Sporades Holiday Guide

You can get a direct flight to Skiathos and there are several options for getting around during your stay. These include the excellent local bus service which will take you to most of the beaches and other attractions.

There are plenty of car rental companies at the airport if that's your preferred mode of transport, but be aware that if you're planning to get high up in the mountains, you'll need a jeep. Another way of getting around is to hire a moped, but make sure you get a helmet too.

The most famous beach on all the islands, and perhaps Greece, is Koukounaries on Skiathos. It's a 2km long strip of golden sand lapped by turquoise waters set on the edge of a thick pine forest. It can get busy, especially during July and August and there are all sorts of water sports on offer. It's also a protected beach with little development and is utterly relaxing.

All the beaches on Skopelos are pebbly but the island of Alonissos has some lovely sandy stretches, the best of which, Chrisi Milia, lies 4km northeast of Patitiri. It's a laid-back beach with a few water sports and a couple of tavernas on the hill overlooking the bay - bliss.

There are a few historic sights dotted around the islands and especially on Skiathos, where you'll find the deserted 14th-century town of Kastro. There are ruins of many houses and a church with some fantastic views across to the other islands. There's also a ruined Venetian fortress dating back to 1207.

In fact there are several atmospheric monasteries and churches dotted around the islands, but if you want to take a peek inside, remember that shorts, bikinis and sleeveless shirts are not allowed. If you fancy an alternative holiday , or maybe just some holiday well-being, head for Skyros, home to the Skyros Institute, a centre for holistic health and fitness.

With so many islands to choose from, it'd be a shame to stay on one beach for your entire holiday. There are hidden coves around every corner so hop on a boat for the day and explore. Lounge on tiny, deserted beaches, explore the fragrant pine forests and watch out for dolphins too.

If you're feeling energetic, head to the quiet island of Alonnisos for a ramble. There are numerous hiking trails and the ocean views are breathtaking.

While there are some Italian, Chinese and even English-style eateries in the Sporades, you'd be a fool not to try the amazing Greek food found in the local tavernas, cafes and excellent seafood restaurants dotted around the islands. The seafront in Skiathos Town, which overlooks the marina, is a lovely place to wine and dine, and as you'd expect, the locally caught fish and shell fish is superb.

Local specialities include the Skiathos meatball - a mini meatloaf, with rice and tomato sauce, and kopanisti - feta cheese combined with hot peppers. Make sure you don't suffer from eyes-bigger-than-belly syndrome as the main courses tend to be huge.

Most of the islands are generally quiet with evenings consisting mainly of a nice romantic meal and a few glasses of wine, but if you fancy a bit of clubbing, then Skiathos Town is for you. Go to the streets of Papadiamanti and Polytechniou for the vast majority of discos and bars which stay open until the early hours.

For something a bit more authentic though, keep an eye out for Bouzouki nights in some venues with traditional Greek dancing and plenty of wine.

Trinket hunters on holiday on the Sporades Islands will have a field day. Local handicrafts are good buys, including hand-woven materials, rugs, clay and copper utensils, ceramics and carved wooden chests and furniture. If you want to relive those boozy holiday nights in the comfort of your own home back in the UK, don't forget to buy a bottle or two of retsina.
Skyros Town is good for traditional and contemporary folk art including embroideries, costumes, more ceramics, textiles, woodcarvings, metalwork and more furniture.

The main form of family entertainment will be the fantastic beaches. There's safe paddling for toddlers, and lots of different water sports for older kids. If you get bored of one beach, then it's easy to charter a boat and visit a few more. You might even find a secluded beach which you can have all to yourself.
There's a lovely open-air cinema located off Papadiamantis Street on Skiathos which shows English-speaking films with Greek subtitles.