Evia & Northern Sporades

Routes

Routes going N via Evia are basically up or down the outside of the island or the inside channel. The prevailing wind in the summer is the meltemi blowing from the NE and outside of the meltemi season most winds are still from the northerly quadrant. Yachts going Ν will usually take the inside channel which although still windy, offers more flat water and importantly more safe harbours and anchorages. Yachts coming S will often take the outside route and roar down to the Cyclades and Stenon Kafirevs with the wind behind. Some also take the inside channel and still have the wind behind
. Yachts heading Ν should, if they have time, leave in the spring or early summer before the meltemi begins or is not as strong as in mid to late summer. Often you will have days of calm and even some southerlies in the spring and early summer making going Ν a relaxed affair. If any depressions threaten there are more than enough safe harbours to take refuge in until the depression passes.
Yachts heading S in the summer or autumn will usually find that they have more than enough wind for a quick passage. There are several harbours along the Ε coast of Evia that can be used, although care is needed along what is in effect a lee shore most of the time. The seas can build up substantially, and as you get towards Stenon Kafirevs you will find some wicked steep cross-seas. In gales from any direction Stenon Kafirevs is a place to steer clear of - even big ships seek shelter in northerly gales rather than tackling the strait.

Northern Sporades

The Sporades ('Sporades' means scattered or sown) are divided into two groups: the northern Sporades described here and the eastern Sporades lying along the coast of Asia Minor. The Dodecanese (the islands stretching from Karpathos to Pátmos) are sometimes referred to as the Southern Sporades, but this is rare. The eastern Sporades (those islands north of Pátmos to Limnos) are less visited than the northern Sporades and consequently the name 'the Sporades' invariably refers to the northern group described here.
The main group of islands curves in a sickle shape from the southern corner of the Trikeri peninsula northwards to the tiny sea-washed rock of Psathoura. Forty miles north of here Mt Athos rises out of the sea at the bottom of the Khalkidhiki.
Skiros lies to the SE of the main group and although it belongs geographically and politically to these islands, it has tended to develop independently.
Lying out of the mainstream of history, the islands have few archaeological remains. Recently indications of Minoan occupation have been unearthed at Stafilos on Skopelos. The islands were subject-allies of Athens and later of Macedonia and Rome. Skiros has always been of more importance than the other islands, situated as it is on the trade route between Athens and Asia Minor.
During the Middle Ages the islands were easy prey for pirates. The inhabitants moved inland to fortified villages and not until the late 19th century did they begin to return to coastal villages. Consequently, most of the towns around the coast are of comparatively recent origin.
The popular architecture of the group is distinctive - the houses are washed in white, blue and pink and have gabled roofs with grey or red slates. Today the beautiful scenery and fine sandy beaches have been attracting growing numbers of tourists to the more accessible islands of the group. Note The islands are not blessed with very much in the way of natural water supplies, nor when it is available is it always potable. The rapidly expanding tourism infrastructure ashore has cut supplies even further. Consequently water is in short supply and in harbours where it is available it is charged out at a high, not to say extortionate, rate.

Weather patterns in the northern Sporades

The meltemi does not blow as strongly down through the northern Sporades as it does further S. It blows from the NNE, but the direction is much altered by the islands and channels between them. The islands stop most of the sea on the S side except around Pelagos which gets the whole fetch of the sea from northern Greece. The combination of the meltemi and the flat seas on the lee side of the islands makes for some exhilarating sailing and not surprisingly the area is popular for flotilla holidays. STENÓN SKIATHOU (Skiathos Channel)
This narrow channel separates Skiathos from the mainland. Ifalos Levthéris (Lephtari Rock) lies in the channel 1 % miles Ε of Ak Arâpis. It is marked by a light structure (conspic): Fl(2)8s9M. A variable current sets either Ν or S through the channel at V2-IV2 knots.

ΚΑΤΙGIORGYIOS

This small fishing harbour lies about 1M S of Âk Sepia. Go stern or bows-to on the small quay in the Ν of the bay among the fishing boats, or anchor off the beach in 3-6m. Good holding on sand and weed. Reasonable shelter from the meltemi, but some swell gets pushed into the bay. Limited provisions and taverna ashore. Bus to Volos.

Nisos Skiathos

The nearest of the islands to the mainland coast, and referred to by some as 'The Greek Riviera'. With good ferry services and an airport it attracts more visitors than the other islands. From 1538 until 1830 the inhabitants moved to an almost inaccessible rocky spur on the northern end of the island. The Kâstro, as it was called, was connected to the island by a drawbridge which could be raised in times of siege. Today most of the population lives in Skiathos town.

ÓRMOS KATAVATHRA

An anchorage on the NW side of Skiathos suitable in calm weather or a light meltemi. The approach is clear of dangers. Anchor in 4-6m on sand, good holding. A taverna on the beach, though it closes in the evenings.