ARRIVAL
Flights from some German airports to Volos in the very north of the gulf of the same name or to Skiathos. However, the latter connection changes relatively frequently and most recently did not take place on Saturdays. Some fleet operators have adapted to this and also offer transfers during the week. Depending on the season, flights cost around 250 to 450 euros.
CHARTER
There are bases on the mainland in Volos in the Gulf of Volos and Skiathos on the island of the same name, as well as a smaller base on Skopelos. Volos has the advantage of being close to the airport, so the transfer is short. If the crew wants to start from Skiathos and cannot find a company that also offers to pick up yachts during the week, a long car and ferry transfer of several hours from Volos to Skopelos must be accepted. The same applies to Skopelos, which cannot be reached directly from Germany. If you start from Volos, you won't be able to see all the islands in one charter week, probably only Skiathos and Skopelos. If you also want to see the islands further out, you should charter for a fortnight from Volos or start from Skiathos.
WIND AND WEATHER
The Sporades are an area influenced by the Meltemi, even if the wind here is significantly weaker than further south in the Aegean, around 3 to 4 Beaufort in summer rather than the 5 to 6 in the Aegean on average. The wind blows mainly from the north to north-east. Heat lows passing through can cause a swell on the south side of the islands, which can reach some bays and make them choppy. In the Trikeri Channel, jets blow from east to west, so yachts usually have to cross towards Skiathos; it can get rough in the afternoon. Gusts of wind can blow from the mountains in the Gulf of Volos and some parts of the islands.
Good weather and swell forecasts can be found on the website of the Greek weather servicePoseidon (www.poseidon.hcmr.gr) and the usual sources such asWindy (www.windy.com) orWindfinder (www.windfinder.de) and its iOS and Android apps.
HARBOURS & ANCHORAGES
Mostly town harbours or small jetties where you can moor with a Roman Catholic bow anchor. There are also mooring lines in Volos and Skiathos. Not all harbours are well protected and you have to expect some swell from ferries, for example in Skopelos or Skiathos. Sanitary facilities are rare. Electricity sometimes at the jetties, water not always, tankers then come to the pier. Sometimes no or very low mooring fees. There are plenty of anchor bays, but sometimes they are quite open and offer only moderate protection, although the bottom often holds well.
NAVIGATION & SEAFARING
Around the islands there are some shallows and little buoyage, as is often the case in Greece. Some harbours and anchorages are affected by the swell of fast ferries and motorboats. The regulations for the seal sanctuary around the islands of Alonissos, Kyra Panagia, Skantzoura, Gioura, Piperi and Psathoura must be observed. Piperi and Gioura are off-limits to sailors. We recommend a visit to the national park administration and the exhibition of the nature conservation association MOM at the harbour of Patitiri on Alonissos. Click here for the park's website
LITERATURE AND NAUTICAL CHARTS
M. Haselhorst and K. Dittmann, "Charterführer Nördliche Sporaden", 19.90 euros. R. Heikell, "Griechische Küsten", 69.90 euros, both Edition Maritim, can be ordered at www.delius-klasing.de.
Nautical charts: The best material in terms of content are the Greek pleasure craft charts from Eagle Ray (24 euros), which also contain many harbour plans and photos. The British pleasure craft charts from Imray (24.50 euros) are also widely used.
TERRITORY CHARACTERISTICS
If you want to experience one of Greece's less developed areas, which is also uncrowded in many corners, the island archipelago of almost a dozen islets around Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonnisos is just the place for you. The Meltemi does not yet blow here with the strength and fierceness that it reaches further south in the Aegean, and the islands, especially Skopelos, are covered in dense greenery and forest. Skiathos is a little more touristy due to many British backpackers and package holidaymakers, but almost all other destinations are uncrowded, even in summer. In addition, the island offers enough differences in terms of landscape as well as towns and villages: the further east you sail, the more lonely and quiet it becomes. Fishing villages such as Steni Vala on Alonnisos with its quaint tavernas right by the harbour or Agnontas on Skopelos are like little escapes into an unspoilt island world.
Here you will find the typical Greek way of life with small villages, including tavernas and bars right on the water, the typical whitewashed houses and the interlocking village centres with narrow alleyways, framed by bougainvillea, fig and olive trees. The area offers a pleasant alternation between just enough tourism and life in the villages to prevent boredom, and enough nature and space to enjoy some peace and quiet at anchor. The Sporades are also very reasonably priced, there is hardly any mooring fee, and restaurants and bars are cheaper than in Germany. However, the harbour infrastructure is very rudimentary and not a destination for spoilt crews who expect comfort, service and well-kept sanitary facilities.
However, not all islands can be visited everywhere: The Sporades are one of the most important retreat areas for the very rare monk seal and parts of the islands are therefore a national park and either completely closed or partially closed. This does not really detract from the area, as there are plenty of alternatives.
A highlight is the lively Skiathos, which can also satisfy shopping and party animals and also offers plenty of chic anchorages in front of beaches where you can enjoy a swim and stop off at the beach bars. The very green and mountainous Skopelos offers a beautiful coastline, and the main town on a mountainside is a wonderful destination. Many people know the town from the Hollywood musical "Mamma Mia", which was filmed here.
If you decide to start in the Gulf of Volos, you have a journey of around 35 nautical miles until you reach the first island of Skiathos. The gulf is particularly scenic in the southern part and offers some nice destinations. However, if you want to go as far as Alonnisos or further, you won't have much time on a week's cruise. The starting harbour therefore depends largely on the flight connection (see above) and how much time the crew has available. If you start in Volos and want to see the archipelago in all its diversity, you should charter for a fortnight.
