One of the quietest cruising areas in Greece, the beautiful Sporades islands are the ideal location for a yacht charter where you can escape the crowds.
The archipelago is the unspoiled jewel of the northern Aegean and consists of twenty four islands, only four of which are inhabited.
The Sporades is also home to the Alonissos National Marine Park, one the largest marine protected areas in Europe, and the gorgeous island of the same name.
A yacht charter in the Sporades isn't just about the destinations or the adventure though, it's also very much the luxury of time slowing down as you embrace Greek island life.
The Sporades Islands each have their own unique landscape and character, from the glorious beaches and vibrant atmosphere of Skiathos to the tranquil, natural reserves of Alonissos. This diversity adds richness to the sailing experience.
The Sporades is home to the National Marine Park of Alonissos, the largest protected marine area in Europe. This makes for fantastic diving and snorkelling opportunities, with the chance to spot a rare Mediterranean monk seal.
The Sporades islands are celebrated for their stunning natural beauty, including lush forests, crystal-clear waters, and sandy beaches. This untouched natural beauty makes the Sporades an ideal destination for a yacht charter.
The Sporades islands are known for their delicious local cuisine. Fresh seafood, locally produced cheeses, honey, and other traditional dishes are all on offer, providing a mouthwatering accompaniment to your yacht charter.
Each island in the Sporades reflects the area's rich history, with numerous historical sites from ancient monasteries to traditional villages, offering visitors a chance to delve into the local culture.
Explore the bustling port city of Volos, known for its modern waterfront, lively restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Discover archaeological sites including the ancient theatre and the Byzantine Fortress of Volos.
Skiathos is a cosmopolitan island known for its stunning beaches and lively nightlife. Visit iconic beaches like Koukounaries and Lalaria with their crystal clear azure waters, explore the charming town, and enjoy the vibrant energy of this famous island.
Skopelos offers a more serene and traditional experience. Known for its lush green landscapes, charming villages, and quiet beaches, it provides a picturesque backdrop for relaxation and exploration. Don't miss the chance to visit the famous church of Agios Ioannis, featured in the movie "Mamma Mia".
Alonissos is a nature lover's paradise. Nestled in the National Marine Park, you can spot endangered Mediterranean monk seals and enjoy fantastic diving and snorkelling opportunities. Discover the island's tranquil beaches, hike along scenic trails, and immerse yourself in its unspoilt beauty.
Skyros is the largest island in the Sporades and offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Explore the island's charming main town, visit the Byzantine Monastery of Saint George, or simply enjoy the rugged landscapes and secluded beaches.
The "Mountain of Centaurs" offers stunning landscapes and picturesque villages. You can explore walking trails, swim in the Pagasetic Gulf, or visit the traditional villages of Tsagarada and Makrinitsa.
Skantzoura is an uninhabited island known for its dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and hiking trails. It's a great place to explore by boat, discovering hidden bays where you can anchor and enjoy the unspoilt natural beauty of the island.
The Sporades islands are dotted with beautiful Byzantine monasteries which offer a glimpse into the region's rich religious and cultural history. Visit monasteries like Agios Ioannis in Skopelos or Evangelistria in Skiathos to feast your eyes on their unique architecture and religious artefacts.
The smaller islands of Peristera and Kyra near Alonissos are ideal for those seeking seclusion and nature. Explore hidden coves, relax on deserted beaches and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of these ruggedly beautiful islands.
When embarking on a yacht charter from The Sporades, timing is everything.
For the ultimate sailing experience, May, June, and September are genuinely the golden moments. During these periods, Greece unveils its charm without the peak season crowds.
The Greek islands also come alive during the summer with a vibrant atmosphere that bustles with life and is hard to beat.
Monthly weather for the area *
| Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 14.1°C (57°F) | 11.6°C (53°F) | 3.1mm |  SW |
| FEB | 12.8°C (55°F) | 9.9°C (50°F) | 1.7mm | SSE |
| MAR | 15.4°C (60°F) | 12.2°C (54°F) | 1.4mm | S |
| APR | 17.2°C (63°F) | 13.6°C (57°F) | 2.1mm | SW |
| MAY | 19.8°C (68°F) | 16.5°C (62°F) | 2.2mm | SSW |
| JUN | 25.3°C (78°F) | 21.5°C (71°F) | 1.2mm | SW |
| JUL | 30.8°C (87°F) | 26.0°C (79°F) | 0mm | SW |
| AUG | 29.9°C (86°F) | 26.2°C (79°F) | 0.0mm | SSE |
| SEP | 25.7°C (78°F) | 22.5°C (73°F) | 4.4mm | ESE |
| OCT | 23.1°C (74°F) | 20.2°C (68°F) | 0.2mm | SSW |
| NOV | 20.4°C (69°F) | 16.7°C (62°F) | 0.7mm | SW |
| DEC | 16.0°C (61°F) | 13.0°C (55°F) | 2.2mm | SSW |
The official language of Greece is Greek with English being widely understood in the tourist areas.
The official currency of Greece is the Euro.
Tipping is a common practice in Greece and very much appreciated for good service, typically you leave 10%.
A catamaran charter from Sporades is all about comfort, luxury and convenience, with their twin hulls making them extremely stable. Expansive open decks allow for spacious seating, socialising and sunbathing, while below deck each hull typically contains its own cabins, complete with ensuite bathroom.
This layout is particularly good for couples or families travelling together as it offers more personal space. Our catamarans are available as either bareboat or skippered charters, with a host or hostess if needed, or fully crewed.
A power catamaran combines the stability and spaciousness of a sailing catamaran with the speed and convenience of a motorised yacht. The twin-hull design ensures a smooth ride even in choppy waters, while the absence of sails allowing for more expansive, unobstructed deck spaces perfect for lounging and entertaining.
One of the key advantages of a power catamaran is its ability to cover greater distances in less time, allowing you to explore more destinations during your charter. These vessels also have shallower drafts than a traditional sailing yacht, granting easier access to tucked away coves and beaches that larger yachts can't reach.
Available as bareboat for experienced boaters or with a skipper or professional crew, power catamaran charters offer the ultimate blend of luxury, performance, and versatility.
Luxury Catamarans have state-of-the-art amenities, spacious master suites, gourmet galleys, and cutting-edge entertainment systems. The expansive flybridge provides panoramic views and alfresco dining areas, perfect for sunset cocktails. The high-performance engines and double hulls ensure power and stability for seriously smooth sailing.
You’ll have a professional crew to cater to your every need from superb meals to water sports or trips ashore. Whether exploring tucked away lagoons or hosting a lavish on-board party, a luxury catamaran charter delivers an unforgettable five-star experience for the discerning traveller.
Catamarans have two hulls, making them more stable than a regular monohull boat, both while sailing and at anchor. So if you don't like heeling over while under sail, a catamaran is the ideal choice.
The split-hull design allows for better separation of living spaces, with cabins in each hull providing more privacy for guests. A perfect option for two families or larger groups.
Catamarans have a shallower draft (less boat below the water), allowing them to access shallow anchorages and get closer to beaches than a typical monohull.
With easy access from the rear deck to the water, swimming and water sports activities are a cinch - not to mention getting in and out of the tender to go ashore.
Catamarans sail differently from monohulls. They don't heel (tilt) as much, which can be more comfortable for some passengers but may provide less of a "sailing feel" for purists.
Catamarans often feature a raised helm station with excellent visibility, and many have a flybridge for additional outdoor living space.
Catamarans offer more living space both above and below deck due to their wide beam. This means they tend to have larger common areas and more spacious cabins.
A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore The Sporades and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.
We select our fleet of yachts from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around The Sporades and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.
On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.
Crewed yacht charters from The Sporades come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.
Greece is one of the most popular charter destinations in the Mediterranean. Therefore, it is best to book your dream boat in advance, typically six months ahead, to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.
You can search for your dream yacht via the the link, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the build your trip link to get them working on creating the perfect trip.
The Sporades main appeal is their remoteness, combined with the sheer natural beauty of this archipelago.
With so many islands there are too many areas to cover in one charter so here are some of our favourite locations to visit.
Peristera, also known as Aspro, is a gem for advanced divers and history buffs. A 5th BCE wreck known as the Parthenon of shipwrecks is now a museum for divers, and features thousands of amphoras spread out over the sea floor from 19 to 28 metres below the surface, all labelled and signed to guide you through the experience. The island also has several beautiful, secluded beaches perfect for a peaceful anchorage
Kyra Panagia, also called Pelagonisi, is owned by the Mount Athos monastery. Its main feature is the 10th-century monastery, which is still inhabited by monks. The island has two large, natural harbours with pristine beaches - Agios Petros in the south and Planitis in the north - both excellent for anchoring.
Gioura is rocky island and is known for its "Cyclops Cave," where Neolithic artefacts have been discovered. While landing on the island is restricted, anchoring nearby offers a view of its dramatic cliffs and the chance to spot some rare seabirds.
The northernmost island of the marine park, Psathoura, is volcanic and nearly flat. Its main landmark is a 19th-century lighthouse, one of the tallest in the Aegean. The island's waters are known for their clarity, making it a popular spot for diving.
The small island of Skantzoura offers some of the most secluded anchorages in the marine park with it's southern coast having beautiful sandy beaches and clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Other uninhabited islands worth anchoring at include:
Repi: This tiny islet near Alonissos has a beautiful small beach on its eastern side, perfect for a peaceful anchorage and swimming in crystal-clear waters.
Adelfoi Islets: These two small islands north of Alonissos which offer scenic anchorages and good snorkelling opportunities and are also excellent spots for watching the sunset.
Lechousa: Another small islet near Peristera, Lechousa provides a quiet anchorage with beautiful views and is an excellent spot for a peaceful overnight stay.
Skandili: This uninhabited islet near Skyros has a sheltered bay on its western side, offering a safe anchorage and good swimming conditions.
The ability to anchor in quiet bays, explore multiple islands, and set your own pace makes a yacht charter the ideal way to experience the beauty and diversity of the Sporades Islands.
When chartering a yacht from The Sporades, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.
If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.
The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.
For the ultimate sailing experience, May, June, and September are genuinely the golden months, but the summer months are also popular, though the anchorages are busier.
There are typically five main types of boats and yachts you can hire in Greece, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, Gulets and Luxury Yachts (including Superyachts)
Once you've found your perfect yacht, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.
The typical times for a yacht charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.