44 Best Sights in The Sporades, Greece

Founded in the year 2000, this is the island's main museum (a little tired and neglected but informative nonetheless). Its collection is a tribute to Alonnisos's history and culture, and is privately owned by passionate archivists Kostas and Angela Mavrikis. Inside, the museum charts the island's fate at the hands of Aegean pirates through paintings and weaponry. Old mechanical equipment such as that for pressing olives and grapes offer a reminder of the island's past economies.

Skopelos is at the edge of the largest swath of protected waters in the Mediterranean, covering 2,200 square km (849 square miles). Within the park, only neighboring Alonnisos is inhabited; other islands and islets are the domain of goats and falcons, while dolphins and highly endangered Mediterranean monk seals swim in the pristine waters. Boats ply the waters of the park on day excursions from Skopelos, stopping at remote beaches and such outposts of civilization as the islet monastery of Megistis Lavras. Travel agencies and eager captains advertise the trips, easily arranged with a walk along the port.  For more detailed information on the marine park see the Alonnisos section.

North of Molos, past low hills, fertile fields, and the odd farmhouse, a dirt road leads to this historical beach where ruins from a Neolithic fortress and settlement have been discovered. The beach has cool, crystal waters and sandy shores that offer a sense of privacy. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: nudists; solitude; sunrise; swimming; walking.

The modest home of one of Greece's finest writers, Alexandros Papadiamantis (1851–1911), lauded by some as "the Greek Dostoevsky," is filled with his modest furniture, personal belongings, and vintage photographs. The author's native Skiathos played a prominent role in his essays, short stories, and novels, as did his Greek Orthodox faith and simple rural life. Several of his novels have been translated into English, including the internationally acclaimed The Murderess.

Industrial development in the region during the late 19th century necessitated the building of a railroad linking Volos to the picturesque Milies, 27 km (17 miles) east. Constructed  by Italian engineer Evaristo de Chirico, father of the famous painter Giorgio de Chirico, it was wrecked by retreating German troops and subsequent earthquakes, so today only the latter half of the line remains open, connecting Ano Lechonia with Milies. The train itself, an old-school steam locomotive nicknamed "Moutzouris" ("smudgy") chugs along at a tepid 19 km (12 miles) per hour, which is the perfect speed for taking in the stupendous views of the Pagasitiko Bay. Trips normally take 1½ hours each way, stopping for 15 minutes in Ano Gazea.

A short walk south of Magazia, Pouria offers good snorkeling, and nearby on the cape is a small treasure: a sea cave that has been transformed into a chapel. There's a little hotel nearby where one can get refreshments. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming; walking.

It'd be hard to miss the classical bronze statue, "To Brooke," an honorary tribute to the heroic Edwardian-era English poet Rupert Brooke, whose nude and very masculine depiction created quite a stir when unveiled in 1931. Every street seems to lead to the statue, with a 180-degree view of the sea as a backdrop. In 1915, age 28, Brooke was on his way to the Dardanelles to fight in World War I when he died of septicemia in a French hospital ship off Skyros. Brooke was a socialist, but he became something of a paragon for war leaders such as Winston Churchill.

Pilgrims to the poet's grave should follow the wide dirt road through the Vouno wilderness down toward the shore. As you reach the valley, you catch sight of the grave on your left. Brooke was buried here in 1915 after dying of sepsis from an infected mosquito bite while aboard a French hospital ship anchored off Skyros. His marble grave in an olive grove was immortalized with his prescient words, "If I should die think only this of me: That there's some corner of a foreign field / That is forever England." Restored by the British Royal Navy in 1961, the grave site is surrounded by a stout wrought-iron and cement railing. You can also arrange for a visit by taxi or caïque in Skyros Town.

Farms and a few tavernas and small hotels line the steep downhill road to the seaside, where fragrant pines meet cool and crystal clear water. There's a simple canteen that serves snacks and refreshments, and a lifeguard stand. Nearby, prehistoric walls, a watchtower, and an unplundered grave suggest that this was the site of an important prehistoric settlement. The beach is among the busiest on Skopelos; but it's lots of fun for families. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguard; parking (no fee); showers. Best for: snorkeling; sunrise; swimming; walking.

This beautiful site, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, has variously operated as both a convent and monastery; right now, being the latter. Besides being unusual in design, its church contains some outstanding 14th-century triptychs, an enamel tile floor, and an iconostasis spanning four centuries (half was carved in the 14th century, half in the 18th century). A small on-site shop sends some religious decorations and handmade wares. Call ahead as opening days and hours vary.

In this 19th-century mansion, furnishings, icons, and quotidian antiques from around the world make a fine showcase of the life and traditions of a local, high-standing family from a time when Skopelos was a hub for the well-traveled, politically influential, and highly cultured. Andigoni Vakratsa and her father were doctors who offered free medical services to the poor. Head upstairs to view the living room (it was used only for special occasions) where you can admire a traditional island engagement dress with its 4,000-pleat skirt.

One of the better beaches close to Skiathos Town, Vassilias is lined by pine trees that lean thirstily toward the shallow seashore, providing shade under their aromatic branches. A rustic canteen and some beachside restaurants serve refreshments, outfitters offer all sorts of sea-based adventures, and rows of shaded sun loungers are lined up for rent. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

The name comes from the valanium (Roman bath) that once stood here on the coast due south of Skopelos Town. The bath has long since disintegrated under the waves, but the fresh spring water used for the baths still trickles out from a cave at the far end of the beach. To get here, follow the footpath that starts at Stafilos Beach, over the forested hill. This extra hike is seemingly off-putting to many beachgoers, keeping Velania isolated and quiet. Today it's broadly favored by nudists. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee). Best for: nudists; snorkeling; solitude; sunrise; swimming; walking.

One of the most popular and busiest beaches on Skiathos has a party vibe, along with waterskiing, which is especially good in the afternoon when the sea usually calms to a lake-like smoothness. On the far end of the beach, away from the pulsating tunes and rumbling boat engines, there's space to lay out a towel and soak up the sun. There's also a decent little taverna. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguard; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunset; swimming.