The cosmopolitan city of the Sporades needs no introduction. Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, it is a favorite destination for all ages. The filming of the movie “Mamma Mia” in 2008 gave the island an additional tourist boost, while many celebrities, especially Hollywood stars, have been choosing Skiathos for their holidays in recent years.
It is a fact that the island has it all! Here everyone will find what they are looking for, whether in terms of entertainment or peace and relaxation, while adventure lovers will also be satisfied with both water sports and hiking and mountain bike routes!
Undoubtedly, the island is the ultimate combination of green and blue as on most beaches the pine trees “embrace” the sea creating a unique color. This landscape may have inspired Papadiamantis, who was born and lived in Skiathos, praising it like no one else.
Where to stay?
There is only one organized settlement on the island, that of Chora, so most of the economic activities options are located in and around it. If you have your own vehicle, you can stay anywhere else, as the road network is quite good. What you need to keep in mind, however, is that finding parking in Chora is a difficult task…
How to get around
From Chora there is transportation to all the southern beaches of the island, while from the port there are daily boats to the northern and more remote beaches. If you have or rent your own vehicle, you will be able to visit some deserted beaches, which we will talk about later, but which are accessible by dirt road.
What to see
– In CountryThe island's one and only settlement does not have the picturesqueness of the corresponding settlements in the Cyclades, but it certainly has particularly beautiful corners that deserve your attention. The two central pedestrian streets You will walk along Papadiamantis and Evangelistrias many times and you will admire the elegant shops. Along with the walk in the old port, do not forget to go up to the church of Agios Nikolaos to admire the view.
– The Bourtzi. A verdant peninsula in the port of Skiathos on which the ruins of a Venetian fortress and the old school are located. In bar-restaurant that you will encounter is worth sitting down for breakfast, enjoying the view.
– The house-museum Papadiamantis. In this space, which is a typical example of the island's traditional architecture, the "Saint of Letters" lived a humble life.
– The Skiathos HouseThis is a beautiful two-story traditional house in which the owners will guide you through the history of the island and the way of life in the past.
Beaches
With over 60 beaches, you will definitely have a hard time choosing. Here are the following facts:
– The northern The island's beaches are not accessible by car, only by sea. So, you will dedicate a morning to them by taking one of the many boats that you will meet at the port. Be careful on the day you choose to go, as if the wind is blowing from the north and there are waves, the excursions will not take place. The price ranges from 10 to 15 euros per person and includes a tour of the deserted islands. Tsougrias and Aroach, and then in Lalaria and CastleIn Lalaria, swim under the “holey rock” and in Kastro, climb up to the ruins of the old 14th-century castle.th century.
– The southern beaches are all accessible by car or public transport and you will hardly miss your swim due to weather conditions! They are all organized and have fine sand and crystal clear waters. If you like socializing and crowds, you will choose the Bromolimno (there are also quite a few parties going on there) Porto Paradiso) and the Pine trees. Both are beautiful and are undoubtedly among the top of the island! If you want beaches with beach bars but less crowds, you will choose the Dome, the Maratha, the Agia Paraskevi (Saint Paraskevi), the Saint Helena etc.
– On the beach Xanemou Next to the airport you will see many people doing the so-called plane spotting, as the runway is just a few meters away from the bathers! The beach is also suitable for wind and kite surfing due to the wind that is usually present.
– At inaccessible beaches (i.e. those that you don't go to by public transport but by car via a dirt road) you will meet few and "cool" people, while there you will enjoy a more authentic experience of the island. These are the Hidden Sand, the Mandraki, the Olive, the Hook and the little moon.
– Both of them beloved We left our beaches for last! Fine golden sand, crystal clear water, exotic scenery. This is the well-known Banana and the AmbelakiaThere we found the two best beach bars on the island (although a bit expensive) Nest and Mystic respectively, which with their atmospheric music and the service provision one click above the rest of the beach bars, won us over indisputably.
Food – Entertainment
When it comes to food, there are certainly plenty of options for every budget. However, if you want to taste something exceptional, you will have to search a little. As you move away from the tourist areas, the options become increasingly better. Three excellent restaurants in Artisanal, the Kettle and Borzoi in Chora they have set the bar high with new ideas and new flavors in beautiful courtyards. The Windmill in an amphitheatrical spot near the church of Agios Nikolaos, it has stood out for years with its original creations.
Outside the country Sextant in the great Sand, the Kivo to the little King, the Infinite Blue in Kolios and Agnatius in Vigles, offer high-end gastronomic delights with views as far as the eye can see!
In the evening, the fun starts at the old port. The famous “Maxilares” and the other bars in the area are the ideal way to listen to the vibes of the island. This does not mean that you will not find some cozy bars in the interior of the town, since Skiathos appeals to everyone. And of course, the party continues until the morning at the clubs located on the coastal road to the airport!
Closing
Skiathos will undoubtedly satisfy everyone's requirements, as the abundance of options at all levels ensures a comfortable and hassle-free stay. That's why you will come to the island again and again. One thing is for sure... Summer here is slow to end!
