Skiathos is the westernmost of the northern Sporades, a short distance from the Pelion peninsula. It is green, covered in pines, and has over sixty beaches. The writer Alexandros Papadiamantis was born here; his house in the main town is a small museum.
What to see
| Place | Why |
|---|---|
| Koukounaries | The most famous beach, fine sand backed by a pine wood and a small protected lake |
| Lalaria | White pebbles and a rock arch on the north coast, reached by boat |
| Kastro | The medieval capital, abandoned in the 19th century, on a northern headland |
| Evangelistria monastery | Where by tradition one of the first flags of the Greek revolution was blessed in 1807 |
| Main town | Lanes, churches, the harbour with the islet of Bourtzi and the nightlife |
Other beaches: Banana, Agia Eleni, Mandraki, Megali Ammos, Vromolimnos. A boat trip round the island reveals caves and coves.
Getting there
The airport has summer charters from several European cities; its short runway, right by the sea, is famous among plane spotters. Ferries leave from Volos and Agios Konstantinos and continue to Skopelos and Alonissos.
See also Skopelos and Thessaly.