REGION OVERVIEW

The name of this complex of Greek islands translates to “scattered or sporadic” and can broadly apply to all islands outside of the Cyclades. While you may see some maps refer to other island groups in Greece as Northern Sporades, Western, Eastern or Southern Sporades, the name is most commonly used to describe the four main islands on the east coast of Greece, north of Euboia.

The islands are an archipelago along the east coast of Greece, Northeast of the Island of Evia, in the Aegean Sea. They consist of 24 islands but only four are permanently inhabited: Alonnisos, Skiathos, Skopelos and Skyros. 

They have a Mediterranean climate with cool summers and mild winters. The cooler summer temperatures can be attributed to the predominance of the Northern wind that blows. The average temperature is 17 degrees. Rainfall occurs mainly in winter.

The islands are comparable to the Ionian islands in terms of their verdant landscape, irresistible blue waters and striking nature. Skyros is the largest of the islands with only half the population. The international airport of Skiathos is well connected to the rest of Greece and other European cities and is where most visitors will arrive at. In recent years, neighbouring Skopelos has become famous as the location of Mamma Mia. The islands are known for their tranquillity, enviable beaches and slow pace of life, except Skiathos where the nightlife is pretty lively!