The Sporades group of Aegean islands is somewhat remote from all the others, lying along the east coast of Evia and Magnesia. They combine a verdant, magical landscape- which is closely akin to that of Central Greece and Thessaly on the mainland.
Crystal clear seas, golden sandy beaches, traditional villages, vernacular architecture, deeply rooted customs, Byzantine churches, gleaming white chapels, folk art, peace and tranquility of nature are the main characteristics of these islands.
In addition to Sporades, there are several uninhabited islands scattered in this part of Aegean: Psathoura, Yioura, Prasso, Piperi, Kyra Panayia, Lekhousa, Peristera, Adelphi, Skantzoura, Skyropula, Valaxa and Sarakino.
The Sporades were first inhabited in the Paleolithic period. They prospered greatly in Minoan and Mycenaean times and developed trading activity in the 8th century BC.
They took part in the Persian wars and afterwards became members of the Athenian confederacy, remaining allies of the Athenians throughout the Classical period. The islands were conquered by the Romans in 85 BC. Under the Byzantine empire, they were in decline and were raided by pirates and used as a place of exile. In the Frankish period they were ruled by the Ghizi family, until their capture by the Turks in 1538.
Under the Turks, the islands again suffered from the pirate raids and fell into obscurity. The Sporades took part in the Greek uprising against the Turks in 1821 and were liberated in 1830 by the London protocol.
Skiathos is the most famous of this group of islands and is the most highly touristically developed with some of the most dazzling sand beaches in Greece.
Further east is Skopelos with its luxuriant mountains and picturesque Aegean harbour.
Next to it is Alonissos with a dense pine forest and an incredible underwater world. This island and its neighbouring islands are the last refuge for the small Mediterranean seal.
Near Euboea is Skyros with its traditional Chora perched on a barren hill and its celebrated folk art- Skyrian furniture and ceramics.
The trip to Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos is by a small ferry boat or the speedy hydrofoils from Agios Konstantinos and Volos. Skyros is reached from Kymi, Euboea. There are also connections by plane from Athens to Skiathos and Skyros.
Finally it should be noted that there are a number of small islands and rocky outcroppings around the four main islands which number more than 700 of which only 9 are inhabited.