THE SPORADES ISLANDS

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Sporades are North of Euboea and east of Magnissia, they compose an insular complex which include four islands (Alonissos, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros). The history of the Sporades goes back many centuries, they offer many beauties which altogether compose many choices of ?personality? for the entertainment and holidays of each visitor.

HISTORY - CULTURE

It is not by chance that most of the ancient findings in the Aegean Sea area are found in Alonissos. The Sporades have been unceasingly inhabited since the Palaeolithic era. The Sporades reached their zenith during the early-Hellenistic era (3000-2000 BC), when the group of islands were in frequent contact with the island of Limnos.

The island was invaded successfully (leaving a cultural and financial seal) by the Minoans, Myceneans, Dolopes, and the Euboeans. From the Persian wars and onwards the islands were linked to Athens up until the Roman years. The Sporades fell into decline during the Byzantine years with the help of the many invasions that the island suffered, the most catastrophic invasion was that of Barbarosa in the year 1538.

Later the Venetians and the Turks claimed the islands, although, the Sporades helped the revolution in the year 1821, so as to be united with the Greek state in 1830.

SIGHTS

The Sporades are renown for their rich vegetation, their wonderful beaches, their flora and fauna, and are accompanied by numerous smaller islands which surround it.

Medieval fortresses, ancient ruins, caves in the sea and distinguishing religious monuments (churches-monasteries), complete the many beauties that the traveller can see. ?Leading? sight of the Sporades is of course the local architecture which distinguishes among all the other islands.

The Sporades are beautiful, historical and friendly, and that is why they have many faithful friends.

ENTERTAINMENT - SPORT - SHOPPING

The Sporades have everything one could ask for, although this sector is shared among the four islands. The development of tourism benefited all the islands which are most beautiful and cover the needs of the most demanding visitor, with fine transportation, many hotels, lively night life and the becoming markets.

The local festivities, tennis courts, volleyball and basketball fields and many water sports add to the entertainment, always keeping the visitor on his toes.

One can read the profile of every island separately, thus choosing which island would suit his needs.

Nonetheless, if the visitor chooses his holidays to include sun, sea, hospitality and mainly nature, then surely the Sporades should be on the top of his list.