This trip has left me inspired, not just to visit the destinations again, but to even get my skipper qualifications!
Yes, it was that incredible and immersive that I didn’t want the feeling to end. I already love a good swim, but eventually you’ll find me sailing on the open water any chance I can get too.
I recently joined an Intrepid sailing adventure through the Sporades Islands in Greece, travelling between Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonnisos. I expected beautiful Greek islands, plenty of sunshine and some fantastic swimming, but I hadn’t appreciated just how much I would fall in love with life on the water.
What Is an Intrepid Sailing Holiday Like?
The best way I can describe it is that you aren’t simply taking a boat trip. You’re living the sailing life for a week.
There is an itinerary, but it never felt rigid or rushed. We’d sail between islands, stop in beautiful bays, swim, explore and eat together, with the skipper adapting our route when needed depending on the conditions.
That flexibility was all part of the experience.
At one swim stop, for example, the conditions changed and our skipper decided it wasn’t safe to remain anchored there. We simply moved somewhere else. You start to understand why decisions are being made and feel immersed in life aboard the yacht.
And the swim stops were a particular highlight for me. I was in the water at practically every opportunity, sometimes even swimming back to the yacht while everyone else took the dinghy!
What Is It Like Living on a Yacht?
Our twin-hull catamaran had four cabins, with shared spaces for eating and relaxing.
Life on board is incredibly relaxed, with much of the day spent in swimwear before throwing something casual on to explore in the evening.
You’re also living on a working yacht. We learnt about everything from water conservation and safety to anchoring and how the yacht operates.
I found myself becoming genuinely fascinated by it all. Watching how the anchor was dropped and seeing how we moored.
What was the food like?
One of the biggest surprises was just how good the food was.
Our host prepared beautiful Greek dishes from a tiny galley, including recipes passed down from his grandmother. There was so much variety, and the meals felt personal rather than following the same set menu every day.
The team listened to everyone’s preferences and adapted meals accordingly. Plans could even change depending on what they found locally. On one occasion, they went ashore intending to buy meat, met a local fisherman and decided fresh fish would be on the menu instead.
In the evenings, we’d head ashore and experience everything from traditional Greek tavernas to beautiful restaurants recommended by our skipper through his local connections.
Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonnisos
Sailing also gives you the chance to experience several Greek islands in one trip, and they seemed to get more beautiful as the week went on.
We started in Skiathos, before continuing to Skopelos, where one of the highlights was visiting the famous Agios Ioannis chapel from Mamma Mia!
The climb is steep, although still doable in your flip flops, but completely worth it. Later that evening, we were having cocktails in Skopelos Town when Mamma Mia! was being projected onto a white wall nearby and even enjoyed some classic ABBA tunes as well.
Then came Alonnisos.
For me, the Old Village was the standout destination of the entire trip. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit some beautiful places, but this was one of the most stunning.
The views, narrow streets, little bars and traditional buildings were gorgeous. We arrived while it was still light and watched the village transform as the lights came on in the evening.
I already know I want to go back.
Seeing a Different Side of Greece
One of the things I loved most was reaching places you simply wouldn’t experience in the same way on a traditional holiday.
We sailed into secluded bays, discovered quieter parts of the islands and spent time in the National Marine Park of Alonnisos and Northern Sporades.
We also visited a monastery where, after another group left, we practically had the place to ourselves.
Those are the experiences that make this type of holiday so special. You’re not following crowds from one attraction to another. You’re discovering a quieter, more authentic side of Greece.
Who Would I Recommend an Intrepid Sailing Holiday To?
I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys being outdoors, exploring somewhere new and doesn’t mind embracing a more relaxed way of travelling.
It’s also a very social experience. You’re living and eating together as a small group, so there’s a real sense of community by the end of the week.
You don’t need sailing experience, and you can be as active as you want. If you’re anything like me, you might be jumping into the sea at every opportunity. Equally, you can stay on deck, relax and enjoy the scenery.
The important thing is being open to the experience.
Is an Intrepid Sailing Holiday Worth It?
For me, absolutely.
When you consider your accommodation, meals, time aboard the yacht and the number of destinations and experiences included, I thought it offered fantastic value.
But some of my favourite moments are impossible to put a price on.
Swimming through crystal-clear water back to the yacht. Eating freshly prepared Greek food. Exploring tiny villages. Watching the sun set from the water.
I came home wanting to revisit the islands, spend more time on the water and learn how to sail properly myself.
If a holiday can inspire you to come home and get your skipper qualifications, I’d say it’s made quite an impression.