Trekking a Skiathos
Skiathos Island, in addition to offering wonderful beaches with waters that range from turquoise to emerald with postcard-perfect coastlines, has the entire internal part which is very interesting to explore with beautiful trekking routes.
A lush nature full of life with enchanting woods, pine forests and pine forests, peaks to conquer where the panorama extends as far as the eye can see, streams, monasteries and churches of extraordinary beauty where the culture firmly rooted in its origins is still felt and respected . Well among all this, Skiathos offers its guests 197 km of paths among a mountainous area with a well-balanced ecosystem where you can observe a rich fauna made up of strawberry trees, lentisks, myrtles, olive trees, centuries-old oaks and many other varieties of plants as well as to a lively fauna.
The difficulty of trekking on Skiathos island can be classified as moderate with some difficult routes ranging from one hour to six hours of effort. All the paths have existed for many years but it is only recently that the island's Municipality, in collaboration with the Paths of Greece association, have reorganized the paths to make them more accessible and well signposted. The best months to enjoy Skiathos walking are April, May, September and October when mass tourism has not yet invaded the island and you can enjoy so much beauty in total relaxation and get in tune with Mother Nature.
Here are some examples of trekking that you can do during your holiday in Skiathos next summer and also discover this fascinating side of the island.
From Evangelistria Monastery to Kastro Beach. Rich in history and views of the Aegean that you will hardly forget, this long route is located in the north of the island and includes visits to important monasteries where the Greek flag flies from a dome, a copy of the first flag woven and hoisted in 1807, up to the chapel of Panagia Doman on Mount Karaflitsanaka and then descend to the remote Kastro beach through fairy forests. This route is challenging as it is full of differences in altitude and therefore only for trained people. Travel time approximately four hours.
Koukounaris Beach, Agistros, Gorunes. A circular path of about 8 kilometers not far from the capital Skiathos Town with an estimated travel time of less than two hours. We start from the Koukounaries area to the west of the island near the wetland. You climb eastwards over the green hills going north along the Trahalomadra hill. Once you reach the coast you descend into the bay of Elia up to the beaches of Agistros and Gournes. Medium difficulty.
The Path of Olive Trees. Travel time approximately three hours, easy difficulty. Through the agricultural landscapes of Skiahos, among olive trees and woods, you start from the capital following the Ganioti stream to reach another watercourse, the Agalianou also called Nikotsara which ends in its beach of the same name where you can treat yourself to a refreshing swim and admire the historic Pantelakria spring. We then return via a path with spectacular panoramic points
Walking on the peaks. Travel time approximately one hour and a half, easy difficulty. Although Skiathos has no major peaks, its highest parts offer endless views of the islands of Alonissos, Skopelos and the Pelion Peninsula. An easy route that passes from Agios Antonios to Profitis Ilias through broad-leaved forests and rural areas where nature is still intact.
For birdwatching lovers, don't miss the path from Koukounaries to Strofilia. The saltwater lake behind Koukounaries is the ideal habitat for migratory birds. Skiathos is on the main mass movement routes of birds and is therefore rich in fauna. Around the lake a dense forest of tall pines hides the beach, the final destination for a cool swim.
These are just a few examples of what you can do, so pack a pair of comfortable shoes, appropriate clothing and don't miss the opportunity to explore this part of the island while staying in close contact with Nature and admiring the beauties that he gave us.