The Sporades, also known as the green islands for the rich
vegetation and the lush scenery, is a group of islands and islets
that lie in the stretch of sea north of Evia. Fine sandy beaches,
thick pinewoods and rocky cliffs have made islands like Skiathos,
Skopelos, and Alonissos some of the most visited destinations,
yet they have kept some quit spots with unforgettable beaches
and crystalline waters. Skyros, the furthest away from the coast,
is the least crowded. There, the local traditions are jealously
kept by the inhabitants, in particular the art of pottery, hand
weaving of fabrics and wood carving are still very much alive.
Slightly off the mainland, Alonissos has its own small archipelago
of smaller islands; these mark the area of the 1st ocean reserve
in Greece, where monk seals in particular can breed in their
natural habitat unspoilt by man. The islands are accessible
via the airport of Agios Costantinos and the city of Volos.
