The East Aegen Islands have maintained a rather low profile. They are an ideal destination for travelers seeking complete relaxation. The traditional villages, the rich flora, the endless beaches and the variety of the local kitchen are only some of their characteristics.

Shortly after Independence the North Sporades were called the North Cycladic Islands of the then newly established Kingdom, and the South Sporades were referred to as the West Cycladic Islands. The distinction between North and South Sporades was made after the annexation of the other Aegean Islands to Greece. At times even the Dodecanese Islands were referred to as part of the South Sporades.

The present unified name, the Sporades Islands, was made official in the 1960s, while the others were separated into North Aegean, East Aegean and Argosaronic Islands. The islands we know today as Sporades were once known as Thessalic. They comprise of many islands, others large and others small. The four main islands are Skyros, Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos. Skyros belongs to the prefecture of Evia while the rest (along with all the smaller islands) belong to the prefecture of Magnisia and are known as the North Sporades.

The main characteristic of these islands is the beautiful beaches with the rich vegetation that reaches the shores, a completely different picture to the more barren landscapes of the other Aegean Islands.