A one-way yachting trip from Skiathos to Volos lets you explore the Northern Sporades at your own pace – without having to sail back to where you started. Thanks to growing demand, more charter companies are now offering this route. Just keep in mind: boats from Volos are usually more affordable, while availability from Skiathos is limited and disappears fast – so it’s worth booking early.
What you should know before you travel
- Not all charter companies offer one-way sailing – check availability with our team
- Boats from Volos are generally more budget-friendly than those from Skiathos
- Skiathos has limited availability – boats book up quickly, so early reservations are essential
- Plan your trip around your flights – you can fly into either Skiathos or Volos, depending on what suits you best
Day 0: Skiathos - Start of the adventure
Skiathos airport is famous for its extremely low landing altitudes, which attract aviation enthusiasts. Just a few metres above the heads of tourists, planes land on one of the shortest runways in Europe.
Skiathos is a charming island and an ideal starting point for your one-way cruise. If you’re able to pick up your boat early, you can make the short 30-minute sail to Skiathos West Bay (39°09'39.14"N 23°28'53.37"E), the nearest anchorage. Alternatively, you can stay moored at the town pier and prepare for departure the next day.
Mooring options: For a quieter first night, head to Skiathos West Bay, where you can anchor at your leisure on a sandy bed.
Before setting sail, don’t miss a visit to Skiathos’ legendary airport, where planes pass just metres above your head – a thrilling experience unique in Europe. It’s only a 15-minute walk from the harbour.
Day 1: Koukounaries and Banana Bay - The most beautiful beaches of Skiathos
Banana Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Skiathos thanks to its golden sand and crystal waters. The beach is quiet in the morning and in the afternoon it turns into a lively place with music and water sports.
Your first day on the water takes you to some of Skiathos’ most iconic beaches. It’s a short and easy sail – around 6 nautical miles – to Koukounaries Beach, often named one of the most beautiful in all of Greece. Just be aware: in peak season, it can get very busy.
At Koukounaries (39°08.886'N 23°23.444'E), you can drop anchor in 5–8 metres over a sandy bed – a great spot if you're happy with the crowds and the buzz.
If you'd prefer something quieter, just head around the corner to Little and Big Banana Bay (39°08'50.64"N 23°23'37.61"E). These bays are more sheltered, offer better privacy, and still have everything you’d expect from Skiathos – crystal-clear water, soft sand, and postcard-perfect views – just without the crowds.
YACHTING.COM TIP: Koukounaries Beach isn’t just known for its golden sand – it’s also backed by a beautiful pine forest that stretches right down to the shore. Love discovering stunning beaches? Check out our article about the 10 most beautiful bays and beaches in Europe.
Day 2: Orei - Authentic Greek port
The picturesque harbour in Orea offers ideal conditions for mooring and relaxing. The calm atmosphere and the clear water attract not only yachtsmen but also lovers of the Greek coast.
On the second day, you’ll enjoy a tailwind cruise to the town of Orei (38°56'55.04"N 23°05'17.28"E), located on the northern coast of Evia. The route is about 20 nautical miles and offers a pleasant sail with plenty of open space.
The harbour in Orei has a good number of berths and, thanks to its size, there’s almost always space available. You can berth stern-to the pier using your anchor, or choose to moor freely in the nearby bay, which offers good protection from most winds.
Orei is a relatively large harbour with plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine. If you prefer a quieter spot, you can anchor just outside the harbour in one of the sheltered bays.
Day 3: Agios Demetrios - Swimming in unspoilt nature
Agios Demetrios is a quiet pebble beach with clear sea and spectacular views. The perfect place to relax away from the crowds and discover the hidden corners of the Greek coast.
On the third day you will stop at the port of Agios Demetrios (39°00'55.49 "N 23°01'30.39 "E), which is approximately 12 nautical miles from Orea. This place is ideal for a day stop and a swim in the crystal clear water.
Anchoring options. If the weather conditions are good , you can even stay overnight here. However, for a more comfortable overnight anchorage, we recommend moving to Agia Kiriaki (39° 05.544' N 23° 04.104' E), where you will find the possibility to tie up at some of the local tavernas, which also provide free water and electricity if you use their services.
You can stay overnight here, but if you are looking for a more comfortable base, we recommend moving to Agia Kiriaki. This charming fishing village offers a romantic atmosphere and several tavernas where you can enjoy fresh seafood.
YACHTING.COM TIP: Before anchoring in lesser-known locations, read our article on anchoring in the wild, which will give you valuable tips for safe anchoring in all types of bays.
Day 4: Trikeri Channel and Achilio - Hospitality Coast
The Strait of Trikeri is a popular route for sailors due to its calm waters and beautiful coastline. The crystal clear sea reveals the underwater world and invites exploration.
On the fourth day you will explore the Trikeri Channel, which offers a number of beautiful bays for swimming. On the route of approximately 8 nautical miles, you can choose any bay for your daily stop.
Thereare several sheltered bays in the Trikeri Channel suitable for day stops. Achiliu (39°00'24.33 "N 22°57'54.34 "E) has a large marina with plenty of berths. You can moor stern to the pier with your own anchor or use the local moorings, which are usually free when using one of the local restaurants.
In the evening we recommend anchoring in the town of Achilio, which boasts a large marina and plenty of restaurants. Here you can enjoy a fine dinner and a stroll through the picturesque streets of this typical Greek town.
Day 5: Paleo Trikeri - Traditional fishing village
Agia Kiriaki is a picturesque fishing village where time slows down and the atmosphere breathes authenticity. The harbour lined with tavernas is the ideal place to sample fresh seafood.
On the fifth day, your cruise takes you to the Paleo Trikeri area, around 13 nautical miles from Achilio. There are two main mooring options here.
Anchoring options: The west bay has deep water, so expect to anchor and run a long line ashore. It's a scenic spot, but anchoring here requires a bit more effort. For a safer and easier option, head to the north bay. The holding is better, but keep an eye on the chart – there’s a shoal in the area, and it’s important to round it from the east at a safe distance.
On the south side of the island, you’ll find a rustic little taverna with a pier. It’s a bit “punk” – mooring here can mean a mix of dropping anchor and tying up sideways to the pier (rather than the usual stern-to). It’s all part of the charm!
For the most straightforward anchoring, we recommend the north bay – just be sure to navigate carefully around that shoal.
Day 6: Volos - Finale in a lively city with Greek flair
Volos is a lively port town connecting the mainland with the Sporades islands. In the evening, the atmosphere by the sea invites you to stroll among the tavernas and fishing boats.
On your final day, you’ll enjoy a relaxed downwind sail to Volos – a comfortable and fitting end to your week-long adventure.
Volos has a large, modern marina with everything you need: stern-to mooring with mooring lines, electricity, water, and full facilities including toilets and showers. If your charter company allows, you can also moor in the nearby village of Agria (39°20.322'N 23°00.642'E), about 5 nautical miles away. It’s quieter than Volos and offers a more peaceful setting for your last night.
Important: There is a military zone west of the approach – entry is prohibited, so make sure to stick to the recommended route.
Volos itself is a lively, larger city set at the foot of Mount Pelion in central Greece. While the harbour isn’t especially picturesque, the city more than makes up for it with vibrant street life, a great food scene, and modern amenities. After a week at sea, it’s the perfect place to treat yourself to a relaxed evening in one of the many tavernas and bars.
Volos is also known for tsipouro, a strong aniseed spirit typically served with a selection of small plates called mezedes. The locals love a celebration – don’t be surprised if you stumble upon music, dancing, or a festival atmosphere while you're there.
YACHTING.COM TIP: Want to explore more of Greece by boat? Check out our article on the 7 best sailing destinations in Greece – perfect for planning your next adventure.
