Get 3 Stunning Greek Islands for the Price of One With a Trip to This Lesser-Known Island Group
Skip the crowds in Santorini and discover these lush, laid-back Greek islands where island hopping is easy and the beaches are even better.
Most people planning a trip to Greece immediately look to the Cyclades—with famous names like Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros, getting all the press.
And sure, those islands are gorgeous.
But if you’re looking for something a little more authentic, a little less crowded, and a lot more affordable, let me introduce you to a lesser-known gem: the Sporades Islands.
Tucked into the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades are a small group of islands that punch way above their weight in terms of natural beauty, ease of travel, and laid-back charm.
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You won’t find mega-resorts or cruise ships here—but you will find pine-covered hills, postcard worthy beaches, charming villages, and some of the clearest water in Greece.
But one of the best things about the Sporades is that it’s easy to visit all three major islands—Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos—in a single trip.
My husband and I recently did just that.
And after visiting dozens of other Greek islands on previous trips, we fell in love with the slow pace and authentic feel of the Sporades.
Where are the Sporades Islands?
The Sporades (pronounced SPOR-uh-deez in English) are a group of islands located off the eastern coast of mainland Greece, not far from Volos.
There are 24 islands in total, but only four are inhabited. The three most popular—and most practical for visitors—are:
•Skiathos
•Skopelos
•Alonissos
Each island has its own personality, and they’re all well connected by short, frequent ferry routes. That makes them ideal for a relaxed island-hopping trip where you don’t need to fly or sit on a ferry for hours.
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How to get to the Sporades Islands
By Plane ✈️
Skiathos has the only airport in the Sporades, so if you’re flying, you’ll arrive here. The island has a small international airport (JSI) just outside the main town, and it’s close enough to the main town and port to walk (though I don’t recommend it with luggage!).
From Athens: Olympic/Aegean Air and Sky Express operate several daily flights (about 35 minutes)
Direct flights from Europe (seasonal): During the busier summer months, you’ll also find nonstop flights from cities like London, Amsterdam, Prague, Milan, and Munich.
For our trip, we were coming from Florence, Italy and found a convenient non-stop flight from nearby Pisa on Ryan Air.
By Ferry ⛴️
If you prefer to travel by sea—or are coming from another island—ferries run regularly to Skiathos from:
Volos (mainland port, about 2.5–3 hours)
Thessaloniki (less frequent but available in summer)
The only downside to the Sporades is that there is no ferry access from Athens, the main hub for Greek island hopping. From Athens, you’ll have to fly so that’s how most international visitors arrive.
Ferries dock in Skiathos Town, the island’s main port and capital. From there, it’s quick and easy to island hop to Skopelos or Alonnisos.
Tip: The absolute best site for booking ferries in Greece is FerryHopper.com.
Now that you know how to get to the Sporades, the next step is deciding where to stay. And for that, you’ll need to know a little more about each island.
So let’s get to know them, shall we?
Meet the Sporades Islands: Which One Is Right for You?
When you’re planning a trip to the Sporades, deciding which island to choose can be tough. They’re all lovely!
But let’s quickly recap the highlights of each island to help you decide.
Skiathos: The Gateway with Dazzling Beaches 🏖️
As I mentioned, if you’re flying in, Skiathos is your starting point.
It’s the smallest of the three but also the most developed, with a seaside airport, a lively main town, and over 60 beaches—yes, really.
Skiathos is perfect for first-timers and families. If you’re looking for an easy beach holiday, Skiathos is ideal – just get right off the plane and stay here.
With plenty of restaurants, nightlife, and boutique hotels, Skiathos makes a great home base to explore the Sporades. It’s also a fantastic launching point for day trips to Skopelos and Alonissos.
Stunning Lalaria Beach is the island’s claim to beach fame and it’s easily one of the best beaches in all of Greece.
Where to Stay
La Piscine Art Hotel (Skiathos Town) – This stylish, adults-only hotel is known for its lovely pool area and is just a 5-minute walk from town.
Top Things to Do
If you only have time for one excursion when you visit Skiathos, make it Lalaria Beach.
It’s easily one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen in my life (and I’ve been to 175 countries so that’s saying a lot!).
The stark white cliffs, caves, and white stones make this vast stretch of shoreline feel like a secret paradise. Set against a glowing turquoise sea, a swim here is next-level dreamy.
Lalaria is only reachable by boat, so don’t miss this opportunity. There’s nothing here except nature’s beauty so be sure to bring anything you need with you (drinks, snacks, sunscreen).
Most tours leave in the morning from Skiathos Port and last 5–7 hours. Many day trips also include the nearby Blue Caves and a stop a Kastro Beach.
Skopelos: The Pine-Covered Mamma Mia Star🎥
Skopelos rose to fame as the filming location for the hit move, “Mamma Mia,” and its star turn was well deserved.
With crystal-clear waters, pine forests that tumble down to the sea, and charming towns like Skopelos Town and Glossa, this island truly feels like a movie set.
Hike forested trails or explore historic monasteries. Skopelos is ideal for couples, hikers, or anyone looking for a scenic, romantic getaway. The island is known for excellent food (don’t miss the famous Skopelos pies!), quiet beaches, and beautiful scenery.
The vibe on Skopelos is romantic and quietly sophisticated.
Where to Stay
Thea Home Hotel – Friendly, family-run spot with incredible views over Skopelos Town, comfy rooms, and a great pool. Our one-bedroom suite was spacious and had an amazing view. Just be warned that those fabulous views come with a steep walk up and down to town.
Top Things to Do
Conveniently, some of the island’s most beautiful spots are also the Mamma Mia filming locations. So don’t miss the opportunity to visit Agios Ioannis Church and Kastani Beach.
When it comes to organized movie tours, these are the two most popular tours to book:
Alonissos: The Quiet One with Wild Nature🐬
Tucked into the quietest corner of the Sporades island group, Alonissos is a place that feels worlds away from the tourist churn of better-known Greek islands.
This sleepy island is often overlooked, but it’s a hidden gem for nature lovers. It’s home to the National Marine Park of the Northern Sporades, where you might spot monk seals, dolphins, or sea birds.
From lush greenery to crystal-clear waters, Alonissos is the ideal tranquil escape. With pine-scented hillsides, quiet pebble beaches, and a charming Old Town perched at the top of a hill, you might find it to be your favorite of the three.
And while most people who visit the Sporades stay on busier Skiathos or Skopelos, quieter Alonissos presents a unique opportunity to truly get away from it all when you visit this lesser-known island group.
Where to Stay
Aletri Swim Up Boutique Hotel (Old Town) – This stylish Old Town hotel has an incredible pool and beautiful views from nearly every room. Friendly staff and a terrific breakfast make this one of my top picks on the island.
Top Things to Do
Explore the hilltop Old Town, take a boat trip through the National Marine Park of the Sporades, and relax on lovely Leftos Gialos Beach.
Yes, You Can Visit All Three Sporades Islands in One Trip
And that’s the good news, you don’t have to choose!
It’s super easy to island hop in the Sporades.
On our trip, we chose to spend 3 nights on Skopelos followed by 3 on Skiathos. While on Skopelos, we took a day trip to Alonissos and it was an excellent overview of the island.
You can do what we did or perhaps add in a night on Alonissos as well.
Ferries run daily in the summer months and (depending on the boat) often take less than an hour between islands. It’s one of the easiest multi-island trips you can plan in Greece.
So, why visit the Sporades Islands?
If you’re looking for the Greece of your dreams—but without the crowds, prices, and logistics of the more famous islands—the Sporades might be exactly what you’re after.
So if you want a Greek Islands experience that’s just a little bit different—but every bit as magical—consider skipping the usual stops and heading for the Sporades.
Looking for more fabulous Greek Islands to visit? Start here:
10 Irresistible Greek Islands to Visit This Summer (#8 is Greece’s Best-Kept Secret) ☀️
The 7 Best Greek Islands for Beaches (You’ve Never Heard of #4)
Car-Free Hydra is This Summer’s Chic Greek Island Escape
Stunning Koufonisia Island is Where Greeks Vacation (& You’ve Never Heard of It)