The Greek Isle of Skiathos is the most popular of the islands forming part of the Sporades Island chain. Lying in the north-eastern Aegean, Skiathos, with dense pine forests that border pristine beaches, is typical of the enchanting Sporades, and the island attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Skiathos: The Tiny Island with the Magical Beaches

Despite being only 50sq.km. in extent, Skiathos is home to at least 60 beautiful beaches, and this accounts for its being one of the most visited Greek Island holiday destinations. Skiathos Town, the island's main settlement, charms visitors with its quaint churches and peaceful harbour full of small and colourful boats.

One of the more popular attractions on Skiathos is the ruins of Kastro, the island's medieval capital. Perched on a cliff overlooking the wine-dark Aegean, the fort is accessible both on foot and by jeep, and a visit to Kastro and its exquisitely decorated tiny church is a wonderful way to discover what life on the island was like hundreds of years ago.

Those visiting Skiathos must take advantage of its numerous gorgeous beaches and should, for instance, make time to visit the remote and unspoilt Mikro Asellinos beach as well as the nearby Kounistra Monastery. Day trips to the uninhabited islands of Tsougria, Arkos and Tsougriaki, where visitors can explore, sunbathe and bird watch to their heart's content, are also highly recommended.

The Luxury Resort Areas

The seaside resort of Koukounaries is reputed to have the finest beach in all of the Aegean and tempts tourists with its warm waters, tranquil shores and crystalline sand dunes. Koukounaries is also the location of the oldest and best established of Skiathos's many luxury seaside resorts, and most people visit Koukounaries to enjoy the first class snorkeling and swimming.

Sheltered by the heavily wooded Katsarou hills, the Achladies resort area borders a peaceful bay that offers tourists access to the quintessential Greek island beach. Although just lounging about and soaking up the sun's rays comes highly recommended, windsurfing and water-skiing equipment rental is available for those who would prefer to be active.

After Skiathos Town, Troulos is the island's second largest settlement, and this beautiful seaside resort area offers tourists motorboat rental facilities, a watersports school and numerous pool-bars and tavernas. Troulos is also within easy walking distance of the Asellinos and Mandraki area beaches.

Travel Tips

Getting around the island is easy as there are numerous buses, and taxis and rental cars and scooters are also available. Those looking to buy souvenirs in Skiathos should look no further than the jewellery and the beautiful sea shells, although some of the shells sold there may not have originated on the island.

Skiathos is by far one of the most popular of the Greek Islands. One reason for this is that for each overcrowded beach, club or shopping area, there are many calm and secluded spots that can be enjoyed by the visitor who is looking for peace and quiet on this magically perfect Greek Island.