SKIATHOS!

Welcome to my Skiathos page, full of information about this Greek island!

Brilliant blue sky, warm ever-present sun, winding cobblestone streets, whitewashed village churches, windmills, vividly painted balconies, pine and olive trees, rocks, rugged coasts, incredible sunsets and good old-fashioned fun...

Skiathos is green, soft and idyllic and probably has more sandy beaches than any other Greek island. Ranging from tiny coves to long open expanses of sand, there are over 60 beaches. Two of them, Koukounaries and Lalaria, are among Greece's best. The island's only town, Skiathos, rises from one of Greece's prettiest ports. Pine woods, orchards and more than half a million olive trees cover the hilly interior. The highest wooded summit rises to 438 metres. Around Skiathos there are 9 smaller islands. Two of these, called Tsougries, lie across the main harbour offering safe anchorage to boats, with a small marina for yachts.

People come to Skiathos for beaches and nightlife. Skiathos certainly rivals Mykonos in nightlife - there are hot, packed bars with load music, 'decent' jazz clubs and bouzouki bars. There are some great restaurants, though rarely reasonably priced. In July and August the island is overrun by package tourists. However, you can always find accommodation in private rooms. Most of the tourists stay along the south and southeast coasts. If you want to escape the crowds, try the northern beaches, some of them only accessible by taxi boats. Every morning the boats also leave Skiathos harbour for a full-day excursion to other Sporades, Skopelos and Alonissos - visiting them is a must.

On the island's high and rocky northernmost headland perch the remains of the old capital, Kastro. Try to find time to visit the Evangelistria monastery, walking distance out of the port. Make the expedition to more distant Panaghia Kounistra, dedicated to the island's patron saint.

Paintings reproduced by kind permission of Povl  Schultze,  Copenhagen,  Denmark

By the way, I am not employed by the Greek tourist board. Open to offers though... :)

Got something you think should be added? E-mail me your discoveries, suggestions, corrections and updates. Even if you have nothing else to say except that you love or hate (!?) my Skiathos page...let me know!