Skiathos

Skiathos is part of the Northern Sporades Archipelago together with Alonissos, Skopelos and Skiros island. It is the first one you encounter and is the one closest to the mainland.

Skiatos covers an area of 46 square kilometres, is 12 kilometers long and is small but full of things to see and do and will satisfy any expectation. A very green island, with rolling hills, low mountains covered with dense pine forests, rugged coasts, cliffs and peninsulas, sandy bays and more than 60 wonderful beaches. The southern part of Skiathos is the liveliest one where the nightlife is found while the northern part is very wild and difficult to reach. Skiathos' major sources of livelihood remain in addition to tourism which is well developed, agriculture and fishing. Olives are grown on the island from which its delicious oil is extracted, fruit, honey, wine and nuts which are also exported to the surrounding areas.

Her fame grew considerably after the film "Mamma Mia" with the soundtrack of the legendary Abba and made many people discover this corner of Eden who flock to her every summer. Among 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 simple access routes by sea from Volos rather than from Agios Konstantinos.

Her name means "shadow" (skia) by virtue of the many trees present on the island.

History of Skiathos

Its origins date back to the prehistoric era and its first inhabitants of whom 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 fundamental point for controlling 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, subsequently defeated by the Romans who, under the emperor Mark Antony, gave it to the Athenians and then returned once again under Roman rule which contributed to the considerable 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 control of the Byzantine Empire and the Aegean Islands and then donated 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 asylum to many Kletes, the revolution brigands, and to the Armatoli, the local militia, becoming an active member of the Filiki Eteria, the secret revolutionary organization, and managed to return free 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 returns under the Greek flag.

A holiday in Skiathos is chosen for its lush and still uncontaminated nature, for its wonderful beaches, for the lively nightlife, for the good food and because given its position it is not subject to much winds especially in the northern part where almost every during the day there is complete calm.

Worth seeing is the capital Skiathos Town, the center of the island's world. A town with all the comforts but which still keeps its ancient traditions intact. The old part called Kastro is characterized by small alleys with winding streets and very suggestive remote houses. Here it is impossible to get bored, there are many shops selling everything, typical restaurants and taverns where you can taste local delicacies, a multitude of nightclubs (the most famous area is the Disco Strip) where you can spend fun evenings until the sun rises. 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 again 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 fortified Venetian citadel commissioned 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 centre, or the Monastery of Evangelistra commissioned by the monks of Mount Athos in 1794 from which during clear days you can see where the first Hellenic flag was sewn which had a white cross on a blue background and where a community of friendly kittens chose it as their home.

The Kastro dating back to the 14th century old capital of Skiathos. On top of a promontory in an optimal position to repel the constant attacks of pirates, at its peak it had 300 houses and 22 churches in addition to the castle. Today only the ruins of one remain but it is enough to understand the grandeur of the settlement. From the top you have a wonderful view, being able to see the mainland and part of the island of Skopelos. Be careful because reaching the summit is difficult due to the dirt path and everything 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 reach you by jeep.

The sea caves located in the beautiful and famous Lalaria beach in the north-eastern part are 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 towards the south west where a hermit monk discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary hanging from a tree attracted by its light and together with the inhabitants they decided to build a church dedicated to the Madonna. Nowadays the precious icon is preserved in the cathedral of Skiathos Town.

As we mentioned before, there are many beaches and all with their own charm. It will be a big dilemma to choose which ones to visit, you certainly cannot go to Megali Ammos beach, the most touristy and close to the Chora, Banana Beach with its crystal clear and transparent waters or Koukounaries beach, a small paradise of soft white sand reminiscent of Caribbean destinations.

An area waiting to be discovered where you will find a surprise at every corner and where you can spend days in total relaxation. Skiathos is perfect for families with children, couples and young people.

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