EVIA & SPORADES (Greece)

Vacation Rentals & Holiday Rentals in Evia & Sporades.	Hotels	Flights	Car Hire/Rental

The Sporades (whose name means 'scattered ones') is an archipelago of beautiful green and wooded islands close to the Greek mainland, north of Athens. There are 11 of them, four of which - Skiathos, Skyros, Skopelos and Alonissos - are inhabited. In guidebooks they're always grouped together with neighbouring Evia, which, although technically an island is actually considered to be part of the mainland, to which it's connected by bridge.

The fact that they're so close to (and easy to reach from) the mainland means that they're popular holiday destinations for mainland Greeks as well as foreigners. Most popular are Skiathos and Skopelos, while Alonissos and Skyros are less developed.

The Sporades are not great sightseeing destinations, not having the same wealth of archaeological attractions as other islands. However, they're perfect holiday choices, with good beaches - pebble and sand, busy and quiet - and clear water. For the active, there's a range of watersports on offer and lovely countryside for walks, especially in spring when the wildflowers blossom.

The long, narrow island of Evia (also known as Euboea) is the second largest in Greece (after Crete) and lies stretched out along the coast of the mainland, only 80 miles north of Athens. It attracts more Greek tourists (many of whom have holiday homes here) than foreigners and is a popular weekend break destination for Athenians.

Wooded mountains run down its spine, providing recreation for climbers and, in winter, skiers. A fertile island, Evia is a major producer of grain, corn, vegetables and livestock. It also has pretty villages, medicinal springs (you'll find spas at Kamena Vourla and Ipati) and good sandy beaches on the west coast.