Northern Sporades

The Northern Sporades are an island group in the Aegean Sea off the east coast of mainland Greece, composed of several inhabited islands and numerous smaller islets. The group is noted for its pine-covered hills, sheltered bays and clear coastal waters.

Principal islands in the group include Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos and Skyros, each offering beaches, traditional villages and marine scenery; Skiathos hosts the main airport that connects the islands to the Greek mainland. A major highlight is the marine and coastal environment around Alonnisos, which is part of a designated marine protected area aimed at conserving the Mediterranean monk seal and local fisheries.

Archaeological remains and long-standing local communities reflect habitation of the islands since antiquity, while modern tourism focuses on beach recreation, sailing and nature-based activities. Ferry links connect the islands to ports on the Greek mainland, and seasonal visitor services increase markedly in summer.

The Northern Sporades lie off the east coast of central Greece, adjacent to the Pagasetic Gulf and the Pelion peninsula, and are accessed by ferry or air via Skiathos.

• Marine conservation: Contains the National Marine Park of Alonnisos and Northern Sporades, a protected area important for the Mediterranean monk seal and for marine conservation.
• Access: Skiathos has the group's main airport and frequent ferry links, making it the principal transport hub for visitors arriving by air.

What to See #

• Skiathos: Island in the Aegean Sea known for its airport and popular sandy beaches; serves as a gateway for ferry connections to the rest of the group.
• Skopelos: Pine-covered hills, traditional stone villages and numerous small bays; well known for its beaches and for being a principal filming location for the film "Mamma Mia!"
• Alonnisos: Largest of the inhabited islands in the northern cluster and the centre of the marine protected area that conserves Monk seal habitat and marine biodiversity.
• Skyros: Geographically distinct and further south within the group, featuring traditional architecture and a local maritime culture that differs from the closer Sporades islands.