The Sporades Archipelago in Greece form an idyllic framework, in a waters of legend, with truly exceptional climatic conditions. To the north of the vast and forgotten island of Eubea (Evia), these are exceptional islands: Skiatos, Skopelos, Alonisos, Skiros.

Surprising contrasts between the green and fertile islands and their mild and temperate climate. Far from the tourist circuits, they will offer them a warm and crystal-clear water, its beaches of fine and white sand are bordered with pine pines and Mediterranean forests.

The island of Skopelosis located between Skiathos and Alonisos. It is an island covered by pine trees and lush vegetation. Thanks to its traditional architecture, its numerous churches, white hermitage scattered throughout the island. According to mythology, their first inhabitants were the Cretans who came to this place led by Estafilo, the son of Dionisio and Ariadna. It begins its history in the micenic period. He later stands out as a member of the Athenian League, becoming a member of Macedonia, to become an Athenian again shortly after. It became a place of exile during the Venetian period. In 1538 she was devastated and looted by Pirate Barbaroja and was a few years under Turkish rule.

Skiathos, called the little Mykonos is our starting point. By sailing towards the Gulf of Volos we will discover deserted bays, small ports. Skopelos, Alonissos, Skautzoura and Pelagos are green islands, with good plumbing and white sand beaches. At 50 miles you can sail to the Chalkidiki Peninsula which in turn forms three small peninsulas: Kassandra, Sithonia and Monte Athos, with good plumbing, full of vegetation, and a multitude of monasteries where women are forbidden to enter.

Skyros Island, according to mythology, was the refuge of Achilles, a hero of Troy, whose mother, Tetis, hid him here dressed as a woman among King Licomedes's daughters, to avoid his departure to Troy. It is also said that in this place the king of Athens, Theseus, died. Skyros in its half becomes a narrow isthmus that divides the island into two, the most populated and lush north, and the mountainous and arid south. It stands out for traditional architecture, its rich folklore tradition and the great alternation of landscapes, large sandy beaches, steep rocks, picturesque coves, sea caves with crystal clear waters, an exuberant nature.

The time in the Sporades and the ChalKidiki Peninsula is excellent for quiet navigation. The Meltemi doesn't blow like in the south. Here it blows from the northwest, varying its direction in the interisland channels. On the Chalkidiki peninsula, the wind blows from the southeast with strength 2-4. The time in the Eastern Sporades is very similar to Cicladas, with Meltemi of 3-5 in May and October; and northwest 5-7 during June and August.

Of these islands we highlight Skopelos, which is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. Mediterranean pine thick cover up to the same shore. Its beaches are of scandal, fine sand and extremely transparent waters. Its capital town has a different charm to its neighbouring islands.

Alonissos Island is close to Skopelos. It has thick vegetation, pine trees that often reach the beach. Of great beauty, it has the most prominent abyss of the Aegean. The island was already populated in prehistoric times, and caused many disputes between Athens and Macedonia. In the second century AD was conquered by the Romans, the Byzantines built the walls of Chorio Castle. After a stage of Venetian rule, the Turks conquered it in 1538 and in 1830 Alonissos joined Greece.

If something stands out on the Sporades Islands it is also its natural park, a refuge of the Mediterranean seals monachus, where it is not difficult to meet them along our traverses. It is even easier to find a multitude of dolphins, nice animals that will accompany us until their curiosity is satisfied. The dolphins attracted by the abundant fishing of the area, as it is a protected area, abound.

The island of Skiathos, stands out from the rest of the islands, for the particularly beautiful nature and overflowing with vegetation. It is located opposite Mount Pilion and the north of the large island of Eubea. It has 44 km of coast of incredible beaches and a remarkable natural landscape, characterized by the abundant Mediterranean pine areas that penetrate to the sea. On this island was born one of the most beloved and famous Greek poets, Alexandros Papadiamantis. Visit Lalaria beach and the famous blue caves (Galazia Spilia).

On the desert island of Kira Panagia, we will be able to flank and make night. There is a small monastery on this island, where there is a small congregation of very hospitable monks that serves at reasonable prices the specialty, wild goat stew. Another reason to choose these islands is whether we are snorkel lovers. The seabed of this area are like being in another world, full of colorful, life and wonderful landscapes that often pass us unnoticed, but as interesting or more than we can appreciate on the outside, on the surface.

Text and Photos Grecotour. For more information:http: / / www.grecotour.com /