Q's about Sporades Islands
 

I am considering a visit to the Sporades Islands in September or October. Most likely I will travel solo. I enjoy a variety of activities including easy hikes, museums, folk art, history, music, architecture, flora and fauna, greek food and experiencing a slice of everyday life. Ouzo and all night parties are not my thing. Skopelos, Skiathos, and Alonissos are on my list. Is the water warm enough to swim in October? I know many of the Tavernas will be closed in October and tourists and summer residents will be leaving the island. Will there be anything still open? Are the islands as lush and the hiking trails as nice as I have read? Does anyone have a hotel recommendation for Euro 45-65? Any suggestions or insights will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Wow, not even a "What are you nuts?" Nothing?

Try a query on the Greece board at Trip Advisor. It seems to be the travel board with more locals on it than any other so you're bound to
get some advice.

rob

Hi

If you use the search facility on this forum you'll get quite a bit of info. Good luck :)

>>> I enjoy a variety of activities including easy hikes, museums, folk art, history, music, architecture, flora and fauna, greek food and experiencing a slice of everyday life. <<< I spent full three weeks there, one week on each of the islands, but that was 20 years ago, so nothing concrete to advice. I don´t remember museums, folk art, history or architecture, but plenty of hikes, food and local life. Skiathos was full of tourists even then, Skopelos way, way less, and Alonyssos was practically empty. But that was 20 years ago.

Hi Grapes - I spent a fortnight in Skiathos (- Koukounaries) 2 years ago and loved it. I think you'd find some good hikes there. I only day-tripped to Skopelos and Alonissos but I'm sure the same would apply there.

Koukounaries would be quiet in Sept/Oct - so you might prefer to base in Skiathos town.

I think you'd still be able to swim in Sept/early Oct.

Steve

I did find TripAdvisor, and a poster said the season ends the first of October, the buses stop running, and many places close for the year. The middle to end of Sept. sounds like the time to go. Thank you for the responses! Have a great day.

Alonissos is known as a hikers island. It is remote, quiet, mysterious, there's a marine park (wild dolphin and seal are protected) and an island inhabited by only a monastery and one monk close by...
Skopelos is beautiful forested, rugged, has a bus service that is regular enough - it is the 'Mamma Mia' island, and though there aren't a lot of antiquities here, it is well connected to myth.
Skiathos is the most busy, packed, touristy of the lot - has an int'l airport and seems to be a haven for drunken football fans in the summer.
Then there is Skyros - the most off the beaten path (I think you can only get here via plane or ferry from Kimi), is desolate and barren and magical - very unspoled, though there are yoga retreats and writing workshops galore here (hello yuppies) - The poet Rupert Brooke's grave is on Skyros.
All of these island zip up for the winter by mid October. There always are a few tavernas/ouzeries open, but bus schedules are severely reduced... Basic Hotel San Remo on Skiathos for 30 euro a night, Perigali Studios for about the same by the beach of Koukounaries - not sure about Skopelos or Alonissos but just do an accom. search to find out.
Water stays warm until the weather begins to tuen - late September... usually.

djuna, thank you for the information. If my trip works out, I do think I will visit the Sporades Islands. Stay on one island and perhaps make a day trip to another. Thank you to everyone who has posted!