Sporades from Volos
The Northern Sporades are among the most lush and naturally protected sailing grounds in Greece. This island group, located off the eastern coast of the mainland, offers pine-covered slopes that reach down to turquoise coves, well-sheltered anchorages, and a relaxed rhythm that suits families, nature lovers, and sailors seeking calm conditions.

The region includes the National Marine Park of Alonnisos and Northern Sporades, the largest marine protected area in Europe and home to the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. Sailing here requires respect for environmental regulations, and yachts must obtain a permit to enter the core zones of the park, especially around Kyra Panagia. Tickets can be purchased in advance via the official platform: https://alonissos-tickets.necca.gov.gr/checkout
Volos Port, the starting and ending point for this itinerary, is located on the Pagasetic Gulf and is a well-equipped marina just 30 minutes from Volos Airport (Nea Anchialos). For international travelers, it is also accessible by car from Athens in approximately three and a half hours. From here begins a 7-day journey through the Sporades that combines green landscapes, gentle sailing, wildlife encounters, and the timeless simplicity of Greek island life.
7-Day Route
The total length of the route is about 160 nautical miles.
Day 1, Saturday
Volos → Trikeri
18 nm, about 3 h
Day 2, Sunday
Trikeri → Skiathos
25 nm, about 4.2 h
Day 3, Monday
Skiathos → Alonnisos
30 nm, about 5 h
Day 4, Tuesday
Alonnisos → Kyra Panagia
15 nm, about 2.5 h
Day 5, Wednesday
Kyra Panagia → Skopelos
25 nm, about 4.2 h
Day 6, Thursday
Skopelos → Amaliapoli
30 nm, about 5 h
Day 7, Friday
Amaliapoli → Volos
20 nm, about 3 h
The sailing time is approximate and calculated based on an average sailing speed of 6 knots. Actual time may vary depending on marina choices, weather conditions, and crew experience.
Detailed Route from Volos
Day 1, Monday: Volos – Trikeri
18 nm, about 3 h
After an early check-in at Volos Marina, set sail across the sheltered waters of the Pagasetic Gulf toward Paleo Trikeri Island. The first sailing day is calm and relaxed, a perfect introduction to the week. Along the route, plan a swimming and lunch stop at Agia Sophia Beach, located on the western shore of Paleo Trikeri. This quiet anchorage, surrounded by olive groves and rocky hillsides, offers crystal-clear waters. Caution is advised when anchoring: it is important to drop the anchor carefully on sandy patches to avoid damaging the protected Posidonia seagrass beds and to stay clear of rocky areas.

Upon arrival at Paleo Trikeri's small harbor, you will find an island where time seems to stand still. With no vehicles and only stone-paved paths weaving through olive trees, the island offers a unique atmosphere of authenticity and tranquility. A short walk inland leads to the Monastery of Saint Mary the Evangelist, built in the early 19th century. The monastery, with its simple architecture and surrounding cypress groves, serves as a peaceful place to reflect and enjoy views over the Pagasetic Gulf.
For dinner, visit Díavlos Taverna, located just steps from the harbor. This welcoming, family-run spot is known for serving fresh seafood dishes, including grilled octopus and daily catches, accompanied by traditional Greek meze. Dining at Díavlos provides the perfect setting to enjoy your first evening ashore, watching the gentle motion of the yachts anchored in the harbor.
Recommended docking spots:
Small harbor quay at Paleo Trikeri (limited spots; early arrival recommended)
Anchorage near the harbor if the quay is full
Day 2,  Trikeri Island – Skiathos
25 nm, about 4.2 h
After a quiet night at Trikeri Island, head southeast toward Skiathos. The route crosses the Pagasetic Gulf and continues into the open waters of the Aegean Sea, with generally steady and calm conditions. On approach to the west coast of Skiathos, plan a swimming stop at either Krifi Ammos Beach, a small, sheltered bay with sandy seabed, or Koukounaries Beach, a wide and well-known sandy beach backed by pine trees and a lagoon. Anchorage is possible off both beaches. Staying overnight at anchor is also feasible in settled weather conditions, provided the forecast remains stable, with special attention to avoiding southern winds which can affect holding and comfort.

After the swimming stop, continue to Skiathos Marina, located close to the old town. Skiathos Town offers a lively waterfront, narrow alleys, and traditional tavernas. For dinner, The Final Step restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine with carefully prepared seafood and meat dishes. Its location above the old port ensures a peaceful setting away from the crowds, with views over the harbor and sea.
Recommended docking spots:
Skiathos Marina (fuel available)
Skiathos Town Quay (fuel available)
Skiathos Charter pontoon
Anchorage off Krifi Ammos or Koukounaries Beach for stay in settled weather
Day 3, Monday: Skiathos – Alonnisos
30 nm, about 5 h
After a night at Skiathos New Marina or anchored off nearby beaches, depart early eastward toward Alonnisos. Shortly after departure, plan a swim stop at Tsougria Island, southeast of Skiathos Town.

Continuing to Alonnisos, you’ll enter the waters of the National Marine Park. Secure your sailing permit in advance at https://alonissos-tickets.necca.gov.gr/checkout, as it is required for access to protected zones. Anchoring is restricted in certain zones, so it is important to check regulations and anchoring maps carefully before stopping outside permitted areas.

The crossing toward Alonnisos is straightforward, with generally light morning winds. Upon approach, first reach Patitiri Harbor, the main port of Alonnisos, located on the island’s southern side. Patitiri is well-organized and sheltered, offering berths along the quay and easy access to provisions, cafes, and services.

If time and conditions allow after securing the boat, it is recommended to sail a short distance east to Tzortzi Bay, one of the most attractive natural anchorages on Alonnisos. The bay features a wide, white-sand beach and shallow waters with excellent protection, making it an ideal location for an afternoon swim or even an overnight stay if seeking a quiet spot away from the main harbor.
If time and conditions allow after securing the boat, it is recommended to sail a short distance east to Tzortzi Bay, one of the most attractive natural anchorages on Alonnisos. The bay features a wide, white-sand beach and shallow waters with excellent protection, making it an ideal location for an afternoon swim or even an overnight stay if seeking a quiet spot away from the main harbor.

Alternatively, instead of staying in Patitiri, you can head north to Steni Vala, a small and peaceful fishing village that also offers berthing options. Steni Vala is home to a rehabilitation center for Mediterranean monk seals, contributing to conservation efforts for this endangered species. Visits to the center may sometimes be arranged privately in advance.

For dinner, Ostria Restaurant in Patitiri is recommended, known for fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes, located conveniently near the town quay.
Recommended docking spots:
Patitiri Town Quay (main harbor, well protected)
Steni Vala (small village port, limited berths, quieter setting)
Anchorage at Tzortzi Bay (suitable for overnight stay in calm conditions)
Day 4, Alonnisos – Kyra Panagia
25 nm, about 4.2 h
After a morning at Patitiri or Steni Vala, set sail northeast toward Kyra Panagia, an uninhabited and protected island within the National Marine Park. The passage is relatively short, crossing open water.
Upon reaching the island, the first recommended stop is Agios Petros Bay on the southern coast. This wide bay provides reasonable protection in settled weather and is suitable for a swimming stop or a relaxed lunch onboard. The anchorage is straightforward with good holding, but it is more exposed than the northern options if the wind picks up.

After a break in Agios Petros, you may choose to continue around the island to Planitis Bay on the northern side, one of the best natural harbors in the region. Planitis is almost fully enclosed, offering excellent protection from all wind directions. Entry into the bay, however, requires caution: during strong winds and swell, approaching Planitis from the east can be dangerous. Yachts should use the main western entrance, keeping clear of the shallow reef between the western side and the small rock that partially blocks the eastern approach.
Inside Planitis, the bay is wide and calm, providing secure anchorage even in adverse weather. Ashore, a short walk leads to the old Monastery of Kyra Panagia, a small, historic site overlooking the bay and the surrounding sea.

As there are no tavernas or organized facilities on the island, dinner should be prepared onboard. It is advisable to stock up with provisions before leaving Alonnisos.
Recommended docking spots:
Anchorage at Agios Petros Bay (southern bay, good for daytime stop in calm weather)
Anchorage at Planitis Bay (northern bay, excellent all-around shelter; approach through the main western entrance)
Day 5, Monday: Kyra Panagia – Skopelos
5 nm, about 4.2 h
After a night at anchor in Planitis Bay or Agios Petros Bay, start the passage southwest toward Skopelos. This is one of the longer passages of the itinerary, covering open water with usually light morning winds and slightly fresher conditions in the afternoon. An early start is advisable to ensure a comfortable arrival.

Upon reaching the southern coast of Skopelos, anchor in Stafylos Bay, a well-sheltered bay with a sandy bottom, surrounded by pine trees and rocky hills. The beach is partially organized during the summer months, but the anchorage remains peaceful and suitable for both swimming and an overnight stay in settled weather. Staying overnight at anchor here is a convenient and relaxing option after a long sailing day.
For those who prefer to moor in a small harbor rather than staying at anchor, it is possible to continue a short distance westward to Agnontas Port. Agnontas is a protected fishing harbor offering basic berthing along the quay, primarily used by local boats. It provides better shelter if stronger winds are expected overnight. For dinner, Stafylos Restaurant, located near Stafylos Beach, offers traditional Skopelos cuisine, fresh seafood, and local specialties such as lamb cooked with lemon and herbs.
Recommended docking spots:
Anchorage at Stafylos Bay (good holding, suitable for overnight stay in settled weather)
Agnontas Port (small harbor, limited space, better shelter in case of changing conditions)
Day 6, Thursday:
Skopelos – Amaliapoli
30 nm, about 5 h
After leaving Stafylos Bay or Agnontas Port early in the morning, head across the Pagasetic Gulf toward Amaliapoli. This is the longest sailing leg of the itinerary, and an early departure is advisable to ensure arrival before afternoon winds strengthen.

Arrival at Amaliapoli brings a quiet fishing village with a small waterfront lined with tavernas. Anchorage is available off the main beach, offering good holding on a sandy bottom. Stern-to mooring is also possible at the village quay, although depths should be checked carefully when approaching, as shallow areas extend close to shore.
For dinner, Taverna O Kostas on the waterfront is recommended. The family-run taverna serves fresh seafood, grilled octopus, seafood pasta, and traditional Greek appetizers in a simple, relaxed setting by the sea.
Recommended docking spots:
Anchorage off Amaliapoli Beach (good holding on sand)
Stern-to mooring at the small village quay (limited space; shallow areas near shore)
Day 7, Friday: Petriti – Amaliapoli – Volos
20 nm, about 3 h
After departing from Amaliapoli, head north across the inner part of the Pagasetic Gulf toward Volos. This final passage is relatively short and well protected.

Arrival at Volos Marina marks the conclusion of the sailing itinerary. After securing the yacht, it is possible to explore the lively city center, visit local cafes, or enjoy a final meal along the waterfront.

For those wishing to extend the experience after the sailing trip, Volos serves as a gateway for a one-day excursion to the Meteora Monasteries. This UNESCO World Heritage site features six historic Greek Orthodox monasteries dramatically perched atop towering sandstone pillars. Located in a surreal landscape about two hours' drive from Volos, Meteora offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Greece's most awe-inspiring cultural and natural wonders.

For a farewell dinner, Mezen Volos is recommended. Known for its extensive selection of tsipouro and traditional meze dishes, it offers a relaxed and authentic setting popular among locals. Another unforgettable sailing adventure comes to an end. It is the perfect time to gather with the crew, share memories of the journey, and start planning the next sailing destination.

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