Skiathos is the least known of the Greek charter bases and the one with the best case for a first Aegean week. It sits at the western end of the Sporades, it has an airport with direct summer flights from northern Europe, and it is largely out of the meltemi's way. The islands within reach of it are green and close together, which is not what most people expect of the Aegean.
Where a Skiathos week goes
East to Skopelos, then Alonissos, then into the marine park around Kyra Panagia and Gioura before turning back. It is roughly sixty to eighty nautical miles over a week with no leg longer than about twenty, which puts it in the same class as the Ionian for difficulty rather than the Cyclades. The national marine park is the largest in Europe and the anchorages inside it are the reason experienced crews come here.
What it costs
Skiathos is priced as Greece rather than separately, and the Greek figures apply. Nautilus Yachting states that a one week charter on a two to three cabin monohull starts around 900 pounds in low season, and Istion Yachting, which lists Skiathos among its eleven Greek bases, starts its catamarans at 3.510 EUR a week. The Moorings publishes a 7 day charter for 2 from $2,634 across its Greek operation.
The wind, which is the argument for coming here
The Sporades sit in the lee of the Pelion peninsula and the meltemi that dominates the Cyclades arrives here weakened and less constant. That makes a July or August week here far more comfortable than the same week further south, and it is the reason the base exists. It is not calm: northerlies still funnel between the islands and the afternoon breeze is genuine.
Questions people ask about yacht charter skiathos
How much is a yacht charter from Skiathos?
Skiathos is priced as Greece. Nautilus Yachting puts a low season two to three cabin monohull around 900 pounds a week and Istion Yachting, which bases boats at Skiathos, starts catamarans at 3.510 EUR.
Where do you sail from Skiathos?
East through Skopelos and Alonissos into the national marine park around Kyra Panagia and Gioura, roughly sixty to eighty nautical miles over a week with no long legs.
Is Skiathos windy like the Cyclades?
Much less so. The Sporades sit in the lee of the Pelion peninsula and the meltemi arrives weakened, which makes a high summer week here more comfortable than one further south.