The Complete Guide to Skiathos

Skiathos is deservedly the most popular of the Sporades Islands because, despite its relatively small size, there is something for everyone here. Popular beaches with a wide choice of water sports, a bustling ferry-port and main town, and an interior little changed over the centuries. 

There is much more to the island than its sixty-eight magnificent sandy beaches, fantastic water sports and resorts offering a cosmopolitan and sophisticated nightlife.

The west coast for instance, is spectacular and almost undeveloped. It appeals to those who enjoy wild and lonely landscapes with hidden valleys, wooded hillsides and cliff top paths.

The air is filled with the scent of aromatic herbs and the only sounds are the waves breaking far below or bells sounding from a tiny village church.

The interior is rural with olive groves, pine woods and hillsides that few explore. Small, traditional houses can be found whose architecture blends in with the classical mansions in graceful Venetian styles.

The beautiful island of Skiathos is small enough to allow you to explore fully the outstanding beauty of the area steeped in history and seemingly quite unchanged by the passing of time. 

Breath-taking scenery and gentle tracks and pathways lead you into an aspect of Greece, you imagine from literature and photographs. Here is a place to unwind and relax, yet you have the advantage of some of the most beautiful beaches rivalling any elsewhere in the world. On this island there are in fact over sixty-eight sandy beaches for you to choose from!

History of Skiathos

The Cretans were amongst the earliest settlers here and its present name may be derived from the Cretan “Skiathos” or “Dionysus”. The Ionians came here in the 8th century BC and must have been pleased to discover an island as green and fertile as their own!

Over the following centuries up until the birth of Christ, the island allied itself at different times with Sparta and Athens. It was during this period that Skiathos became famous for the quality of its ships, shipwrights and sailors, using timber from the magnificent pine forests that covered the island.

This tradition continued into the Byzantine era, but unfortunately the island’s reputation for the quality of its timber and boat building, as well as its natural produce, became a magnet for the pirates that terrorised the Aegean. In fact, the islanders invited the Venetians to take possession of the island and the first major fortress at Bourtzi was built by two Italian brothers. The site is now a popular and interesting cultural centre that is well worth a visit. The island changed hands regularly over the next three centuries according to the fortunes of the Ottoman and Venetian Empires.

In 1807, the first Greek Flag was designed, woven, blessed and raised at the Monastery of The Annunciation on Skiathos, the island became a special place in the history of the Greek struggle for independence.

Modern Skiathos is very much like its larger Ionian counterpart, Corfu. It has magnificent beaches, bustling resorts with a cosmopolitan and sophisticated nightlife on the one hand, but also quiet, secret valleys, wooded hillsides and cliff top paths, the air filled with waves breaking far or a bell sounding the hours from a tiny village church. An island of contrast with something for everyone.

Evangelistria Monastery - Monastery of the Annunciation

Founded during the Byzantine period, the monastery is set in a beautiful and dramatic location up on a hill and surrounded by pine and cypress trees. 

In 1807, the first Greek flag was designed, woven, blessed and raised here, marking a special place in the history for the island during the Greek struggle for independence from the Turks. 

Topped by three domes, the interior boasts a number of frescos and an amazing iconostasis. There is also a museum with exhibits which include Byzantine icons, liturgical vessels, vestments, and so on. The monastery is situated 4km north of Skiathos Town and is accessible by car or by the local bus service.

Open Air Cinema Attikons

Just off the port in Skiathos Town, this open-roofed hall with bougainvillea growing up the walls and director’s chairs for seating, shows 3 different movies twice a day during high season. 

A bar at the back allows you to buy drinks or light snacks to enjoy whilst watching the film. Screenings of Mamma Mia are popular and can end up with audience members getting up to dance!

Papadiamantis House Museum 

One of Greece’s most celebrated authors and a simple, religious man, Alexandros Papadiamantis (1851-1911) was born and died on the island. His home in Skiathos Town has been turned into a museum with displays relating to his life – well- worth a visit.

There are a few little islands lying just off the coast of Skiathos, opposite Skiathos Town, which are accessible by regular boat trips (caique) from Skiathos Town, or by motorboat which you can hire privately.

Tsougria

The largest and most visited of these islands, Tsougria, has a couple of lovely, quiet, shallow beaches with crystal clear turquoise waters and a cantina on each with drinks and light snacks.

Tsougriaki or Bird Island

This small, rocky and secluded island is nicknamed ‘Bird Island’ due to the number of birds nesting here. A quiet little place with small beaches, but perfect to get away from it all.

Arkos

This little uninhabited island has great views of Skiathos, including Skiathos Town, and late – opening cantina offers an alternative evening out. This island is perfect for a day trip.

Skiathos is renowned for its stunning beaches that captivate visitors with their natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere. The island offers a variety of beach experiences, from the lively and well-equipped Koukounaries Beach, famous for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, to the tranquil and secluded Lalaria Beach, accessible only by boat and known for its dramatic cliffs and unique rock formations. 

With over 60 beaches to choose from, Skiathos provides the perfect coastal retreat for every type of traveller, ensuring a memorable and sun-soaked island getaway. 

Learn more about the best beaches in Skiathos 

If you’d like more information on Skiathos or to learn more about the fabulous collection of accommodation on offer on this magnificent Sporades Island, then give us a call and speak to a member of our experienced, knowledgeable team on 0208 459 0777 or contact [email protected].

We are extremely proud to have won the “Best Holiday Company to Hellenic Europe (Greece)” and “Best Villa Holiday Company” awards at the prestigious British Travel Awards for twelve years in a row, as voted by our guests.

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