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Sightseeing in Skiathos

The heart of the island beats in Chora, the only village on Skiathos, which adorns its “bow” (the northeast part of the island). It is a village made up of tiled white houses, built in between the hills and adorned with belfries and cobbled lanes.

As you walk along the lanes, you will encounter many churches and traditional stone houses, with gardens rich in flowers. One of these, on the central road of Chora, is the house in which the great Skiathian writer Alexandros Papadiamantis lived. The house is today open to visitors and you will be impressed by its simplicity and humbleness.

On Papadiamantis Street there are many tourist shops selling souvenirs, handmade jewellery, clothes and accessories.
Address: Papadiamanti Street, tel.: +30 24270 - 22240

Don’t forget to visit the Evangelistria Monastery in the area of Agaliana, in an isolated spot amidst lush vegetation. The monastery has a rich history and houses some fine and invaluable icons and relics, which date from the 9th century onwards.

A visit to the metropolitan church of the Treis Ierarches, in which is located the miraculous icon of the Panagia Ikonistra (Panagia tis Kounistras, in the local dialect), is a must. The monastery of the same name is dedicated to the Presentation of Mary. According to legend, a monk found the icon of the Panagia Kounistra hanging from a tree and took it into the monastery. Other churches that are worth seeing are Panagia Limnia, in which the cart of Papadiamantis is to be found, Agios Nikolaos and Agios Fanourios.

The castle is of great interest and looks as if hanging from a rock on the north part of the island. This now ruined citadel with a panoramic view over the Aegean was built in the mid-14th century and Papadiamantis often describes its image in his work.

The beaches of Skiathos

The island has a strong card to play with its sixty beautiful beaches. Those on the southern part seem to be gentler in appearance, while those in the north are wild and isolated. All, however, are a great base for your excursions. There are facilities for water sports, jet skis, water skiing, windsurfing and rides on an inflatable banana or ring on every beach equipped with amenities.

The Top 5 of the island’s beaches are Koukounaries (or Chrysi Ammos), where the pine trees almost “touch” the sea, Aselenos, Banana (tip: stay on the beach until late for the chance to see a beautiful sunset), Megali Amos and Lalaria. This last beach, besides its deep green waters and white, round pebbles, has a huge rock filled with holes that emerges from the sea to end at the peak of the slope. Access to Lalaria, weather permitting, is possible only by sea, in little boats that set sail from the right side of the port.

What to do in Skiathos

Drink your morning coffee with a view over the sea, or take romantic walks to the beautiful Bourtzi, covered with pine trees. The remains of the old Venetian fortress survive on the island, while the spot where the old elementary school of Skiathos once stood, a gift from the benefactor Andreas Syngros, is now the location for the island’s Cultural Centre.

Discover unknown places and the idyllic nature of the island by following the signed footpaths. There are at least 25 established walking routes, ranging in duration from 1 to 6 hours.

Take part in one of the island’s fairs. In July, the feast of Profitis Ilias, in the little church of the same name, is accompanied by festivities that last until dawn, while you will remember the fair of the Panagia Kounistra on 21 November (Presentation of Mary) for quite a long time! On the eve of St George’s Day, the equestrian games that are held around Limni are by far the island’s most spectacular custom.

Just a breath away from Skiathos, the other two Sporades islands, Skopelos and Alonnisos, are ideal for day trips. The journey to Skopelos takes half an hour at most by conventional boat, while Alonnisos is around 1.5 hour away. It’s a good idea to ask for further details at the tourist agencies that organise trips to these islands.

Food and entertainment on Skiathos

The heart of the island’s nightlife beats – as might be expected – in Chora, and more specifically in the east side of the port, on the road towards the airport, where for years now the island’s best known bars and clubs are situated. You can also find bars and clubs in the west side of the port, near Treis Ierarches square. If you do not enjoy loud music, then everywhere in Chora there are places where you can have a drink or cocktail in a more relaxed atmosphere, such as the cocktail bars in the old port with cushions on the steps.

You mustn’t leave Skiathos without trying the fresh almond spoon sweet, the famous “aspro”. If you spot a Skiathos pita (pie) on a restaurant menu then you must order it.

Pack in your suitcase some homemade liqueur, Skiathos amygdalota (almond cookies) as well as some hamali, a delicious little pie with honey and walnuts, made by the women of the Municipal Cooperative.

Getting to Skiathos International Airport “Alexandros Papadiamantis”

Οlympic Air lands at Skiathos International Airport “Alexandros Papadiamantis”. You can reach the centre of the island, which is 4 kilometres away, by taxi or rented car. A car rental is a great idea if you wish to explore the island, as public transport is not one of Skiathos’ strong points. Thankfully there are car rental agencies at the airport as well as ΑΤΜs.

Book your tickets and fly in comfort with Olympic Air to one of the most beautiful destinations in Greece!