Skiathos
Skiathos Introduction
Skiathos is a small pretty island in the Aegean Sea. It is the greenest isle being covered with pine forests which are well watered in the winter. With its large numbers of beautiful sandy beaches and guaranteed summer sunshine it is the ideal destination for those looking for a relaxing break.
Why Go To Skiathos?
Skiathos, before the age of charter flights and mass tourism, was a sparsely populated island with a few villages and the main town of Skiathos. The resorts therefore are mostly purpose built fulfilling the needs of tourism and as such lack the authentic Greek flavour of the small villages. Nevertheless the resorts have good amenities and excellent beaches.
The greenness of the island, the golden beaches with their backdrop of trees and their crystal clear waters is stunning. The scenery alone is enough reason for going.
There are numerous opportunities for water sports in the larger resorts.
Who Is Skiathos Popular With?
Skiathos is very popular with families because most of the sandy beaches slope gently into the sea making them safe for small children. Couples and older tourists come to Skiathos for the peace and tranquillity that they find here. Although it is not famed for its nightlife, Skiathos Town has entertainment of a livelier nature to offer the young.
When To Go To Skiathos
The most popular time to visit Skiathos is in the summer although the season extends from Easter to the end of October. The summertime temperature range is in the middle to late twenties.
Skiathos - The Place
Skiathos is a serene island with many incredible views. The north of the island remains unspoilt mainly owing to its inaccessibility. Access is by boat or on foot and this leave the beaches sparsely populated.
The beaches in the south are very sheltered and bordered by pine trees. Koukounaries is found here and is supposedly the best beach in Greece.
The larger resorts offer a wide range of water sports including water skiing, wind surfing, sailing and scuba diving to name but a few.
Skiathos Town, with its narrow cobbled streets, its little whitewashed houses with tiled roofs and its old churches, is really quite quaint. It has a fair sized marina for its many yachts. Three miles out of the town is the Evangelistrias Monastery which is well worth a visit.
For pure relaxation in glorious surroundings, Skiathos is the place to come.
Skiathos Culture
Fesivals are closely associated with the Orthodox Church’s calendar and are celebrated with music, food and wine. August 15th is the celebration of the Assumption of Mary the Virgin and there is a procession at the Monastery of Evangelistria which is well worth seeing.
Skiathos Nightlife
The nightlife in Skiathos is a low key affair. Apart from the largest resorts, an evening out is a tasty meal and a carafe of wine sitting by the water’s edge. Skiathos Town offers lively evenings with its nightclubs, bars and discos opening until the early hours of the morning.
Most resorts have a couple of gift shops where you can buy your holiday souvenirs but the options are rather limited. A regular bus service goes to Skiathos town where you can find designer shops alongside craft and gift shops.
Skiathos Eating
As in all Greek islands there are numerous tavernas, cafes, bars and restaurants which provide a wide range of food to accommodate most tastes. Traditional Greek food relies heavily on fish simply cooked and is quite delicious. Moussaka is another Greek favourite made from minced lamb and aubergines.
The main resorts have a mix of Greek and international dishes available.
The local wines are inexpensive and usually very palatable.
Local Skiathos Customs
The family, including the extended family, is held in high regard in Greece. Children are always given a warm welcome and restaurants are usually very child friendly.
When visiting churches and monasteries, shoulders and legs should be covered to avoid offence.
The islanders are a warm and hospitable people and warmly welcome visitors.