Avila Travel Greece Sporades

Greece trip | Active trip Greek Sporades

  • Adventure
  • 8-day trip
  • From €3,990 per person
route-map

Greece trip | Active trip Greek Sporades

During this 8-day trip, you’ll actively discover the magic of the Greek Sporades. Your adventure begins on Skopelos, a lush island brimming with authentic charm, where you’ll enjoy beautiful walks through forests, over mountain peaks and through hidden valleys. On hikes through the mountainous terrain to Palouki, Loutraki and Delphi, you’ll be able to fully enjoy breathtaking views and the tranquillity of nature. You’ll also explore the coast of Skopelos from the water during an unforgettable day of sea kayaking. You’ll paddle past secluded bays, crystal-clear waters and idyllic spots for swimming and snorkelling. The trip ends on Skiathos, where you’ll discover the island on a charming cycle ride along quiet roads, through traditional villages and past panoramic viewpoints. Along the way, you’ll experience the authentic atmosphere of the Sporades and enjoy a perfect blend of adventure, nature and relaxation.

Travel programme

Travel overview

  • Day 1 Flight to Greece
  • Day 2 Hike Skopelos & Palouki
  • Day 3 Hike from Loutraki to Delphi
  • Day 4 Full day of sea kayaking around Skopelos
  • Day 5 Journey to Skiathos
  • Day 6 Cycling tour of Skiathos Island
  • Day 7 Free day on Skiathos
  • Day 8 Departure from Greece
Day 1
Air travel to Greece
Day 2
Hike Skopelos & Palouki
Day 3
Hike from Loutraki to Delphi
Day 4
Full-day sea kayaking around Skopelos
Day 5
Trip to Skiathos
Day 6
Cycling tour of Skiathos Island
Day 7
A day off on Skiathos
Day 8
Departures from Greece

Accommodations

Destinations

Loutraki

This lively, small-scale seaside resort on the Gulf of Corinth may only have been recently discovered by foreign tourists, but for the Greeks, Loutraki has been a favourite holiday destination since ancient times. The healing hot springs and beautiful beaches once attracted Spartan soldiers, who came here to recover their strength after battles; this marked the beginning of what is often regarded as the cradle of Greek thermalism.
Nowadays, travellers from far and wide are discovering the archaeological sites, restaurants, cafés and vibrant nightlife of this cosmopolitan town. The Monastery of Saint Patapios, situated on a steep mountainside overlooking Loutraki, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the coastline.
For some light-hearted entertainment, a visit to the famous casino at the Club Hotel Casino Loutraki is highly recommended. Nature lovers can enjoy a dip in the emerald-green waters of Lake Vouliagmeni, also known as the ‘Blue Lake’. Moreover, a stay in Loutraki would not be complete without a relaxing soak in the magnesium-rich waters of the Loutraki Thermal Spa.

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Delphi

Delphi is situated in southern Greece, approximately 180 kilometres north-west of the capital, Athens. This area comprises two distinct locations: the modern village of Delphi, where visitors will find accommodation and other facilities, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the same name.
This ancient archaeological site, situated on the slopes of the legendary Mount Parnassus, was once regarded as the centre of the world and still exudes a special atmosphere. Be sure to visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, with ruins dating back more than 2,500 years, and take an informative walk through the extensive site. This can be easily combined with a visit to the Delphi Archaeological Museum.
Those wishing to explore the area around Delphi will find plenty of picturesque spots, including the charming coastal village of Galaxidi.

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Greece

Greece is a country virtually unrivalled in the sheer quantity and diversity of its historical and cultural repertoire. For centuries, visitors have been drawn to Greece for its spectacular natural landscapes consisting of a stunning mountainous interior, beautiful coastlines and rich archaeological sites that contain the remains of four millennia of ancient culture. Greece's main draw is undoubtedly its spectacular islands. From the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos to the breathtaking sunsets of Santorini, exploring the Greek islands is an absolute delight. Other famous Greek attractions include: the many ancient structures of Athens; Metéora monasteries, one of the world's most remarkable ecclesiastical sites; towering Mount Olympus, home of the gods; and, of course, Delphi, Greece's most sacred site where the oracle once answered questions in Apollo's temple. However you spend your time in Greece, it will undoubtedly be the holiday of a lifetime.

Skiathos

The beautiful island of Skiathos lies off the east coast of Greece and is the most popular island in the Sporades. The island extends from the wooded Mount Pelion and is therefore lush and rich in fig, olive, plum and almond trees, as well as grapevines. The island is famous as the location for the blockbuster film *Mamma Mia!* and is attracting ever more tourists to its 60 powder-white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and luxury hotels. The island’s lush, hilly interior is wonderful for walking. The slopes are well worth the effort for the stunning views and the chance to explore the historic old town and its many historic buildings. The vibrant nightlife in the town centre and the many lively clubs by the water’s edge along the old harbour offer the perfect opportunity for a fun night out.

Alonnisos

Rising from the blue-green waters of the Ionian Sea is Alonnisos, an idyllic island covered by a thick blanket of pine forests, olive groves and orchards in the Sporades Islands of Greece. The picturesque harbour of Patitri welcomes travellers with a beautiful stone-paved waterfront lined with cafés, restaurants, coffee shops and bars overlooking the pebbly beach. Traditional whitewashed houses and numerous churches line the cobbled streets and stone stairways of the hilltop town of Chora. Crowning the ancient capital is a medieval castle offering unrivalled panoramic views of the island. Other popular attractions include the pristine beaches, museums and the magnificent Alonissos National Marine Park that surrounds the island. The park teems with marine life, including the rare Mediterranean monk seal, dolphins and sea turtles.

Skopelos

Surrounded by vast, unspoilt pine forests, the idyllic town of Skopelos enchants visitors with its stunning landscapes and serene tranquillity in the Sporades of the Aegean Sea. Scattered across the island are small villages with whitewashed houses, charming hotels, restaurants and little churches clinging to the slopes of the narrow streets. The capital, Skopelos Town, situated on the north-eastern coast, rises steeply up the flanks of two hills and leads to impressive Byzantine monasteries. At the summit stands an ancient Venetian fortress offering sweeping views of the sea. Wander through the hilly landscape along a network of old mule tracks that criss-cross pine forests, olive groves and hidden villages. Don’t miss the chance to visit the church of Agios Ioannis Kastri, an 18th-century chapel built atop a bare rock jutting out into the sea, offering spectacular views across the water.

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Skiathos Island

The small Greek island of Skiathos, surrounded by a dense tangle of green island woodland, lies off the Pelion Peninsula in the Aegean Sea and forms part of the famous Sporades archipelago. On the south-eastern edge of Skiathos lies Skiathos Town, the island’s vibrant nerve centre, bustling with the hectic energy of busy tavernas, cafés, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. In picturesque Old Skiathos, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and elegant white townhouses line the narrow cobbled streets. Visitors can immerse themselves in the stunning natural surroundings and enjoy a wide range of water sports on more than 60 beaches, or take a lovely walk through the wooded hills. Other must-see attractions include the Kounistras Monastery, the Evangelistria Monastery, the ruins of Kastro and the pine-covered islet of Bourtzi, home to the ruins of a medieval Venetian fortress.

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Sporades Islands

Set between the islands of Evia and Mount Pelion in the north-western Aegean Sea, the Sporades offer a tantalising combination of breathtaking nature, excellent beaches, fascinating heritage and modern luxury. Discover stunning white beaches, wander through Cycladic architecture and look out for the rare Skyros ponies on Skyros; watch more enthralling animals such as Mediterranean monk seals at play in the Alonissos Marine Park, and relax in the natural springs and coves of Skopelos (where you can also create your own Mamma Mia-inspired tour). In Skiathos, the most developed of the islands, visitors can explore fascinating historic churches in the morning, indulge in spa treatments at one of the luxury resorts in the afternoon, and dance the night away at one of the lively clubs come nightfall – all whilst taking time out to soak up the sun on one of the beautiful beaches.

Greece trip | Active trip Greek Sporades

We offer this trip from €3,990 per person.

The tour price is an estimate and is subject to availability and the travel period, amongst other factors.

Included

• Accommodation in excellent and unique lodges, tented camps and hotels
• All meals as specified in the itinerary
• All excursions as mentioned in the itinerary, including kayaking around Skopelos
• All necessary private transfers as specified
• Meet & Greet on arrival
• National park entrance fees where applicable
• National Geographic or similar travel guide
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)

Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards a positive impact via the Avila Foundation

Not included

• Intercontinental flights
• Room category upgrades
• Tourist tax (where applicable)
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Personal expenses/tips
• Any departure tax when leaving the destination
• Meals and excursions not mentioned
• Contribution to the Calamity Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)

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