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Skiathos Island
Skiathos
Town is
the chief place and indeed the island's only real town, where
almost all the permanent inhabitants of the island live. It
was built in 1830 on two low-lying hills, when after the War
of Independence people left the town located at Kastro and
settled near the harbor. It was reconstructed after heavy
German bombardment during World War II.
Skiathos is
green, soft and idyllic with many sandy beaches. 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 harbors offering safe anchorage to boats,
with a small marina for yachts.
People come
to Skiathos for beaches and 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.
Skiathos and
Skopelos not only retain much of their forests, they also
preserve big part of their old paths. Usually, these paths are
intersected by newly constructed roads, and they are being
kept open mostly by foreign walkers.
Hikers on
Skiathos and Skopelos are unlikely to get thirsty, too hot or
sun burnt. All routes are well shaded; springs with running
fresh water are wide-spread; not to mention the numerous
beaches, of which, Skiathos alone counts 60!
Archeology
lovers won't have much to see on the two islands. Monastery
architecture, as well as traditional architecture enthusiasts,
will have a lot to see, especially on Skopelos. Those who want
cosmopolitan life should go to Skiathos, while solitude
seekers should prefer Skopelos. |
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