EMBARKATION: AGIOS KONSTANTINOS
DISEMBARKATION: ATHENS
Lying out of the mainstream of history the Sporades have few archaeological remains, but the beautiful scenery and fine sandy beaches have been attracting growing numbers of visitors.
AGIOS KONSTANTINOS is the mainland terminal for Skiathos.
TRIKERI BAY is on the east side of the entrance to the Gulf of Volos. The deep bay with the small fishing village offers spectacular scenery.
SKIATHOS is the nearest of the Sporades to the mainland coast. Until 1830 the inhabitants lived on the Kastro, an almost inaccessible rocky spur that was connected to the island by a drawbridge which could be raised in times of siege. Today it is deserted and almost the entire population lives in Skiathos town which has become a sort of junior league Myconos with discos, bars, and good restaurants livening up the night. In the daytime, the numerous sandy beaches are the main attraction.
SKOPELOS, like Skiathos, is densely wooded in pine over its slopes. It is also very fertile - vines, olives, almonds, pears, citrus fruit, and plums for which the island is famous are grown. It is intensely cultivated and the inhabitants are farmers, not seafarers. Although the island has a remote feel to it, in summer it is invaded every day by visitors who come from Skiathos for its splendid beaches. Recently archaeologists discovered evidence of a Cretan settlement which makes Skopelos the most northerly Minoan site so far unearthed.
ALONISSOS, a hilly wooded island that relies on the donkey and the caique as much as on motor vehicles. Evidence of Neolithic and other ancient habitation has been discovered. It is also thought to be the site of ancient Hallonessos, a city that ancient commentators say disappeared into the sea during a catastrophic earthquake. Beautiful bays with pine-clad slopes and inviting taverns.
PERISTERA is the island lying roughly parallel to and just to the east of Alonissos whereas further north is the island of Pelagos with the bay of Kira Panayia. All the spots offer unrivalled beauty with crystal clear water.
SKIROS the most easterly and the largest of the Sporades. The lower slopes of the high ground are wooded in pine and maquis. The capital is more like a Cycladic village than the villages on Skiathos or Skopelos. The white cubist houses with flat roofs are built on a steep slope with a Venetian castle on the summit. In the village there is an unusual amount of carved wood - doors, shutters, chairs, and stools. Skiros embroidery is also much in evidence. Some of the best island folk art is contained in the Falatiz Museum near the castle - one of the best of its kind in Greece. A herd of wild ponies, descendants of the ancient breed called Pikermic and akin to Shetland ponies roam the island. Ancient Skiros was ruled by King Lykomedes. It was he who treacherously killed Theseus, King of Athens, by hurling him over a cliff into the sea.
KARISTOS is on the south of Evia, the largest Greek island after Crete. It is a growing tourist resort situated on a narrow strip of land at the foot of a magnificent mountain range. In places the range drops sheer to the sea for 500 meters or more. The rugged interior is well worth a visit and there is good trekking in the hills behind.