From the Venetians and Dutch travelers and cartographers, to holidaymakers and the rapid development of tourism, Skiathos consistently charms those in the know.
You discover Skiathos or better you 'conquer' her when you learn her secrets. Words cannot describe the uniqueness of this island, the only one in Greece where two thirds of its area is characterized as 'Aesthetic Forest of Νatural Beauty'. With its monumental coastline and numerous beaches, including Lalaria, Koukounaries and Mandraki, some are busy and 'loud' but most of the sixty-seven, untouched by time and man, are quiet even in high season. The shoreline covers almost the whole perimeter of the island and is extremely varied, from golden sand to black sand, multicoloured pebbles or white pebbles, steep reefs, colourful marine life and crystal clear waters.

The magnificent network of walking trails, almost 100 km long, passes through fairy glens with streams and waterfalls, rows of plane trees, monasteries, Byzantine monuments, and small churches. On the most northern part of the island stands Kastro, where the islanders settled in the mid-14th century, abandoning the current city to save themselves from pirate raids by the Turks and Venetians. Here the imprint of its inhabitants remain, transporting you into eternity via picturesque chapels and fortifications.
When walking around Skiathos town, don’t miss the ‘Plakes’area where neoclassical buildings and quaint cobblestones are listed as monuments. A stop at the Papadiamantis House Museum is a must, as is the Bourtzi, home to the Naval and Cultural Tradition Museum, where you can learn about the great shipbuilding and maritime history of the island.

Skiathos, as you have just read, is charming and full of contrast, a wonderful place to experience and, as with all things valuable, worth taking the time and effort to discover.