Travel guide for SKIATHOS

Information

Climate

Very hot during the summer (30-35 oC). The best summer period is August because of the cooling breeze which, I must admit, it’s quite refreshing.

Location

Skiathos is located in the north-western Aegean sea, Greece, and one of the Sporades islands and in fact the smallest. It belongs to the province of Magnesia.

Money Issues

The official currency is Euro. If you come from countries outside E.E don’t worry. There are many banks and Bureau de Change in central points of the town.

History

Skiathos history goes back to prehistoric times when people of the Thrace became the first settlers. Most of the time the island was under occupation. First were the Macedonians, then the Romans and during the Byzantine era the Byzantines, the Francs and the Venetians. In 16th century the island was conquered by the Turks. The brave inhabitants of Skiathos joined the Greek revolution in 1821 and after the liberation, Skiathos became part of the official independent Greece.

How to get there

Skiathos has an airport, so you can get there easy and quickly by plain from Athens. Another way is by ship from Agios Konstantinos which is approximately 1h and 30m north of Athens.

Trasportation

There are buses and taxis. Bus service is very regular and accurate and brings you to the most known places of Skiathos.

While there

Accomodation On-line hotel reservations in SKIATHOS

Skiathos offers you many choices for your accommodation. If you are interested in night life, prefer to stay in Skiathos town so that you don’t have to drive late at nights. My advice, try to find a room on the hill of the town. The view of the little harbour is wonderful, especially at dusk.

Children

If you have children with you don’t hesitate to visit most of the beaches. Waters are shallow and the sand gives them a great opportunity for playing.

Food

In Skiathos you will find the famous Mediterranean cuisine with many local dishes. Don’t omit to taste lobster with spaggeti (a little expensive…), lamb ??kleftiko?? and the world famous gyros souvlaki.

Amusement

Skiathos has a very vivid night life. For start, go to the old harbour and look for the Rock’n’Roll bar and the bars besides it on the way to the ??Three Bishops?? cathedral square. Here, the steps on the road have become seats by putting pillows on them, great atmosphere, fantastic music for all tastes depending on the time, a lot of fun! If you want to continue, walk past the new port and along the street that is parallel to the sea to get to the club street near the airport, or just follow the young companies. Don’t worry, it only takes you 10 minutes to get there.

Beaches

There are many beautiful sandy beaches on this island. If you want easy reach from the town, prefer the south coast of the island. Note that the island has very regular bus service which brings you near to the most known beaches, like Koukounaries, Vromolimnos and Banana beach. Koukounaries is a big, noisy sometimes, beach where you can find water sports, sun beds (not for free!!) and kiosks if you are hungry or thirsty. One of its beauties is the pines which reach near the beach. Banana beach is like a small Koukounaries. You can find sun beds (not for free!!), beach bars and water sports. Note the beautiful sunset view. Near the Banana beach is the little Banana, famous as an unofficial naturist beach. So, if you are interested… Vromolimnos is a sandy beach with shallow waters, which means many children… It has a bar-restaurant on the beach where you can enjoy your drink or your meal after your swim. If you want something different, go to Lalaria. You can go there only from the sea because of its rocky scenery. You can find many small boats for this at the harbour but pay attention to the time of departure so as to organize your time better.

Activities

Sport Events

Only sea sports are available in Skiathos like sea skiing. Prefer Koukounaries or Banana beach.

Leisure

Go for a walk in town when the sun falls. Enjoy a coffee or an ice cream.

Shopping

The main shopping street is the Papadiamantis Street. Here you can find many shops with souvenirs and local products for your buyings. All these shops stay open until late in the evenings.

Monuments

Historical monuments

Kastro is the ruins of the medieval capital of the island which was built because of the pirates. Admire the breathtaking view and see the wall paintings in the Church of Christ. Follow the route for Kastro beach to get there.

Other sights

You can see Alexandros Papadiamantis’ (a Greek author who died in the beginning of the previous century) house. It is the house where he lived and died and preserves many of his belongings. Easy to find it, just a few meters from the harbour, along Papadiamantis street.

Romance

A ride with the carriage along the harbour. You can find them near the taxi station.

Not to miss

Go to banana beach Lalaria and Koukounaries. Visit the old harbour at night and the local bars.

Be Cautious

The bus service is regular but during the high season (20th July - 20th August) it often gets crowded. You’d better rent a car or a bike.

Best routes

Out

If you have time visit the neighbouring islands of Skopelos and Alonissos. A very good idea is a daily trip by boat from the old harbour.

Green Issues

Skiathos is a green island with fantastic pine forests which reach the sea. Unfortunately, this summer (2007) a part of these near Koukounaries beach was burnt. Please, pay attention and protect the forest!!!!

Value 4 money

Generally speaking, the restaurants along the harbour are expensive. Prefer others inside the town.

Impressions

It was my first time in Skiathos and it was worth the visit! It’s an island which offers you both relaxation and amusement in perfect combination. Put it in your future travel plans.