Norsk utgave (Norwegian edition)

The Sporades is a group of islands northwest in the Aegean Sea. The 3 best known islands in the group as well as the most important islands of the Northern Sporades, are Skiathos, Skopelos and Alónissos. In the south Skíros is the largest island. These islands may not be among the "classical" trekking islands. Because they are somewhat off the beaten track, it is difficult to combine them with a trip to say the Cyclades, though it is possible. Tourists do not occupy these islands as much as the islands longer south. But both Skopelos and especially Skiathos have got their share of tourism since the late 1970's. This is for the good and worse. Today there are ample accommodation and dining alternatives, but tourism has brought fierce competition among the Greeks. Now there is also much difference between those who profit from the tourism and those who don't.

The Sporades are some of the greenest islands in Greece. Here, from Skopelos.

A common denominator for these islands, in particular the north, is their incredible green and luxuriant appearance, with great beaches. It was almost a shock the first time we got here, when we had got used to the dry and lifeless Cyclades. If you are looking for a choice of out-door activities in the evening and the night, you should go for Skiathos. In Skopelos it is quieter, and Alónissos is even more relaxing.

Achladia beach, Skiathos.

To go here from Athens, the easiest way is to catch a bus to either Ag. Konstandinos or Volos. From here there are both ferries and hydrofoils (Flying Dolphins) several times a day. They first arrive in Skiathos, and use to go on to Skopelos and Alónissos. From Skiathos there is also a ferry to the large city of Thessaloniki in northern Greece. There is also a ferry going all the way to Crete, via the Cyclades, Paros for one. But this ferry is leaving only once or twice a week, according to the season. The communication in between the Sporades is good. Olympic Airways arrange flights to Skiathos and Skíros several times a day from Athens.

Skopelos Town.

Being Norwegian, we are very familiar with these islands, as there are so many charter tours going here. There are at least 5 Braathens Boeing 730 flying here every week during the summer season. They come from Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger. These flights are an excellent means of transportation to Greece, if you plan trekking in these islands. We have traveled here 3 times ourselves with air tickets only. There is no problems finding accommodation once you are here. Only one airport is large enough for these flights to happen, and that is on Skiathos. But the size is just adequate, as the airport is the smallest but one in Europe which is approved for this aircraft. That is why the landings can be pretty rough. Our most rough landing ever was without doubt on this airport. But to reassure you right away, I am not aware of any accidents having taken place here. The runway is so short that the planes can not lift with full tanks, therefore it is always a stop in Thessaloniki on the way back to Norway to fill them up.

From Skiathos Town.

Here is a tip: If you may choose to sit on either side of the plane down to the SPorades, choos the left side and preferrably a window seat. Then you will get a fabulous view over Skiathos town just before landing. The runway starts just on the edge of Skiathos town. Bring your camera and shoot.

From Skopelos Town.

 

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Thanks to Toralf Sandåker, Asker, Norway for his translation into English!
© Jan Bergtun, 2. October 1999	Updated, 02.07.2007
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