Tour of Skiathos Island
Skiathos is a highly developed tourist island in Sporades group of international fame.
It is a pole of attraction for thousands of visitors that choose this island for their summer holidays.
Skiathos is considered one of the most beautiful Greek islands with indented beaches, natural beauties, a very healthy climate, hospitable inhabitants and an excellent infrastructure, with high quality conveniences, perfect service, sporting facilities and a wide choice of night life and good food.
There are also some quiet corners of the island where you can enjoy the country side far from the tourist track and the cosmopolitan atmosphere, though for the purpose it is preferable to visit Skiathos in spring or autumn.
Tour of Skiathos Island
SKIATHOS TOWN
The capital of the island, also called SKIATHOS, is a picturesque little town of about 4.000 inhabitants, built on the sides of a hill with a superb view over the harbor and the open sea beyond.
At the top of the hill is the dominating church campanile, with several pine trees and cypresses growing out of the rock.
The streets of Chora (Skiathos Town) are full of people during summer period.
Skiathos has a busting harbor.
As the ship approaches, passengers can see the pine-clad islet of Bourtzi, once a famous castle, on their right. It was built during the Venetian period by the Gizi brothers and was called Castle of St. George, after the name of the small church in it dedicated to the patron saint of the Venetians.
It was surrounded by fortifications with battlements and was used as a base against the Turks by Skiathiote freedom fighters in 1823.
In the town, it is worth visiting the cathedral and the house in which Alexandros Papadiamantis, the famous writer from Skiathos, used to live, which now contains an exhibition of personal items used by him, photographs, manuscripts, etc.
Tour of Skiathos Island
From the harbor, boats make excursions around the island, putting in at the important sights and superb beaches.
In the capital there are numerous hotel units, apartments and rooms to let of all categories, travel agencies, various shops, restaurants, taverns, coffee shops, bars and clubs.
The island also has a good road network.
A road leads north-east to the airport of Skiathos (4 kilometers from the town).
A side-road leads to the historic monastery of Evangelistria in the interior of the island.
This is a large, very imposing monastery, built on an enchanting site, in an inaccessible spot to protect it against pirate raids.
It has important wall-paintings in the sanctuary. Its small museum contains some important ecclesiastical vessels and treasures and the library has some interesting manuscripts.
The monastery played an important role during the Greek War of Independence against the Turks.
On 15 August, the day of the Dormition of the Virgin, the Epitaph of the Virgin is carried in procession, a local religious custom found only on Skiathos.
Tour of Skiathos Island
The monastery of Panagia Kounistra, 17 kilometers south-west of the town, is a 17th c. building dedicated to the Virgin. It celebrates on 21 November.
The main church of the monastery (named Katholikon) has 18th c. paintings.
At the northern end of the island is the old fortified city of Kastro, on a site difficult of access by both land and sea. It can be visited either by boat, or by taxi, either involving a walk of about 1 kilometer.
There are some interesting ruined churches (Agios Nikolaos, Agia Marina).
The view from the wild rock on which Kastro is built is breath-taking.
LALARIA – TRYPIA PETRA
To the east of Kastro is the superb, unique beach of LALARIA, with its large, glistening pebbles and limpid sea. TRYPIA PETRA, here, is a rock in which the corrosive effect of the waves has cut a huge hole.
Beyond this is GALAZIA SPILIA (Blue Cave) and SKOTINI SPILIA (Dark Cave), the latter a grotto with some superb shades of color in the sea inside it.
Further along are the fine beaches of NIKOTSARA, MEGAS GIALOS and XANEMO.
AGIA PARASKEVI
In the south part of the island, 6km from the town is located the beautiful golden sandy beach of AGIA PARASKEVI with crystal blue green waters.
Close to this beach you will find hotels and rooms to let of all categories.
Skiathos Beaches
On the south-east coast of the island, there are the famous and cosmopolitan beaches of FTELIA, TZANERIA, ACHLADIA, and KANAPITSA.
The small island of Tsougria opposite has a fine sandy beach that can be visited by small boat.
In Kanapitsa there are many rural houses, numerous luxurious hotels and apartments to let.
This beach is one of the most famous of Skiathos that distinguishes for its options for water sports.
There is also a diving school for those wanting to explore the magic world of the sea bottom.
Achladia has a very beautiful and well organized beach ideal for water sports.
Tour of Skiathos Island
Skiathos Beaches
To the south lies KALAMAKI, MEGALI AMMOS, TROULOS and the famous KOUKOUNARIES, one of the most enchanting beaches to be found on any Greek island.
Its name is derived from the dense wood of pine (koukounaries in Greek) whose dark green borders the golden beach.
This beach is highly organized, ideal for water sports, accommodation and cosmopolitan life.
Beyond this famous beach there are numerous hotel units, apartments and rooms to let, restaurants and bars.
Megali Ammos is one of the most beautiful and fully organized beaches on Skiathos, ideal for swimming and for water sports.
In the region there are many hotels and rooms to let.
The small settlement of Troulos and its magnificent beach is located 8km south of the town.
A short distance away is the BANANA BEACH, which is used for nude bathing.
Other nice beaches are: AGIA ELENI, ELIA, LIMANAKI OF XERXIS (Xerxi’s Harbor) and MANDRAKI.
TRADITION – EVENTS
On 15 August, the day of the Dormition of the Virgin, the Epitaph of the Virgin is carried in procession, a local religious custom found only on Skiathos.
The monastery of Panagia Kounistra celebrates on 21 November, with a large folk festival, when the icon of the Virgin is carried in procession to the town.
Many cultural events are organized in the island all year around: concerts and evenings with traditional dances and songs.