44 Best Sights in The Sporades, Greece

You'd have to try very hard to find a Sporades beach, or in fact, a Greek beach with waters as crystal clear as at Agios Dimitrios, on Alonnisos. The almost spit-shape white pebble beach is long, uncrowded, and has a stupendous view of Peristera island directly opposite. The water is shallow and calm, and the beach is lined with just a handful of picturesque palm-leaf umbrellas and sun beds to rent. Behind the beach, along a tree-lined road, you'll find a couple of beach restaurants serving delicious traditional Greek dishes. Amenities: parking (free); food and drink. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.

Close to the airport, this wonderful beach of white sand and pebbles is surrounded by lush greenery, with the little chapel of Agios Petrosa on a hill above as a serene backdrop. Don't be put off by the 4 km (2½ miles) of dirt road leading to the beach, it's definitely worth the effort. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

Though it's not in Glossa, the village marks an easy setting-off point for checking out this 18th-century marvel, perched dramatically atop a rocky outcrop that juts out at sea, flanked by verdant mountains; 200-or-so uneven steps lead you up the monolith, and when you get there, you'll find the tiny chapel surrounded by a few veteran olive trees. Inside are a handful of painted frescoes, and candles that visitors can light to pay respect. Legend has it, the chapel was built to protect the island from pirates. Famously, the church was the setting of Sophie's wedding in the 2008 movie, Mamma Mia!

A perch on Palouki Mountain provides views of the sea and the town. The impressive complex was founded in 1676 and completely rebuilt in 1712 by Ioannis Grammatikos, who believed he was saved from execution by an 11th-century icon of the Virgin. The miraculous object is housed in the church, with an intricately carved iconostasis. It's a short drive from Skopelos Town, but a hike up the quiet, pine-fringed roads and across mountains patched with olive groves offers a serene excursion. Stop by a stone fountain mid-way for refreshment—the mineral mountain water is safe to drink.

The island's best-known and most beautiful monastery sits on Skiathos's highest point and was dedicated in the late 18th century to the Annunciation of the Virgin by the monks of Mt. Athos. It encouraged education and gave a base to revolutionaries, who pledged an oath to freedom and first hoisted the flag of Greece here in 1807. Looming above a gorge, and surrounded by fragrant pines and cypresses, the monastery has a high wall that once kept pirates out; today it encloses a ruined refectory kitchen, the cells, a small museum library, and a magnificent church with three domes. Fascinating still, it houses the wooden loom that wove the very first Greek flag. A gift shop sells the monastery's own Alypiakos wine, olive oil, locally made preserves, and Orthodox icons. A café on a hill next to the monastery serves drinks and snacks, with stupendous views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. In summer, a bus goes to and from the monastery from the main bus station in Skiathos Town, where the bus times are advertised.

Built after Greek Independence by a wealthy family (who still owns the museum), this house is one of the most impressive in Skyros Town and is nearly overflowing with rare books, costumes, photographs, paintings, ceramics, local embroideries, Greek statues, and other heirlooms. Of particular note are the embroideries, which are famed for their flamboyant colors and vivacious renderings of mermaids, hoopoes (the Skyrians' favorite bird), and mythical human figures whose clothes and limbs sprout flowers. Top treasure among the museum's historical documents is a handwritten copy of the Proclamation of the Greek Revolution against the Ottoman Empire. 

The islet (also known as Pelagos) has two natural harbors, Agios Petris and Planitis, the latter of which was once regularly set upon by pirates marauding the Aegean in the medieval period. Archaeological findings on the island prove that there was once a Neolithic civilization here, who inhabited it some 8,000 years ago—though more recent traces of human habitation can be found, too. The 16th-century Byzantine monastery from which the island gets its name is the main draw. Recently restored, it's dedicated to the birth of the Virgin Mary.

Located in a nature reserve, it's just a 3-km (2-mile) walk from busy Koukounaries. Make the journey on foot to walk through a heady, fragrant pine forest to reach this "secret" beach that's a haven for those seeking peace and quiet. There are no water sports businesses in operation and the sea is a little rough, so it's frequented by swimmers and surfers rather than families and noisy youths. Sometimes called Xerxes' harbor, the bay is where the notorious Persian king stopped on his way to ultimate defeat at the battles of Artemisium and Salamis. The reefs opposite are the site of a monument Xerxes allegedly erected as a warning to ships, the first such marker known in history. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free). Best for: swimming; walking; solitude.

At these side-by-side options, separated by a forested headland, expansive and laid-back Megalos Aselinos is a favorite of locals and tourists visiting by boat, while Mikros Aselinos is quieter and can be reached by car or bike. Neither, however, can be reached by bus. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); toilets. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; sunset; swimming.

Skopelos's longest beach is considered by many to be its best, with white sands, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant green trees. Though still secluded, the bay is up-and-coming—parasols and recliners are lined halfway across the beach and there's a large taverna tucked into the pine trees. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

The best way to get an idea of the town and its history is to follow the sinuous cobbled lanes past the mansions of the Old Town to the Kastro, the highest point, and this fortified monastery founded in AD 962 and radically rebuilt in 1600. Today it is inhabited by a sole monk. A white marble lion, which may be left over from the Venetian occupation, is in the wall above the entrance to the monastery. The once splendid frescoes of the Monastery of St. George are now mostly covered by layers of whitewash, but look for the charming St. George and startled dragon outside to the left of the church door and, within, the ornate iconostasis. An icon of St. George on the right is said to have been brought by settlers from Constantinople, who came in waves during the iconoclast controversy of the 9th century. The icon is familiarly known as Agios Georgis o Arapis ("the Negro"); the Skyrians view him as the patron saint not only of their island but of lovers as well.

The closest island to Alonnisos is also home to one of the marine park's travel highlights—the Peristera Wreck, discovered by local fisherman Dimitris Mavrikis in 1985. A cargo of some 4,000 wine amphoras can be seen half buried in the seabed, the bulk of which have been identified as having originated in Skopelos, and the ancient city of Mende, now incorporated into Central Macedonia. It's thought that the ship foundered towards the end of the Peloponnesian War, as evidence from burned remains of a wooden hull could be testament to. In 2020 the area became known as the Alonissos Underwater Museum, and it's possible to visit in the summer months only, on a currently trial basis by the Greek Department of Maritime Antiquities and tourism officials.

In this 19th-century mansion, furnishings, precious icons, and quotidian antiques from around the world make this a fine showcase of the life and traditions of a local family of high standing from a time when Skopelos was a hub for a well-traveled, politically influential, and highly cultured society. Andigoni Vakratsa and her father were doctors who offered free medical services to the poor. Head upstairs to view the living room (it was used only for very special occasions) where you can admire a traditional island engagement dress with its 4,000-pleat skirt. 

This strand of small pebbles has crystal clear, turquoise water and, despite some sun beds and umbrellas, a feeling of seclusion. Dassia, the thickly forested islet across the bay, was named after a female pirate who (legend has it) was drowned there—but not before hiding her treasure.

Though it looks it, this is not a private beach. Visitors are permitted to access it via Adrina Beach Hotel. Inquire within.

Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming.

Around the island's western tip are Agia Eleni and Krasa, facing the nearby Pelion Peninsula. The beaches are also known as Big and Little Banana on account of their crescent shapes. At the latter, sun worshippers often peel their clothes off—it's a popular naturist beach, as its rocky coves provide some privacy. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: nudists; sunset; swimming.

The road south from Atsitsa deteriorates into a rutted track, nerve-racking even for experienced motorbike riders. If you're feeling fit and the weather's good, however, consider the challenging 6-km (4-mile) trek around the headland to Agios Fokas. There are three lovely white-pebbled beaches and a small taverna. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; sunset; swimming; walking.

This pretty and pebbled seaside settlement fronts exceptionally clean waters and is backed by numerous friendly tavernas, each serving fresh seafood. It's a relaxed marina, and you'll find brightly colored boats bobbing in the water here, making the swimming area a little small. Agnonda is named after a local boy who returned here victorious from Olympia in 569 BC brandishing the victor's wreath. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming.

This pre-Lenten Carnival revelry relates to pre-Christian Dyonisian fertility rites and is famous throughout Greece. Young men dressed as old men, maidens, or "Europeans" roam the streets teasing and tormenting onlookers with ribald songs and clanging bells. The "old men" wear elaborate shepherd's outfits, with masks made of baby-goat hides and belts dangling with as many as 40 sheep bells.

These two small rooms (on the way to Magazia Beach as you begin to descend from the town) contain rare weapons, pottery, and jewelry, mostly from graves dating from Neolithic to Roman times. Especially alluring are the pony motifs and the vase in the shape of a horse.

Local finds from the region's rich history are displayed in this neoclassical building from 1909. Artifacts like jewelry, pottery, clay statuettes, household utensils, and agricultural tools dating back to the neolithic period are presented in eight halls. The most popular items are entire tombs transported from nearby excavation sites, which include both skeletons and grave offerings. A few neolithic dwellings from Dimini and Sesklo have been reconstructed outside the museum.

Though there are many intriguing caves on the island of Alonnisos, the Blue Cave, in the northern part of the island nearby Agios Dimitrios beach, is the most famous. Boat trips will usually make a stop here, and travelers can swim in the azure water of the cave.

This lovely presence on Skiathos harbor stands on a small, pine-covered peninsula that divides the main port. It was built in 1207 by the Venetian Gyzi brothers to protect Skiathos from pirate attacks. Not much remains of the original fortress (also called the castle of St. George), but a cultural center at the site hosts concerts in the summer, as well as art and antiquities exhibitions. Many tranquil, refreshing spots provide views over the busy waterfront.

Mercifully the church is one of the very few buildings which survived the earthquake, with just a few cracks visible on the outside. It was built in the 12th century, though the frescoes on the inside depicting the Twelve Apostles—reformed here in 1964 from a demolished nearby church—are dated to the 17th century. 

Take the vaulted passageway from St. George's Monastery courtyard to this ruined church, the former seat of the bishop of Skyros, built in AD 895 on the ruins of a temple of Athena. The complex was the center of Skyros's religious life from 1453 to 1837. You can continue up to the summit from here.

The east side of Volos butts up against the pine-forested Goritsa Hill, which rises about 650 feet above the town, is accessible by hiking trails, and provides panoramic views. At the top is the church of Zoodochos Pigis, erected atop of a temple on what was the summit of the ancient city's acropolis. But it's the church of Panagia Tripa di Gorista at the bottom, built inside a natural cave thought to be sacred since ancient times and once dedicated to Zeus, that remains the favorite.

The windy beach of Kalamitsa is 4 km (2½ miles) along the road south from Ahilli, and popular with windsurfers for obvious reasons. Nevertheless, this also means that the sands can be whipped up into a skin-cleansing frenzy on certain days, so whether you're a surfer or bather, check the winds first. There are three decent tavernas at this old harbor. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; surfing; swimming; windsurfing.

Some fans call this scenic slice of shoreline "Golden Coast," after its fine, sparkling golden sand, but in high season, when sunseekers land by the boatload, you'll be lucky to find a free patch. The name, Greek for stone pines, comes from the forest that is almost watered by the waves. Enjoy a leisurely stroll behind the beach to Strofilia Lake, an impressive biotope where rare species of birds find shelter. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguard; parking (free); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; snorkeling; sunrise; swimming; walking.

The dirt road north of Troullos leads to beaches and to the small, now deserted, Kounistra Monastery. It was built in 1655 on the spot where a monk discovered an icon of the Virgin "miraculously" dangling from a pine tree. The icon spends most of the year in the church of Trion Hierarchon, in Skiathos Town, but on November 20 the townspeople parade it to its former home for the celebration of the Presentation of the Virgin the following day. You can enter the deserted monastery church any time, though its interior has been blackened by fire and its 18th-century frescoes are difficult to see.

Within walking distance of Skiathos Town, the sandy stretch of Megali Ammos is an easy option. Bars and eating options line the beach, along with sun loungers that reach down to the water's edge. There is a water sports school on the busier, right side of the beach where you can enjoy white-knuckle rides on giant inflatable bananas and doughnuts pulled at high speeds by little motorboats. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguard; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming.

One of the oldest monasteries (circa 1700) on the island is now occupied by a sole monk. It features iconography in the old basilica, painted by renowned Byzantine painter Agorastos.