Northern Sporades

The (Northern) Sporades (/ˈspɒrədiːz/; Greek: Βόρειες Σποράδες) are an archipelago along the east coast of Greece, northeast of the island of Euboea, in the Aegean Sea. They consist of 24 islands, four of which are permanently inhabited: Alonnisos, Skiathos, Skopelos and Skyros.

Tourism

Yannis Bessas

The northern Sporades cluster is a unique island area in terms of tourism. During the last decade, Skiathos has become a popular destination for domestic and international travelers with tourist development being evident from the spatial spread of the human activity. Skopelos displays an average tourist dynamic, while Alonnisos seems to be almost unaffected by the intense phenomenon of mass tourism, maintaining a low tourist activity in comparison to the two other islands.
The analysis concerns tourism. Specifically, it focuses on the topographic, cultural and folkloric dimension of each island in terms of a traveler through the recording of distinctive local elements such as toponyms, archaeological sites, coasts, hiking trails, hotels or even an event calendar.
Particular importance is given to the rich literary history of Skiathos, with the novels of Alexandros Papadiamantis acquiring cartographic overtones and being imprinted on the island. The maps take on new forms and they are enriched through his vivid literary descriptions.

@ Hellenic Literary and Historical Archive

@ Hellenic Literary and Historical Archive

@ Hellenic Literary and Historical Archive

cinematic landscapes photos: Phyllida Lloyd, Mamma Mia!, 2008

novel abstracts: Papadiamantis, A., I Fonissa (The Murderess), Elliniki Paideia AE Publishings, 2002

cinematic landscapes photos: Kostas Ferris, I Fonissa (The Murderess), 1974

Maritime Networks

Foteini Stamouli

Alonnisos: The main port of the island is located in the southeast and is called Patitiri. There are ferry, catamaran and hydrofoil services from Patitiri to Volos, Agios Konstantinos, and Thessaloniki on the mainland and to the islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Skyros. The bay at the southern end of the island is also called Alonnisos.
Skopelos: The island is served by commuter hydrofoils and ferryboats from the ports of Volos, Magnesia and Agios Konstantinos, Phthiotis on mainland Greece, which also allows connections to and from Alonissos and Skiathos. In summer there is a ferry to and from Kymi in Euboea.
Skiathos: There is a regular boat service to the island and the rest of the Sporades islands with departures from Volos and Agios Konstantinos. The boats are operated mainly by Hellenic Seaways using its high-speed Flying Cat vessels as well as conventional ferries.
Fishing is considered to be the most popular profession, besides the tourism industry. The islands are also ideal yachting and cruise destinations. Tanker, cargo and container ships are less likely to be seen roaming the archipelago, since the islands’ industrial activity is low.

Nature & Food

Elina Thermoyanni

Governance

Elias Tsoutsanis

Inhabitation

Marousa Korontzi