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Welcome to Skiathos in the Sporades group of Greek Islands. A small, but pretty island, with beautiful golden beaches, Skiathos is extremely popular as a tourist destination. Skiathos town, built on two hills, is the only real town on the island and, as such, is a busy centre. The writers, Alexandros Papadiamantis and Alexandros Moraïtidis, were both born on the island and Papadiamantis has a tiny museum dedicated to his life and work. The southerly stretches of both the east and west coast of the island are where the gorgeous beaches and tourist complexes are to be found. Buses run from Skiathos on a regular basis stopping by each of the beaches along the southerly coastline. Other beaches can be reached by hire car, bike or boat. There are almost 70 beaches on the island, some only accessible from the sea. Most are golden and many are set against a woodland backdrop. Most beaches can also be reached by the trip boats, which also visit the Lalaria pebble beach and Kastro on the generally more rugged northern coastline, which is less easily reached by land. Kastro is now virtually in ruins but, at one time, was the fortified capital of the island. Climb up from the beach, where the boat will drop the visitor, and enjoy the spectacular views. The caves of Halkini Spilia, Skotini Spilia and Galazia Spilia, on the northern coast, can also be visited on one of the excursion boats. For the more energetic, fancying a short, uphill walk, the Monastery Evangelistrias is worth the effort. In an idyllic setting of pine and cypress trees, and high above the gorge, the monastery harboured freedom fighters during the War of Independence. There are charter flights to Skiathos from many parts of Europe during the season plus daily flights from Athens throughout the year. The island can also be reached easily by ferry and by hydrofoil service. |