Discover Skiathos

The Capital of Skiathos

The Town of Skiathos is the capital and harbour of the island located on the southeast side of a windless bay. The settlement is embellished with whitewashed houses and red tiled roofs between the narrow streets. Almost the entire population of Skiathos is concentrated in the town of the island. The main street of the village is the street of Papadiamanti. The commercial harbour is separated from the old harbour by the small peninsula of Bourtzi covered with verdant vegetation.

The Beach of Koukounaries

The Beach of Koukounaries is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean that has been declared as a protected environment from the European Network of Natura 2000. It is a long sandy beach with emerald waters located on the southwest side of the island. Since the beach is well organized with numerous amenities, it offers sunbeds, umbrellas, water sport facilities and beach bars.

The Bourtzi of Skiathos

The Bourtzi of Skiathos is a small peninsula that separates the harbour of Skiathos in two areas. In ancient years, Bourtzi used to be a fortress that was established from the brothers Gizi who occupied the island in 1207. The fort used to be surrounded from wall battlements and embrasures along with two round towers. However, it was destroyed in 1660 from Francesco Morozini who conquered the island. In 1823, the inhabitants of Skiathos managed to repulse Pasha Topal and the first lazaretto of the island operated in Bourtzi. In 1906, the first school was built on the peninsula donated from Andreas Singros along with the statue of Alexandros Papadiamantis. Nowadays, the Bourtzi is offered for promenades with beautiful views of the surrounding areas. The old school has been transformed into the cultural center of Skiathos. Also, there is a municipal cafeteria on the north side of the Bourzi.

The Castle of Skiathos

The Castle of Skiathos is located at the peninsula of the northern side of the island. The natural fortress was constructed in the 14^th century in order to protect the area from pirate invasions. The castle was under the Byzantine Empire until 1453 followed from the Venetians until 1821 that fell under the domination of the Ottomans. The castle was abandoned in 1830. One can admire the church of the Birth of Christ and the church of Agios Nikolaos in the area of the castle. Architectural fragments of the wall of the castle along with gate and the terrace are still visible.

The House of Alexandros Papadiamantis

The House of Alexandros Papadiamantis is located in the town of Skiathos. Alexandros Papadiamantis (1851 – 1911) was one of the most important writers of Greece. The novelist grew up and died in his house in Skiathos. His house has been transformed into a museum exhibiting his personal belongings and writings.

The Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria

The Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria is the sole active monastery located five kilometres from Skiathos Town. The monastery was built from monks on the foundations of an ancient monastery during the byzantine years. During the Revolution of 1821, the monastery played an important role, as it provided shelter to the fighters and offered money for the support of the revolution. In 1807, the Oath of Freedom was taken from important heroes of the revolution including Andreas Miaoulis and Theodoros Kolokotronis while the first flag of Greece with the white cross on blue background was waved in the same year. The monastic complex comprises from a library with a fine collection of rare books, an ecclesiastical museum and numerous monk cells.

The Bourtzi of Skiathos is a small peninsula that separates the harbour of Skiathos in two areas. In ancient years, Bourtzi used to be a fortress that was established from the brothers Gizi who occupied the island in 1207. The fort used to be surrounded from wall battlements and embrasures along with two round towers. However, it was destroyed in 1660 from Francesco Morozini who conquered the island. In 1823, the inhabitants of Skiathos managed to repulse Pasha Topal and the first lazaretto of the island operated in Bourtzi. In 1906, the first school was built on the peninsula donated from Andreas Singros along with the statue of Alexandros Papadiamantis. Nowadays, the Bourtzi is offered for promenades with beautiful views of the surrounding areas. The old school has been transformed into the cultural center of Skiathos. Also, there is a municipal cafeteria on the north side of the Bourzi.

The Castle of Skiathos is located at the peninsula of the northern side of the island. The natural fortress was constructed in the 14^th century in order to protect the area from pirate invasions. The castle was under the Byzantine Empire until 1453 followed from the Venetians until 1821 that fell under the domination of the Ottomans. The castle was abandoned in 1830. One can admire the church of the Birth of Christ and the church of Agios Nikolaos in the area of the castle. Architectural fragments of the wall of the castle along with gate and the terrace are still visible.

The Church of Agios Nikolaos stands on the highest point of the town of the island. Here, one can admire panoramic views of the surrounding area from the remarkable tall clock tower.

The Church of the Three Bishops is located in the town of the island. It is the cathedral of Skiathos that was constructed in 1846. The churchyard has a beautiful cobblestone courtyard while collections of fine ecclesiastical icons are housed inside the church.

The Monastery of Evangelistria is the sole active monastery located five kilometres from Skiathos Town. The monastery was built from monks on the foundations of an ancient monastery during the byzantine years. During the Revolution of 1821, the monastery played an important role, as it provided shelter to the fighters and offered money for the support of the revolution. In 1807, the Oath of Freedom was taken from important heroes of the revolution including Andreas Miaoulis and Theodoros Kolokotronis while the first flag of Greece with the white cross on blue background was waved in the same year. The monastic complex comprises from a library with a fine collection of rare books, an ecclesiastical museum and numerous monk cells.

The Monastery of Panagia Kounistra is found in the middle of the pine forest on the southwest side of Skiathos. Panagia Kounistra is the saint protector of the island. The monastery was built in the 17^th century. The monastery houses a wooden iconostasis along with fascinating frescoes and icons from the 17^th century. According to tradition, an ascetic monk found the icon of Virgin Mary swinging in a pine tree, naming the monastery after the swinging icon, as Kounistra means swing movement. The icon of Virgin Mary is now displayed in the Cathedral of Skiathos Town. On November 21, one of the most important religious celebrations of the island takes place in the monastery.

The House of Alexandros Papadiamantis is located in the town of Skiathos. Alexandros Papadiamantis (1851 – 1911) was one of the most important writers of Greece. The novelist grew up and died in his house in Skiathos. His house has been transformed into a museum exhibiting his personal belongings and writings.

The Lagoon of Strofilia is an important area for migratory bird species located on the southwest side of the island. The lagoon creates a beautiful landscape with verdant vegetation while it communication with the natural channel to the sea. The forest and lagoon of Koukounaries have been declared as a Wildlife Refuge from the European Network of Natura 2000.

The Town of Skiathos is the capital and harbour of the island located on the southeast side of a windless bay. The settlement is embellished with whitewashed houses and red tiled roofs between the narrow streets. Almost the entire population of Skiathos is concentrated in the town of the island. The main street of the village is the street of Papadiamanti. The commercial harbour is separated from the old harbour by the small peninsula of Bourtzi covered with verdant vegetation.

Spot: Beach of Agia Eleni, West Skiathos

Spot: Beach of Koukounaries, Southwest Skiathos

Spot: Bourtzi of Skiathos, Southeast Skiathos

Spot: Castle of Skiathos, North Skiathos

Boat Tour: The circumnavigation of the island of Skiathos is one of the most beautiful experiences on the island. Discover the beautiful beach of Lalaria in Skiathos, the emerald waters of the beaches of Tsougria isle, the imposing castle of Skiathos and the fantastic blue caves of the island. Excursion boats operate from the old harbour of Skiathos.

Boat Trip: The Island of Alonissos is an ark of unadulterated nature blessed with tropical coastlines and verdant vegetation, Alonnisos is different from the other islands exuding its own mysterious character. Undeniably, the stigma of Alonnisos is the beautiful pine forest that gives an aura of brightness and freshness to this tiny paradise. Interesting hiking trails cross the exotic beaches and the verdant forests of the island create mesmerizing sceneries that will captivate you. Old windmills and forgotten threshing fields are everywhere. The discreet charm of the island transforms your journey into an adventure overlooking an unexpected view to the sea. Beyond the colourful seabed of the Mediterranean, it is no coincidence that Alonnisos has the privilege to have the largest Marine Park in Europe, known as the residence of the sweetest monk seal Monachus- Monachus. At the end of your journey, you will be enamoured from the serene atmosphere that Alonnisos inevitably transmits and exudes to her admirers. Almost everyone has a secret paradise; maybe Alonnisos is yours. Excursion boasts operate from the harbours of Kymi and Mantoudi.

Boat Trip: The Island of Skopelos is an earthly paradise on the Aegean. Whitewashed houses, colourful courtyards, labyrinthine winding alleys, sapphire and cherry doors, fuchsia bougainvillea and charming chapels rising like castles in the traditional settlement of Hora are the images that will be captured forever in the photographic memory of your mind. Though, the lush landscapes and the emerald waters will captivate your aura with a refreshing breeze. Skopelos has maintained her own authentic character. This intoxicating green island invites you to discover its mysterious beauties. The green colours of the pine trees meet the endless blue of the sea and create landscapes of incomparable beauty. The cameras are battling to capture the memory of the corners of Skopelos. Shut, shut, and shut! Are you ready to capture your own photographs on the greenest island of Greece? Excursion boasts operate from the harbour of Kymi.

Bicycling and Walking: Lovers of nature will be thrilled from the long sign posted walking trails of Skiathos that pass through the most unspoiled parts of the island. Skiathos offers 25 hiking trails with a total length of 197 kilometres. (1) One of the most beautiful routes starts from the town of Skiathos and leads to the Castle of Skiathos. It is a long hiking route that usually lasts four and a half hours. The trail moves towards the sign posted route to the Monastery of Evangelistria and the Castle of Skiathos. (2) another interesting route starts from the beach of Aselinos, passes through the monastery of Panagia Kounistra and the beach of Aligaries and ends to the beach of Kehria. (3) It is also worth following the route that starts from the ring road of the town towards Prophet Elias. Continuing uphill, through olive groves, one will cross the longest path of the island that leads to the monastery of Evangelistria. A beautiful trail that leads to the monastery of Agio Charalambos starts behind Evangelistria, continuing uphill towards Kambia. (4) Another recommended walk crosses the peninsula of Kalamaki, which will reward you with breathtaking views. Discover more information from the Municipality of Skiathos.

Camping: Are you a camping lover? You will find camping sites in the beach of Koukounaries.

Horse Riding: Lovers of horse riding can enjoy galloping on horseback in the verdant forest roads of Skiathos. The Riding Center of Skiathos offers horse riding experiences behind the beach of Koukounaries.

Mountain Biking: The verdant vegetation of the island offers numerous trails for enthusiasts of mountain biking. (1) One of the most beautiful routes starts from the town of Skiathos towards the Castle of Skiathos. The route is long and tiring and it usually lasts five to six hours. Following the route, one will arrive at the Monastery of Evangelistria. From there, a difficult ascend path leads to Saint Charalambos. After passing through the forest, one will arrive at the northernmost part of the island, the Castle of Skiathos. (2) Another interesting route starts from the town of Skiathos towards the beach of Kechria. After crossing the stream of Achilas, one will reach the beautiful beach of Kehria. Discover more from the Team of Skiathos Mountain Bikes.

Sailing: Skiathos is an ideal destination for sailing lovers, as the northern winds in the Sporades are weaker during the summer. The harbour of Skiathos provides excellent shelter; however, it gets quite noisy because it is the capital of the island. The sheltered cove of Platanias on the east of Koukounaries bay is also an ideal anchorage point while the bay of Koukounaries on the southwest is a favourite anchorage in Skiathos due to the verdurous sceneries. Koukounaries is one of the best protected bays in Skiathos. Other ideal anchorage spots include the bay of Kastro, the beach of Lalaria and the bay of Mikros and Megalos Aselinos.

Agia Eleni is a sandy beach with emerald waters located on the west side of the island. It is a beautiful beach with beautiful natural surroundings. The beach is ideal for those looking for tranquillity.

Ambelakia is a sandy beach with emerald waters located on the west side of the island. It is one of the most popular beaches of Skiathos with numerous amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports.

Aselinos is a sandy bay with emerald waters located on the north side of the island. The beach is known for its exotic scenery with beautiful views to the surrounding areas. There is a tavern at the beach.

Banana is a sandy cove with blue waters located on the east side of the island. It is one of the most popular beaches of Skiathos with numerous amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports.

Elia is a sandy beach with emerald waters located on the southwest side of the island. It is one of the quietest beaches of Skiathos ideal for those looking for tranquillity. There is a tavern at the beach.

Glyfoneri is a sandy and pebbled cove with turquoise waters located on the west side of the island. The beach is ideal for those looking for tranquillity and isolation.

Kanapitsa is a sandy beach with emerald waters located on the south side of the island. The beach is well organized with numerous amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports facilities and taverns.

Kastro is an isolated sandy beach with emerald waters located on the north side of the island. It is one of the most secluded beaches of Skiathos ideal for those looking for seclusion. The easiest way to access the beach is by boat.

Krifi Ammos is a sandy beach with emerald waters located on the west side of the island. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of Skiathos ideal for those looking for tranquillity. There is a tavern at the beach.

Koukounaries is a long sandy beach with emerald waters located on the southwest side of the island. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean declared as a protected environment from the European Network of Natura 2000. Since the beach is well organized with numerous amenities, it offers sunbeds, umbrellas, water sport facilities and beach bars.

Lalaria is a pebbled beach with turquoise waters located on the northeast side of the island. It is the most beautiful beach of Skiathos embellished with white pebbles and rocky formations.  The beach is only accessible by boat.

Megali Ammos is a long sandy beach with crystalline waters located on the south side of the island. It is one of the most popular beaches of Skiathos with numerous facilities including sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports facilities and taverns.

Megas Gialos is a sandy and pebbled beach with turquoise waters located on the east side of the island. It is a beautiful beach surrounded from verdant slopes offering stunning views to the Aegean. The beach is ideal for those looking for tranquility.

Stigero is a secluded cove with turquoise waters located on the north side of the island. The beach is ideal for those looking for tranquility. The easiest way to access the beach is by boat.

Tsougria is the neighbouring islet of Skiathos located on the west side of the island. The beach of Tsougria is sandy with blue waters and verdant vegetation. The beach is well organized with sunbeds, umbrellas and a tavern.

Vromolimnos is a long sandy beach with emerald waters located on the south side of the island. It is one of the most popular beaches of Skiathos with numerous amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports facilities and taverns.

Xanemos is a sandy beach with emerald waters located on the southeast side of the island. The beach is ideal for those looking for tranquillity. The surrounding area is offered for walking.

Coffee Corners

Ariston: Coffee, Skiathos Town

Bourtzi: Coffee, Skiathos Town

Mystique: Coffee, Ambelakia Beach

Swell: Coffee, Megali Ammos Beach

Gastronomic Delights

Agnadio: Greek Cuisine, Skiathos Town

Akrogiali: Seafood, Skiathos Town

Bakaliko: Greek Cuisine, Skiathos Town

Carnayo: Greek Cuisine, Skiathos Town

Elia’s Restaurant: Greek Cuisine, Koukounaries

Ergon: Greek Cuisine, Skiathos Town

Pinakothiki: Greek Cuisine, Skiathos Town

Platanos: Greek Cuisine, Prophet Elias Hill

Scuna: Greek Cuisine, Skiathos Town

To Manavaki: Greek Cuisine, Skiathos Town

Varthalamis: Greek Cuisine, Skiathos Town

Windmill: Mediterranean Cuisine, Skiathos Town

Cocktails Inspirations

Banana Beach Bar: Cocktails and Drinks, Banana Beach

Jaguar: Cocktails and Drinks, Skiathos Town

Maria’s Rooftop Cocktail Bar: Cocktails and Drinks, Skiathos Town

Mystique Beach Bar: Cocktails and Drinks, Ambelakia Beach

Rock n Roll: Cocktails and Drinks, Skiathos Town

Pillows Cocktail Bar: Cocktails and Drinks, Skiathos Town

Pure Club: Cocktails and Drinks, Skiathos Town

The local products of the island include agricultural products such us olive oil, wine, the local alcoholic drink of tsipouro and handmade pasta.

The local specialties of the island include the local cheese pie, the fish soup of Kakavia, the traditional dish of crawfish with cabbage, the traditional dish of octopus with fava and the local pastry of amigdalota.

Every Easter Monday, the traditional celebration in honour of Agios Georgios takes place in the island. The feast hosts horse races close to the lagoon of Koukounaria.

Every Friday after Easter Sunday, the traditional celebration in honour of Zoodohos Pigi takes place at the chapel of Zoodohos Pigi.

Every summer, the Cultural Festival of Bourtzi takes place in the old fortress of the town of Skiathos. The festival hosts a series of cultural events including art exhibitions, concerts and film screenings.

Every 26^th of July, the traditional celebration in honour of Agia Paraskevi takes place at the church of Agia Paraskevi.

Every 15^th of August, the traditional celebration in honour of Virgin Mary takes place at the monastery of Evangelistria. This is one of the most important celebrations of Skiathos.

Every 18^th of August, the traditional celebration in Tsougria takes place on the island of Tsougria.

Every September, the Katsonia Festival takes place in the island in commemoration of the sinking of the submarine of Labros Katsonis. On that day, local throw flowers in the sea.

Every 21^st of November, the traditional celebration in honour of the Revelation of Virgin Mary takes place in the monastery of Panagia Kounistra.

Mythology

According to mythology, the Titans were the first rulers of the Golden Age. The Titans were powerful deities who were fighting with the Olympian Gods. Otos and Efialtes were the troublemaking titans known for their aggressiveness. During one of their clashes, they started throwing rocks to each other. These rocks ended up in creating the island complex of Sporades including Alonissos, Skiathos, Skopelos and Skyros. Another legend associated with the island is the one connected with the name of Skiathos. As the Pelasgians were the first inhabitants of the island, they were impressed from the shadow of the Holy Mount of Athos and named the island Skia (Shadow) of the holy Mount of Athos.

History

Archaeological findings show that Skiathos was first inhabited from the Pelasgians followed from the Cretans. The strategic position of the island attracted a series of invaders including the people of the island of Euboea who colonized Skiathos.  During the Persian Wars, the island offered great assistance to the Athenians and the harbour of Skiathos was used as a naval fleet base, while later became a member of the Athenian Delian League. After the Peloponnesian War, Skiathos became officially independent. However, the Spartans tried to violate their freedom by conquering the island, but the inhabitants of Skiathos with the help of the Athenians managed to keep them out establishing autonomy in their island for 40 years.  Skiathos was then transformed into a military base against Philip II of Macedonia from the Athenians putting an end in the years of their prosperity. Skiathos was then dominated from the Macedonians. Following the death of Alexander the Great, a succession of leaders followed in the entire country of Greece; Skiathos regained its autonomy in 197 BC. After the Roman domination, the island was burned and destroyed from Mithriades VI, the King of Pontus, during the war against the Romans while the island was conquered from the Athenians. During these years, the island suffered from a series of pirate invasions followed from the Roman authority. During the Byzantine period, Skiathos was devastated from the Saracen pirates along with the other Aegean islands. In 1204, the Crusaders took over the territories of the Byzantine Empire, the Aegean Islands along with Skiathos, which was given to the Venetians, who built the Castle Bourtzi. Later, Skiathos was dominated from the Ottomans and the inhabitants started to flourish in the sector of shipbuilding. During the Greek War of Revolution, many fighters found refugee on the island followed from the German bombings of the Nazis. On September 14 of 1943, the Nazi sank the Greek submarine of Labros Katsonis off the coasts of Skiathos, and ever since then the Katsonia Festival commemorates this event. In the years of the Nazi occupation, Kastro became a shelter for Greek revolutionaries.

By Air: Skiathos has an international airport with scheduled flights on an annual basis.  From April to October, there are charter flights from numerous countries of Europe. The journey from Athens usually lasts thirty to forty minutes. Book your tickets with AirTickets.com!

By Boat (46 Nautical Miles): Skiathos is accessible by boat from the harbours of Agios Konstantinos and Volos. The journey usually lasts two hours from the harbour of Agios Konstantinos and one to two and a half hours from the harbour of Volos. Skiathos is also connected with the harbour of Mantoudi in Euboea and the other Sporades Islands. Book your tickets with FerriesinGreece.com !