A romantic lustre adds sparkle to the marvellous Sporades Islands. Legend has it that one island was created by the love child of gods. Now two islands are the focus of one of the 21^st century’s most successful romantic movies, Mamma Mia.

Skiathos

Your journey starts in Skiathos, just 12 miles long but with more than 60 beaches.  Gorgeous Skiathos Town has shady tavernas on a busy waterfront. The narrow streets of the bustling old town are crammed with shops, cafes and bars. You can rock the night away - if you want to. You can climb Medieval castles, stroll through forests, discover quiet sandy beaches and even take a rescued dog for a walk. Buses run five times an hour through peak season, linking resorts between Skiathos Town and Koukounaries, the best-known beach that is a crescent of golden sand fringed with pine trees.

Skopelos

Next stop, scenic Skopelos. Larger than Skiathos but not as busy. Look out for dolphins before you sail into a harbour that is backed by a hillside covered in white houses with terracotta roofs. Tree-filled Skopelos has forests, orchards thick with almonds and plums and the delightful scent of wild herbs is everywhere. Keep an eye out for eagles, buzzards and owls and the 360 churches and chapels. Several beaches can be reached easily by bus or hired vehicles and many more beaches are waiting to be found in bays and coves. 

Alonissos

Then there's amazing Alonissos – a gem for those wanting to get away from it all.  You feel the sense of calm as you sail into elegant Patitiri, the small town and main port. Some beaches have bright white pebbles or sand creating a vivid contrast with the turquoise sea.  Many beaches are surrounded by pine forests that cover much of the island. Alonissos is in Europe’s largest marine park which protects monk seals and dolphins. It has a rescue centre for baby seals.  Try to fit in a boat trip around the park.  

Read more about island hopping in the Sporades islands in our blog.