We welcomed a French family on board for an unforgettable sailing adventure in the Northern Aegean, setting sail from Chalkidiki and heading south toward the Sporades islands. Our journey began with a relaxed first day sail to Porto Koufo, one of the most impressive natural harbours in Greece. Surrounded by steep hills and perfectly protected from the wind, Porto Koufo feels like a fjord carved into the Aegean Sea. We spent a peaceful night at anchor, enjoying the absolute calm of this unique anchorage.
At first light, we raised anchor and slowly sailed out of Porto Koufo’s narrow entrance, setting our course toward Skopelos. The crossing took approximately seven hours under light winds, offering ideal conditions for a comfortable and scenic cruise. Halfway through the passage, we were rewarded with a truly magical experience: a large pod of dolphins appeared, crossing our course as they headed west.
For nearly an hour, we sailed alongside them as they played in our bow wave, leaping high out of the water and surfing effortlessly beside the yacht. Even for an experienced skipper, it was one of the most spectacular dolphin encounters ever witnessed. Our guests were absolutely amazed—many had waited years to see dolphins in the wild, and this moment exceeded all expectations.
Later that afternoon, we arrived and docked in the port of Skopelos Town, a charming island capital known for its traditional architecture, vibrant waterfront, and welcoming atmosphere. The following day, strong winds and an approaching gale kept us safely in port, giving us time to explore the island and enjoy its local cuisine.
Once conditions improved, we sailed on to Patitiri, the main port of Alonissos. Over the next three nights, we experienced the island’s natural beauty, alternating between the lively port and secluded, well-protected bays at anchor. Early one morning, we set off on a longer passage, sailing nearly 50 nautical miles back to Porto Carras, completing a memorable sailing holiday through some of the most beautiful waters of the Greek Aegean.
