Skiathos The cosmopolitan island
The coastline of Skiathos
The coastline of Skiathos - the island famed as the birthplace of the Greek writer Alexandros Papadiamantis - is adorned with more than 60 beaches. The island lies just 2.4 miles from the shore of southern Pilion and 4 miles from Skopelos. It covers an area of 48 square kilometres, is 12km long and 9km wide.
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The southern coast of the island has undergone heavy tourist development, while the northern coast is still unspoiled and unexplored. In the 14th century the people of the town of Skiathos deserted their home, whose panoramic view of the whole area had made it the centre of the island since antiquity and made their new settlement on a high rock close to the sea, in the northern part of the island, at Kastro.
After the Greek War of Independence the town of Skiathos became the centre of the island. In front of the town lies the Bourtzi, a verdant hill rising from a small headland.
Bourtzi is home to the cultural centre of the Municipality of Skiathos, where cultural events are staged throughout the year, but especially during the summer as part of the 'Oneiro sto kima' festival.
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The house of the important modern Greek writer Alexandros Papadiamantis, located in the centre of Skiathos town, is a place of pilgrimage for many visitors to the island.
With its modern personality and wide range of comfortable accommodation - from luxury hotels to rented rooms - Skiathos is ideal for high-quality tourism, while the development of recent years has not impaired its architectural heritage.
There is something here for every taste on the crowded beaches, in the bars and clubs. There are exciting water sports, too, at the island's beaches.
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Skiathos Beaches
Megali Ammos, Troulos, Banana, Tzanerias, Sklithri, Aghia Paraskevi, Marathias, Mandraki, Elias, Aselinos, Kehrias, Limenaria, Tsoungrias, Vasilias, Ahladia, Kanapitsa, Kalamaki, Kolios, Lalaria and Vromolimnos - these are just some of the many places worth visiting.
Skiathos' best-known beach, Koukounaries, has been declared the third best beach in the whole Mediterranean. Skiathos is full of high-quality amenities for cosmopolitan holidays, offering lively excitement or peaceful relaxation - just as the visitor chooses.
Skiathos Places of worship
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An important role has been played in the history and culture of Skiathos by the island's churches and monasteries, which the local people continue to visit on feast days, in accordance with the religious traditions of the island.
The church of the Trion Ierarchon, the metropolitan church of the island, was built in 1846 to a three-aisled basilica plan. It contains the miracle-working icon of the Panayia Eikonistra, found in 1650.
The Evangelistria monastery, founded in 1704 by monks from Mt. Athos, is famous for the part it played in the years of the Greek War of Independence. |
Skiathos Worth visiting
BOURTZI:
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This is the small headland which separates the harbour into two parts and formerly served as a fortress. It was founded at the time of the 1st Venetian Rule by the Gizi brothers, who occupied Skiathos in 1207. It was surrounded by fortified walls with battlements. It is now densely clad with pine trees and only a few remains of the walls can be seen.
The local council and cultural agencies have made Skiathos an important centre for cultural events, staged at the new arts centre on the Bourtzi.
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BOURTZI:
This is the small headland which separates the harbour into two parts and formerly served as a fortress. It was founded at the time of the 1st Venetian Rule by the Gizi brothers, who occupied Skiathos in 1207. It was surrounded by fortified walls with battlements. It is now densely clad with pine trees and only a few remains of the walls can be seen.
The local council and cultural agencies have made Skiathos an important centre for cultural events, staged at the new arts centre on the Bourtzi.
RESIDENCE AND MUSEUM OF ALEXANDROS PAPADIAMANTIS:
The house of Papadiamantis is close to the harbour and is now a museum. It contains many of the writer's personal items and furniture. It has been kept just as it was in the last days of the famous author, maintained with respect and the greatest care by the Municipality of Skiathos.
MONASTERY OF THE EVANGELISMOS TIS THEOTOKOU:
This imposing monastery is the only one still functioning on the island. It lies to the north, half an hour from town on the bus.
PANAYIA EIKONISTRIA MONASTERY:
This is the site where the holy icon of the Panayia Eikonistria - patron saint and protector of the town - was found. The monastery church is a single-aisled basilica with dome. The interior of the church is painted and there is a carved wooden screen.
KASTRO:
A giant outcrop of rock, rooted in the sea, with a panoramic view; this provided the natural fortification for the mediaeval town of the island. It is one hour from town by car or boat.
CHURCH OF CHRIST:
This is the metropolitan church of the mediaeval town. The interior was adorned with religious paintings, some of which have survived in good condition and offer fine examples of post-Byzantine art.
WebSite: www.skiathos.gr