Skiathos is one of the most colorful Greek islands. It belongs to the group of the Sporades islands and it is the closest to mainland Greece. It is famous for its historic castles, perfect beaches, sailing opportunities, and liveliness.
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 it will be more convenient for you to wander, to find a seat in restaurants and bars and to 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,which is located two km outside the city of Skiathos, Chora. It connects Athens, the capital of Greece, with the island. Unfortunately, it is not linked to public 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 go planespotting – they can feel the air from the airplane engines . 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 ship. The port of Agios Konstantinos is pretty busy, so make sure that when you are going to the island, you arrive there early.
What to eat in Skiathos
In Skiathos, you can encounter every kind of cuisine in 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 souvenirs, are wine and liqueurs with nut and cherry flavors, 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, which fill with mostly Greek tourists, and the Stairs, a famous corner that attracts an older crowd. The bars there serve nice cocktails.
What to see in Skiathos
1. The Old Town
The island has only one town, Chora. It was built after the Greek Revolution on the ancient ruins of earlier settlements. It has a natural harbor. The houses are very close to each other, forming narrow streets, but cozy and worthy of photos. Wander around to appreciate the architecture of the houses and the local way of life. Chora offers the nightlife, the tourist services, 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. The 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 the Greek Revolution in 1821 both morally and materially. Every Easter and on 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 pirates, the local people built the Castle in the northern part of the island around 1360. In 1829, the Castle was abandoned, and the people moved to Chora. It included almost 300 houses, with a population that fluctuated between 500 and 1500. Tourists should definitely visit the Castle in order to experience the beautiful nature and the rich history of the islanders. Kastro is one of the most interesting places on the island, in my opinion. Don’t miss it!
4. Bourtzi
Bourtzi used to be a Venetian castle on a peninsula in Skiathos Town, where the Maritime Museum is now located. It is well known for its serenity and wonderful views. There is also a small theatre on the peninsula. It is certainly worth a visit.
5. Papadiamantis House
Alexandros Papadiamantis is one of the most famous Greek writers. The house where he lived and died 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 manuscripts. The museum also functions as a bookshop with Papadiamantis’s books translated into 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 fine sand that glows under the sun. You definitely should not miss the magical sunset at the beach. You can get there by bus or car.
Banana Beach
The Small Banana and the Big Banana Beaches are very famous. On Big Banana Beach you can also do windsurfing and other water sports. Although you may encounter nudists on Small Banana Beach, you are unlikely to have much privacy there.
Agia Eleni Beach
Agia Eleni Beach is a quiet beach. That is why many parents prefer to spend the day there with their kids. It has a small church nearby, which gave the beach its name, Agia Eleni.
Troulos Beach
Ideal for families because of its shallow waters, Troulos Beach is a beautiful coast with trees, sand, and rocks. From there you can see a small dome-shaped island called “Troulos,” which means “dome” in Greek.
Kanapitsa Beach
Hidden in a green and peaceful environment, you can find Kanapitsa Beach. You can do water sports and try Greek and international cuisine at a nearby restaurant.
Achladies Beach
An idyllic beach you should definitely choose to visit, even if you don’t go windsurfing. Achladies Beach is easily reachable by car or bus.
Megali Ammos Beach
Megali Ammos Beach is an organized beach that attracts many visitors . It is located outside the city and has tavernas and restaurants, along with water sports to keep you and your friends entertained. It is a long but narrow beach.
Small and big Aselinos Beaches
Aselinos Beaches have very clean, turquoise waters, thin pebbles and coarse sand. The coast is steep, though. When I visited at the beginning of September, there were big waves and very few people.
Vasilias Beach
Vasilias in Greek means “king”. It took its name during the Byzantine era, when kings used to visit the beach as a place of rest. It is an organized beach with sand, surrounded by olive and pine trees.
Agia Paraskevi Beach
Agia Paraskevi Beach is a well-organized beach, named after the little church nearby. With clean waters, fine sand, water sports, restaurants, and hotels, it is one of the tourists’ favourites.
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-up swamp, Vromolimnos Beach attracts mainly young tourists. It has ideal weather conditions, because it is protected from the winds. It has restaurants, cafés, a beach volleyball 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 forest leads to a beach with shallow waters and marvelous seabed. On the right side of the beach, there were some nudists when I visited.
