Alonissos and the Northern Sporades offer some of the most sheltered sailing in the Aegean. Unlike the Cyclades, where the meltemi can pin a sailing yacht in port for days, the Sporades islands buffer the prevailing summer winds and create a series of passages between forested islets that suit a crewed sailing charter perfectly. Eight sailing yachts serve the broader Greek fleet, with those based in the Northern Sporades and Thessaloniki particularly well-positioned for Alonissos itineraries.nnThe National Marine Park of Alonissos encompasses the island’s immediate waters and extends north and east to include uninhabited islands rich in wildlife. Sailing into the park under canvas rather than under power is a different experience: anchor in the bay of Steni Vala and listen to nothing but wind and seabirds, or tuck into the tiny harbour of Agios Petros on the outer island of Kyra Panagia for a night completely alone.nnCharter rates for sailing yachts suited to Alonissos begin around 15,000 euros per week and reach 120,000 euros for larger, more sophisticated vessels. The APA of 30 percent covers provisions, marina fees in Skiathos or Skopelos and any permit costs. June and September offer the most settled conditions for a sailing charter; the long summer days of July are spectacular but the afternoon breeze through the Sporades channel can be lively.nnMost sailing charters base out of Skiathos or Volos, with Alonissos typically reached on day two or three of a circuit.
