Skiathos

Introducing Skiathos

The good news is that much of the pine-fringed coast of Skiathos is blessed with exquisite beaches. The bad news is that in July and August the island is overrun with package tourists and hotel prices soar. At the island’s small airport, the arrival board is filled with incoming charter flights from northern Europe, not Athens. Despite the large presence of sun-starved Europeans, Skiathos remains one of Greece’s premier resorts.

Skiathos Town, the island’s major settlement and port, lies on the southeast coast. The rest of the south coast is a string of holiday villas and hotels, plus a number of sandy beaches with pine trees for a backdrop. The north coast is precipitous and less accessible; in the 14th century the Kastro Peninsula served as a natural fortress against invaders. Today, most people come to Skiathos for the sun and nightlife, but the truly curious will discover picturesque monasteries, hill-top tavernas and even secluded beaches.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009