Sporades Islands

Aegean paradise

Sporades Islands

8 day itinerary

This itinerary takes in the largely uninhabited Sporades archipelago as well as the stunning coastlines of northern Greece, including the Chalkidiki and Kassandra peninsulas. With national marine parks, historical sites, 5* spas and quiet Aegean bays, it's the perfect mix of luxury holiday living and natural beauty.

Spend the morning at an ocean spa. Paddleboard protected bays. take in views of monasteries dating to the 10th century. Snorkel with 300+ species of fish. Dine at beach tavernas backdropped by pine forests.

Thessaloniki Airport

Thessaloniki

15nm

day 1

Thessaloniki Airport – Thessaloniki

CITY OF CONTRASTS

Join your yacht in Thessaloniki and settle in onboard before going ashore to explore. Visit the Archaelogical Museum, one of the largest in Greece - highlights include gold artefacts from prehistoric Macedonia and a statue of Augustus, 1st Emperor of Rome. See the the Arch of Galerius, an intricate 4th-century monument, and the White Tower. People-watch in the huge Aristotelus Square. Head to the waterfront, humming with music and cocktail bars, and dine at the innovative restaurant Extravaganza.

Thessaloniki

Sani

36nm

day 2

Thessaloniki - Sani

Spa therapy

Wake at anchor off the exclusive resort of Sani, and take the tender in for a pampering session at one of its spas to smooth out the travel kinks. Choose from a range of pools or beaches to lounge on and soak up the sun or, if you're feeling more active, use the clay tennis courts to practice your serve. Treat yourself to retail therapy at the Sani Marina Piazza followed by lunch. In the evening, pick one of the several restaurants throughout the resort, from informal to gourmet.

Sani

Porto Koufo

40nm

day 3

Sani - Porto Koufo

WATERSPORT HEAVEN

Porto Koufo is one of the largest natural harbours in Greece, perfect for a day dedicated to watersports and the beach. Get out the jetskis or try waterskiing. Paddleboard or windsurf around the protected bay or take a trip to the award-winning vineyards at the Domaine Porto Carras on the slopes of Mount Meliton. Take a tour of the vineyard then sample its wares. Enjoy delicious freshly caught seafood for dinner at the Porto Marina tavern on the waterfront, finishing the evening with cocktails back onboard.

Porto Koufo

Diaporos

52nm

day 4

Porto Koufo – Diaporos

HOLY MOUNTAIN

Cruise to the third ‘finger’ in the peninsula, home to Mount Athos and 20 monasteries, founded in the 10th century. One of the most revered places in the Orthodox world, no women are allowed on the peninsula as it is believed that it is the ‘Garden of the Virgin Mary'. Photograph the pretty coastline and the various monasteries. Arrive at the island of Diaporos and anchor in the beautiful bay. Spend the afternoon exploring on kayaks and paddleboards, swimming and snorkelling before a delicious dinner onboard.

Diaporos

Alonissos

70nm

day 5

Diaporos – Alonissos

FAUNA AND FLORA

The National Marine Park of Alonissos is the largest reserve of its kind in the Mediterranean. Grab the yacht's snorkel or dive gear to see over 300 species of fish. Spot dolphins, sperm whales or loggerhead turtles from the tender, not to mention the at-risk Mediterranean monk seals. Discover beautiful empty, sandy beaches lapped by crystal-clear water and enjoy lunch in a seafront taverna in the pretty fishing village of Steni Vala. On the island, take a walk through a carpet of fragrant maquis and visit the Old Town of Alonissos, offering stunning 360° views.

Alonnissos

Skopelos

8nm

day 6

Alonnissos - Skopelos

MAMMA MIA

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on deck as the yacht cruises to Skopelos. Anchor off Milia beach and make full use of the water toys onboard. Explore this beautiful, unspoilt island, where film fans can climb the 200 steps to Agios Ioannis, the chapel from the wedding scene in 'Mamma Mia'. Visit the impressive Byzantine monasteries Evangelistría and Timiou Prodrómou. Go diving to see Byzantine anchors, amphoras and the pirate caves at Sendoúkia. In the evening, sing along to your favourite Abba songs with a Mamma Mia-themed party onboard prepared by the crew.

Skopelos

Skiathos

22nm

day 7

Skopelos – Skiathos

BEACH HEAVEN

Skiathos is covered in lush pine forests and has over 60 beaches to explore. Head to lively Koukounaries beach, a long sweep of golden sand. Take the tender round to Lalaria beach, only accessible by sea, for a quieter day. Hunt down a beach taverna for lunch at Ahladiés beach - the real taste of Greece. Get active with the yacht’s water toys. As the sun goes down, explore the many cocktail bars around the harbour in Skiathos before choosing a restaurant for dinner. Night owls can continue the evening at one of the open air clubs.