Sporades Skiathos

The Sporades islands lie in the Northwest Aegean Sea, off the East coast of Greece , near the peninsula of the south Pelion mountains. The three main islands in the Group are Skiathos, with its own international airport, Skopelos – the greenest island in Greece, and Alonissos – still relatively undiscovered and unspoilt. The area also includes a marine sanctuary and sea park. Volos is a mainland city (120,000 population) which stands at the foot of the Pelion mountain range. The waters of the gulf are sheltered and there are a number of spectacular stopping places and anchorages, including Milina, Paleo Trikeri and Ag.Kiriaki. Evia (Eubboia) is the second largest island after Crete in Greece. It runs parallel to the eastern mainland coast and since classical and Venetian times has been an important port between Athens and Constantinople. Orei, on the northern coast of the island, was an important maritime city in Hellenic times, and today still has a good harbour, tavernas, shops and cafes.

The prevailing wind in Evia and Northern Sporades during the summer is the well known Meltemi, which blows from the NE. As in the Cyclades the Meltemi begins in June, blows strongest in July and August, and dies at the end of September and October, but it is not usually as strong as in the Cyclades, protected as it is by the Northern mainland. In July and August the Meltemi blows at Force 4-6 and may sometimes reach Force 7. In spring and autumn the wind is again predominantly from the North (NE – NW) but there are regular winds from the South as well. However, there are a number of local variations to the overall weather pattern. In the Trikeri and Orei Channels the wind is funneled into the channel so that it blows from the E-ENE. In the gulf of Volos (Pagasitikos Gulf), a NW wind, Force 2-5, often blows down the valley at the head of the gulf in the spring and autumn. There may also be southerlies, which can also blow in the summer months. The average temperature in the summer in the area is 25-27 ∞C. Be sure to bring plenty of sun protection cream, sunglasses and mosquito repellents. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a camera.