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Discover untouched beauty and charm in the stunning Sporades Islands aboard luxury catamaran Zorba Cat.
Sailing in the Sporades Islands in Greece aboard luxury catamaran, Zorba Cat offers an unforgettable adventure through one of the most stunning archipelagos in the Aegean Sea. Although the archipelago comprises 24 islands, only four of them (Alonnisos, Skiathos, Skopelos, and Skyros) are inhabited, making this sailing holiday a rare opportunity to explore pristine natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The islands were also the backdrop for many scenes in the popular Mamma Mia musical film, and it’s easy to see why everyone falls in love with its authentic Greek charm. Let skippers Aga and Greg guide you through the best of a sailing holiday in the Sporades Islands.
- Fully crewed sailing catamaran yacht
- Island hopping & historical exploration
- Great for families & groups
- Eat on board and shoreside Taverna’s
- Suitable for beginners
- Whole Boat Charter Available
- Snorkelling & Swimming
- SUP’s, Kayak & Water Skiing
- Half Board
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Your Sailing Area
The Sporades Islands, Greece
The Sporades Islands, particularly Skiathos and Skopelos, were the enchanting backdrop for the beloved ABBA musical film “Mamma Mia!”. Skiathos, with its vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches, was the perfect setting for lively scenes, while Skopelos provided a picturesque haven with its charming traditional architecture and lush greenery. The film beautifully highlighted the islands’ natural beauty, attracting countless fans eager to experience the magic of the locations. Iconic spots, such as the famed church of Agios Ioannis, have since become pilgrimage sites for fans, enhancing the islands’ allure as a travel destination.
Aside from the popular spots on the main islands, the Sporades islands offer much more untouched, uninhabited beauty, perfectly explored under sail. They have a good balance of bustling harbours, authentic tavernas and sleepy anchorages, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxation.
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After joining Zorba Cat and her skippers Aga and Greg in Volos on mainland Greece, your first sail will be through the picturesque Pagasetic Gulf.
Your first stop will likely be the vibrant island of Skiathos, famous for its picturesque beaches, including the acclaimed Koukounaries. With over 60 stunning beaches and azure waters, it’s a paradise for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts.
Skopelos, noted for its breathtaking landscapes and traditional architecture, awaits with its magnificent beaches and culinary delights. A highlight of this island is its local speciality, Strifti cheese pie. Skopelos also gained fame as a filming location for the hit movie “Mamma Mia!”, attracting visitors eager to recreate the film’s magical moments.
The island of Alonnisos is renowned for its rugged landscapes and tranquil atmosphere. As the most remote inhabited island in the Northern Sporades, it is home to the National Marine Park, a sanctuary for rare seabirds and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. This area is rich in various plants and animals, along with important archaeological and historical sites. It has significant scientific and cultural value due to its archaeological discoveries, which include shipwrecks, ancient monasteries, and churches that date back to prehistoric times, the classical period, and the Byzantine Empire.
Lastly, anchor at Peristera, an uninhabited island ideal for those seeking solitude. This serene spot, rich in history with its caves and former pirate ports, offers a perfect escape from the busier beaches. Here, you can take leisurely walks through lush pine forests and olive groves, immersing yourself in the island’s natural charm.
This sailing holiday in Greece is one of pure relaxation and fun for you and your friends and family. Zorba Cat offers a range of voyages, either bookable by the berth for individuals or as a whole boat charter. Please see the date drop-down to see what ticket options are available. If you have any questions, please get in touch with our team!
Things to note
Sailing vs shoretime
Night Watches?
Are there Mosquitos?
Travel insurance notes
As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.
Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.
This voyage will be not more than 12 miles offshore.
Life on Board
Catarman Zorba Cat is run by sailing couple Aga and Greg who strive to provide an authentic sailing experience in Greece, where you can discover hidden anchorages away from tourist-heavy areas and dine in traditional Greek seaside tavernas. Whether you’re a family, couple, or solo traveller, there’s something for everyone with Zorba Cat’s charters. Expect an unforgettable sailing holiday with her!
Authentic Greece
During all of Zorba Cat’s voyages, the main aim is to avoid tourist crowds and instead opt for small harbours or anchorages next to deserted islands. Each day, guests stop for a swim in beautiful bays, some of which are wild, while others have a small taverna serving fresh fish and seafood for lunch, often taken out of the water before their very eyes. Guests have the opportunity to jog or practice yoga in the morning, enjoy organic healthy food on board, and experience a healthy lifestyle close to nature. Friendly locals, as well as delicious food and wine, are common features on all the islands that Zorba Cat visits.
All Zorba Cat voyages offer a perfect balance of relaxation, sightseeing and sailing! Depending on the itinerary, Aga and Greg recommend and help to organise excursions to historical sites and other places worth visiting.
A Typical Day
After a peaceful night’s rest, you can start your day by indulging in a wholesome breakfast, take a leisurely stroll ashore and savour a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the scenic surroundings.
We usually sail for a few hours each day until we arrive at a stunning bay with a deserted beach. There we have plenty of time to enjoy activities such as snorkelling, swimming, sunbathing, exploring the island or bay, and reading books. Together, we prepare a light lunch, and the Greek salad seems to be an ideal choice for a hot day. After lunch, we take some downtime, and maybe even a little siesta or a swim before setting sail again.
Zorba Cat has stand-up paddle boards, a double kayak, water skiing, inflatables and snorkel masks for guests to use included in the ticket price.
In the afternoon, we’ll set the sails again to a new location. If you’re interested, you can learn how to steer, tie knots, and pull ropes. Alternatively, you can simply relax and sunbathe on the deck. Before the evening arrives, we will arrive at a new island and dock in a charming little village. There, we will explore the area and enjoy the beautiful sunset, which is rumoured to be even more impressive than the one in Santorini!
In the evenings, our main focus is to unwind and take things slowly. We usually head to a traditional Taverna to sample some amazing local food and delicious Greek wine while enjoying live music and dancing some Zorba. “No hurry” is our motto for the night.
The menu
The ticket price includes breakfast and lunch, and Aga will be your host and main chef on board Zorba Cat. However, guests are welcome to participate in all aspects of life on board and often assist with food preparation and cooking. Aga plans to go shopping on the first day so that everyone’s preferences can be considered (if guests would like to join her, they are welcome) The evening meals will mainly consist of dishes from Aga & Greg’s favourite Greek tavernas. Local cuisine, fresh fish, and seafood can be purchased at a relatively low cost of about 30€ per person, which includes wine.
Aga and Greg have spent many years exploring this region of Greece, and they believe that to experience authentic Greece truly, guests should have the opportunity to dine in Greek tavernas. If spending a night on a remote anchorage is a priority, dinner will be prepared communally aboard.
Sleeping and Relaxation
Zorba Cat is a custom-built charter catamaran, so all her communal spaces and cabins have been well-considered and are generously proportioned.
There are two primary dining areas on the yacht – one in the spacious open saloon and the other on the stern of the deck, where you can enjoy alfresco dining under a canopy cover. You’ll find numerous spots to read a book or soak up the sun, both on the decks and across the bow nets (both areas are fully cushioned). The dropped transoms are perfect for easy access in and out of the water with swim ladders and fresh water hose showers.
Zorba Cat has two master ensuite cabins and two forward double ensuite cabins.
The Master cabins are at the rear and on either side of the catamaran with oversized standard double beds and plenty of storage and hanging space. In one of the cabins, the bed can be split into two single beds. The ensuite is a modern push-button flush toilet with a wet room-style shower.
On each bow of the boat, there is a double ensuite cabin complete with a double bed. The ensuite is a modern push-button flush toilet with a wet room-style shower.
What’s included
- Half board (breakfast, lunch and snacks)
- All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
- Full crew plus tuition
- All tender trips to and fro the boat
- Lifejacket
- Fishing lines
- SUPs, double kayak, snorkel gear, inflatables
- Water-skiing (you must have some experience to ride)
What’s not included
- Evening meals
- Swim Towels
- Waterproofs
- Excursions ashore (vineyard etc)
- Any flights
- Transit hotels
- Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
- Travel Insurance
- Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
- Crew tips
- Personal expenses
Board Cash – on arrival for fuel, water, marina fees and air-conditioning
- €350 cash per person for individual voyage bookings
- OR €3000 per private charter booking
Kit list
Zorba Cat has lots of space for possessions but please be considerate and travel with rigid cases, only in soft bags or wheelie cases that are only hard on one side.
We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their preferences!
- Light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
- Flip flips, sandals OR Crocs
- Swimsuits and a swim towel
- Wash towel – micro fibres are great for lightweight and quick-drying
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothes
It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring layers in the spring and autumn even if the forecast seems like a warm week!
- Warm, windproof and waterproof coat
- Sun cream (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
- Sunglasses and a sun hat/cap
- Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
- Camera/binoculars
- Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
- Swim shoes to ensure you dodge those pesky Greek sea urchins…!
- Cash – EUROS. Greece is still a heavily cash-based society
- Charging cables for personal devices and EU 2pin adaptor for use in cabins (there are 12v USB sockets to charge devices during the day by the chart table if needed)
- A good book to read!
- Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring
From: Skiathos
To: Skiathos
GETTING THERE
Skaithos, Greece
BY AIR
Fly to Athens or Skiathos: –
Athens – Flights go direct to Athens International Airport from London Stansted with Ryanair, and London Gatwick with Wizz Air, British Airways and easyJet. You can take an internal flight to Skaithos from Athens.
Skiathos – Fly direct from London Gatwick, Heathrow or Bristol with easyjet or Jet2.com from Stansted.
Travel to Skaithos
FLY – A quick 45-minute flight from Athens International Airport will take you to the Skaithos island. Local operators are Sky Express, Aegean Air and Olympic Air
From Athens travel by road to Mantoudi Ferry Port
TAXI – The quickest route is by road/taxi (2h 30m). This can be taken by a private taxi. For a private charter booking, taxis for up to eight people will cost around 500 euros. For two guests, with luggage, it will be around 250-300 euros.
BUS – From Athens Airport – KTEL Magnesias operates a bus from Athens to Mantoudi, via KTEL Liosion Street. From the Airport, take the bus (was X93, dep. every 20 min.) and change at ‘KTEL Liosion’. Pick up a direct bus to Mantoudi ( ticket price: approx. 28,00 Euro). The trip duration is between 2 hours with the ferry operator Anes Ferries.
FERRY – Take a ferry from Skiathos to the port of Mantoudi with Anes Ferries (1h 50m). Skiathos Airport to the port is only 2km, a very short taxi or bus ride. Please check ferryhopper.com or ferries.gr for schedules and pricing.
Zorba Cat
Guest berths: 8 Rig: Sloop
A sailing holiday in Greece aboard a luxury catamaran is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Her simple rig makes her a leisurely sail with winch systems and modern navigation equipment. Her considered design makes her a comfortable and fun boat to sail, whether you’re an experienced sailor looking for some sunshine or a novice wanting to try something new.
Her owners and skippers, Aga and Greg, absolutely love what they do, and that’s evident to guests to see — and, even better, experience firsthand. They are well-tuned to all abilities and ages, from family charters with young children to groups of friends or voyages for couples and solo travellers. They tailor every trip to suit their guests’ needs, so if you want to sit back, enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine, and enjoy the cuisine of the local tavernas – that’s fine, too!
Zorba Cat is a large modern Fountaine Pajot Eleuthera 60ft catamaran. She has four private ensuite cabins for guests: two master aft ensuite cabins (which can be split into twins if needed) and two double forward ensuite cabins. All cabins are equipped with modern push-button toilets and wet-room-style showers.
With a generous saloon and a well-equipped galley, Zorba Cat was built with charter and guest comfort at the forefront of her design. She has two dropped transoms with swim ladders for easy access to the water, and cushioned nets to lie out and relax at the bow. There is a large lounging area under the boom and a comfortable dining area at the stern for alfresco eating. Zorba Cat gives guests the perfect access to that crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea!
A sailing holiday on Zorba Cat will certainly leave you with long-lasting memories. She is available to book by the cabin or as a private charter for your friends and family. Every sailing charter is fully crewed, and breakfast and lunch are included in your ticket price.
Deck plan
More about Zorba Cat
Are all meals included?
Breakfast, lunch, snacks, hot drinks and a glass of wine with lunch are included. Dinner is not included so guests can experience the delicious local cuisine and eat in traditional Taverna's!
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes - Zorba can cater for most dietary needs including most coeliacs but the crew have one galley so cannot guarantee no cross-contamination. Please get in touch with us before booking.
Are there any added extra's?
Each voyage requires taking board cash for fuel, water and marina fees. Please see each voyage/ticket for details. Evening meals and excursions ashore are not included. If guests wish to have more alcohol, they can bring their own aboard at the skippers discretion.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
2 x master ensuite cabins (one of which can be split into a twin), 2 x double ensuite cabins
Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Yes, all cabins have openable deck hatches and portholes with mosquito nets and privacy screens.
How many toilet/showers does she have?
4
Are bedding and towels included?
All bedding and shower towels are included but please bring swimming/beach towels Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.
Is there a hairdryer on board?
Yes, hairdryers are provided on board for guests to use.
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
No, Zorba Cat does not have laundry on board.
Is there air conditioning onboard?
Yes, in all cabins and living spaces. This will run in the evening for approx two hours before bed. If guests wish to use it more, there will be a further charge for energy consumption.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
What language is spoken onboard?
English/Polish.
Is there WIFI?
No! It's time to disconnect from the modern conforms and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.
Can I charge my phone?
Yes, all cabins have 220v EU sockets - please bring a 2-pin adaptor if needed.
What is the currency on board?
Euro's in cash. We advise bringing some spending money in cash as some restaurants and shops still prefer cash payments. .
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes.
How do I get on and off the boat?
ZorbaCat is sometimes at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy. She has dropped transoms with steps and swim ladder so getting on/off the boat is fairly easy. When she's docked, there's a simple gangplank.
Are Waterproofs provided?
No.
Do I need sailing experience?
No experience needed to join this boat.
Does the boat have any water toys?
Snorkel gear and fins, 2 x SUP, 1 x double kayak, and inflatables.
Will I be sea sick?
Catamarans are generally very stable so it is rare that guests get seasick. Everyone reacts differently, but we recommend ginger tea or ginger biscuits and peppermints on board. It will pass in 24 hours.
Is there an age limit?
Please check with the office for under 4, but we do require a 1:1 ratio with children. There is no limit for private charters but we recommend that children can swim. No maximum age limit exists as long as guests are fit and mobile.
More holidays in Greece or The Mediterranean
Historic Tall Ship Sailing in Italy’s Aeolian Islands
Luxury Yacht Sailing from Santorini
Luxury Greek Sailing to Athens
Catamaran Holidays in Greece: Saronic Islands Sailing
More holidays on Zorba Cat
Catamaran Holidays in Greece: Saronic Islands Sailing
Catamaran Holidays in Greece: Saronic Islands Sailing
Catamaran Holidays in Greece: Saronic Islands Sailing
Catamaran Holidays in Greece: Saronic Islands Sailing
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL


































