7-Day Sporades Itinerary aboard Walkabout 43
Destination: Sporades, Greece | Duration: 7 days/7 nights | Embarkation: Skiathos | Disembarkation: Skiathos | Islands: Skiathos, Alonissos, Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Skopelos | Formula: Exclusive charter with skipper or Cabin charter | Highlights: Coastal sailing, marine park bay exploration, authentic villages.
A cruise in the Sporades Islands is an unforgettable experience that allows you to explore some of the most beautiful Greek islands. Four major islands and a handful of smaller islets. Their characteristic feature is that they’re all very green, covered with forests, orchards, vineyards and surrounded by waters that shade from green to blue, all close to each other. From the crystalline waters of Skiathos to the thousand-year history of Skopelos, there’s something for everyone.
During the cruise, you can enjoy the sun on the boat deck, swim in pristine beaches, and visit ancient archaeological sites. Additionally, the Sporades islands also offer a lively nightlife with many bars and restaurants where you can taste traditional Greek cuisine.
The ideal way to explore these islands is a sailboat, allowing you to navigate between islands and take advantage of the winds to sail with a certain tranquility. Moreover, a sailing cruise allows you to access beaches and coves that are not accessible from the mainland.
In general, a cruise in the Sporades islands is a unique experience that will allow you to discover the natural beauty and culture of Greece. I recommend booking in advance to secure a spot on one of the Sporades island cruises and take advantage of the low flight costs.
The sailing vacation in the Sporades is an easy experience, suitable even for beginners. A cruise for everyone with short navigations and beautiful places, not yet overrun by tourism. On Walkabout we’ll show you the best of these enchanted places!
Prices and Available Dates: MAY 30, 2026 – JUNE 6, 2026 or consult the 2026 cruise schedule.
Services Included Full details: Walkabout Charter Charter Terms
⭐ Rating: 4.9/5 (based on 47 Google, TripAdvisor and Facebook reviews)
Complete Guide:
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Saturday: Skiathos – Embarkation in the Pearl of the Sporades
Departure port: Skiathos (39.1620°N, 23.4910°E) | Distance: mooring in bay near port | Don’t miss: Historic center, nightlife, Koukounaries
Embarkation at 6:00 PM at Skiathos port, the most cosmopolitan and lively island of the Sporades. The crew will show you the boat, the Walkabout 43. Settling luggage in cabins. Safety briefing and presentation of the week’s itinerary. Meeting other vacation participants. The galley will already be stocked aboard to allow you a carefree vacation. A short navigation to reach a beautiful bay for a peaceful anchorage.
Dinner will be served on board by your skippers. Cuisine is an aspect that is carefully attended to with the search for the best ingredients and healthy, tasty recipes to offer you the pleasure of good food even on a sailing vacation.
Day 2 – Sunday: Skiathos – Alonissos, the Marine Park
Arrival: Alonissos (39.2000°N, 23.9360°E) | Distance: 22 nautical miles | Sailing time: approximately 3 hours | Don’t miss: National Marine Park, monk seal, characteristic villages | Activities: Sailing, snorkeling, wildlife spotting
We set sail after breakfast, navigating through the turquoise waters of the Sporades toward Alonissos, the quietest and wildest island of the archipelago, the greenest and most authentic. Since 1992 the surrounding waters have become a National Marine Park, the largest in Greece. During navigation we keep our eyes open: these protected waters are the habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), one of the rarest species in the world. Perhaps 300 specimens live throughout Greece, and Alonissos park is a fundamental reserve for their protection and care. Possible sighting also of dolphins that often accompany sailboats.
Anchorage in one of the splendid bays of the island, surrounded by numerous small islands, partly uninhabited, that are part of the marine park. The coasts create an alternation of coves and inlets, tiny beaches almost all with white pebbles, which make the water incredibly transparent and crystalline. Perfect waters for snorkeling among seabeds rich in biodiversity where archaeological treasures are also hidden. Marine caves to explore with the tender.
Afternoon dedicated to exploring the Chora of Alonissos, the village perched on the hill that was destroyed by the earthquake but has come back to life in recent years. We walk through the stone alleys, flowery courtyards and balconies painted in bright colors. We visit the kastro, the oldest part that incorporates the remains of the Venetian fortress. Quiet and genuine atmosphere, far from mass tourism. Evening: dinner at a local taverna with fresh fish. Overnight in roadstead.
Day 3 – Monday: Alonissos – Peristera, the Island of Silence
Arrival: Peristera (39.1240°N, 23.7240°E) | Distance: 8 nautical miles | Sailing time: approximately 1.5 hours | Don’t miss: Hidden coves, unspoiled nature | Activities: Relaxation, snorkeling, tender exploration
Short morning navigation to Peristera, an uninhabited island where time seems to have stopped. Anchorage in one of the most protected and fascinating bays of the entire Sporades archipelago. Day dedicated to total relaxation in this corner of paradise: multiple swims in waters so transparent you can see the sandy bottom at meters of depth, snorkeling among rocks and posidonia meadows rich in marine life, tender explorations of secret coves accessible only by sea. The waters between Alonissos and Peristera are considered among the cleanest in the Mediterranean. Lunch on board in the shade of the bimini. Afternoon of reading in the cockpit or simply listening to the silence interrupted only by cicadas singing and wave movement. Dinner on board. Overnight in roadstead under a magnificent starry sky, far from any light pollution.
Day 4 – Tuesday: Peristera – Kyra Panagia, the Bay of Dreams
Arrival: Kyra Panagia, Planitis bay (39.3500°N, 24.0500°E) | Distance: 10 nautical miles | Sailing time: approximately 2 hours | Don’t miss: Byzantine monastery, Planitis bay, marine caves | Activities: Sailing, advanced snorkeling, cave exploration
Navigation northeast reaching Kyra Panagia (or Pelagos), another uninhabited island, owned by the Mount Athos Monastery. The island takes its name from the Byzantine monastery dedicated to the Madonna, which welcomes visitors with its traditional architecture and atmosphere of spiritual peace. Anchorage in the famous Planitis bay, a true natural harbor, a narrow passage leads us inside a wide, very protected bay, an idyllic and wild place. Protected by green promontories covered with pines and Mediterranean scrub, it offers perfect shelter and waters with incredible shades ranging from crystalline turquoise to intense cobalt blue. Afternoon dedicated to exploration: snorkeling among underwater rock formations, tender excursions to numerous marine caves accessible only by sea, swims in hidden coves. Possible brief visit to the monastery (appropriate clothing required). The waters here are particularly rich in fish and underwater visibility is stunning. Lunch and dinner on board prepared by your skippers. Overnight in roadstead in total tranquility, lulled by the gentle wave movement.
Day 5 – Wednesday: Kyra Panagia – Gerakas (Alonissos)
Arrival: Gerakas, Alonissos (39°16.4259’N, 023°56.9652’E) | Distance: 8 nautical miles (15 km) | Sailing time: approximately 1.5 hours | Don’t miss: Remote beach, wild nature, snorkeling | Activities: Sailing, relaxation, snorkeling
Navigation southwest returning to Alonissos, this time discovering the western coast of the island. Anchorage in Gerakas bay, one of the most remote coves of Alonissos. The bay is surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation and offers a perfect refuge, far from any tourist presence.
The waters of Gerakas are particularly crystalline, with the white pebble seabed making the sea incredibly transparent with shades ranging from turquoise to intense blue.
Afternoon: exploration with tender of the surrounding coast searching for other hidden coves and marine caves. Evening: dinner on board watching the sunset tinting the Marine Park waters pink and orange. Overnight in roadstead, lulled by the gentle wave movement and nature’s silence.
Day 6 – Thursday: Skopelos, On the Trail of Mamma Mia
Arrival: Skopelos (39° 07.6155′ N, 023° 44.1027′ E) | Distance: 16 nautical miles | Sailing time: 2-3 hours | Don’t miss: Skopelos Chora, Mamma Mia film locations, Agios Ioannis chapel | Activities: Sailing, cultural visit, photography
Navigation along the western coast of Skopelos, the magnificent green island immortalized in the famous film “Mamma Mia!”. Admiring the succession of bays, green promontories and hidden beaches accessible only by sea, we arrive at the island’s main port, dominated by the Chora climbing amphitheater-style up the hill. Afternoon dedicated to exploring the Chora: walk through the characteristic paved alleys with traditional houses, flowery balconies and artisan shops. Visit to some of the numerous Byzantine churches that have made Skopelos famous. Possible excursion to the 18th-century Evangelistria Monastery, surrounded by pine forests, offering spectacular views and housing a small museum of sacred art. Shopping in local product stores (hand-painted ceramics, traditional textiles, thyme honey, plum jams). Evening: dinner at one of the waterfront tavernas tasting Skopelos specialties. Overnight in port.
Day 7 – Friday: Skopelos – Skiathos, The Return
Arrival: Skiathos Port (39.1620°N, 23.4910°E) | Distance: 18 nautical miles | Sailing time: approximately 3 hours | Don’t miss: Final sailing, souvenir shopping, farewell dinner | Activities: Final navigation, exploration, celebration
Last navigation of the week, from Skopelos returning to Skiathos crossing once again the splendid Sporades waters. During navigation, time to enjoy the wind in our hair, the sun on our skin and relive the memories of this extraordinary week among green islands and crystalline seas. Swimming stop in one of the many bays along the route for a last dip in the turquoise waters. Arrival in Skiathos in the afternoon, mooring in bay near the port. Free time for final explorations: those who haven’t yet seen it can visit the famous Koukounaries beach (considered one of the most beautiful in Greece), surrounded by a pine forest of centuries-old maritime pines, or the Evangelistria monastery where the modern Greek flag was first raised in 1807. Final shopping in downtown stores for souvenirs and local products (honey, olive oil, ceramics, handmade jewelry). Evening: special farewell dinner all together at a harbor taverna to toast this shared adventure and celebrate the moments lived. Last night on board with stories and week recap. Overnight in bay.
Day 8 – Saturday: Skiathos – Farewell Sporades
Disembarkation port: Skiathos (39.1620°N, 23.4910°E) | Disembarkation: 9:00 AM | Don’t miss: Last Greek coffee | Connections: Skiathos Airport (JSI) – 2 km from port
Last breakfast on board. Disembarkation operations. Those who wish can enjoy a last Greek coffee on the waterfront, last walk through the alleys, last purchases. Skiathos airport is just 2 km from the port, easily reachable by taxi (5 minutes, about 8-10€). Direct flights from Italy (Ryanair) or daily to Athens (Aegean Airlines and Sky Express), from where you can connect with international flights.
Farewell to the Sporades, we take with us memories of navigations driven by the gentle wind, sunrises seen from the cockpit with coffee in hand, dives from the stern swim platforms into bays accessible only by sea, dinners prepared on board and nights lulled by wave movement under unforgettable starry skies.
The itinerary stops are subject to changes due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances that prevent or make navigation uncomfortable to reach them or for mooring. Any itinerary modifications are made exclusively to ensure better vacation organization and to ensure the safety and comfort of our guests.
FAQ
Is it suitable for those without sailing experience?
Absolutely yes. The Sporades are ideal for beginners: contained distances between islands (never more than 3 hours of sailing), numerous protected bays, generally calm waters. The Walkabout 43 is stable and comfortable. Experienced skippers guarantee safety and share the passion for sailing teaching the basics.
When does the Meltemi blow?
The Meltemi in the Sporades is generally more moderate than in the Cyclades. It mainly blows July-August with intensity 3-5 Beaufort, making navigation sporty and fun but never extreme. June and September usually have even lighter winds.
Can the itinerary be modified?
Yes, the itinerary is indicative. The skippers adapt it based on weather, group preferences and opportunities. The only constraint is Saturday embarkation and disembarkation in Skiathos. You can dedicate more time to certain islands, discover alternative bays, add unplanned stops.
Consult the complete sailing cruise FAQ or contact us directly.
Why Choose This Vacation
Authentic Sporades + Accessible Navigations + Unspoiled Nature
Ideal itinerary both for those approaching sailing for the first time and for experienced sailors seeking authentic Greece. The Sporades offer the perfect balance: not too demanding navigations (distances between 8-22 nautical miles), protected but crystalline waters, lush nature with pine forests descending to the sea.
Alonissos National Marine Park: Greece’s largest marine protected area (2,260 km²) guarantees unspoiled waters and rich biodiversity. Real possibility of spotting the Mediterranean monk seal, dolphins and numerous seabird species.
Uninhabited islands of Peristera and Kyra Panagia: a rare experience of total immersion in nature, with paradisiacal bays accessible only by sea, far from any tourist presence.
40-30-30 Formula: 40% pleasant sailing (manageable distances, protected waters), 30% relaxation in dream bays (snorkeling, swimming, reading), 30% culture and authentic villages (Skopelos from Mamma Mia, Chora of Alonissos).
Walkabout 43 and good italian cusine
The Walkabout 43 is the perfect boat for this itinerary: comfortable for life aboard, safe even with Meltemi, fun to sail. Three double cabins, two bathrooms, large cockpit with teak swim platform to enjoy the sea.
Sporades rich in typical products: thyme and pine honey, PDO extra virgin olive oil, goat cheeses, Skopelos dried plums, almonds, fresh fish. Our skippers prepare dishes with local ingredients purchased on the islands.
Skippers with deep knowledge of the Sporades, the best hidden bays, authentic tavernas frequented by locals and the marine weather conditions of the area.
How to Book
- Personalized Quote: Receive within 24h: detailed quote, confirmed availability, contractual conditions.
- Confirmation: Pay the deposit to lock in the booking.
- Book flights: Walkabout Charter provides info for flights, ferries and transfers.
- Trip Preparation: Receive recommended equipment list, communicate special dietary needs.
- Embarkation! Your Sporades adventure begins!
The green pearls of the Aegean. Walkabout Charter takes you there!