Greece - Sporades - View of town and port at the island Skopelos, northern Sporades, Greece stock photo

Yacht Charter
Skiathos

The picturesque Greek island of Skiathos is a stunning place to start an Aegean yacht 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 yacht 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.

What Makes Skiathos Special?

Flexibility and Freedom

A yacht 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.

Beautiful Beaches

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.

Protected Marine Life

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.

Stunning Island Location

Skiathos is situated in the Aegean Sea and surrounded by crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect destination for a yacht charter.

Natural Beauty

The Sporades are celebrated for their stunning natural beauty, including lush forests, azure waters, and sandy beaches. They are an ideal destination for a yacht charter.

Tranquillity

Compared to other Greek island groups, the Sporades are the perfect spot for a less crowded and more secluded trip if you're looking for a truly peaceful getaway.

Greece - Sporades - Agios Nikolaos church at Pouria beach, Skyros island, Greece stock photo

Diverse Landscapes

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.

Not To Be Missed

Skopelos Island

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 Island

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.

Peristera and Kyra Panagia

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 Island

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.

Byzantine Monasteries

Dotted with beautiful Byzantine monasteries, The Sporades offer a glimpse into the region's rich religious and cultural history. Visit monasteries like Agios Ioannis in Skopelos or Evangelistria in Skiathos and admire their unique architecture and religious artefacts.

Ancient Ruins of Alonissos

Alonissos is home to some impressive archaeological sites, including ancient ruins dating back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Make sure to visit the ancient city of Ikos and discover the remains of ancient temples, fortifications, and tombs.

sporades

Tsougria Island

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.

Marinas

Marina Info

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.

Best Times To Visit

When embarking on a yacht 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.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Wind
JAN 12.5°C (55°F) 9.7°C (49°F) wind direction 234degSW
FEB 11.4°C (52°F) 8.2°C (47°F) wind direction 186degS
MAR 13.9°C (57°F) 10.5°C (51°F) wind direction 181degS
APR 15.5°C (60°F) 11.9°C (53°F) wind direction 225degSW
MAY 18.0°C (64°F) 15.0°C (59°F) wind direction 163degSSE
JUN 23.2°C (74°F) 19.8°C (68°F) wind direction 166degSSE
JUL 28.6°C (83°F) 24.3°C (76°F) wind direction 187degS
AUG 28.0°C (82°F) 24.6°C (76°F) wind direction 165degSSE
SEP 23.8°C (75°F) 21.0°C (70°F) wind direction 105degESE
OCT 21.6°C (71°F) 18.5°C (65°F) wind direction 227degSW
NOV 18.5°C (65°F) 15.0°C (59°F) wind direction 230degSW
DEC 14.2°C (58°F) 10.9°C (52°F) wind direction 222degSW
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

Local Essentials

Languages

The official language of Greece is Greek with English being widely understood in the tourist areas.

Currency

The official currency of Greece is the Euro.

Tipping

Tipping is a common practice in Greece and very much appreciated for good service, typically you leave 10%.

Boat Types In Skiathos

Is A Yacht Charter Right For For You

Unique Perspectives

See coastlines and islands from vantage points inaccessible to land-based travellers.

Freedom to Explore

On a yacht charter, you have the freedom to plan your own itinerary and visit multiple destinations, with the journeys between them being part of the fun.

Connection with Nature

A yacht charter allows you to experience the sea, wind, and sky up close, not to mention the chance to spot dolphins or other marine life native to your cruising area.

Water Sports

Enjoy activities like snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding with equipment readily available and often supplied with your charter boat.

Wellbeing

If you're looking for a total break from your everyday routine, a sailing holiday provides a truly different experience. Being rocked gently by the waves while surrounded by stunning nature is guaranteed to lower your stress levels.

Access to Secluded Spots

On a yacht charter, you can reach tucked away coves, quiet beaches, and small islands which are inaccessible to land-based tourists.

Customisable Itinerary

The weather doesn’t always do what you want, but with a boat you can easily adjust your plans based on weather, preferences, or unexpected discoveries.

Cultural Immersion

On a yacht charter you tend to visit multiple ports and interact with locals, which is great for experiencing the cultural life of your destination country in more depth.

Value for Groups

When comparing costs for accommodations, meals, and activities for larger groups, yacht charters often provide better value than a land based holiday.

Foxtrot, Hanse 458

Relax

The rhythmic motion of waves and the peaceful marine environment are the perfect tonic for getting away from it all.

Charter Types In Skiathos

Bareboat Yacht Charters

A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Skiathos 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.

Skippered Yacht Charters

With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Skiathos 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

Crewed yacht charters from Skiathos 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.

How To Book

How To Book Your Yacht Charter From Skiathos.

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.

Pure Thoughts

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 yacht charter.

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Type Of Yacht Can I Charter From Skiathos?

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)

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Yacht?

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.

When Are The Best Times To Charter A Yacht From Skiathos?

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.

What Happens If There Is A Problem With My Yacht Charter?

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.

How Long Does A Yacht Charter Typically Last?

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.

How Do Charter Fees Work When Chartering A Yacht?

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.

How Do I Choose The Right Yacht?

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.