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Greek Islands: The Sporades

The Aegean Islands and can divided into several island groups, including the Dodecanese, the Cyclades, the Sporades, the Saronic islands and the North Aegean Islands, as well as Crete and its surrounding islands.

The SPORADES are a group of islands in the northern Aegean located north east of Athens and south of Thessaloniki.

They consist of 24 islands, only four of which are permanently inhabited: Alonnisos, Skiathos, Skopelos and Skyros.

 

Here are some highlights:

Skyros

Skyros, the biggest island in the Sporades, is a richly green paradise for lovers of the outdoors. The famous native wild ponies can still be paid a visit, although only about 150 survive from the population of 2000 that once used to live and work in the fields. Gorgeous villages house strong traditions of local crafts, still evident in workshops dotted around the narrow cobbled streets. The capital is particularly proud of its castle with a marble lion guarding the entrance. You’ll also find a statue of the war poet Rupert Brooke in Eleftheria Square, and the Museums of Archeology and Folklore are recommended.

Brooke died on a French hospital ship moored in the bay here en route from Egypt to the Gallipoli landings in the Dardenelles in 1915 and is buried on the island.

Nine miles from the capital, Atsitsa is a curious secluded community where yoga, tai chi, reflexology and other holistic activities are the order of the day. If all that leaves you with a big appetite, renowned local cheeses should fill the gap.

 

Skiathos

Underrated Skiathos has many adoring fans who seem to hail from all corners of the world – visitors from Holland and Sweden being particularly regular attendees. This is another dramatically green island which, like Skyros, is great for hiking. You’ll find some truly phenomenal beaches and equally spectacular nightlife, along with plenty of cultural points of interest like the Evangilistria Monastery, where revolutionaries holed up in the war of independence. Another is the house of Greek writer Alexandros Papadiamantis, whilst natural highlights include the Blue Grotto and Lalaria, an impressive pebbly beach.

 

Alonnisos

Agriculture is widespread on Alonnisos, predominantly mixed farming and vineyards. The main products are almonds, grapes, figsand olives. Pine trees are abundant on the island. While fishing is a popular profession on the island, tourism is now the main industry.

Its picturesque capital Chora offers spectacular sea views of the Aegean and its other villages, such as Patitiri, Votsi, Roussoum Gialos and Steni Vala offer a quiet and peaceful setting.

 

Skopelos

Eye-catching landscapes; crystal clear waters next to golden coasts; traditional Pelion architecture; rugged natural landscapes and pure island atmosphere are what Skopelos adds up to.

As the island’s land is mostly covered by a pine forest. It has three ports: Skopelos, Agnontas and Glossa. Its ancient Greek name was Peparithos, son of Dionysus and Ariadne, who is believed to have been the island’s first inhabitant, while its name today was given in Ptolemaios texts in the 2nd c. AD.

Skopelos’ strongest card is its pine rimmed beaches as well as its local cuisine. It’s strifti (twisted phyllo dough) cheese pie,is renowned throughout the country.

The island enjoyed international acclaim when Hollywood producers chose it to shoot the famous movie “Mamma Mia!”, establishing it as a holiday destination for travellers coming from around the world.

 

Destination – Greece