| This green, soft, idyllic island is located 43 nautical miles from Volos. It is the smallest yet the most visited island of the Sporades group.
The town of Skiathos, on the eastern end of the island, was built in 1830 on two small hills. It encompasses a well-sheltered harbour, which in the summer months becomes a thriving cosmopolitan centre bursting with energy. A large number of cafes, bars and restaurants lining the waterfront provide delicious meals, drinks and entertainment well into the early morning hours. Koukounaries, the fabulous 30-metre-deep pine grove that gave the region its name, lines 1,000 meters of golden sand and can be reached by bus. The monastery of Kounistra on the western part of the island, the Monastery of Evangelistria, as well as the church of Prophet Elias with its dramatic view all the way to the neighbouring island of Skopelos, are well worth a visit. The 16th century Kastro, the ancient walled town, lies two hours to the north of the town on foot, but it can also be accessed by boat.
This stunningly beautiful and forested island boasts almost 70 sandy beaches along its 44 km of crystal-clear coastline, many of which can be virtually empty even in the height of summer. Its landscape is incredibly varied, ranging from hidden valleys to monasteries set against masses of barren rock. There are 4 to 5 daily flights from Athens and twice a week from Thessaloniki. Many charter flights from Europe also descend on the island. There are daily ferries and hydrofoils from Volos and Aghios Constantinos on the mainland, as well as from the sister Sporades islands of Skopelos and Alonissos. |
