Yachtcharter Volos

One of the largest cities in Greece, Volos, located right on the Pagasitic Gulf, combines the incomparable charm of the Mediterranean, with its mountain panorama and fresh sea air, with the ancient mystical atmosphere of Mount Centaur, the setting for several Greek legends.

From archäological sites üto fabulous sandy beaches and anchorages, to its scenic and architectural richness, Volos Bay is an attractive destination in the Ägäish Sea, spared from tourist crowds. In front of the bay lies the large archipelago of the Northern Sporades with islands such as Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos and several small uninhabited islands, where even less experienced sailors and families will find pleasant sailing conditions in the Ägäis.

If you want to include all the islands of the Northern Sporades in your itinerary, including the southern Skyros, it is best to start your itinerary from .

Climate: Mediterranean with temperatures between 24 and 30 degrees
. Winds: Meltemi
Sailing season: May to October

Yacht charter Volos

The modern port city of Volos is located in a sheltered sea bay on the Greek mainland, about halfway between Thessaloniki and Athens. The town was founded in the 19th century near the ancient site of Iolkos and, even though the historic center was destroyed in 1955, still retains its Mediterranean charm, even if the harbor itself is less picturesque. As soon as one enters the bay of Volos, this picture changes as well. The gulf of Volos has a diameter of 15 nautical miles and is surrounded by high mountain ranges.

Volos has a protected natural harbor, which once made the city an important trading center in the eastern Mediterranean. From there, a variety of cruises can be arranged in the Gulf of Volos and the archipelago of the Northern Sporades, an area that also offers families and less experienced sailors a relaxing sailing vacation in the Aegean Sea.

The port is very busy due to ferry and cargo traffic, as Volos is the hub between mainland Greece and the Sporades. So you have to be prepared for busy traffic when entering and leaving the port.

Arrival: There are direct flights from Germany to Volos Nea Anchialos airport, about 30 kilometers away. From there you need about 35 minutes by cab or shuttle to reach the marina in Volos.

The city of Greek myths and love of life

The city has a long history, witnessed by the numerous villas, town halls, museums and old industrial plants of the early 20th century, whose elegance you can admire during a walk or a bike ride on the good bicycle roads through Volos. Numerous magnificent churches such as Saint Nicholas Cathedral or Saint Constantine and Helena Church, located on the waterfront, complete this historical ambiance in Volos. The center of the city is formed by Iasons, Dimaitrados and Ermou streets, where you will find numerous stores and the student as well as the nightlife of the city flourishes.

On the waterfront, the seafront promenade with numerous restaurants invites you to take a relaxing stroll with a magnificent view of the open sea. On the seafront you can stop at one of the countless tsipouradikas, where you can sample the variety of fish and seafood dishes. The western side of the harbor, which can be reached by walking along the Argonaut Street on the seafront, is one of the most beautiful places in Volos, where you will find yourself in the best company of yachts, ships and an impressive replica of the legendary Argo ship. Volos was in fact the starting point of the expeditions of Jason and his Argonauts, a famous Greek legend.

Due to its location, directly at the foot of the 1500 m high Pilion Mountains, hiking fans will find perfect conditions in Volos for excursions to the picturesque mountain villages, some of which have retained their originality, such as the village of Makrinitsea.

Already in the bay of Volos you can find quiet anchorages with sandy beaches and turquoise waters. © Kisa Markiza/AdobeStock

On the way in the Pagasitic Gulf

Depending on how much time you have and how much you want to see of the Northern Sporades, it's worth exploring the Pagasitic Gulf area as well. Enclosed by an imposing, green forested mountain range, the Pelion Mountains, you will sail in peace and seclusion far from crowded marinas and tourist crowds in the Gulf of Volos.

In the small villages with their harbors like Agia Kyriaki or Áphessos you will experience Greece still in its originality. Enjoy the tranquility and deceleration and enjoy the local hospitality. In addition, you can discover numerous beautiful and less frequented bays and beaches along the coast. The seaside resort of Amaliapolis was named after the wife of Prince Otto of Bavaria. He was the first king of Greece from 1832 to 1862 and his wife, out of enthusiasm for this piece of land by the sea, had a village and villa built here. At the exit of the bay, 20 nm southeast of Volos, lies the small town of Milina with several idyllic bays.

Discover the island variety of the Northern Sporades

From Volos it is not far to the varied and less touristy sailing area of the Northern Sporades, which covers a total of 50 nautical miles. In addition to the four main islands Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos and Skyros, there are more than 50 smaller islands in the archipelago. The area offers perfect conditions for family cruises and less experienced sailors. The numerous untouched and protected bays in lovely nature, the crystal clear, turquoise water, a weaker blowing Meltemi and the missing tourist streams prepare a pleasant charter trip.

From the bay of Volos you will reach the island of Skiathos after about 40 SM, where you will find a nature-loving paradise with 60 beaches and a lively island capital, which also has one or the other historical highlight to offer.

Skopelos, the second largest island of the Northern Sporades, is not far from Skiathos. There, a true green paradise of forests, plum orchards and olive groves awaits you. No island of the Northern Sporades has more harbors and ecclesiastical buildings than Skopelos. The bathing bays on the west and south coasts invite you to anchor and swim in beautiful surroundings.

Alonnisos, which is located near Skopelos, is a real insider tip. The image of the characteristic coastlines Alonnisos is formed by marble rock formations covered by dense pine forests. The original Greek island character can be seen in Old Alonnisos, which, situated on top of a mountain, was destroyed by an earthquake in 1965, and was rebuilt and given a colorful image by the help of artists and dropouts. Around Alonnisos there are also a number of smaller islands, which with their sea caves have become a sanctuary for the rare Mediterranean seals.

The almost uninhabited island of Pelagonisi is located north of Alonnisos and offers with the bay Limin Planitis a small oasis where you can relax in a deserted and very quiet atmosphere.

If you want to sail further to the island of Skyros, you should plan two weeks or start your trip from Skiathos. The largest island of the Northern Sporades is located 40 nautical miles southeast of the other islands. Without large crowds of tourists, you can dock at the small port of Linaria and explore the main town of Chora, which sits on a hillside dotted with white, nested cube houses. There you'll also come across an ancient fortress and the Byzantine monastery of AI Jorgis. Around Chora are an inviting sandy beach and pine forest.

Yacht charter Volos - set sail with 1a Yachtcharter!