To the east of Mainland Greece, a short distance from Evia and surrounded by the North Aegean Sea is an archipelago with only four inhabited islands. However, you can still explore the 20 other uninhabited islands of the Sporades, such as Tsougria, which all make for excellent boat trips if you want to experience uncharted seclusion.

Ferry tickets to Sporades Islands include liners that travel between Skyros, Alonissos, Skiathos, and Skopelos. There are multiple ferry connections bookable through Ferryscanner. Skyros, the largest in the group, is also the least touristic. A natural paradise with pine forests, the medieval castle atop a hill in its capital Chora guarantees stunning panoramas. Skopelos is the polar opposite, as a lively island famous for being the location of the 2007 movie Mamma Mia, it attracts plenty of tourists every year. Lovers of the film will enjoy a hike to the clifftop Agios Ioannis church, while others can admire the beautiful stone houses found in the capital Chora. Not to miss is the local cheese pie, a hearty snack made with local goat cheese.

Skiathos is the other vibrant island in the group, attracting international travelers with its pulsating nightlife, diving options, and waterside cafes in the Old Habor. The gem of the island is Koukounaries Beach, a gorgeous sandy stretch considered by many as the best beach in Greece and among the top ten in the world.

To reach these fascinating islands, one needs to travel from Agios Konstantinos, Volos, Kymi, or Mantoudi. Ferry tickets to the Sporades Islands are thus chiefly bought by travelers who have a taste for the offbeat. Alonissos checks off all the boxes in this department owing to this rustic, uncrowded nature. The island’s National Marine Park is considered the largest marine protected area in Europe and it is home to the cute Mediterranean Monk Seal. Capital Patitiri (meaning wine press) is a nod towards the region’s wine-producing heritage. The fishing village of Votsi is also a picture-perfect setting, where traditional wooden boats bob in the clear water.