The picturesque Greek island of Skiathos is a stunning place to start an Aegean gulet charter around the Sporades archipelago.
Make sure to visit the verdant Skopelos and Alonissos marine park which stands out for its rugged natural beauty. The island’s old village, with cobbled streets and stunning sea views, is a must-visit. Skyros, one of the least-visited islands, offers tranquility with its blend of Greek and Byzantine influences, wild landscapes, and secluded beaches.
A gulet charter to Skiathos and the Sporades delivers an unforgettable journey through some of Greece’s most beautiful and serene islands, offering a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration.
A gulet charter offers you the freedom and flexibility to create your own itinerary. You can plan your days, whether exploring different beaches, visiting nearby islands, or enjoying water sports.
Skiathos and The Sporades are renowned for their picturesque beaches, with over 60 to choose from on Skiathos alone. From secluded coves to bustling sandy shores, there is a beach for every preference.
The Sporades is home to the National Marine Park of Alonissos, Europe's largest marine protected area. This makes for fantastic diving and snorkelling opportunities, with a chance to spot the Mediterranean monk seal, a rare and protected species.
Skiathos is situated in the Aegean Sea and surrounded by crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect destination for a gulet charter.
Each island in the Sporades boasts its own unique landscape and character, from the vibrant, beach-laden Skiathos to the tranquil, natural reserves of Alonissos or the Agios Nikolaos church, this diversity adds richness to the sailing experience.
Skopelos offers a serene and traditional experience. Known for its lush green landscapes, charming villages, and pristine 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!".
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, and enjoy rugged landscapes and secluded beaches.
These smaller islands near Alonissos are ideal for those seeking seclusion and natural beauty. Explore hidden coves, relax on untouched beaches and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of these pristine islands.
Skantzoura is an uninhabited island known for its dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and hiking trails. It's a great place to explore by boat, discover hidden bays, and enjoy the glorious scenery.
Located just off the coast of Skiathos, Tsougria Island is a secluded paradise. The island offers pristine beaches, hiking trails and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
The privately owned Skiathos Marina is located in Skiathos town, close to the commercial port and just over 1 mile (2 km) from Skiathos Island National Airport.
In addition to its easy access, it has 350 berths for boats of all types and with a maximum length of 65 meters. The marina has only basic facilities, including toilets, showers, a bar, and a restaurant, but the main street in town is just 5 minutes by foot, and you are close to the city centre as soon as you set foot on land. This offers visitors a more comprehensive range of options for dining, shopping, laundry or provisioning.
When embarking on a gulet charter from Skiathos, 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 | 12.5°C (55°F) | 9.7°C (49°F) | 2.3mm |  SW |
| FEB | 11.4°C (52°F) | 8.2°C (47°F) | 2.5mm | S |
| MAR | 13.9°C (57°F) | 10.5°C (51°F) | 1.9mm | S |
| APR | 15.5°C (60°F) | 11.9°C (53°F) | 2.4mm | SW |
| MAY | 18.0°C (64°F) | 15.0°C (59°F) | 2.2mm | SSE |
| JUN | 23.2°C (74°F) | 19.8°C (68°F) | 1.7mm | SSE |
| JUL | 28.6°C (83°F) | 24.3°C (76°F) | 0mm | S |
| AUG | 28.0°C (82°F) | 24.6°C (76°F) | 0.0mm | SSE |
| SEP | 23.8°C (75°F) | 21.0°C (70°F) | 11.9mm | ESE |
| OCT | 21.6°C (71°F) | 18.5°C (65°F) | 0.6mm | SW |
| NOV | 18.5°C (65°F) | 15.0°C (59°F) | 0.8mm | SW |
| DEC | 14.2°C (58°F) | 10.9°C (52°F) | 2.4mm | SW |
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%.
These two or three-masted boats are the perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional charm, and make a fantastic platform for exploring Skiathos and beyond.
Gulets will typically have a professional chef on board who can accommodate dietary preferences while providing exceptional dining.
Sailing on a Gulet is a unique and memorable experience in itself. The feeling of connection with the sea and exploring exciting new locations, all while being superbly looked after by your crew makes for a very special holiday indeed.
With recent advances in the luxury Gulet charter market, this is an excellent choice for a truly magical charter. From the moment you step aboard, every detail is testament to the skills of master craftsmen and designers, with stylish staterooms and cabins sitting alongside fantastically spacious decks for basking in the Mediterranean sun.
On a luxury Gulet charter your crew will include a professional chef to create the perfect menu, catering to all tastes and dietary requirements. This bespoke treatment extends to your itinerary and activities; whether you’re looking for adrenaline-fuelled watersports, deserted coves for private swimming or sundowners on deck before dinner, the expert crew will ensure you have a truly luxurious charter experience.
While Gulets do have sails, they're often motor-sailed or purely motored. Even when under sail, the experience is generally more relaxed and less hands-on than on a typical sailing yacht.
Gulets are designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. They usually feature a large aft deck for dining and lounging, and a spacious foredeck for sunbathing.
Gulets can accommodate larger groups, typically ranging from 6 to 12 guests, making them ideal for families or groups of friends.
Gulets usually come with a full crew, including a captain, chef, and hostess, providing a more hotel-like experience.
Gulet charters tend to travel at a slower pace than large motor yachts, emphasizing relaxation and coastal exploration rather than covering long distances.
Many Gulets feature a full-sized galley, allowing for elaborate meal preparation and are typically known for their excellent onboard cuisine.
Gulet charters often focus on coastal cruising, with frequent stops for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring small ports and bays.
A Gulet is a traditional wooden sailing boat, originating from Turkey. It typically has two or three masts and a wide beam (width), which provides lots of deck space for socialising, eating and relaxing on board.
A crewed Gulet charter from Skiathos offers a unique way to explore the stunning Mediterranean coastline. These traditional wooden sailing boats combine the charm of old-world craftsmanship with modern world amenities, and 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 gulet 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 main town of Skiathos Island, also named Skiathos, is a vibrant and bustling hub with charming narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and a lively waterfront.
For history and culture enthusiasts, Skiathos does not disappoint. The island boasts various historical sites, such as the Bourtzi Fortress, built in the 13th century to protect the town from pirate attacks. Exploring the ruins of ancient monasteries and churches, such as the Evangelistria Monastery which played a significant role in the Greek War of Independence, is also a must-do.
The island boasts over 60 beaches so you'll be spoilt for choice. Koukounaries Beach, often described as one of the best in the Mediterranean, has fine golden sand and a backdrop of dense pine forests. Lalaria Beach, accessible only by boat, is famous for its dramatic cliffs and clear turquoise waters.
In addition to its natural beauty and rich history, Skiathos is famous for its vibrant nightlife. The island offers numerous bars, clubs, and beachside venues that come alive after sunset.
Once you set sail on your charter, Skiathos offers some fantastic island hopping options in the 24-island Sporades archipelago. Visit Skopelos, its pine-covered landscapes reaching down to the numerous beaches with crystal-clear waters. If you're a movie fan, you may recognise scenes from "Mamma Mia," which was filmed here.
The Sporades is also home to the National Marine Park of Alonissos, Europe's largest marine protected area. Here, nature lovers can delve into a world of exceptional biodiversity, spot rare seabirds, and hopefully glimpse a Mediterranean monk seal.
Further south lies the unique island of Skyros, a blend of diverse landscapes from rugged mountains and verdant pine woods to serene sandy beaches. The distinctive architecture of Skyros town with its imposing castle, and the charming, small breed of Skyrian horses make it a really memorable stop.
Stunning landscapes, rich history, charming towns, and tranquillity: Skiathos, the wider Sporades, and the Alonissos National Park are at the top of the list for those looking to embark on a stunning gulet charter.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When chartering a yacht from Skiathos, 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.