Skiathos Island
Skiathos is part of the Northern Sporades archipelago together with the Alonissos, Skopelos and Skiros. It is the first one you come across and is the one closest to the mainland.
Covering an area of 46 square kilometres, 12 kilometers long, Skiatos 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 other than tourism which is well developed, agriculture and fishing. On the island are grown olives from which its delicious oil is extracted, fruit, honey, wine and walnuts which are also exported to the neighboring areas.
Her fame has grown considerably after the movie "Mamma Mia" with the soundtrack of the legendary Abba and has made many people discover this corner of Eden who flock to it every summer. Of all the sisters, it is decidedly 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.
Its name means "shadow" (skia) by virtue of the many trees on the island.
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 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 later defeated by the Romans who, under the emperor Mark Antony, gave it to the Athenians to then return 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 possession of the Byzantine Empire and the Aegean Islands to then give 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 revolutionaries 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 down in 1944. With the end of the war, Skiathos recovered and like all the islands it returned under the Greek flag.
You choose a holiday in Skiathos for its luxuriant and still unspoiled nature, for its marvelous beaches, for the lively nightlife, for the good food and because given its position it is not so subject to the winds especially in the northern part where almost every day there is flat calm.
To see the capital Skiathos Town the navel of the world of the island. 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 remote very impressive houses. Here it is impossible to get bored, there are many shops that sell everything, typical restaurants and taverns where you can taste the local delicacies, a multitude of nightclubs (the most famous area is the Disco Strip) where you can spend fun evenings until sunrise. 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, writer of the 19th century 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 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 nice little cats chose it as their home.
The Kastro dating from the 14th century old capital of Skiathos. On top of a promontory in an optimal position to repel the continuous 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 size of the settlement. From the top you have a wonderful view managing to see the mainland and a part of the Skopelos island. Be careful because being able to conquer the summit is difficult due to 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 you there by jeep.
The sea caves that are located in the beautiful and famous Lalaria beach in the immaculate north-east part of a unique beauty. Along the rocks that follow the coast are two creations of mother nature called Skotini or dark caves with low and narrow entrances and 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 southwest where a hermit monk discovered an icon of the Virgin Marina hanging from a tree attracted by its light and together with the inhabitants decided to erect a church dedicated to the Madonna. Nowadays the precious icon is kept in the cathedral of Skiathos Town.
The beaches, as we mentioned before, are many and all with their own charm. It will be a great dilemma to choose which ones to visit, you certainly cannot go to Megali Ammos beach, the most touristic and closest 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.
A territory to be discovered that will let you 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.