A FEW WORDS ABOUT SPORADES

The Sporades islands consist of four islands (Skopelos, Skiathos, Alonissos and Skyros) that are grouped together near the Euboean Coast of the Aegean Sea.  In fact, there are a lot of small islands and rocky outcroppings around the four main islands which number more than 700, of which only 9 are inhabited. 
The islands are amongst the greenest areas in the Med with nearly three quarters of their grounds being covered by the Mediterranean pine. It is also one of the best sailing areas in the Aegean, with many protected coves and many islets to get  away from it all!
SKOPELOS ISLAND
The largest of the Sporades, Skopelos is also the capital and historically the most important, due to its wealth, generated by fine locally produced wine.
Its charms are many and varied: firstly the /chora/ or main town of Skopelos, is considered by many to be one of the prettiest harbour side towns in the Greek islands; its houses are built in tiers which ascend up to the hills from the port which is lined with mulberry and plain trees. Most of the town's tavernas, bars and cafes are to be found along the waterfront, in which traditional Greek food and drinks can be enjoyed while watching watching the world go by.
Skopelos has a wide selection of beaches from which to choose, whatever your taste in beaches is: Most of the beaches are situated along the southern coast, which can be reached by bus, car or moped, along the island's one main road, but which is best explored by hired boat, so as to find the tiny sandy coves lapped by turquoise sea, which will probably just be shared with a few seagulls.
SKIATHOS ISLAND
The most widely known island of Sporades group, it is also the smallest - the distance from one end of the island to the other is only approximately 14kms. 
 Skiathos has developed touristically at a faster and more advanced rate than the others. This is due partly at the airport which receives flights from many European countries, but it is mainly explained by the island's stunning natural beauty:
Like the other islands Skiathos is extremely verdant and green, but it also has an abundance of fine, sandy beaches, which stretch all along the south facing coast, reputed to be 60 in total, all offering fabulously clean seas, and golden sand, as well as a selection of water sports. It is even possible to learn how to scuba dive on Skiathos, as there is now a small school operating at Tsanerias Beach. For other sports enthusiasts, Skiathos also offers a riding school and a tennis club with clay courts.
Despite the fact that the island and some of its beaches can be busy in high season, it is still possible to escape from the crowds; Skiathos north coast, which is more rugged, has not been developed at all, and there are some lovely natural beaches here accessible only by private boat.
ALONISSOS ISLAND
A long narrow island, Alonissos offers even more seclusion, and peace than Skopelos, and is the perfect island for nature-lovers, and those who are seeking the delights of a simple Greek island. Some of the island women still wear the traditional outfit of headscarf, long full skirt with a white apron, and the many fishermen of the island can be seen in their brightly painted caiques, using the same methods as their forefathers before them.
The best way to reach the many small beaches and coves is either by walking, or by small boat, either a private one, or caique from the main port, as there is only one asphalt road, and these slower modes of transport give the visitor more time to enjoy Alonissos´ quiet beauty.