Northern Sporades – A Gentle Aegean Escape

Overview: Why Sail the Northern Sporades

The Northern Sporades combine the best of the Aegean with a softer, greener feel.
You’ll find pine-covered hills, clear anchorages, and short daily legs that make planning easy
and keep days flexible — perfect for families who prefer unhurried mornings and relaxed afternoons.

Four islands, one gentle cruising rhythm

• Skiathos – the main gateway and liveliest island, with a naturally protected harbor.
• Skopelos – greener and quieter, with comfortable southern bays for overnight stops.
• Alonissos – more pristine, with access to protected nature and quieter anchorages.
• Skyros – more remote and typically outside a standard 7-day family itinerary.

A Simple Family Route (Skiathos–Skopelos–Alonissos)

Most family-friendly itineraries focus on the inner triangle: Skiathos → Skopelos → Alonissos.
The islands sit close together, so even when the breeze builds, you can keep passage times short and arrival times early.

What it feels like on the water

Depart from Skiathos and, within minutes, the coastline turns to green slopes and clean blue depth.
Cross to Skopelos over a calm strait, then continue toward Alonissos on another gentle passage.
These are classic Aegean days: straightforward navigation, beautiful light, and easy decisions.

Winds in Summer: What to Expect (Without the Drama)

In summer, prevailing winds are typically northerly (N–NE), influenced by the Meltemi pattern.
In the Sporades, winds are often perceived as more manageable than in more exposed island groups,
and the high, green terrain can soften conditions near shore.

A practical daily rhythm

• Mornings: often calmer — ideal for easy departures and relaxed family routines.
• Midday–afternoon: a steadier breeze builds — great for a pleasant sail without long crossings.
• Shelter plan: when northerlies increase, southern bays offer comfortable protection.

Tip for family crews: keep legs short, arrive early, and choose south-facing bays when northerlies are up.
This keeps the experience smooth and enjoyable without limiting exploration.

Depths, Seabed & Coastal Structure

A defining feature of the Sporades is deep water close to shore — especially along northern and eastern coasts.
The seabed often drops quickly, and many anchorages are clear with good holding when you choose sand or sand/weed mix.

What this means for skippers

• Rapid drop-offs: plan your approach and anchor set with the slope in mind.
• Typical anchoring depths: often around 5–12 m (spot-dependent).
• Scope awareness: important due to gradients and depth changes close to shore.
• Deep-draft friendly: main straits between the primary islands are commonly transited.

Sheltered Bays & Overnight Stops

When northerlies blow, the most comfortable overnights are often found on southern coasts.
Below are well-known options frequently used by cruising yachts (always confirm with current charts, pilotage notes, and local guidance).

Skiathos

• Koukounaries (south coast) – popular and sheltered in northerly patterns.

Skopelos

• Panormos (SW coast) – comfortable overnight option.
• Agnontas (south coast) – commonly used for shelter.
• Loutraki (NW) – port option depending on plan and conditions.

Alonissos

• Patitiri (SE) – port and services option.
• Mourtia (south) – often a good choice with N/NE winds.

Outer islets

Islets such as Gioura, Psathoura, and Skantzoura are scenic and dramatic,
but generally more limited for comfortable overnight anchoring. Many crews prefer day visits and return to the better-sheltered bays.

Skipper Briefing: Technical Sailing Notes

General geography

Northern Sporades | Practical Cruising Overview

General Geography

The Northern Sporades lie northeast of Evia in the northwestern Aegean Sea.
The core cruising triangle for most 7-day charters is:

Skiathos – Skopelos – Alonissos

Skyros lies further southeast and is typically outside a standard one-week family itinerary due to longer passages.

Distances (Approximate Ranges)

Distances vary depending on departure harbor and chosen anchorage:

• Skiathos → Skopelos: approximately 12–15 nautical miles

• Skopelos → Alonissos: approximately 10–18 nautical miles

• Alonissos → Kyra Panagia (Marine Park area): approximately 10–16 nautical miles

These moderate legs allow early departures and flexible daily routing, especially useful for family crews.

Prevailing Winds

• Summer pattern: Northerly to north-easterly (Meltemi influence)

• Typical rhythm:

  • Calmer mornings

  • Breeze building from late morning into afternoon

• Strategy: Southern bays provide reliable shelter during stronger northerlies.

Compared to more exposed Aegean regions, the Sporades are often perceived as more manageable due to shorter fetch and the moderating effect of the green, elevated terrain.

Depths & Seabed Characteristics

A defining feature of the Sporades is deep water close to shore, particularly along northern and eastern coasts.

• Rapid depth drop-offs are common.

• Typical anchoring depths range from 5–12 meters, depending on the bay.

• Holding is generally good in sand or sand/weed mix.

• Scope planning is important due to seabed slope.

• Deep-draft yachts transit comfortably between the main islands via well-used straits.

Navigation Notes

• Main passages between Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos are straightforward with clear visual navigation.

• Maintain awareness of charted reefs near outer islets (Gioura, Psathoura, Skantzoura) and around southwest Skopelos.

• Shallow areas west of Skiathos require attention.

• Night navigation is possible with standard caution; several navigational lights assist approaches.

• Traffic is generally moderate; main commercial routes pass further west toward Thessaloniki.

Practical Family Sailing Strategy

•  Keep daily legs moderate
•  Depart early when possible
•  Choose south-facing bays in northerlies
•  Plan anchor scope carefully due to slope
•  Always consult updated charts and pilot books

The Northern Sporades offer an open Aegean feel with manageable distances and multiple sheltered alternatives — making them well suited to structured yet relaxed family cruising.