Skiathos is one of the most colorful Greek islands. It is known as the island where the first movie of “Mamma mia” was partly shot. It belongs to the group of Sporades islands and it is the closest to the land of Greece. It has everything: historic castles, perfect beaches, many young tourists, sailing opportunities, liveliness and beautiful nights in the city.
When to visit Skiathos
According to the local people, the best time to visit the island is in June, July and September. It is the best time, as you will be more convenient to wander, to find a seat in restaurants and bars and have a great time at the beach. In August, conditions on the island deteriorate due to the great invasion of young Greek tourists.
How to go to Skiathos
Skiathos has a small airport and it is two km outside the city of Skiathos, Hora. It connects Athens, the capital of Greece, with the island. Unfortunately, it is not linked to bus transportation, but you can hire a car or call a taxi for your short trip. The airport is near the road and many people find it interesting to wait for a plane to take off so that they can do planespotting – they feel the air of the airplane. It is a dangerous activity; so, if you are thinking of doing it, take the necessary precautions.
The most common way to get to Skiathos is to go by boat. Aghios Konstantinos port is pretty busy, so make sure that when you are going to the island you are earlier there.
What to eat in Skiathos
In Skiathos, you can encounter every kind of cuisine from restaurants from all over the world. You should definitely try the fresh fish traditionally cooked and the local pies, like the herb pie. Other local products, that you should taste or purchase as a souvenir, are wine and liquors with nut and cherry taste, olives and honey. For dessert, you will love the famous almond cakes, “amygdalota”, and spoon sweets that look like marmalades.
Where to party in Skiathos
Skiathos has a thriving nightlife. There are two main party areas: The seaside clubs, that fill with mostly Greek tourists, and the Stairs, a famous corner that gathers an older crowd. The bars there serve nice cocktails.
What to see in Skiathos
#1. The Old Town
The island has only one town, Hora. It was built after the Greek Revolution on the ancient ruins of past generations. It has a natural harbor. The houses are very close to each other, making narrow streets, but cozy and worthy of photos. Wander around to appreciate the architecture of the houses and the local life. Hora accommodates the nightlife, the tourist service and maybe everything you might need in order to make the best of your vacation. I am a fan of walking in narrow alleys and Skiathos is perfect for this activity.
#2. Evangelistria Monastery
The beautiful Evangelistria Monastery, surrounded by trees and plants, was founded in 1794. Evangelistria Monastery is of great value, because it was the place where the first Greek flag with the white cross was made and blessed, in 1807. It helped morally and materially the Greek Revolution in 1821. Every Easter and the 15th of August, the Monastery is full of people who follow the Service. It, also, features a museum where one can admire gospel covers, documents, letters, traditional dresses and, other artifacts. There is also an oil press and an exhibition of oils, olive soaps, books, and church-related products.
3#. Castle (Kastro)
To hide and protect themselves from the Pirates, the local people built the Castle north of the island in ca 1360. In 1829, the Castle was abandoned and the people inhabited Hora. It included almost 300 houses with a number of people that fluctuated between 500 and 1500. A tourist should definitely visit the Castle in order to become a part of the beautiful nature and the nostalgic history of the islanders. Kastro is one of the most interesting places on the island as far as I am concerned. Don’t miss it.
#4. Bourtzi
Bourtzi is a Venetian castle on a peninsula in Skiathos Town where the Maritime Museum is located. It is certainly worth a visit.
#5. Papadiamantis’s House
Alexandros Papadiamantis is one of the most famous Greek writers. The house he lived and died in has become a museum. There are three small rooms on the first floor and one on the ground floor. One can learn about his life while wandering around his house and reading his transcripts. The museum also functions as a bookshop with Papadiamantis’s books translated in many languages.
The beaches of Skiathos
Koukounaries Beach
One of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, Koukounaries beach is also called “Chrisi Ammos” (Golden Sand), because of the thin sand that glows under the sun. You definitely cannot miss the magical sunset of the beach. You can get there by bus or car.
Banana Beach
The Small Banana and the Big Banana Beaches are very famous. On the Big Banana Beach, you can do windsurfing and water sports, as well. While on the Small Banana Beach, you will encounter nudists, you are not going to have a feeling of privacy there.
Aghia Eleni Beach
Aghia Eleni beach is a quiet beach; this is why a lot of parents prefer spending their day with their kids there. It has a small church nearby, which gave the name to the beach, St. Helen.
Troulos Beach
Ideal for families for its shallow waters, Troulos beach is a beautiful coast with trees, sand and rocks. Across the beach you can see a small island like a dome, “Troulos” in Greek.
Kanapitsa Beach
Hidden in a green and calm environment, one can find the Kanapitsa beach. You can do water sports and try Greek and International cuisine at the nearest restaurant.
Achladies Beach
An idyllic beach you should definitely choose to visit, even if you don’t do windsurfing. Achladies Beach is easily reachable by car and bus.
Meghali Ammos Beach
Meghali Ammos Beach is an organized beach, where most people go. It is outside the city and has tavernas and restaurants, along with water sports to entertain your friends. It is a long but narrow beach.
Small and big Aselinos Beaches
Aselinos Beaches have very clean, turquoise waters, thin pebbles and thick sand. The coast is steep, though. When I visited it at the beginning of September, there were big waves and few people.
Vasilias Beach
Vasilias in Greek means “King”. It took its name after the Byzantine era when the kings used to visit the beach as their last place of rest. It is organized, with sand, surrounded by olive and pine trees.
Aghia Paraskevi Beach
Aghia Paraskevi Beach is a well-organized beach, named after the little church near it. With clean waters, thin sand, water sports, restaurants, and hotels, it becomes one of the tourists’ favourite.
Kolios Beach
Kolios Beach is one of the most famous beaches on the island. It has everything: restaurants, camping facilities, and water sports.
Vromolimnos Beach
Named after a small lake nearby which is now a dried swamp, Vromolimnos Beach attracts mainly young tourists. It has perfect weather conditions because it is protected from the winds. It has restaurants, cafés, a beach volley court, and water sports.
Mandraki Beach
Mandraki Beach is an organized sandy beach, on the west side of the island, not far from Elia Beach.
Ormos Elias Beach
A beautiful path through a pine tree forest leads to a beach with swallow waters and marvelous sea bottom. On the right side of the beach, there were some nudists when I visited it.
