of Skopelos.
Being in Chora you have to visit Anatoli Ouzeri, of Giorgos Xintaris, and his two sons Antonis and Thodoris, where the rembetiko folk music is alive.
Sightseeings:
Ai Giannis Chapel is the most famous spot in Skopelos. Is the church where the Mama Mia Protagonists got married. Another Mamma Mia attraction is the Kastani beach.
Panagitsa of Pyrgos along with the Monasteries of Mountain Palouki are also some churches you should visit. If you wish to learn more about Skopelos culture there are also museums (Folklore Museum of Skopelos Chora, Vakratsa Mansion, Pavlos Nirvana House, Folklore Museum of Glossa) and archeological sights. An afternoon in Glossa Village will be an afternoon well spent!
Beaches:
The most popular beach of Skopelos is Milia, while the most cosmopolitan is Kastani beach. Skopelos offers a variety of unique beaches. Some of the organized beaches are Stafylos, Velanio(nudism beach), Limnonari, Agnontas, Panormos, and Glysteri. Some other beaches to discover are Amarantos, Armenopetra, Hovolo, Perivoliou, and Pethamenis.
Accommodation:
The beachfront 4 stars Adrina Beach and the beachfront 5 stars Adrina Resort and Spa are the epitome of Greek hospitality. Modern facilities fully respect the environment and are in perfect harmony with the landscape. The Adrina Hotels are in Panormos and offer restaurants, taverna, beach bars, a kids club, a spa, and two seawater pools. At Adrina Hotel there is the Skopelos Diving Center.
More good news is that Rodopoulos Family ( Adrina Hotels) are preparing the third hotel.
ALONISSOS
Alonissos is the third island of the Northern Sporades. It is the best destination for chilling. The island maintains calm levels, as it has not been affected by tourism. Here too, the main feature is the unique crystal clear waters and pine forests. The Sporades vegetation in all its glory. It has footpaths for hiking. Explore the picturesque little villages, isolated beaches, and clifftops with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Enjoy the sea, and the Greek sun, and don’t miss tasting the famous tuna of Alonissos and the traditional sweets.
Chora:
The capital town of Alonissos is Patitiri. Patitiri or Alonissos Chora is also the main port of the island. You will notice that the houses are all relatively new and very well maintained. Patitiri was built actually in 1965, after an earthquake when the locals move there to rebuild their life. All houses remain in the traditional style. The smell of the pine forests in combination with the flowers that are all over the Chora are creating an idyllic atmosphere. Chora dominates the natural beauty and the imposing landscapes of the vegetation that embraces the sea. White houses, crystal clear sea waters, and the green of the pines. Climb up to the old stone-built town as well. Chora is not crowded as the tourist element has not interfered with the natural beauty.
Sightseeings:
Everybody knows Alonissos due to the National Marine Park where the Monachus Monachus seal lives. The National Marine Park of Alonissos is the largest marine protected area not only in Greece but in Europe.
The Marine Park of Northern Sporades is the natural home for the seal as well as many sea species of the Mediterranean Sea. By visiting the area you can swim or dive and even take pictures and videos while observing the sea wildlife.
Another must-see in Alonissos is the Submarine Museum of Greece, located on the Peristera islet. It is impressive to visit the wreck of the merchant ship which dates back to the 5th century B.C.
Beaches:
Most of Alonisso’s beaches are pebbled. There is a variety to choose from depending on your preferences. Family well organized beached, non-organized, and secluded ones. Chrisi Milia, Leftos Gialos, Agios Dimitrios, Megalos Mourtias, Marpounta are the organized ones. Other well-known beaches of Alonissos are Vythisma (nudism beach), Giala, Votsi, Agios Petros, Glifa, and of course Peristera small island.
Accommodation:
The Alfa Collection 4-star luxury hotel offers three types of Villas (Anemolia, Althea, and Armonia). Althea and Armonia suites are located in the Old Village of Alonissos while Anemolia is on Pefkos Alonissos. The suites in the Old Village offer panoramic views of mountains and the Aegean Sea as well as private pools.
SKYROS
Skyros is the largest island of the Northern Sporades and the more isolated one. The island has the intensely green vegetation of the Sporades and at the same time combines the white and blue elements of the Cyclades. Fortunately without the summer winds.
As in Skopelos, there are 365 churches, chapels, and monasteries on the island. Skyros is well known for its unique lobster spaghetti recipe, the dishes with goat meat as well as the small Skyrian horses.
Chora:
The dominant Chora of Skyros is like being on a rock. The traditional houses of the greek white color are built amphitheatrically. Being in Skyros Town do not miss walking in the “Poetry Square” where the bronze statue of Rubert Brooke is erected. You should also walk across the traditional paths and find Agios Georgios Monastery as well as the Byzantine Castle. Except for your memories of the panoramic views of the Aegean Sea take with you as souvenirs ceramic items.
Sightseeings:
Skyros has more attractions and sights to discover than the majestic beaches and the unique Chora. Counting 365 churches you can imagine that some of them are worth a visit. Agios Nikolaos in Puria is certainly one of those. In fact, Pouria on its own is a special location due to the strange rock formation. In Chora, there are two museums (Archaeological Museum, Faltaits Folklore Museum) worth visiting. Lovers of Ancient Greece should visit Palamari archeological sight. Be adventurous and sail with Ydrovatis boat to Sarakiniko island.
Beaches:
Most of Skyros’ beaches are located in the north of the island. Whereas in the south, the beaches are approachable only by boat. The most popular beaches of Skyros island are Magazia and Molos. Be informed that during the summer period, there are crowded enough. If you are looking for something more peaceful then visit the Gyrismata beach. There are also the beaches of Kalogrias, Kyra Panagia, and Agios Petros. On the western side of Skyros, you should swim to Acherounes and Kalamitsa beaches.
Accommodation:
Hotel Nefeli is a 4-star hotel located in Skyros Chora. Remember that Chora in greek means the village. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, kids club, outside area, and a swimming pool with seawater.
EXTRA TIPS FOR ISLAND HOPPING IN THE NORTHERN SPORADES ISLANDS
- Skyros is connected with the Kymi Port in Evia. While Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos have connections with Mantoudi port (Evia), Volos port (Magnesia), Thessaloniki port (Macedonia), and Agios Konstantinos port (Fthiotida). The last three islands have more ferry connections.
- The Northern Sporades Islands have small distances, so you won’t need to spend half a day traveling or searching the hotels or the accommodation of your choice.
- Instead of the ferry line, you can use a water taxi for more direct boarding.
It is much faster and more expensive. You can also rent a sailboat or a yacht. - By boarding, you should name your destination port. Since the ferry or high speed will make several stops. So, you should place your luggage in the right bucket.
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