Sailing, history and gourmet experiences: the perfect combination on the waves of Sporad

Why Sporades?

When you say Greece, most people think of the Cyclades with their white houses or Crete full of tourists. But in the Aegean Sea, the archipelago, which for me is the essence of the best Greece has to offer, kind of takes a back seat to the main focus. The name itself, derived from the word "sporadic" or "scattered," suggests that you won't be crowded here.
Sure, the islands of Skiathos and Skopelos were made famous by the hit movie Mamma Mia!, and who wouldn't want to feel like Pierce Brosnan and Meryl Streep for a moment, right? But the Sporades are much more than just a movie set. They're islands where laid-back sailing, fascinating history and cuisine that will have you licking your lips are perfectly combined.

Sailing through calm waters

Forget dramatic waves and wind ripping the sails from your hands. It's a calm place.

The Sporades as a sailor's paradise

For sailors, whether experienced sea wolves or families with children, the Sporades are literally a blessing. Why?

• Calm sea and protection from the melt: the islands are well protected from the dreaded northerly wind by the melt.This means that the sea is considerably calmer here than elsewhere in the Aegean, which is especially appreciated by those with a stomach of steel.
• Many coves and beaches: the coastline is incredibly rugged. You'll find countless bays with turquoise waters and beaches where you may well find yourself all alone, ideal for anchoring, swimming and just doing nothing.
• Fewer tourists: apart from cosmopolitan Skiathos, you won't find crowds here.There is a quieter and more authentic atmosphere.

Practical tips for sailors

There are a few things to know before you pick up anchors. Don't worry, it's not rocket science.

• Required documents and equipment: you will need a valid passport or ID, a skipper's license (Greece recognizes most international licenses as ICC) and a radio operator's license (VHF). Charter companies will hand over the boat fully equipped with everything you need, from life jackets to navigation.
• Doporučené trasy a kotviště: Většina plaveb začíná na Skiathosu, kde je mezinárodní letiště, nebo ve Volosu na pevnině, odkud podle legendy vyplouval Iásón na lodi Argó za zlatým rounem.

1. Weekly cruise (approx. 150 Nm): an ideal circuit might look like this: Skiathos → Skopelos (Panormos) → Alonissos (Patitiri) → Kyra Panagia → Skyros (Linaria) → back to Skopelos (Loutraki for the chapel from Mamma Mia!) and return to Skiathos.
2. Dvoutýdenní plavba (cca 250 Nm): Pokud máte víc času, můžete prozkoumat i odlehlejší ostrovy jako Gioura nebo Psatoura a užít si plavbu bez spěchu.

Alonissos National Marine Park

The absolute pearl of Sporades is the area around the island of Alonissos. The largest marine protected area in Europe, the Alonissos National Marine Park, is located here.The park was established mainly to protect the critically endangered Mediterranean harbour seal, which is the last viable population here.In addition to seals, you can see dolphins and rare seabirds.You need to purchase an online permit to enter some areas of the park, but the experience of untouched nature is definitely worth it.

History: in the footsteps of ancient civilisations

Each island is like an open book of history. You just have to read it.

Skopelos: an island with a rich past

Skopelos, the greenest of the islands, is not just a movie set. In ancient times, it was called Peparethos and was so important that it minted its own coins. Here you can discover the remains of Mycenaean culture, the mysterious pirate tombs carved into the rock at Sentoukia or the ruins of a Venetian fortress towering over the capital

Skyros: A place of myths and traditions

Did you know that it was on Skyros that the goddess Thetis sent her son Achilles to keep him from participating in the Trojan War? The city of Skyros, with its white cube houses, will transport you to another world. Wander the narrow streets, admire the local pottery and wood carvings and climb up to Lycomedes Fortress for a breathtaking view.

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Alonissos and its historical roots

This quiet island, known as Ikos in ancient times, is the place with the oldest documented human presence in the entire Aegean Sea. As you walk through the old village of Chora, destroyed by an earthquake and gradually rebuilt, history breathes on you from every stone.

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Gourmet experiences: a taste of Greece on a plate

What would a visit to Greece be without a good meal? Forget about diets. Here they eat happily and in abundance.

Starters and main courses

No Greek dinner starts without mezze - small plates full of goodies that are shared. Olives, feta cheese, legendary tzatziki, fried cheese bags tyropites or grilled saganaki cheese await you.
And then come the main courses: You must try the moussaka, a divine concoction of minced meat, eggplant and béchamel. Then souvlaki, which are grilled meat skewers, or keftedes, delicious meatballs with herbs. And, of course, fresh fish and grilled octopus, which they do like nowhere else.

Sweets and drinks

Do you have a sweet tooth? Then you're in paradise. Greek desserts are full of honey, nuts and syrup. Baklava is a classic, but try loukoumades - fried doughnuts topped with honey.
Wash it all down with local wine, Mythos beer or an iced frappé. And in the evening? The evening belongs to ouzo, an aniseed brandy that is drunk slowly, diluted with water, and symbolizes Greek comfort.

An unforgettable combination

Sporades is not just another holiday destination. It's an experience that combines the freedom of sailing, fascinating history and gastronomy that you'll remember long after you've returned. It's a place where you slow down, take a breath and discover that you don't really need much more than salt water on your skin and a plate full of goodies to be happy.

So, when do you pick up anchors?