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Yacht Charter from Skiathos
Enjoy fresh breezes, unspoilt harbours and fine sandy beaches on a sailing holiday from Skiathos exploring the beautiful Sporades islands.
The Sporades islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos, together with the more sheltered Gulf of Volos, offer excellent sailing among very pretty islands. This attractive sailing holiday destination will suit sailors who relish the challenge of fresh sailing winds and the charm of exploring quieter islands and harbours off the beaten track.
A sailing holiday is the perfect way to explore this beautiful group of islands, completely unspoilt by tourism. Start your bareboat yacht charter in Skiathos harbour, just 5 minutes from the airport. The town has a maze of cobbled streets divided by the Bourtzi, once a Venetian fortress, now a cultural centre with great views. There’s a lively nightlife with shops, bars and restaurants around the harbour.
As you sail westwards from Skiathos to the islands of Skopelos and Alonissos or eastwards into the Gulf of Volos the pace of life becomes quieter and more tranquil. You’ll discover picturesque fishing harbours, deserted anchorages and lovely sandy beaches. There is a limited number of charter yachts in this area so you’ll find the harbours uncrowded.
Skiathos Yacht Charter
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Overview
Steni Vala
Skiathos Old Town
Skopelos
Mamma Mia church!
Sailing holidays from Skiathos
- Flights to Skiathos on Fridays from many regional airports
- Small selection of yachts so contact us early!
- Average distances of 15nm/day
- Level 2 sailing
- Average summer temperatures of 26-30 degrees
- Average winds force 4-5
- Great for Greek charm without the crowds
- Most charters start and finish on Fridays to fit with flights from the UK
- Flotilla option
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1 Wk Itinerary
Suggested 1 week sailing itinerary from Skiathos
DAY 1 : Skiathos
Skiathos harbour is just a few minutes from the airport. Whitewashed houses up the steep slopes of the harbour make this a very picturesque place to start your holiday. Tavernas, restaurants and busy bars fill the bustling narrow streets.
DAY 2 : Skopelos (10nm)
Panormos is a beautiful bay for lunch. Overnight at Skopelos Town.
DAY 3 : Patitiri, Alonissos (14nm)
A very attractive harbour with plenty of waterfront tavernas and cafes.
DAY 4 : Peristeri (15nm)
An uninhabited island but full of legend, including the Cyclops Cave at Yioura.
DAY 5 : Steni Vala, Alonissos (18nm)
A picture-postcard fishing village with a nice beach. Great fish restaurants at the harbour.
DAY 6 : Koukounaries, Skiathos (27nm)
One of the best beaches in Greece. Waterskiing and fun rides on offer at the beach.
DAY 7 : Skiathos (6nm)
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Skiathos Sailing Journal
Our experience
Sun Odyssey 419, Skiathos
Supplied by Hannah Rattew, Nautilus Yachting
Day 1 - Skiathos Town
After a civilised afternoon departure from London Gatwick I landed on Skiathos Island’s famously “short and narrow” runway just as the sun was setting. Skiathos Town is a lively and busy starting port with picturesque white fronted shops and restaurants offering a very warm and classic “Greek welcome”. The floating pontoon where most charter yachts are located is very basic, with no onshore facilities and intermittent shore power (no A/Cs!). It is also little challenging to board with luggage and doesn’t offer a particularly “stable” first night as winds can pick up in the middle of the night and funnel through the hills into the bay. Not the starting destination for those new to sailing or who like their luxuries!
Day 2 - Skiathos to Patitiri, Alonissos (25nm)
Provisioning can be easily achieved at the SPA supermarket, a 5-minute walk up the hill from the harbour. It is well-stocked and they offer free delivery to the boat. After a comprehensive and detailed briefing we set sail for a lunch stop on Skopelos Island, anchoring off Stafilos Beach (15nm). Once out in the islands you begin to realise why this is such a popular area for sailors, with reliable winds, perfect distances between stops and not at all crowded with other sailing and day trip vessels! In the late afternoon we motored around to Alonissos Island anchoring in the bay of Patitiri harbour (10nm). There were a few spaces on the quay, but we chose to use the outboard for peace & quiet as the Wolrd Cup was showing in the town! There are a good choice of shops and restaurants along the attractive waterfront in this laid-back but bustling capital of Alonissos.
Day 3 - Patitiri to Steni Vala (9nm)
For lunch we found a perfect, almost deserted spot on the southern tip of Peristera island (5nm). We could have stayed there all night but were drawn to Steni Vala (4nm) with the prospect of good food! This beautiful, small town has space for several yachts along the quay if care is taken due to rapidly shallowing water under your rudder and debris at the harbour wall. It is recommended to go “bows-to” but we made it “stern-to” with a very long boarding plank. There are a few restaurants and some quaint café bars plus two mini-markets. Steni Vala is well equipped for its size and attracts many visitors but retains its charm. Power and water is not provided on the quay but can be purchased via very long extension cable from a couple of the restaurants. It can get quite full when the flotillas visit but there is possibility to anchor just outside the town to the south, or even off the beach if calm.
Day 4 - Steni Vala to Kira Panagia (12nm)
After a lazy morning in Steni vala we had a great uwpwind sail in the channel between Alonissos and Peristera tacking all the way to Kira Panagia. Overnight we anchored in one of the smaller bays on the south of the island and put two lines ashore. It is very well protected from the usual North Easterlies. I hiked up the hill to look over the entire bay and out at the islands visited so far. This uninhabited island is deserted except for the goats! We could only see one other boat, far on the other side of the bay and felt we had complete privacy. It is very peaceful with no mobile signal (one of the last places on earth?!) and more stars than you would see in an entire year at home!
Day 5 - Panagia to Linaria, Skyros (37nm)
We left early (07.00) for the long passage to Skyros, which we started under engine and finished under sail with the wind picking up in the open sea between Skantouza and Skyros. We arrived early afternoon to some of the best harbour services I have experienced in Greece! We had not pre-booked but were greeted on arrival and were assisted into a berth with lazy lines, electricity, water and Wifi at €25/night. We swam in the bay below the Kabos bar, and experienced the “disco shower” before getting a taxi up to the Island’s main town (€30/return). We wandered through the narrow shopping streets, and enjoyed a rooftop sundowner before dinner.
Day 6 - Linaria, Skyros
We decided to stay put and hire a car from the port (€50/day) to explore the island, starting with a swim under Skyros town at Molos Beach, followed by lunch on the exposed northern shore. The afternoon finished with a drive through the hills before heading back to Linaria for a cheeky Gyros!
Day 7 - Skyros to Skopelos Town (43nm)
Leaving early again to head back toward the main Sporades islands we started off under engine but sailed the majority of the way to Skantzoura (25nm). This is a perfect lunch stop with several suitable anchorages. The pilot book does say overnights are possible but there is less shelter from swells. After a rather too relaxed lunch we motored into the setting sun to reach Skopelos town before dark. This harbour has a huge sea wall to protect yachts from the prevailing winds and waves with space for many charter yachts, so arriving at 7.00pm was no issue. Skopelos Town is a busy and lively tourist destination with an extensive amount of restaurants, bars and shops but still retaining plenty of charm with the white washed buildings, narrow back-streets and hidden squares.
Day 8 - Skopelos to Skiathos (18nm)
Taking full advantage of the fantastic bakery on the waterfront for breakfast we balanced this out with a steep walk up through the town to the chapel and a view of the harbour. Wanting to make the most of our last day on board we then motored around the windward side of the island to the “Mamma Mia” church! You can anchor off here for lunch but it is a very hazardous approach with several rocks just under the surface so caution should be taken even on a day when the water is clear. If there is any wind at all then stopping here is not recommended. The steps up to the hill and the church itself get extremely busy with tourists arriving by bus so we chose to enjoy the view from the yacht as the water here is lovely. We left with plenty of time for a final leisurely sail back to Skiathos and returned our yacht to the pontoon. After check-out was completed we disembarked that evening in favour of a hotel for the last two nights exploring Skiathos island.
Day 9 - Skiathos
As flights back to the UK aren’t available daily we stayed on for a day in Skiathos with a car to explore the island. The North coast is not recommended for yachts but there are some great sights to see. The hike is well worth it to see Old Kastro, an abandoned village on a rocky outcrop which the entire population of Skiathios retreated to live on in the 14th century to escape pirates! Inland the Monastero di Panagio is a beautiful peaceful refuge where they infuse their own olive oil and ferment their own liqueurs. At the south of the island where the majority of the hotels and resorts are, there is a choice of long sandy beaches; Koukounaries, Troulos, Kolios and Banana Beach! -
Volos Sailing Journal
Our experience
Volos 2022 - Hanse 505 (2016)
Supplied by Helen Inder, Nautilus Yachting
Day 1 - Volos Port
We have just landed in what appears to be the middle of a military base, the only commercial airplane on the tarmac our long taxi to the gate takes us past a lot of decommissioned helicopters and jets. We are in Volos airport and it feels little like landing in Greece 20 years ago, yet Volos is the 6 th biggest city in modern-day Greece. Our taxi transfer takes us on service roads before joining the main road and heading into town and to the base, which is in the main harbour at the centre of town. The charter office is on a small pedestrian street just behind the harbour and staff are awaiting our arrival with cold mineral water and fresh fruit for us all. We board our yacht for the week, a 2016 model Hanse 505, receiving a technical briefing from the local technician. The base manager then shares information about the local area and his tips for where to visit.
The town of Volos itself is bustling with locals. A busy port town with sailing steeped in its history, the town’s symbol is of the Argos, the Argonauts legendary ship from 1600BC. We decide to enjoy our prime position in the harbour, taking in the promenade and exploring the town. Once we are in the back streets, we find a fantastic meze and tsipouro restaurant full of locals, we are the only tourists there and it is packed! Luckily, the staff squeeze us in and we enjoy never-ending courses of local seafood and traditional dishes alongside a couple of glasses of tsipouro (a strong traditional distilled Greek spirit). We discover most tsipouro tavernas involve simply ordering a drink and a selection of meze appears with it, so long as you keep drinking, the meze will keep arriving. It is fantastic, very reasonably priced, and a great first night in Volos!
Day 2 - Agia Kyriakis
Our provisioning is delivered by the local supermarket so once it has been stowed we get underway. The sun is shining, and we have glorious late season temperatures between 22-25 celsius with a steady breeze blowing. This area is known for its consistent winds as the bay is surrounded by hills, and we can see Mount Pelion looming in the distance. The wind is blowing over our port stern so once we are out the harbour walls we get the sails out and enjoy a leisurely broad reach at 5 knots towards the middle of the Pagasetic gulf. We sail to Pythos bay on the small island of Trikeri. There are just two other boats in the anchorage so we can happily drop the hook in the middle of the bay and swing freely. The water is aquamarine blue so in go the paddle boards and out come the snorkels. We enjoy a couple of hours of sunshine, paddleboarding, swimming and lunch and before setting sail for the town of Agia Kyriakis. There is a small quay right in front of the two fish restaurants, it is a stern too mooring using the anchor and the restaurant staff are happy to help take our lines. They must have just received a good catch as octopus can be seen hanging around the veranda of the restaurant and the chef is on the end of the quay descaling a large fish. We stick a pin with our boat name in the next fish and pick a table right on the waterfront overlooking the channel. What a great way to start our trip around the Volos gulf.
Day 3 - Panormos, Skopelos
Up with the sunshine to explore Agia Kyriakis, we find a couple of pretty beaches complete with palm umbrellas and fresh-water showers so we seize the chance of a morning swim. Walking around the harbour we discover a local products store selling honey from the nearby hills, perfect for our breakfast. While walking a man comes out his house to speak to us, he is English and has been living there for 20 years, rarely hearing English visitors in the area so welcomes a chat - he gives us some great tips for the best tsipouro restaurants in the area. It seems a shame to leave this tiny port town but we are heading out to Skopelos island today. There is a lot of wind predicted so we are aiming for the bay of Panormos, known for its great shelter. Heading into the channel there is plenty of wind so we reef our sails and a series of tacks gets us set on a close haul towards Skopelos. We are prepared for larger swells between Skiathos and Skopelos, so have an exhilarating sail in between the islands. Once in the shadow of Skopelos’ hills we can feel the wind start to drop and the sea start to calm as we navigate into the southeast side of the bay to our spot for the night. We drop anchor and take long line to the rocks ashore with a spring for good measure knowing the winds coming that night. There is a lovely sandy beach in the corner of Panormos so we tender over, enjoy the last of the sunshine on the sand, and then take in dinner at one of the beach tavernas.
Day 4 - Agnontas, Skopelos
As predicted, there is quite a lot of wind today so we were glad of our long lines and spring line last night. We head carefully out of Panormos, to see what the conditions are like. The swell is substantial and the winds are hitting 30 knots plus so after getting the sails out we decide to have an easy day making our passage downwind on just a reefed genoa to the tiny village of Agnontas. The small quay should be sheltered from the winds and swell located at to the bottom corner of Skopelos island. After the daily ferry has departed, we come alongside the quay. There are four other boats sheltering from the wind. Once we are safely moored up the sun comes out and a tiny café behind the beach opens for an Aperol spritz in the sunshine. We are the only people on the beach for the afternoon as we enjoy the mid-20s temperatures in October and a hiatus from the wind. There is a wonderful seafood restaurant at the end of the quay where we try some local octopus, homemade whipped taramasalata, and other beautiful traditional dishes, alongside some excellent local wine.
Day 5 - Koukounaries, Skiathos
The wind has dropped a little today so after topping up the water tanks we set sail for the island of Skiathos. Once we are out the shadow of the island of Skopelos we need to reef the sails in 20-25 knots of wind blowing on the starboard beam which making for a fabulous beam reach sail over to Skiathos. We have heard how busy Koukounaries beach can be in the peak season but by sailing in October we are able to enjoy the bay minus the crowds. Koukounari is the Greek word for pine trees, which line the shore of this huge anchorage. We anchor on the sandy bottom with depths of 5-7m sitting comfortably facing the beach, there are only three other boats and while we can see sun beds on the long expanse of sand there are very few people - what a treat! We take the dinghy ashore, tie up in the tiny harbour and then enjoy an ice cream on the quiet beach. Before the sun sets, we head for a walk around Lake Strofila, which sits just behind the beach, to see some of the local bird life and wetlands. We also find a reasonably sized supermarket to stock up on a few supplies. Dinner tonight is a short walk to one of the roads behind the beach at a fantastic traditional taverna somewhat strangely called ‘The Big Bad Wolf’. We all tuck into hearty Stifado, Kleftiko and Moussaka enjoying some classic Greek hospitality from the manager.
Day 6 - Palaio Trikeri
We are looking forward to returning to the tiny island of Trikeri but this time we will stay overnight in the port. Our last stop before heading back to Volos town, we sail down the channel towards the gulf with many boats look to be heading in the same direction. The sails are set on a broad reach with one reef, hitting a steady 7.5-8 knots and managing the gusts coming over the hills. At the entrance to the gulf, we can see the little green island of Trikeri and a series of tacks to get us towards the port. A restaurant has been recommended to us so we have booked a berth and a table for the evening, since the owner has a small quay that holds just three boats. It’s a stern too with anchor on to the very end of his little quay. We have time for a walk before dinner so head up the hill towards the very top and the huge old monastery. There aren’t any vehicles on the island so it is lovely to just follow the paths amongst the olive trees until we’re at the top of the hill with beautiful views of the gulf. Then it’s back down the hill to the taverna for a fish dinner on the edge of the harbour.
Day 7 - Back To Volos
It is time to return to base today. As we head out of Trikeri to go around the island and into the gulf the wind immediately picks up and we have 20 knots blowing again so the sails out, another day with another reef, and time for some fun. We take our time sailing in the gulf and enjoying a last sail before heading into port. Anchoring on the northern side of the gulf just outside of Volos for a late lunch and one last swim before heading inside the harbour walls. Once we have paid for our 20 litres of fuel (it has definitely been a week of non-stop sailing!) we navigate to the quay where base staff are waiting to assist with our mooring for the last time. It is a little windy still so the staff have got their work cut out for them, but with a little patience we are in safely and there is still time for one last G&T on board whilst watching a beautiful sunset over the harbour wall.
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Sailing Conditions
Sailing conditions in Skiathos
Weather conditions in the Sporades are very favourable for a sailing holiday from Skiathos. Afternoon breezes Force 3-5 from the north-east give good sailing from mid-morning to early evening. In July and August the meltemi can bring stronger winds Force 5-6, but all the islands have good shelter. Summer temperatures reach 27-29ºC.
We have rated this destination a 'Level 2' (levels info) and you will need an ICC qualification for bareboat charters from Skiathos.
For those wanting more support or who are looking for more of a social holiday then why not take a look at our Sporades flotilla holidays.
You can see all of the bases we offer in Greece along with the level ratings here so that you can find the most suitable destination for you. If you are at all unsure about a destination then please get in touch and our sales team will be more than happy to make their recommendations for you.
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Getting There
Getting There
Flights to Skiathos
Thomson have flights to Skiathos from Luton, Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester on Fridays.
Transfers
The transfer time from Skiathos airport to the harbour is only 5 minutes so it usually works out better to simply jump in a taxi when you arrive.
"We had a very enjoyable and rewarding week in Kefalonia. The tuition was very thorough and professional. The First 40.7 Is a superb boat to sail and kept to a very high standard. Add to that the fantastic weather and you could not get better. We would recommend this to anyone wishing to learn to sail or upgrade their skills and knowledge."
Learn to Sail Kefalonia 2015 - T.B..
Skiathos Yacht Charter prices
| Yacht details | 01 Jan-22 Apr | 22 Apr-20 May | 20 May-17 Jun | 17 Jun-29 Jul | 29 Jul-19 Aug | 19 Aug-16 Sep | 16-30 Sep | 30 Sep-14 Oct | 14 Oct-31 Dec | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model / layout | Year | Cabins | WC | |||||||||
| Sun Odyssey 349 | 2018 | 3 | 1 | 1571 | 2000 | 2429 | 2855 | 3257 | 2855 | 2429 | 2000 | 1571 |
| Sun Odyssey 410 | 2020 | 3 | 2 | 2448 | 3114 | 3781 | 4453 | 5076 | 4453 | 3781 | 3114 | 2448 |
| Yacht details | 01 Jan-22 Apr | 22 Apr-20 May | 20 May-17 Jun | 17 Jun-29 Jul | 29 Jul-19 Aug | 19 Aug-16 Sep | 16-30 Sep | 30 Sep-14 Oct | 14 Oct-31 Dec | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model / layout | Year | Cabins | WC | |||||||||
| Sun Odyssey 490 4 cabins | 2020 | 4 | 4 | 3581 | 4552 | 5524 | 6503 | 7410 | 6503 | 5524 | 4552 | 3581 |
| Sun Odyssey 469 | 2015 | 4 | 4 | 2895 | 3371 | 4095 | 4821 | 5495 | 4821 | 4095 | 3371 | 2895 |
| Yacht details | 01 Jan-22 Apr | 22 Apr-20 May | 20 May-17 Jun | 17 Jun-29 Jul | 29 Jul-19 Aug | 19 Aug-16 Sep | 16-30 Sep | 30 Sep-14 Oct | 14 Oct-31 Dec | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model / layout | Year | Cabins | WC | |||||||||
| Lagoon 40 | 2021 | 4 | 4 | 4000 | 5086 | 6181 | 7267 | 8724 | 7267 | 6181 | 5086 | 4000 |
| Lagoon 46/12 | 2023 | 4 | 4 (4 internal + 1 WC in each bow) | 5981 | 7610 | 9248 | 10876 | 13048 | 10876 | 9248 | 7610 | 5981 |
Fleet 1 from Skiathos
FREE outboard
Extras payable on embarkation:
YACHT SECURITY:
Refundable deposit €2000 - €5000 OR Non refundable insurance on request
COMPULSORY EXTRAS:
End cleaning - Monohull 32-35ft € 90, 36-42ft € 130, 43-48ft € 170, 49ft € 210, 50ft and over € 250
End cleaning - Catamaran 38-40ft € 210, 41-46ft € 260, 47ft and over € 300
Fuel used (fill up on return)
OPTIONAL EXTRAS (i.e. SUP, WIFI etc) available on request.
SKIPPER: €1330/week + food and drink + own cabin
Prices may be subject to change.