The closest Cycladic island to Athens, Kea (also called Tzia) is a quietly stylish retreat of pine-clad hills, stone-terraced valleys and turquoise coves. Sailors drop anchor in the yacht-favorite harbor of Vourkari or the bay of Agios Nikolaos, then climb to Ioulida, the amphitheatrical hilltop capital with its maze of lanes and the famous stone Lion of Kea. Don’t miss a swim at Gialiskari or Otzias beach, or a seafood lunch on the Vourkari waterfront.
Durations 21 Days in Sporades Islands
21 Nights: The Grand Loop of Euboea, Sporades & Pagasetic
- Week 1 (Heading North via East Aegean): Lavrio – Kea – Andros – Karystos – Skyros – Alonnisos.
- Week 2 (The Marine Park & Emerald Bays): Alonnisos – Steni Vala – Kyra Panagia (Planitis Bay) – Gioura / Piperi (outer zones) – Skopelos (Panormos / Stafylos) – Skiathos (Tsougria islet).
- Week 3 (Heading South via Euboean Gulf): Skiathos – Pagasetic Gulf (Milina / Trikeri) – Limni Euboeas – Chalkida – Eretria – Amarynthos – Porto Boufalo – Marmari – Petalioi Islands – Lavrio. Check-out on the morning of Day 22.
About the Route
Kea
Begin your yacht journey in Kea (Tzia) by arriving at Vourkari’s charming marina, where colorful boats line the quay and you can enjoy a leisurely coffee at a waterfront café. From there, sail to Otzias Bay for a refreshing morning swim in calm turquoise water, before continuing to Korissia to stroll along the harbor promenade. Climb up to Ioulis, the island’s whitewashed hilltop capital, wandering narrow lanes and pausing to see the ancient Lion of Kea, carved into rock outside the village centuries ago. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a taverna overlooking the sea, sampling local cheese and honey. In the afternoon, anchor off Gialiskari or Sykamia beach for swimming and snorkeling in clear water framed by pine-covered hills. As the sun sets, drop anchor in the sheltered bay of Vourkari for a quiet dinner aboard beneath the stars.
WHAT TO SEE
Vourkari harbor, Lion of Kea, Ioulis (Chora), Otzias Bay, Korissia
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
Sample Kea’s excellent local cheeses and prized thyme honey, alongside fresh-caught fish served simply with island olive oil. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine as you watch the sun dip behind the hills.
Andros
Begin your journey in Andros by arriving at Batsi, a charming harbour village where a fresh coffee by the waterfront overlooks fishing boats and pastel houses. Sail along the coast to Achla Beach, a secluded stretch of sand backed by cypress trees, ideal for swimming and snorkeling in clear water. Continue to Korthi Bay, a sheltered inlet on the island’s southern coast, perfect for a peaceful swim away from the crowds. In the afternoon, head to Andros Town (Chora), wandering its neoclassical mansions, sea-captains’ houses, and small archaeological museum, before a traditional lunch overlooking the Aegean. As evening falls, anchor in a quiet cove near Batsi to enjoy sundowners and watch the sunset over the water, before a tranquil night at anchor.
WHAT TO SEE
Andros Town (Chora), Batsi village, Korthi Bay, Achla Beach
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
Try fourtalia, Andros’s hearty potato and sausage omelette flavored with local herbs, alongside kaltsounia, sweet pastries filled with nuts and honey. Pair your meal with a glass of local red wine or a spoonful of the island’s famous fruit preserves, known as spoon sweets.
Evia (Euboea)
Begin your yacht journey along the coast of Evia by arriving in Karystos, a charming harbor town overlooked by a Venetian castle (the Bourtzi) and the slopes of Mount Ochi. Sail around Cavo D’Oro to explore the dramatic southern coastline, stopping to swim and snorkel in the clear waters near the Petali Islands, a scattering of quiet islets ideal for a peaceful anchorage. Continue north along the coast to Kymi, a hillside town famous for its springs and sweeping sea views, or visit Limni, a picturesque fishing village with a relaxed waterfront perfect for a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, cruise past Rovies and the pine-covered slopes leading toward Edipsos, renowned since antiquity for its therapeutic thermal springs. As evening approaches, anchor in a sheltered bay along the coast, enjoying sunset drinks on deck before a calm, quiet night at anchor.
WHAT TO SEE
Karystos & Bourtzi Castle, Petali Islands, Kymi, Limni, Edipsos thermal springs
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
Enjoy Evia’s fresh seafood alongside wines from the island’s Karystos and Lilantio regions, pairing meals with crisp local Savatiano or Assyrtiko whites and fruity regional reds. Round off dinner with local honey, olives, and olive oil, staples of the island’s rich agricultural tradition.
Skyros
Begin your yacht journey in Skyros by arriving at Linaria, the island’s small, cliff-backed port, before continuing along the coast toward Skyros Town (Chora), a striking whitewashed village climbing up to a Venetian castle high above the sea. Sail south toward Tris Boukes, where the poet Rupert Brooke lies buried in a quiet olive grove — a moving, scenic stop for those interested in history. Head to Pefkos Beach or Sarakiniko Beach for a swim and some snorkeling in calm, sheltered waters framed by pine trees. Stop for a relaxed lunch in Molos, a laid-back seaside village known for its tavernas and views along the coast. In the afternoon, keep watch for the rare, small Skyrian horses grazing near the shore, before anchoring in a peaceful cove for evening swims and sunset drinks on deck.
WHAT TO SEE
Skyros Town (Chora) & castle, Linaria, Molos, Sarakiniko Beach, Tris Boukes (Rupert Brooke’s grave)
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
Savor Skyros’s lemony goat (katsikaki lemonato) and homemade Skyrian pasta, along with local xynotyri cheese and teroptes, cheese pies made with trahana. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine, and don’t miss the island’s renowned astakomakaronada, lobster served over spaghetti.
Skopelos
Begin your yacht journey in Skiathos by arriving at the lively port, where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast by the marina. From there, sail to Koukounaries Beach, famous for its golden sands and pine-fringed shores, ideal for swimming and soaking up the sun. Continue to the stunning Lalaria Beach, accessible only by boat, where striking white pebbles, crystal-clear waters, and natural rock formations create a perfect spot for snorkeling and photography. In the afternoon, explore Skiathos Town and the Old Port, wandering its charming streets, visiting local shops, and savoring a fresh seafood lunch by the water. As evening approaches, anchor in a quiet cove to enjoy a peaceful swim and drinks while watching the sunset, before returning to the marina or spending a tranquil night under the stars.
WHAT TO SEE
Koukounaria beach, Lalaria beach, Skiathos old town
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
Savor fresh seafood straight from the Aegean, including grilled octopus, calamari, and local fish, often served with olive oil, lemon, and herbs. Pair your meals with Assyrtiko or Moschofilero wines, local ouzo, or tsipouro.
Skiathos
Begin your yacht journey in Skiathos by arriving at the lively port, where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast by the marina. From there, sail to Koukounaries Beach, famous for its golden sands and pine-fringed shores, ideal for swimming and soaking up the sun. Continue to the stunning Lalaria Beach, accessible only by boat, where striking white pebbles, crystal-clear waters, and natural rock formations create a perfect spot for snorkeling and photography. In the afternoon, explore Skiathos Town and the Old Port, wandering its charming streets, visiting local shops, and savoring a fresh seafood lunch by the water. As evening approaches, anchor in a quiet cove to enjoy a peaceful swim and drinks while watching the sunset, before returning to the marina or spending a tranquil night under the stars.
WHAT TO SEE
Koukounaria beach, Lalaria beach, Skiathos old town
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
Savor fresh seafood straight from the Aegean, including grilled octopus, calamari, and local fish, often served with olive oil, lemon, and herbs. Pair your meals with Assyrtiko or Moschofilero wines, local ouzo, or tsipouro.