Two-week sailing from Volos to the Northern Sporades

Set off on a two-week sailing adventure from Volos and explore the enchanting Northern Sporades. Think turquoise coves, traditional Greek tavernas and unforgettable stops featured in Mamma Mia!. We’ll guide you on where to anchor, where to refuel, and how to make the most of every mile.

Sailing from Volos to the Sporades and back is the perfect mix of hands-on sailing, easy-going island hopping and soaking up Greek culture. Before you go, keep these essentials in mind:

• Boat bookings: Volos is a more budget-friendly starting point than Skiathos, but boats go fast – book early.
• Weather conditions: In summer, northerly meltemi winds prevail, which can reach forces of up to 6 Bft.
• Anchoring: In marinas, you’ll moor stern-to. In bays, you’ll need to tie off to shore with long lines.
• Supplies: Volos, Skopelos and Skiathos have supermarkets; elsewhere, you’ll find only small tavernas.
• Distances between stops: Daily sections of 10–25 NM, perfect even for less experienced crews.

Distance and coordinates: 20 NM, 39°00'24.33 "N 22°57'54.34 "E

Cruise plan:
After collecting your boat in Volos, set course southeast for Achilio. It’s an upwind leg, so be prepared to tack or switch to the engine. Once you arrive, relax over classic Greek dishes at one of the friendly waterfront tavernas.

Where to stock up: 

• Volos – Full range of supermarkets and shops
• Achilio – No shops, only tavernas

Anchoring options:

• Calm weather – free pier side parking while dining at a taverna.
• Strong winds – Head to the nearby sheltered bay of Trikeri for better wave protection.

Distance and coordinates: 20 NM, 39°05.544'N 23°04.104'E

Cruise plan:
Today’s crosswind sail brings you to Agia Kyriaki, a peaceful fishing village that oozes traditional Greek charm. After tying up, take a stroll up the hill behind the small caravan park — the views over the Aegean are well worth the climb.

Where to stock up:

• Only basic provisions and water available in local tavernas

Anchoring options:

• Calm weather – Free mooring at the pier when dining at a taverna
• Strong winds – Drop anchor in the more sheltered eastern bay outside the main harbour

Distance and coordinates: 25 NM, 39°09.600'N 23°29.800'E

Cruise plan:
Today’s leg is more demanding, with upwind sailing or motoring likely as you make your way to Skiathos. Your destination is the iconic Koukounaries Beach – a picture-postcard spot that’s regularly named among the best beaches in Greece.

Tip: Looking for somewhere quieter? Head to nearby Little or Big Banana Beach (39°08'50.64"N 23°23'37.61"E) for a more secluded anchorage.

Where to stock up:

• Skiathos Town – Supermarkets, water and fuel available at the town pier – 

Anchoring options:

• Calm weather – Anchor on the sandy bottom in Koukounaries Bay
• Strong winds – West Bay near Skiathos (39°09'39.14"N 23°28'53.37"E) offers better shelter

Distance and coordinates: 15 NM, 39°09.210'N 23°37.740'E

Cruise plan:
Today’s route takes you around the northern tip of Skiathos, with the perfect chance to stop at Lalaria Beach — a stunning spot only accessible by boat. Take a refreshing dip beneath its famous white cliffs before continuing on to the port of Loutraki on Skopelos.

Where to stock up:

• Loutraki – Water and electricity are available at the pier, but no supermarkets

Anchoring options:

• Calm weather – Moor at the pier with access to water and power
• Strong winds – Drop anchor in the more sheltered western bay near the harbour

Distance and coordinates: 20 NM, 39°10.325'N 23°39.079'E

Cruise plan:
Set off early in the morning for the iconic church of Agios Ioannis, made famous by the film Mamma Mia!. Afterwards, continue to Gerakas Bay on the northern coast of Alonissos, where local fishermen often sell their fresh catch straight from the boat.

Where to stock up:

• Only tavernas – no shops available

Anchoring options:

• Calm weather – Moor at the small pier in Gerakas Bay (note: space is limited)
• Strong winds – Anchor off the shore using long stern lines for security

Distance and coordinates: 10 NM, 39°12'05.95 "N 23°58'41.58 "E

Cruise plan:
This day is perfect for diving enthusiasts — Vasiliko Bay, off the island of Peristera, is home to a fascinating shipwreck waiting to be explored.

Where to stock up:

• No supplies available – make sure you're fully stocked from the previous day

Anchoring options:

• Calm weather – Free anchorage near the wreck site
• Strong winds – Anchor in a more sheltered bay on the western side of Peristera

Distance and coordinates: 8 NM, 39°08'39.10 "N 23°51'53.64 "E

Cruise plan:
After a quiet night in Vasiliko Bay, sail on to Patitiri. This stop is ideal for restocking supplies and enjoying a stroll along the waterfront promenade, lined with traditional tavernas and laid-back bars.

Where to stock up:

• Patitiri has supermarkets, a gas station, water and restaurants.

Anchoring options:

• Calm weather – Moor at the pier with access to water and electricity
• Strong winds – Anchor in the sheltered bay just north of the town

Distance and coordinates: 15 NM, 39°07'27.98 "N 23°43'48.37 "E

Cruise plan:
Leave Patitiri behind and make your way northwest to Skopelos Town, the island’s lively main port. With its postcard-worthy views and warm hospitality, it's a favourite among sailors exploring the Sporades.

Where to stock up:

• Skopelos has supermarkets, fuel, fresh water and electricity available

Anchoring options:

• Calm weather – Moor at the town pier
• Strong winds – Anchor in the sheltered bay on the island’s western side

Distance and coordinates: 10 NM, 39°06.352'N 23°39.651'E

Cruise plan:
Skopelos’s west coast offers two beautiful bays — Agnontas and Limnonari — both ideal for a calm afternoon swim and a bit of quiet anchoring. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the turquoise waters before settling in for the night.

Where to stock up:

• Only restaurants – no shops available

Anchoring options:

• Calm weather – Moor to the rocks in Limnonari
• Strong winds – Use the pier in Agnontas for better shelter

Distance and coordinates: 15 NM, 39°07'17.96 "N 23°39'18.50 "E

Cruise plan:
Kastani Beach is one of the most recognisable locations from the film Mamma Mia! — and it’s easy to see why. With its soft white sand, pine trees reaching right down to the water, and calm, clear sea, it’s a perfect spot for a laid-back day on board.

Where to stock up:

• Skiathos offers supermarkets, restaurants, and fuel

Anchoring options:

• Calm weather – Anchor in one of the nearby bays
• Strong winds – Return to Skiathos and anchor at the more sheltered West Bay

Distance and coordinates: 8 NM, 39°09'39.14 "N 23°28'53.37 "E

Cruise plan:
Spend your final night on Skiathos anchored at West Bay, a quiet and scenic spot perfect for a peaceful evening by the sea before heading back to the mainland.

Where to stock up:

• Skiathos provides supermarkets, water, electricity and plenty of restaurants

Anchoring options:

• Calm weather – Free anchoring on sandy seabed
• Strong winds – Use the more sheltered Skiathos Town pier

Distance and coordinates: 25 NM, 39°09'15.68 "N 23°04'30.45 "E

Cruise plan:
Sailing south, you’ll reach the small island of Paleo Trikeri, a hidden gem known for its authentic Greek charm. With no cars and only a few houses, it offers peaceful beaches, stunning views, and some excellent traditional tavernas right by the water.

Where to stock up:

• Only restaurants – no supermarkets or shops

Anchoring options:

• Calm weather – Moor at the small pier on the southern side of the island
• Strong winds – Anchor in the more protected northern bay

Distance and coordinates: 15 NM, 39°21'00.0 "N 22°56'00.0 "E

Cruise plan:
The final leg of your journey takes you back to Volos, where you can round off your adventure with a visit to one of the town’s traditional tsipourerias — cosy tavernas serving small plates and local spirits.

Where to stock up:

• Full provisioning available – supermarkets, fuel, water and more

Anchoring options:

• Calm weather – Moor at the main harbour pier
• Strong winds – Use the sheltered bay of Agria, just outside Volos

This itinerary lets you explore the Northern Sporades at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time for swimming, sightseeing, and enjoying the local cuisine. The sailing distances are manageable, making the route ideal even for less experienced crews. And now you know exactly where you can restock — and where you'll need to rely on what you’ve brought aboard.

So, can you already feel the salty breeze and the gentle sway of the waves? Book your boat in advance, and start looking forward to an unforgettable sailing holiday.