By Lila Kergall 
By Lila Kergall
April 13, 2022
In brief
When to go? Greece's dry, sunny climate makes it an excellent area for sailing from April to October. In summer, the temperature ranges from 20°C to 35°C. The water temperature is around 25°C.
Special features: The pine forests at the side of the boat, the uninhabited islands, the translucent water and the flora and fauna of the National Marine Park of Alonissos.
The most beautiful anchorages: Agios Ioannis on the island of Skopelos and the church of Mamma Mia, the island of Kyra Panagia, the bustling port of Skopelos.
Summary
- Practical information for your yacht charter from Skiathos
- What to do in Skiathos?
- Where to sail from Skiathos?
- The most beautiful anchorages when departing from Skiathos
- What sailing itineraries are available?
- What are the weather conditions?
"During our cruise in Greece, we discovered the Sporades islands, full of hidden treasures like Planitis Bay. We set sail for Piperi, east ofAlonissos to see the last Mediterranean monk seals," said Grégoire Billon, a Filovent customer, cheerful about his two-week cruise at the end of July 2021 with his family.
1. Practical information for your yacht charter from Skiathos
Rent a boat in Skiathos: with or without a skipper?
| With skipper | Without a skipper |
|---|---|
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What boat license is required?
To rent a sailboat in Greece, you need a license for all sailboats and motorboats with more than 10 HP. Below that, a boat license is not required for motorboats or sailboats. Please note that licenses from European Union member countries are automatically valid and accepted. You only need to have it translated if it is not in English or Greek so that you can show it to the authorities in the event of an inspection. Driving licenses from non-European countries are accepted if and only if they meet European Union standards.
Average fares according to the season and the size of the boat
Below is a table showing the average prices for a week's yacht charter from Skiathos. These prices are approximate and may vary depending on the season, the model and the age of the boat.
| Type of boat | High Season July and August | Mid Season May, June and September | Low Season April and October |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boat with one hull (2 cabins) | 2,500 USD | 2,000 USD | 1,500 USD |
| Monohull (3 cabins) | 3,000 USD | 2,500 USD | 2,000 USD |
| Monohull (4 cabins) | 4,000 USD | 3,000 USD | 2,500 USD |
| Catamaran (between 35 and 40 feet) | 6,000 USD | 4,500 USD | 4,000 USD |
| Catamaran (between 40 and 45 feet) | 8,000 USD | 5,000 USD | 4,500 USD |
| Catamaran (between 45 and 50 feet) | 10,000 USD | 7,000 USD | 6,000 USD |
The port of Skiathos
Located on the shores of the Aegean Sea, on the east of the island, Skiathos marina is renowned for its charm and the multitude of services it offers (electricity, water, showers, fuel, toilets, Wi-fi, etc.). The Skiathos marina has 350 berths and is an ideal point of departure for a cruise around the islands of the Sporades archipelago. Leaving from Skiathos marina, you will enjoy the proximity to the lively center of Skiathos town. Once at the port, I suggest you visit the Bourtzi peninsula, which divides Skiathos port in two. Bourtzi, a former fortress surrounded by ramparts, is now a leisure center with a cultural center, an open-air theater and a café. During the summer season, you can attend various types of theatrical and musical performances.
The
How do I get there?
"Leaving from Skiathos saves time because leaving Volos Bay can be long and it's not the best part of the route. You have to get to Skiathos by ferry, but it also means you can start your cruise directly in the Sporades islands," explains Emmanuel, who went on a cruise with Filovent with his family from Skiathos.
The easiest, most common and fastest way to get to Skiathos is by plane. Many airports in France offer flights toAthens with or without stopover(s). Depending on your dates of stay, you can find direct flights from Paris, Nantes, Marseille, Nice and Lyon. You will find many direct flights, lasting between 2 and 3 hours.
Once you arrive at Athens airport, you have several options for getting to the island of Skiathos: plane, ferry, bus or taxi. You can take another plane from Athens and land directly on Skiathos in just 45 minutes, provided you are willing to pay the price. You can also take trains from the airport to the city of Volos. You can then take the ferry to Skiathos. It takes about 4 hours by train to reach Volos and then 2 hours by ferry, for a total budget of at least 70 euros.
Our main partners on site
- Istion Yachting is a company founded in 1992 on the island of Kos. In 30 years, this rental company has succeeded in positioning itself as a leader in sailboat charter in Greece, offering more than 230 boats in multiple bases in the region. The quality of their service has been validated by Filovent customers, who have given them an average satisfaction rating of 16.5/20 at their various departure bases.
- Athenian Yachting is a Greek company offering yacht charters of all kinds (motor boats, catamarans, boats with one hull) from 10 bases covering all sailing areas in Greece. They have won over Filovent customers who have gone on cruises with them, as they receive an average satisfaction rating of 16.20/20.
- Kiriacoulis has been a player in the yachting and cruising sector since 1980. This Greek rental company has 400 boats of all kinds available at 26 bases around the world. With an average satisfaction rating of 15/20 for their services in Greece, this rental company ranks third in terms of satisfaction, but remains a reliable partner!
2. What to do in Skiathos?
"After the cruise, we spent some time on the island of Skiathos, which was very nice. The beaches are really magnificent, the island is very green and there are some superbly beautiful points of view, it's worth staying there for a few days! The only drawback is that there are a lot of Anglo-Saxon tourists." These are the words of Emmanuel, when he told me about his vacation in the Sporades.
Skiathos, the Sporades' unmissable seaside resort, boasts over 40 km of coastline dotted with sandy beaches. Hauled in by an alley of pine trees, Koukounaries beach, in the south of the island, will enchant the most hardened revellers among you. Looking for peace and quiet? The fine sandy beach ofAgia Paraskevi seems ideal for you!
For history lovers, there is no shortage of religious buildings in Skiathos! Between the monastery of Panagia Kounistra and thatof Evangelistra, there is something to suit everyone. Don't miss a visit to the Papadiamantis House, a cultural center dedicated to the Greek writer Alexandros Papadiamantis.
3
.Where to sail from Skiathos?
The Sporades archipelago offers its visitors a green landscape hauled in by the turquoise waters, where pine and olive trees merge. The villages are perched on huge hills with houses with colorful shutters. If you are looking for a change of scenery and nature, heavenly beaches and charming villages, the Sporades are made for you! Thanks to the yacht charter in Greece, set off to discover the neighboring islands of Alonissos, Skópelos, the small archipelago of Skántzoura and Skyros.
Skiathos
Discover the sumptuous landscapes of Skiathos, the mythical setting of the famous movie Mamma Mia! Between Stafilos beach , hauled in by the forest, peaceful Panormos and small, wilder Holovo, you won't know where to lay your towel. Skopelos is also a place of character with religious monuments such as the church of Agios Ioannis Kastri, perched at the top of a rock. From up there, the view over the whole island and its surroundings is breathtaking! The island has many monasteries in the heart of the countryside that are well worth a visit. You can also visit the monastery of Metamorfosi and that of Timios Prodromos. Don't leave without taking a tour of the particularly picturesque village of Skópelos. Its sailing trim postcard port will transport you to a festive and traditional atmosphere. This was the case for Emmanuel, who went on a cruise with his family in the Sporades: "I really liked the port of Skopelos. It's a very lively and vibrant town!" he tells me. He adds: "The coast of the island of Skopelos is very beautiful because it is very steep compared to that of Alonissos. It is very green, with beautiful pine forests. As the coast is indented, there are more sheltered anchorages and small coves, which is very pleasant."
Skópélos, a green island and location for the famous movie Mamma Mia (YouTube video)
Alonissos
A true paradise for ecotourism, Alonissos has many treasures on land and at sea. The beauty of the Alonissos National Marine Park, the first marine park in Greece, will surely take your breath away! Bringing together several wild islets of the archipelago, it is home to many rare marine animals, such as the Mediterranean monk seal. The beaches of Alonissos are not to be outdone! Fine, golden sand, light-colored rock, dense vegetation and crystal-clear water coexist to offer you a moment of absolute relaxation. With more than a dozen beaches, you will be spoiled for choice! Filovent particularly recommends the beautiful beachof Agios Dimitrios, the famous Chrissi Milia and the colorful Kokkino Castro. "We discovered Kyra Panagia, just off Alonissos, and this place is well worth a visit, believe me!
We took the opportunity to have fun with the paddles provided and take a trip with the dinghy, it was great!" Grégoire Billon tells me
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P
Skyros
The fourth island of the Sporades, Skyros is by far the wildest of them all. One of the most beautiful islands in Greece, it offers a preserved and traditional setting, untouched by mass tourism. like the island itself, the village of Skyros is typically Greek, with its white houses and flat roofs. Take advantage of your stroll through the narrow streets to drink a coffee in the sun on one of the many terraces on offer. As you will have realized, the beaches remain one of the most beautiful things about the Sporades islands. On Skyros, discover the beaches of Molos, Acherounes and Magazia or those of Atsitsa Bay, and Kareflou beach for absolute calm. The island is also known for its impressive archaeological site, Palamari. A settlement dating from the Neolithic period, it is one of the most important in the world. You can also see the remains discovered at the city's archaeological museum. "Then we went down to Skyros. I absolutely wanted to see this island! We took the opportunity to rent scooters and discover the island, which was great fun. We went to the island's old village.
The view along the coast was sublime. We found a restaurant where we ate with our feet in the water, great!" Grégoire Billon tells me, delighted with this discovery
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ent
4.
The most beautiful anchorages from Skiathos
Koukounaries - Skiathos
Koukounaries Bay is very lively and well protected from the wind, as it is located in the southwest of the island of Skiathos. The special feature of this bay is that it is surrounded by a pine forest and has extremely fine sand and very clear water.
This
anchorage will appeal to families with the many water activities on offer, and to night owls with the beach bars
!
Pan
ormos - Skopelos
Panormos Bay on the island of Skopelos is known for its magnificent natural colors.
combination of green and blue, with its pine forest, plunging into the azure and translucent water. At the end of the day, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunset
Agios Ioannis - Skopelos
\
This
rocky anchorage on the island of Skopelos will plunge you into the setting of the movie Mama Mia! If the wind is not too strong, the cove is perfect for anchored boats.
Enjoy this picture-postcard setting, and climb up to the church from the famous movie, 100 meters from the beach. Be warned, the site can be quite touristy in summer
.
The
The island of Peristera is a small uninhabited island that stretches for about 10 kilometers to the east ofAlonissos. There are several anchorages available to you. I suggest you travel the length of the island and anchor your boat in a quiet spot. You are sure to come across animals from the marine park such as land-roaming goats, birds (gulls, shag) and with a bit of luck you will catch sight of the famous Monachus monachus seals!
In
the north of the island, I invite you to dive around the sunken wreck of Peristera.
Kyra Panagia
"The anchorage that made the biggest impression on me was Kyra Panagia, north of Skopelos. It is a very calm and wild island, we also saw seals there, as well as dolphins, throughout the cruise", Emmanuel, a Filovent customer, tells me.
The island of Kyra Panagia is located in the Alonissos Marine National Park and is indeed renowned for its calm and wild character. It is also one of François' favorite ports of call. He went on a cruise with Filovent in the Sporades, on board a Bavaria 35: "We spent two nights at Kyra Panagia, we went ashore, and we went on a little hike on the island.
We
overlooked the bay with a very beautiful view of the islets that surround it, it was very pretty
Kavos - Skántzoura\
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Kavos is an unspoiled anchorage located on the uninhabited island of Skántzoura. The cove is hauled in by the side of the boat and is very well protected from the wind and the swell.
You will enjoy a very calm stopover and can swim in beautiful turquoise water. I invite you to go ashore to climb up to the island's abandoned monastery and enjoy the view
.
An
"For a family cruise, I preferred sailing in the Sporades area to the Cyclades because the islands are close to each other, and you can organize a sailing itinerary for a week that's not too intense. There is a slight Meltemi influence, but much more moderate than in the Cyclades", explains Emmanuel, who went on a cruise with Filovent in the Sporades.
This week-long sailing itinerary departing from Skiathos invites you to discover the unique nature of the Sporades islands , as well as part of the Alonissos National Marine Park. During your cruise, you will enjoy short sailings between the islands of Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, Peristera, Skantzoura and Kyra Panagia.
For a sailing itinerary of more than 10 days, I suggest you take the time to sail to the island of Skyros, a very wild island, untouched by mass tourism. Or, as François did on his Filovent cruise, you can choose to sail north to Athos: "We left Skiathos and followed a 14-day sailing itinerary.
We sailed a little in the Sporades but mainly northwards, as far as Mount Athos!"
Total distance traveled: 99 nautical miles
- Day 1: Skiathos > Marina Skopelos (20 miles ~ 4 hours)
- Day 2: Skopelos Marina > Kavos, Skantzoura (17 miles ~ 3 hours)
- Day 3: Kavos, Skantzoura > Port Steni Vala, Alonissos (14 miles ~ 2 to 3 hours)
- Day 4: Port Steni Vala, Alonissos → Kyra Panagia (10 miles ~ 2 hours)
- Day 5: Kyra Panagia → Loutraki, Skópelos (28 nautical miles ~ 6 hours)
Day
- 6: Loutraki, Skopelos → Skiathos (10 nautical miles ~ 2 hours of
sailing
- )
- Access to the base: By plane from France to Athens, then take a bus or train to Volos and then the ferry to the island of Skiathos.
- It is also possible to reach Skiathos by plane from Athens.
- On the windward side: Meltem (windforce 3-4) from the northeast
- Average sailing time/day: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Quiet anchorages: Skántzoura, Kyra Panagia, Steni Vala, Ftelia
- Festive port: Skopelos
- Unmissable: Visit to the village of Skopelos, Mamma Mia Church in Agios Ioannis, the sunken shipwreck of Peristera, sailing in the Alonissos National Marine Park, visit to the hilltop village of Glossa
Pro
- visioning ( food, water, electricity, fuel
):
- Skópelos, Steni Vala, Loutraki, Skiathos
ary
os
Skiathos → Stafilos, Skópelos → Marina Skópelos (20 miles ~ 4 hours)
On thefirst day of the cruise, we set off for the neighboring island of Skópelos. We first sail along the west coast of the island in a southerly direction as far as Stafilos Bay, which is sheltered from the prevailing winds. On the program: swimming, snorkeling, then lunch with a sea view at the Greek restaurant Stafilos, located on a cliff. We then set sail for the port of Skopelos for the evening. We take advantage of the end of the day to stroll through the pretty alleys of Skopelos and choose one of the town's many tavernas for dinner. We really enjoyed the festive and traditional atmosphere of Skopelos.
music and cocktail lovers, I recommend the Mercurius Cocktail Bar, renowned for its ideal location with a superb view of the harbor
DAY
2: Wild stopover on the uninhabited island of Skantzoura
Marina Skopelos > Kavos, Skantzoura (17 miles ~ 3 hours)
We take advantage of the morning to visit the picturesque village of Skopelos and stroll through the high streets. It is also an opportunity to stock up on provisions in the town's many shops (supermarkets, butcher, bakery, greengrocer). We decide to buy a map at the nearest kiosk to stock up on water and electricity before heading for Skántzoura, an uninhabited island to the east of Skópelos. After 3 hours of sailing, we chose to anchor the boat in the wild cove of Kavos, north of Skántzoura, well protected from the Meltem. We secured the boat with hawsers to ensure a peaceful night. We then went ashore to walk to the abandoned monastery, just 5 minutes away on foot, and enjoyed a magnificent view at sunset!
Day
Kavos, Skántzoura → Peristera → Port Steni Vala, Alonissos (14 miles ~ 2 to 3 hours)
On this third day of the cruise, we have a gentle awakening. We have breakfast on the boat and enjoy the tranquility of the place. The turquoise, translucent water invites us for a morning swim, during which we take out our masks and snorkels to discover the marine flora and fauna! We then decide to get back on board to head for the islandof Alonissos. We sail along the small island of Peristera, which runs parallel to the east of Alonissos, until we reach the wreck that has emerged to the north of the island(39.20612, 23.97217). On the program: snorkeling, exploring the seabed and the wreck, then lunch on the boat. For the evening, we choose to anchor the boat in the small fishing village of Steni Vala and take advantage of the port services (electricity, water, showers, toilets, fuel, Wi-Fi). A mini-market opposite the port allows us to do some shopping, then we head to Ikion Café, a local tavern with free Wi-Fi.
3
Port Steni Vala, Alonissos → Agios Dimitrios, Alonissos → Kyra Panagia (10 miles ~ 2 hours)
Weset sail northwards towards the island of Kyra Panagia, only 10 nautical miles away. We sail along Alonissos through a pretty channel between Peristera and Alonissos. On the way, we decide to stop atAgios Dimitrios beachon Alonissos for lunch at Thetis Snack Bar. We then lay our towel on the pretty pebble beach and enjoy a swim in the clear waters. We are pleasantly surprised to encounter a Monachus monachus seal. Unfortunately, this species is one of the most endangered marine mammals on the planet. After this brief stopover, we set sail again for the Alonissos Marine National Park and anchored for the night south of Kyra Panagia. The bay is magnificent, completely wild and well protected from the wind.
We see a few goats at the side of the boat and some donkeys along the small beach. We are almost alone, there are just two boats 200 meters away from us. We enjoy dinner on the boat under the stars
.
Day
Kyra Panagia → Agios Ioannis, Skópelos → Loutraki, Skópelos (28 nautical miles ~ 6 hours)
On the fifth day of the cruise, we set off fairly early for Skopelos. After four hours of sailing, we finally arrive in the north of the island in the bayof Agios Ioannis. We take the dinghy to go ashore and climb the rock to the church from the movie Mamma Mia. We take the opportunity to admire a panoramic view of the Aegean Sea. We choose not to swim here because there are many brown jellyfish. After this stopover, we reach the port of Loutraki by going around the northern point of Skopelos. We moor at the quay after having booked our berth.
this beautiful day of sailing, we take a quick stroll through the charming village and return to the boat
DAY
6: Discovering the hilltop village of Glossa
Loutraki, Skopelos > Ftelia, Skopelos > Skiathos (10 miles ~ 2 hours sailing)
For the last day of the trip, we rented scooters to discover the north of the island of Skopelos before heading back out to sea. We climbed up to the charming whitewashed village of Glossa and enjoyed the view of the surrounding islands and islets. This small amphitheater-shaped village charmed us with its tranquility, cobblestone streets and traditional houses. We head back down to Loutraki and decide to take advantage of a last wild anchorage in a small cove around Ftelia beach , on the west coast of Skopelos. We appreciate the very green nature of this part of the island. The coast is very steep with large pine forests that seem to plunge into the turquoise water.
On the program: picnic, swimming, paddle boarding and snorkeling. We finally get back on the boat for the last sail towards the port of Skiathos to take stock of the boat and spend the last night on board
.
6.
What are the weather conditions
?
Skiathos enjoys the Mediterranean climate that Greece offers. With mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers. Skiathos is an ideal destination for a cruise. In summer, temperatures can rise to 33°C and you can enjoy the sea at 25°C, ideal for cooling off!
You are free to go on a cruise to Skiathos between the months of May and October. The weather conditions in May and June are similar to those in September and October. "Namely, the wind blows much less in the Sporades than in the Cyclades. Accustomed to sailing in the Mediterranean, I was glad to see that the wind was favorable for sailing.
The islands cut across the wind and there is always shelter at the anchorages, which means you can sail from island to island in more than pleasant conditions!" explains Grégoire Billon
.
Thanks
Iwould like to thank Grégoire, Emmanuel and François for their testimonials and photos, which are a wonderful illustration of my article. Many thanks also to Konstantinos from Istion Yachting for his valuable advice!
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 3 269 |
|---|---|
| Types of service | Skipper, Hostess, Sailor, Chef (meals not included), Mechanic, Engineer, Sailor/Chef (meals not included), Masseuse |
| Average price per week | $13,573 |
| Minimum weekly price | $716 |
| Maximum price per week | $3,370,411 |