Would you like to start your Sporades sailing trip from Volos? A great choice! This lively little town is located in the heart of Greece, on the shores of the Pagasean Gulf, and it really has everything you need for a memorable sea adventure. The city mixes the timeless atmosphere of ancient myths with modern comforts – it’s like stepping into a mythological novel. Volos is the perfect starting point if you are looking to visit the Sporades Islands. We recommend this article to those who are planning their Volos sailing adventure to explore the surrounding islands by boat.
Here’s what the article will cover:
- Where to sail from Volos? – Ports and Islands
- What is the best month to sail from Volos?
- How to get to Volos?
- Sailing from Volos
Where to sail from Volos? – Ports and Islands
Once you set sail from Volos, you’ll quickly understand why this region is considered one of Greece’s best-kept sailing secrets. The Pagasetic Gulf and its nearby islands offer calm, protected waters and easy-to-navigate anchorages—perfect both for beginners and experienced charter crews. The area provides stable wind conditions, well-sheltered bays and peaceful overnight spots. Here are the top places to include in your itinerary once your journey from Volos begins.
Agios Ioannis (Pelion Peninsula)
Agios Ioannis is an ideal first stop when sailing southeast from Volos. The small marina has limited space, so it’s wise to arrive early in the afternoon to secure a berth. The bay is well protected from swell, making it a safe choice for an overnight stay, even with mild northern winds. Once ashore, the seaside tavernas—such as Poseidon—are perfect for a relaxed meal. The surrounding hills also offer great views for planning the next day’s route. Agios Ioannis is a calm and reliable starting point for your Volos sailing trip.
Chorefto
If you head north, Chorefto is one of the most reliable anchorages along the coast. The sandy bottom provides excellent holding, making it suitable for a comfortable overnight stay. Avoid the northern section, which gets shallow; the central and southern parts are safer for anchoring. Afternoon winds usually die down by evening, ensuring a quiet night. After going ashore, take a walk along the long sandy beach and enjoy a fresh fish dinner at Seirios. Chorefto is ideal for sailors looking for peaceful, less-frequented bays.
Trikeri Island (Palaio Trikeri)
Palaio Trikeri is one of the highlights of your Greek sailing adventure. The Agios Nikolaos port offers excellent protection from all directions, making it a secure anchorage even on windier days. There is no water or fuel supply on the island, so be sure to stock up in Milina or Volos before arriving. Once ashore, take the short walk up to the monastery—about 15 minutes—for spectacular views of the surrounding waters. Night skies are exceptionally clear here, making it the perfect spot to enjoy stargazing from the deck. Greek bareboat sailing magic.
Milina
Milina is one of the most popular charter stops on the route toward the Sporades. The bay’s natural shape provides good shelter from nearly every wind direction, making it a great base for multiple nights. Water supply, small supermarkets and fuel stations are available along the waterfront, which is convenient for restocking your charter boat. From here, the nearby small islands are easily reachable, so many sailors use Milina as a launch point for their Sporades sailing route. The waterfront tavernas—such as Anna’s Taverna—offer a relaxed atmosphere after a day at sea.
Alatas and Prasouda Islands
These uninhabited, quiet islands south of Milina are perfect for sailors seeking total tranquility. The western bay of Alatas is the best anchorage, offering a sandy-weed seabed with strong holding and good protection. Since there are no facilities on either island, make sure to bring water, provisions, and sun protection. The area is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or enjoying a peaceful lunch break at anchor. It’s the perfect finale to a sailing tour from Volos, where all you hear is the sea and the silence. Rent a boat in Volos and explore the hidden gems of the Pagasetic Gulf at your own pace.
What is the best month to sail from Volos?
If you really want to enjoy sailing, then it is worth going between May and October. In late spring, summer and early autumn, Volos and the Sporades show a face that is rarely seen elsewhere. Pleasant weather, stable winds, mornings with the scent of the sea, and calm evenings on board.
Spring (March – May):
The beginning of the season is still quiet, but that is exactly what makes it beautiful. The temperature during the day is around 15-25 °C, nature is coming alive, and the ports are not yet crowded. If you don’t mind the fact that the sea is even cooler, this period is perfect for a calm, relaxing boat trip. It is also ideal for beginners – the wind is predictable, the waters are friendly.
Summer (June – August):
This is the real high season! The temperature can climb up to 35 °C, the water is smooth and warm, and the islands are full of life. If you like everything to be sparkling around you and not be bothered by the hustle and bustle, then this is your time. The Meltemi wind here reaches an average speed of 15-20 knots, which is lower than the 30-35 knot maximum typical elsewhere in the Greek Sea. One piece of advice: don’t leave boat rental or accommodation to the last minute – good places sell out quickly here.
Autumn (September – November):
The water is still warm and the weather is wonderfully balanced. There are no longer as many crowds as in summer, and it’s easier to find a place in the ports. You can splash around in the water almost any time until October, and at the beginning of November everything calms down a bit – a real sailing idyll.
Winter (December – February):
There are fewer tourists in winter, but due to the weather challenges it is more recommended for experienced sailors. It is much cooler (5–15°C) and the weather is more capricious. However, the optimal period is still between May and October.
How to get to Volos?
Nea Anchialos Airport is 30 kilometers from Volos, but due to the partly mountainous road network, the journey can take up to an hour. This works especially well in the summer, when charter flights depart from major European cities. If you are coming from elsewhere, or there is no direct flight, head to Thessaloniki (SKG) or Athens (ATH). From both cities, you can reach Volos by train, bus or rental car – the roads are well signposted and you can discover beautiful places along the way.
Sailing from Volos
A one-week sailing itinerary east of Volos
If you have a week and want to experience something truly special at sea, this itinerary could be the perfect starting point. Not only are the landscapes stunning, but every day offers something different: sometimes a seaside festival, other times a secluded bay that seems to have been reserved just for you.
1. Day 2: Volos – Trikeri Island
33 km (18 nautical miles), sailing time: 3 hours. The first stop is the island of Trikeri. It is small, quiet and has an atmosphere as if time has stopped here. The summer fishing festival is simply not to be missed – live music, freshly fried fish, locals who treat you as if you were a long-lost relative even after the first glass of wine.
Day 2: Trikeri Island – Koukounaries
31 km (17 nautical miles), sailing time: 3 hours. Koukounaries is the contrast: life is more lively here. Skiathos’ most famous beach is not without reason so popular. The scent of pine forests, golden sandy beaches, water sports and evening open-air parties – if you want to speed things up a bit, this is the place to be.
3. Day 4: Koukounaries – Tzortzi Bay
33 km (18 nautical miles), sailing time: 3 hours. Tzortzi Bay is all about peace and quiet again. You’ll find it on the east coast of Skopelos and it’s guaranteed to enchant you. The water is so clear that you can see your own shadow on the seabed. And the local taverna serves such home-cooked food that even the table next to you can see what you’ve ordered. There’s also a wine festival in autumn – definitely worth a try.
Day 4: Tzortzi Bay – Kira Panagia Island
26 km (14 nautical miles), sailing time: 2 hours. This day is all about nature. Kira Panagia is uninhabited, wild and that’s what makes it so beautiful. It’s all about silence here. You can anchor peacefully in the bays of the island, and if you like diving, it’s hard to find a better place than this. It’s like stepping into a nature movie set.
Day 5: Kira Panagia Island – Skopelos
59 km (32 nautical miles), sailing time: 5 hours. You think the Greek sea can’t show you anything new? Then enter the town of Skopelos. White houses, blue windows, winding streets. In the evening, it’s worth stopping by a local shop for a bottle of honey – it’s not like the one you buy in a store. And if you’re here around Carnival, get your camera ready: dancing, music, costumes, a total celebration.
Day 6: Skopelos – Koutsoupri Beach
52 km (28 nautical miles), sailing time: 4 hours. This stretch of coast is the epitome of tranquility. Koutsoupri is a secluded bay on the southern side of Pelion, away from the touristy areas. Here you will have nothing to do but stop, swim and sit out on the deck with a glass of wine to watch the sunset. If you are lucky, you will even run into a little local fun on the beach.
Day 7: Agia Kiriaki – Volos
39 km (21 nautical miles), sailing time: 3 hours On the way home, it is worth making one last stop in Agia Kiriaki, just for a splash. Then back to Volos, where the bustling port, a glass of ice-cold tsipouro. The Volos Flower Festival is held every year in the first two weeks of April in the town’s main square, where you can enjoy local handicrafts and live music performances.
North Volos Sailing itinerary
Day 1 Volos – Trikeri Island – the same quiet, cozy opening that I recommended above. Day 2 Trikeri Island – Skiathos (36 km / 19 nm) – lively atmosphere, excitement, beaches. Day 3 Skiathos – Skopelos (28 km / 15 nm) – the “real” Greek island experience. Day 4 Skopelos – Monastery of Kira Panagia (44 km / 24 nm) – retreat, peace, nature. Day 5 Kira Panagia – Rodaki Beach (74 km / 40 nm) – a longer day, but worth it for the view. Day 6 Rodaki Beach – Nies Beach (46 km / 25 nm) – another hidden bay for lovers of peace. Day 7 Day 2 Nies Beach – Volos (26 km / 14 nm) – closing, back to city life, with a last delicious dinner at the port.
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