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Skiathos is an island of Northern Sporades in Greece.
background
Skiathos (Greek: Σκιάθος, inhabitants: approx. 6,000) is the starting point and the main island of the Sporades. Although it is neither the largest nor the most attractive island of the Sporades, it has by far the most tourism, including package tourism. It is the first port of call for most ferries and has an airport, beautiful beaches, good accommodation and good public transport. During the season, the 6000 locals are vastly outnumbered by tourists from all over the world!
Although it is undoubtedly the most tourist-intensive island in the Sporades, it has many faces. Those who are away from the main road will find picturesque taverns and breathtaking landscapes with a lot of lush vegetation, which are perfect for easy walks or more intensive hikes.
The coast of Skiathos has some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. While the north of the island is almost uninhabited, life takes place in the south, which is geared towards the needs of tourism from spring to late autumn.
With a length of about 11 km and a width of about 5 km, Skiathos is the fourth largest and at the same time smallest inhabited island of the Northern Sporades. It is formed by a partly wooded mountain range called Mytikas, which rises to 433 m.
Typical products from Skiathos are olives and wine.
history
The island joined the Attic League and remained under Athens' hegemony until Philip II of Macedonia opened it in 338 BC. Conquered. From 168 B.C. BC Skiathos belonged to the Roman province of Macedonia. In 395, Skiathos fell to the Byzantine Empire, which was able to exercise its rule until 1204. After the Fourth Crusade, the Republic of Venice took control of Skiathos. Even before the conquest of Constantinople (1453) the island was the target of pirates; the population withdrew to the Kástro, which was built in the 13th century. Chaireddin Barbarossa finally sacked the island in 1538. In 1660, Venice temporarily recaptured the island under Francesco Morosini. In 1807, even before the beginning of the Greek Revolution, the Evangelistria monastery became a base for the rebels. The resistance fighters hoisted the Greek flag there for the first time. In 1830 Skiathos became part of the First Hellenic Republic.
getting there
By plane
The Airport is served by both national and international airlines
By boat
Skiathos is accessible by ferry from Volos, Agios Konstantinos and Thessaloniki reachable. Cruise ships dock at the port in the center of Skiathos Town.
mobility
- Taxis. Taxis are easy to get from the port to anywhere on the island.
- buses. Public buses run on a line that runs from the port to Koukouniares on the south side of the island. The port station is located 200m to the right of the port. Tickets are bought from the driver on the bus. Stops are marked with a symbol and a number.
- Rental cars, mopeds, scooters. There are rental shops in Skiathos town and at the other tourist centers. Since the distances on the island are short, a moped is usually sufficient. When renting a moped, you should insist on getting a helmet, if possible with a visor, and then always wear it on the journey. Since the police are not strictly controlled, you can see many drivers without helmets on the road. Inexperienced drivers in particular have problems with the roads, which are often slippery due to sand or other deposits, and the rather disordered traffic. Anyone who has gotten an insect in their face while driving at full speed will learn to appreciate a helmet with a visor.
Tourist Attractions
The island has no top sights or archaeological sites and is more visited for its beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes.
- 1 Old town Skiathos. A stroll through the old town with its narrow cobbled streets and some of the remaining traditional mansions with the typical architecture that is a combination of the architecture of the islands and Pelion villages is a must for every visitor to the island.
- 1 Bourtzi Fortress. The former fortress is located on the small peninsula near Skiathos Town. Built by the Venetians, it served in the battle against the Ottomans and later as a primary school. Inyvian it has been converted into an art gallery and there is an open-air theater next to it.
- 2 Skiathos Cemetery. A beautiful well-kept Greek cemetery in a very beautiful setting in a small forest with a view of the sea with many interesting old tombstones.
- 3 Kastro (castle ruins). From the parking lot you first have to walk a very long, steep path (about 20 minutes). On hot days it is quite exhausting and you should be able to walk well. With a 4WD you can get closer. After the tour, a visit to the tavern and the beach of Kastro is worthwhile. Between 1300 and 1830 Kastro was the main town on the island and served as protection against pirate attacks. Gradually, the settlement was expanded into a fortress on which the entire island population temporarily lived. There were around 300 houses and 22 churches, only the foundation walls of which have been preserved. Since 2000, the area has been restored, new paths laid out, information boards put up (in English) and four of the most important churches rebuilt. The view from above of the turquoise sea and the small bay below is worth the effort.
- 4 Kefala. The archaeological site of Kefala is located near the bay of Xanemos and was believed to be the first inhabited place on the island (from the 10th century BC). The place Kefala seems to have been abandoned in the early Hellenistic period (3rd-2nd century BC), when the inhabitants gradually relocated to the second town on the island, where the current town of Skiathos is located. Since the archaeological site has not been explored long, there isn't much to see and it's only worth visiting if you're in the area anyway.
- 5 Sea caves at Lalaria. There are two caves near Lalaria Beach, the Skotini (dark) cave and the Galazia (blue) cave. The dark cave is a very narrow and low cave that can only be reached by small boats.
- 6 Strofilia Lake. It is a protected wetland with a rich fauna and flora. It is quite rare to find wetlands on Greek islands and it is characteristic of Skiathos' particular geography.
- 1 Cathedral of the Three Hierarchs (Μητροπολιτικός Ναός Τριών Ιεραρχών). Worth seeing church in Skiathos town.
- 2 Evaggelistrias Monastery (Μόνη Ευαγγελίστριας). The monastery complex is well worth seeing and is the only active monastery on the island. Inside the monastery there is a museum of musical instruments. Pay attention to appropriate clothing for the place Women should wear long skirts and shoulders covered (a wrap around their hips and a drape around their shoulders is sufficient) and men should wear long trousers. It is not a tourist attraction but a monastery.
- 3 Panagia Kounistra Monastery. former monastery well worth seeing, today only a church. Legend has it that a former monk hung the icon of the Virgin Mary on a tree and so the name "Kounistra" (swinging) was derived.
- 4 Agios Nikolaos church and clock tower (Άγιος Νικόλαος). Worth seeing church with a beautiful view of the harbor. The ascent from the port over many stairs is a bit tedious.
activities
In an island that is so heavily influenced by tourism, all popular types of leisure activities are offered that you can also find elsewhere. The largest selection is in Skiathos Town.
- Diving. There are several diving schools in Skiathos Town alone, e.g. Skiathos Diving Center, Dolphin Diving Center, Octopus Diving Center.
- sailing. a large number of companies offer either rental or sailing tours around the island. A stroll along the harbor gives you good information about prices.
- Boat tours. There is a wide range of boat tours with various types of boats from the harbor but also from many of the well-known beaches.
- water sports. the usual popular water sports such as jet skiing, water skiing, banana boat, etc. are also not lacking on the developed beaches of Skiathos.
- Mountain biking
- hike
- Boat rental
- horse riding. several providers, e.g. Skiathos Riding Center, Skiathos Horseriding Center.
beaches
Although Skiathos has many beaches, it can get quite crowded in season. The ones that used to be very popular Nudist beaches[1] can hardly be used for this in the high season. In addition to the ones mentioned below, there are a number of other, but mostly poorly accessible, beaches.
South coast
- 1 Plakes Beach. small pebble beach only a few minutes walk from the center of Skiathos and surrounded by many cafeterias and taverns.
- 2 Bourtzi Beach
- 3 Megali Ammos Beach. a long and organized beach that is very busy and crowded due to its proximity to Skiathos town.
- 4 Ftelia Beach. Sandy beach in the immediate vicinity of Skiathos town in picturesque surroundings well organized, but not too crowded with sun loungers and parasols and water sports.
- 5 Vasilias Beach. a beautiful bay with lounge chairs and umbrellas. Boats can be rented on this beach.
- 6 Achladies Beach. fully organized beach that is very popular and crowded due to its proximity to Skiathos town and the many tourist facilities.
- 7 Tzaneria Beach. Sandy beach in a small bay, surrounded by trees, well organized, e.g. diving club, water sports. Very popular and crowded.
- 8 Nostos Beach
- 9 Kanapitsa Beach. organized beach with fine sand and crystal clear water that offers a wide range of water sports.
- 10 Kalamaki Beach. Secluded pebble beach, not organized and in a picturesque setting.
- 11 Diamandi Beach
- 12 Vromolimnos Beach. one of the most popular and best organized beaches in Skiathos, very busy.
- 13 Kolios Beach. Sandy beach with many beach bars and water sports centers. From there, visitors can rent boats for excursions.
- 14 Agia Paraskevi Beach. Very busy sandy beach due to its natural beauty and tourist facilities, including many beach bars and water sports centers.
- 15 Troulos Beach. popular and organized sandy beach and very crowded in summer.
- 16 Maratha Beach. well organized sandy beach with umbrellas and parasols, surrounded by tall pine trees that provide shade on hot summer days.
- 17 Koukounaries Beach. one of the largest and most popular sandy beaches, surrounded by pine forest,
- 18 Xenia Beach. Surrounded by lush greenery and pine trees, some of which reach the sea and provide plenty of shade on hot summer days. Xenia Beach is well organized with lots of umbrellas and umbrellas and is accordingly full.
West Coast
- 19 Banana Beach. organized beach with fine sand and crystal clear water that offers a wide range of water sports. Formerly a well-known nudist beach, it is no longer a nudist beach!
- 20 Little Banana Beach. Quieter than the neighboring Banana Beach, but also no longer a nudist beach, as described in older travel guides.
- 21 Agia Eleni Beach. small sandy beach with umbrellas, deck chairs and beach bars. It is very popular because of its proximity to Koukounaries.
- 22 Krifi Ammos Beach. Small sandy beach in a scenic location, but often windy and with washed up algae when the wind is north.
- 23 Agistros Beach. Managed sandy beach in a beautiful landscape, often windy, not easily accessible (dirt road), not overcrowded.
North coast
- 24 Mandraki Beach. Managed sandy beach in a beautiful landscape, often windy, not easily accessible (dirt road), not overcrowded, many algae and rubbish washed up in north winds.
- 25 Elia Beach. beautiful, sandy, wild beach, only accessible via dirt road, tavern, sun beds and umbrellas are available, but there is also a lot of free space. Very nice and calm, windy with north wind and alluvial deposits of algae.
- 26 Megalos Aselinos Beach. Long, beautiful and quiet sandy beach with umbrellas, beach tavern, easy parking. On windy days, the sea is rough and you cannot stay on the beach.
- 27 Mikros Aselinos Beach. Secluded, not easily accessible small managed sandy beach with tavern, many stones under water, very beautiful landscape. With north winds windy and alluvium of algae.
- 28 Ligaries Beach
- 29 Kechria Beach.
- 30 Kastro Beach
East coast
- 31 Lalaria Beach. Sand-gravel beach in a beautiful landscape. Known for a rock that forms a natural bridge between the sand and the sea, with a hole in the middle, which makes it a very popular photo opportunity. Shortly before Lalaria there are some underwater caves that are worth a visit.
- 32 Nikotsara Beach. This pebble beach is ideal for those who like peace and quiet. No taverns, no facilities, difficult to access.
- 33 Stigero Beach. secluded pebble beach, best reached by boat.
- 34 Megas Gialos Beach. beautiful sand-pebble beach that is difficult to access. The seabed is quite rocky, but the water is crystal blue. Megas Gialos is surrounded by steep, green slopes and is also ideal for snorkeling.
- 35 Glyfoneri Beach. small bay with sand-pebble beach, not organized,
- 36 Xanemos Beach. Sandy beach, partly organized, often windy, partly nudist.
Small surrounding islands
- 37 Tsougrias Beach. The small island of Tsougria, which can only be reached by boat, has some beautiful and secluded sandy beaches, but one of them manages everything in its natural state. A small restaurant is on site.
- 38 Arkos Beach. beautiful managed sandy beach with tavern on the island of Arkos, only accessible by boat, quiet and in a wonderful landscape.
shop
By far the best shopping opportunities are in Skyros town. There are little things in the many mini markets in all tourist centers.
kitchen
Around the island there are very nice restaurants on almost all beaches, where you can enjoy Greek cuisine with a view of the sea. Prices, the offer and the quality hardly differ. Fast food is also sufficiently available at all tourist hotspots, especially in Skyros town. There are also a number of pizzerias here.
nightlife
Most of the nightlife takes place in Skiathos town along the harbor or near Papadiamantis Street and around Trion Ierarchon Square, in the old town and, to a lesser extent, on Koukounaries Beach. A very popular and well-known place on the island are the cocktail bars at the old port with pillows on the stairs that invite you to sit and enjoy a cocktail in a relaxed, summery mood. The atmosphere differs from the other bars and clubs on Skiathos and makes a visit a special experience!
accommodation
There are all categories of accommodation on Skiathos, which are listed and rated in the well-known Internet portals. Many private accommodations are also available, e.g. via www.airbnb. When choosing the location of the accommodation, you should be clear about the type of vacation you prefer. For those looking for peace and quiet, hotels near the beach away from the main tourist flows are better. For people who want more nightlife, accommodation near or in Skiathos Town is recommended, as you can celebrate carefree without having to pay attention to drink-driving.
security
As in all Greek islands, crime is very low. Pickpocketing is common and you should watch out for bags and cell phones when hawkers come to your table in a cafe or restaurant. Poisonous snakes like to live on rocks and in secluded dilapidated gardens and houses. If you want to go off the beaten track, you should be careful.
health
There is no real hospital on the island, only care centers for accidents and minor illnesses. In more severe cases, a transport to Volos will be arranged.
- Skiathos Medical Center
- Skiathos Emergency Polyclinic
Practical advice
- Although it is known that the sun shines very intensely in Greece in summer, unfortunately there are always many tourists with intense sunburns, especially among the followers of "crocodile holidays" (beach chairs, sea, beach chairs, etc.) The waterproof sun creams are recommended here. A sun hat and normal sunscreen should be worn when hiking and sightseeing, and sufficient water intake should be ensured. Bottled water is cheap (0.5l, 50 cents).
trips
The most popular excursion destinations are the neighboring islands of the Sporades
Day trips to the Pelion are also possible via Volos
literature
- Northern Sporades, nature between islands and sea (nature guide) by Gerald Hau
- Northern Sporades travel guide Michael Müller Publisher: Skiathos - Skopelos - Skyros - Alonnisos by Dirk Schönrock
- Charter guide Northern Sporades: Golf from Volos Skiathos to Skyros by M. Haselhorst & K. Dittmann
