Northern Side
Skiathos Island’s north side is very, very different from its south side: at the south side of the island you can find all the luxurious, five-star hotels, the organized beaches (with beach bars and taverns) plus, of course, public transport. However, the north part of the island differs a lot: here, you will encounter the island’s most amazing hiking/walking paths, vast, lush, total-green forests, more than 40 majestic chapels surrounded by a lush, natural environment, all the four monasteries of the island, the marvelous, medieval town of ‘Kastro’ (Castle), numerous natural water-sources, archaeological sites and, of course, the island’s astonishing north beaches!
There are plenty of different routes you can take that will lead you to the north side: two of the routes start at the island’s ring road. Another one begins right after you pass ‘Vasilias’ area, on your right. Finally, the last route begins from the bus stop number 18, taking a right (towards the monastery) at the crossroad. Additionally, some alternative roads you can follow so as to discover and enjoy the beauty of nature or to visit a monument, a monastery or, even, a beach are the following:
First Route:
The first route begins at Skiathos’ port. Following the road towards ‘Koukounaries’ area, in about 700m, you will see signs on your right pointing to the Holy Monastery of Evaggelistria. You follow the signs and, in around 2klm, you will meet a crossroad (next to the beautiful ‘Kalivia’ estate), where you take a right. The road leads you straight to ‘Megas Gialos’ and ‘Lexouni (Nikotsara)’ beaches. The two peaceful, magical beaches may not be properly organized -with sunbeds and beach bars- yet their wild, natural beauty, as well as its breath-taking view, will absolutely amaze you! Also, right above ‘Megas Gialos’ beach there is the homonymous traditional tavern, with its delicious, local, Greek cuisine.
Second Route:
The second route is exactly the same as the first one, until you reach the crossroad next to ‘Kalivia’ estate. From there, you take a left and, in about 1,5klm, you will find the Holy Monastery of Evaggelistria. Moreover, a few meters prior to the monastery, on your left, you will see the wonderful, small church of Saint Taxiarchis, where you can rest and freshen up from its natural pouring-water. When you, actually, get to the monastery, you will be mesmerized by its absolute peace and serenity. This precious, historical monastery was founded in 1794. Furthermore, it was the place where the very first Greek flag was ever designed, wove and raised, in 1807. Inside the monastery, there is a museum which contains numerous, unique, historical heirlooms, plus many local products for sale (produced, of course, inside the monastery). In addition, if you follow the path up the hill, outside the monastery, you will find a picturesque, small cafeteria, where you can enjoy a fresh coffee, while admiring the place’s one-of-a-kind view!
Third Route:
The third route begins right after you pass the Monastery of Evaggelistria: you follow the path, through the woods, until you find, on your right, two distinct roads. The first one will pass you by the chapels of Saint Apostle and Saint Anna until you finally reach the outstanding monastery of Saint Charalampos (where Alexandros Moraitidis spent his last years as a monk). The place’s peace and quiet, as well as its intense, reverential atmosphere and the fantastic view of the island, will offer you unique moments of relaxation and make your visit a truly memorable experience! As regards the second road, inside the woods, it will lead you to three more options:
The first one, on your left, will get you to the historical monastery of Holy Mary Kechria. From there, you can carry on (by feet), through the woods, until you meet the beautiful beaches of ‘Aligaries’ and ‘Kechria’.
The second road, again on you left, ends up to the astonishing small church of Saint Alexandros. The chapel’s wonderful view of the Castle and Pelion will definitely amaze you, together with its magical sunset! Moreover, before you, actually, reach the chapel, you can follow the several roads’ branches and pay a quick visit to the churches of ‘Saint Anastasia’, ‘Holy Mary Glikofilousa’, ‘Saint Panteleimon’ and ‘Saint Sozon’, to take pictures and admire their remarkable beauty.
The last -but not least- option will lead you to the medieval town of ‘Kastro’ (Castle), its homonymous beach and its local, traditional, small tavern. However, on your way to the Castle, you will, also, have the opportunity to visit the churches of ‘Holy Mary Kardasi’, ‘Saints’ Theodorous’ and the beautiful chapel of ‘Saint John’.
Fourth Route:
The fourth route begins at ‘Troulos’ area’s crossroad (bus stop number 18): from there, you take a right and, in around 2klm, you can either take a left and end up at ‘Aselinos’ beach, or you can continue straight ahead until you meet the monastery of ‘Holy Mary Eikonistria’, the patron saint of the island. There, you can relax and enjoy the delicious coffee made, undoubtedly, by the hands of Mrs. Argiro (the lady that has been taking care of the monastery for over 30 years now). In addition, at a very close distance to the monastery, there is a dog-rescue center, whose volunteers have accomplished numerous, praiseworthy actions as regards the safety and the well-being of these beloved animals. Also, if you like, the refuge’s people allow you to take one of the dogs for a quick walk, too! Lastly, if you follow the road to its end, it will lead you to the beautiful beach of ‘Mikros Aselinos’.
Fifth Route:
The fifth route begins at the west side of the island, from the bus stop number 23 and 24 (by feet) or number 25 (by car). This route will lead you to the beaches of ‘Saint Eleni’, ‘Krifi Ammos’, ‘Mandraki’, ‘Mandraki Elias’ and ‘Agkistros’.
To sum up, either you choose one of the above, recommended routes, or any other, one thing is for sure: the nature’s beauty and awe, the breath-taking view and all the fascinating discoveries you will make as you wander through the island’s countryside, will definitely make your experience amazing and unforgettable!
