Discovering Skiathos: a jewel of the Sporades
Skiathos is an island that is part of the fascinating Northern Sporades Archipelago, together with Alonissos, Skopelos and Skiros. Despite its small size, with a surface area of ​​only 46 square kilometers, the island offers a myriad of unique experiences that will satisfy any expectation. Characterized by rolling hills, enchanted forests, rugged coastlines with splendid beaches, Skiathos is a destination that enchants with its natural beauty and authentic spirit. Its fame has grown considerably after the film “Mamma Mia” with the soundtrack of the legendary Abba and has made this corner of Eden known to many people who flock there every summer. Of all the sisters, it is definitely the most visited due to the fact that it is the only one to also have an international airport as well as three ports and easy access routes by sea from Volos rather than Agios Konstantinos.

Territory and breathtaking landscapes
Skiathos is a true natural paradise. The island is covered with pine forests that offer a regenerating atmosphere, ideal for long walks immersed in the greenery. The southern part is lively and hosts most of the services and tourist facilities, while the northern part, wilder and more difficult to reach, offers an intimate contact with uncontaminated nature.

Dream beaches
Despite the island being small, think that it is only 12 kilometers long, Skiathos beaches are more than 60. It is the perfect destination for sea lovers, here the Aegean gives the best of itself! Among the most sought after is the Koukounaries beach with its soft white sand and surrounded by a lush pine forest where you can find shelter during the hottest hours, or the wild Lalaria Bay, reachable only by sea with its crystal clear waters and its beautiful caves such as the wonderful Blue Cave where the play of light gives life to an indescribable natural spectacle, and also Elia beach one of the wildest of the island in the northern part that to reach it you have to cross a forest and which offers a quiet and secluded bay perfect for a day of total relaxation.

History and culture
Its origins date back to the prehistoric era and its first inhabitants of which evidence has been found are the Pelasgians who came from Thrace in the 7th century BC who founded a colony in the southern part where the capital is located today. During the Persian Wars in 499 BC the port of Skiathos was a key point to control the usurpers from the north and after the Peloponnesian Wars (404 BC) Skiathos became officially autonomous and independent. In 338 BC it was occupied by Philip II of Macedonia who devastated the island and was later defeated by the Romans who under the emperor Mark Antony gave it to the Athenians only to then return once again under Roman rule which contributed to the significant development of the island. During the Byzantine period, Skiathos was part of the province of Thessaly and its bishop belonged to the Metropolis of Larissa. In 1204 the Crusaders took over the Byzantine Empire and the Aegean Islands and then gave them to the Venetians who remained until 1538 when the Turkish pirate Barbarossa captured Skiathos which became Ottoman territory. During the revolution against the Turks, the island gave shelter to many Kletes the revolutionary bandits and to the Armatoli the local militia becoming an active member of the Filiki Eteria the secret revolutionary organization and managed to regain freedom in 1830. Then followed the Nazi occupation which heavily damaged Skiathos with bombs and burned it in 1944. With the end of the war, Skiathos recovered and like all the islands returned under the Greek flag. Today, signs of its glorious past are visible in the ruins of the Kastro, the ancient medieval capital perched on a promontory. Skiathos, whose name derives from the term “skia” meaning “shadow”, due to the many trees that cover it is shrouded in an aura of mythology. It is said that the Virgin Mary appeared in an icon found in a tree in the Monastery of Kounistra, attracting visitors from all over the world to see this holy relic.

What to do in Skiathos
In addition to relaxing on the beach, Skiathos offers many activities for all tastes. For those who love history and culture, a visit to the city of Skiathos Town is a must: a mix of tradition and modernity with characteristic alleys. Go and visit the Church of Agios Nikolaos the protector of sailors with a terrace where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the gulf or the Church of Panagia Limnia with its immense bell tower. And also the Papadiamantis Museum, a 19th century writer considered the father of modern Greek literature where his house collects books, photographs and paintings that represent his island. The Bourtzi the small peninsula in the port once a Venetian fortified citadel wanted by the Ghizi brothers who reigned over Skiathos for a long time, with its imposing walls where the ancient school inside has now become a very important cultural center, or the Monastery of Evangelistra wanted by the monks of Mount Athos in 1794 from which during the clear days you can see and where the first Hellenic flag was sewn which had a white cross on a blue background and where a community of cute little cats chose it as their home.

The Kastro dating back to the 14th century old capital of Skiathos. On a promontory in an optimal position to repel the continuous attacks of pirates, at its peak it had in addition to the castle 300 houses and 22 churches. Today only the ruins of one remain but it is enough to understand the size of the settlement. From the top you have a wonderful view, being able to see the mainland and a part of the island of Skopelos. Be careful because reaching the top is difficult because of the dirt path and all uphill. It takes about three hours to reach it all under the sun so, bring water and something to protect your head. If you don’t feel like walking, there are always organized excursions that get there with a jeep.

The sea caves that are located in the beautiful and famous beach of Lalaria in the north-east part, immaculate and of unique beauty. Along the rocks that follow the coast, two creations of mother nature called Skotini or dark cave, dark and with a low and narrow entrance with an almost ghostly atmosphere, and Galazia the blue cave where the light creates extraordinary games and reflections with the water.

The Monastery of Kounistra in its hinterland to the southwest where a hermit monk discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary hanging from a tree attracted by its light and together with the inhabitants decided to build a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Nowadays the precious icon is preserved in the cathedral of Skiathos Town.

Local cuisine
The cuisine of Skiathos is an explosion of Mediterranean flavors. Among the specialties not to be missed are the fresh Greek salads, freshly caught fish and the locally produced olive oil, famous for its quality. Do not forget to taste the local honey, fresh fruit and traditional sweets that reflect the authenticity of the territory.

Why visit Skiathos?
Skiathos is the perfect island for those looking for a holiday dedicated to relaxation, nature and culture. It is an ideal destination for families thanks to its safe and equipped beaches, but also for couples looking for romantic sunsets and for young people eager to discover a lively nightlife. Thanks to its strategic position and the presence of an international airport, reaching Skiathos is simple and convenient: find out here how to get to Skiathos.

Plan your holiday
If you are ready to live a unique experience, discover what to see in Skiathos and organize your holiday by choosing between our family holiday packages in Skiathos or the holiday packages for couples in Skiathos. Whatever your idea of ​​travel, Skiathos will conquer you with its timeless charm.