North Sporades | Greece
DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
"A harmonious blend of traditional architecture, vibrant cultural activities, innovative tourism practices, and exemplary environmental conservation"
North Sporades are a cluster of islands in the North Aegean, renowned for their natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The 3 main inhabited islands — Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos — belong to the Region of Thessaly.
The pilot region is composed of 2 small & remote rural islands (Skopelos, Alonissos) and an urban one (Skiathos). The region offers a unique combination of underwater archaeology, marine biodiversity, trekking routes, and living cultural traditions.
The National Marine Park of Northern Sporades — Greece's first — encompasses Alonissos and 6 smaller islands. It is part of the NATURA 2000 network and provides critical habitat for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.
QUICK FACTS
- ⚓︎ Greece's first Accessible Underwater Archaeological site
- Home to monk seal (Monachus monachus)
- Plethora of underwater archaeological sites
- More than 15 trekking routes available
- Best for: Diving, Trekking, Culture, Ecotourism
DESTINATION PILLARS
Underwater Cultural Heritage
Shipwrecks span 25 centuries of Aegean trade history, including Greece's first underwater archaeological museum.
Marine Conservation
Home to the endangered monk seal and a protected marine ecosystem covering 2,220 km² of sea and islands.
Natural Heritage and Silver tourism
16 marked trails of all difficulties across Alonissos, year-round hikes on Skopelos, sea-view ridges.
Living local culture and Heritage
Museums, traditional architecture, culinary workshops, and a world-renowned homeopathy academy.
MORE ABOUT THIS DESTINATION
Alonissos
Eco-diving capital of the Aegean. The Marine Park's beating heart, with a fortified Old Village and the KAC.
Read more →Skopelos
Known for its dense pine forests, olive groves, and stone architecture. Year-round opportunities and cultural sites.
Read more →Skiathos
The gateway island. Busier, more urban, with a direct airport link and a thriving harbour town.
Read more →Showing 17 points of interest

National Marine Park of Alonissos & Northern Sporades
A protected marine sanctuary of exceptional biodiversity, home to rare species and pristine ecosystems. One of the largest marine parks in the Mediterranean.
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Marine Life Activities
Experience the rich marine life of the Sporades through diving, snorkeling, and boat tours. Suitable for all levels of visitors.
Read more →Digital Corner
Dedicated to Christophoros wreck, this information point connects visitors with the island’s Underwater Cultural Heritage
Read more →Knowledge Awareness Center (KAC) – Alonissos
An innovative digital center bringing underwater archaeology to life through immersive technologies. Discover ancient shipwrecks without diving.
Read more →Peristera Classical Shipwreck
One of the largest ancient shipwrecks ever discovered, resting beneath the crystal-clear waters of Alonissos. Dive into a unique underwater museum filled with amphorae and relics of ancient trade. A must-see for history lovers and experienced divers.
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Skantzoura Late-Classical Shipwreck
A late-classical shipwreck near Skantzoura island, revealing ancient trade routes of the Aegean. A site of both historical and diving interest.
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Agios Petros Byzantine Shipwreck
A remarkable Byzantine-era shipwreck resting in Kyra Panagia bay, revealing centuries of Aegean seafaring history. A rare dive into the medieval maritime world.
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Fagrou Archaic Shipwreck
An archaic-period shipwreck near Kyra Panagia, surrounded by rich marine life. A hidden underwater treasure.
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Tselios Hellenistic Shipwreck
An ancient shipwreck resting in Tselios cape in the nearby Peristera island, offering a glimpse into early maritime trade.
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Trekking Routes
Explore a network of scenic trails crossing forests, coastlines, and historic sites. Routes for all levels, from relaxing walks to demanding hikes.
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Kostas & Aggela Mavrikis Museum
A unique private museum showcasing maritime history, traditional weaponry, and local cultural artifacts. A hidden gem near Patitiri harbor.
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Traditional House
Step inside a preserved traditional home and experience authentic island life of past centuries. A living snapshot of Skopelos’ cultural heritage.
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Culinary & Cooking Classes
Discover local flavors through hands-on cooking experiences rooted in island traditions. Learn recipes passed down through generations.
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Academy of Classical Homeopathy
A wellness experience combining natural therapies and holistic practices.
Read more →Christoforos Wreck
A modern shipwreck resting deep beneath the waters of Skopelos, offering an exciting dive for experienced adventurers. Explore a lesser-known but captivating underwater site surrounded by marine life.
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Churches & Monasteries
A rich network of churches and monasteries across the island. Spiritual landmarks embedded in the landscape.
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Dance Festival
A vibrant celebration of music, dance, and local traditions. Experience living culture in motion.
Read more →Tourism Infrastructure in the Northern Sporades The Northern Sporades offer a well-developed yet relaxed tourism infrastructure that makes island-hopping and independent travel easy while preserving the authentic character of the destination. Whether you are visiting Skiathos, Skopelos, or Alonissos, you will find reliable transport connections, a wide range of accommodation options, dining facilities, healthcare services, and essential visitor amenities.
Getting There The main gateway to the Northern Sporades is Skiathos International Airport (JSI), which operates daily domestic flights from Athens and seasonal international flights from numerous European destinations during the summer months. From Skiathos, frequent ferry and high-speed boat services connect visitors to Skopelos and Alonissos. Visitors can also reach the islands directly from mainland Greece via regular ferry services departing from Volos, Mantoudi (Evia), Agios Konstantinos, and seasonally from Thessaloniki. Ferry routes link all major islands of the archipelago, making multi-island itineraries convenient and accessible.
Inter-Island Connections The islands are connected through an extensive ferry network operating throughout the year, with increased frequency during the tourist season. Travel times are relatively short:
- Skiathos – Skopelos: approximately 30–60 minutes
- Skiathos – Alonissos: approximately 1.5–2 hours
- Skopelos – Alonissos: approximately 30–60 minutes High-speed catamarans, conventional ferries, and hydrofoils provide regular connections, allowing visitors to easily explore more than one island during their stay.
Accommodation Each island offers a different accommodation profile:
- Skiathos provides the widest variety of tourist accommodation, including hotels, resorts, apartments, studios, holiday residences, and beachfront properties. Most accommodation is concentrated around Skiathos Town, the port area, and the island’s popular beach resorts.
- Skopelos is known for its traditional guesthouses, boutique hotels, villas, and family-run accommodations, particularly in Skopelos Town, Glossa, and the island’s picturesque villages.
- Alonissos offers a quieter and more nature-oriented experience, with apartments, studios, small hotels, villas, and guesthouses mainly located in Patitiri, Votsi, Steni Vala, and the Old Village (Chora). Across all islands, visitors can find options suitable for every budget, from simple rooms to luxury villas and full-service resorts.
Food & Dining The Northern Sporades provide a diverse culinary experience combining traditional Greek cuisine with fresh local ingredients and seafood. Skiathos features the largest variety of restaurants, taverns, cafés, bars, and international dining options. Skopelos is renowned for its local gastronomy, traditional tavernas, Mediterranean cuisine, and family-operated restaurants. Alonissos offers authentic seaside tavernas and local eateries, particularly around Patitiri, Votsi, and Steni Vala, emphasizing fresh fish and regional recipes.
Healthcare & Visitor Services Basic healthcare services are available on all three islands, including health centres, clinics, pharmacies, and emergency medical assistance. Larger medical facilities can be accessed through mainland connections when required. Visitors will also find:
- Pharmacies and first-aid services
- ATMs and banking facilities
- Supermarkets and grocery stores
- Car, scooter, and bicycle rental services
- Taxi services and local bus networks
- Tourist information points and travel agencies Most essential services are concentrated around the main ports and town centres, ensuring convenient access for visitors throughout the tourist season.
Transportation on the Islands Local transportation is available on all major islands:
- Public bus routes connect the main towns, beaches, and villages.
- Taxis are widely available during the tourist season.
- Car, scooter, and motorcycle rentals are popular options for exploring independently.
- Water taxis and excursion boats operate in many coastal areas, particularly during summer.
Sustainable Tourism Infrastructure The Northern Sporades are internationally recognized for their natural environment and commitment to sustainable tourism. Alonissos, in particular, serves as the gateway to the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades, the largest marine protected area in Greece. Tourism development across the islands increasingly focuses on environmental protection, responsible travel, and the preservation of local culture and landscapes.









