The Island
Of the Sporades islands, Skiathos is the closest to the mainland. While located at 40 nautical miles from Volos, the capital of the prefecture of Magnesia, it is at approximately 2.5 miles off the coast of southern Pilion. Neighboring Skopelos island is at 6 miles, whereas Evia island is 16 miles away. The city of Thessaloniki is 95 nautical miles to the north. The island is 48 sq.km, with a population of 6,500 inhabitants.
Famous for being one of Greece’s lushest, most verdant islands, with pine trees often reaching up to the edge of its beaches, you will also discover the prevalence of olive trees covering its landscapes. The awe inspiring greens and blues coloring the island’s impressive coastlines of over 65 crystal clear watered and gold sanded beaches are the magic attracting visitors from around the world. Skiathos, the “Emerald of the Aegean”, is known for its unspoiled natural beauty and its rich history, reflected in its monasteries and monuments. The one final, yet noteworthy ingredient making the island a favorite destination, is the consistently heartwarming hospitality of the people of Skiathos.
Despite its small size, the island offers a wide variety of options for visitors to choose from. Whether you are seeking a quiet setting for your family vacation, or are with friends, looking for adventure, Skiathos is the right place for you. Choose between relaxing, small coves and larger, organized beaches, the most famous of these being award-winning Koukounaries Beach. Enjoy dinner at traditional fish tavernas as well as high-end, luxury restaurants. Explore the island’s gorgeous walking and hiking trails, or spend fun evenings in some of the town’s beautiful bars. Skiathos offers accommodations for visitor budgets ranging from 5-star hotels, summer villas, apartments and studios, to camping sites for nature lovers. Skiathos town, the heart of the island, is well-appointed with excellent bars, restaurants and hotels, as is the very popular south coast, and for that matter, the entire island. From whatever destination on Skiathos, it will never take you more than a little over 20 minutes to reach the town center.
The island’s long history dates back to the prehistoric, and continues through the Classical, Byzantine and Venetian eras. The majority of its churches and monasteries are Byzantine, with world famous Evangelistria Monastery standing out with historical importance for being the birth place of the Greek flag in 1807. Panagia Iconistrias, dedicated to the island’s patron saint Virgin Mary, is a further noteworthy monastery, known for its peaceful charm and serene beauty. Bourtzi, located at the Old Port, and Kastro, the ruins of the medieval island’s interim capital on the northern coast, are among the most popular sites to visit. The wilder northern coast of the island features quiet, less crowded, secluded beaches. Accessible by car or bus, these beautiful beaches are also reachable by daily tour boats from the Old Port. The most popular beaches are on the south coast, offering all amenities including accommodations, restaurants and bars, as well as mini markets.
Skiathos island offers countless activities for its visitors to enjoy. Go diving and explore the Sporades’ magical underwater world with over 300 species of fish and beautiful coral reefs. If you are feeling active, choose from the range of water sports offered on almost all southern beaches, or go on one of the over 20 well-marked walking trails sure to enchant you. A further wonderful option is to take a one-day sailing excursion to unique Lalaria Beach, Tsougria island, or the Alonissos island Sea Park. A very popular and definite highlight would be a visit to Skopelos island and Agios Ioannia church, both famous as the filming locations of “Mamma Mia”.
While visiting the island’s large choice of restaurants, be sure to sample the various delicious traditional dishes, and take home some of the excellent local products such as island honey, spices, the traditional sweets “amigdalota” and “chaimalia”, local olive oil and wine.
Come discover this little Paradise, which is sure to leave you with wonderful, unique memories to last you a lifetime.
Happy Holidays.
