Bourtzi Peninsula Skiathos

One of the identifying signs of Skiathos Town and we can also say of the whole island is undoubtedly the beautiful Bourtzi Peninsula. We find it in the capital on the east coast and separates the port of Skiathos in two.

In reality, Bourtzi was a Venetian fortress which, after having been the property of the Crusaders of Constantinople, came into the possession of the Venetian Gizzi brothers who built the fortress in 1207 with the aim of protecting and defending the city and its inhabitants from pirate incursions. A typical stronghold with imposing and high walls adorned with battlements, loopholes and round towers guarding the sea and on both sides of the entrance, very similar to the fortress that you can also admire in Nafplion in the Peloponnese.

Inside the fort there was the small church of Agios Georgios, protector of the Venetians, presumably built by the brothers in honor of their origins. The old name of the Bourtzi Peninsula was in fact Kastelli tou Aegeou Georgiou which literally means St. George's Castle.

For 400 years it defended Skiathos before being destroyed in 1660 with the capture of Admiral Francesco Morozini. From then on a succession of misfortunes and misfortunes until the arrival of the Ottomans who, despite the poor conditions of the fortress, managed to repel Topal Pasha and then fall under Turkish rule until 1823 after the liberation of Greece. It then became a hospital where the sick were quarantined. In 1906, an elementary school was built right in the center, financed by Andreas Syngros, a rich Greek gentleman and philanthropist, and in 1925, near the entrance to the institute, the bust of Alexandros Papadiamantis, the famous Greek writer of the 19th century who was born, lived and died in his beloved Skiathos.

To date, only a few ruins remain of so much history, but the Bourtzi Peninsula has transformed into one of the most beautiful places in the capital. It is connected with a bridge that separates the city into two areas, a new one where the tourist port is located and the old part where the boats leave for excursions and is decidedly more typical of Skiathos Town.

The ideal place and much loved by both inhabitants and tourists. Immersed in vegetation with green pines and tall shrubs that create natural shade and a constant sea breeze that caresses you, where you can enjoy long walks and sit on benches to admire the old port, where you can go down the many stairs that will take you to the sea and where you can stop for a classic aperitif at the renowned Caffè Bourtzi before dinner or for a coffee.

The old school has been transformed into an artistic and cultural center where the Municipality organizes many events especially in the summer period. Inside there are several conference rooms and a small theater where modern and historical plays are staged as well as concerts of all genres. In short, nothing is missing for a cheerful evening or day with the addition of a good dose of culture thanks to local initiatives.

Certainly a panacea for mind and body, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, where the atmosphere always remains relaxed, almost magical and quiet and serenity reign supreme. A pleasant moment to dedicate to this little corner of paradise during your holiday in Skiathos.

Nothing could be easier, first of all you have to get to the capital Skiathos Town, then walk across the bridge and in a few minutes you will be at your destination. It takes less than half an hour to tour it all but it will undoubtedly be one of the most beautiful moments on the wonderful island of Skiathos.