Things To Do in Skiathos

Skiathos is prime walking territory. Its storybook forests, rolling hills and green river valleys are criss-crossed with trails, so you can get to grips with a side of the island that can only be seen on foot. Lots of the marked pathways weave past sights like the Evangelistria monastery. And, wherever you are, finding your way is easy – just keep an eye out for wooden signs with red and white lettering.

The closest island to Skiathos, Skopelos is an hour’s ferry ride from Skiathos Town. Its capital, Skopelos Town, is a jumble of whitewashed houses, which hug the hillside above an almost perfectly circular bay. The rest of the island has a rugged, unspoilt landscape that was made for walkers and explorers.

For dinner with a view, make the 10-minute taxi ride from Achladies Bay to Agia Eleni, on the west coast. Here, evenings play out against a pinky-peach sky, and restaurants provide uninterrupted views over the sea. You can appreciate the views from the water, too – just hop on one of the sunset cruises that depart from Skiathos Town. They usually include dinner and dancing.

This Blue Flag stretch of beach in Kolios has cushion-soft sands and calm, clear waters. You’ll find a string of good seafood eateries within footsteps, which means you don’t have to worry about bringing any food with you. You can also hire pedalos to explore the nearby coves that freckle the coast.

Perched on the peninsula that splits Skiathos harbour, the remains of Bourtzi betray nothing of its past. This former fortress was built back in the 13^th century, and once featured big battlements, fairytale towers and a small church. Nowadays, there’s little left to admire. But what the place lacks in substance it more than makes up for in views.

The sleepy island of Alonissos has managed to slip under the tourist radar, and that’s where its charm lies. The beaches here are snow-white, the craggy cliffs bristle with olive groves, and the handful of tavernas offer all-Greek menus in spectacular surroundings. The isle is less than a 2-hour ferry ride from Skiathos Town.

Every 6th September, locals in Skiathos get together to commemorate the Lambros Katsonis, a Greek submarine that was sunk near the island during the Second World War. To honour all Greek soldiers who fought and died during the war, the islanders throw flower wreaths into the sea. Head down to the harbour in Skiathos Town to see it in action.

Skiathos is one of the greenest islands in Greece’s collection, and there’s no better place to see this side of it for yourself than Mandraki Forest. The entire area’s loaded with pine trees, and there are a handful of easy-going walking trails that weave through the woods. Alternatively, you can opt for a route that winds around the coast.

No trip to Skiathos Town’s complete without stopping off at a traditional bakery for a serving of amygdalota – chewy, almond-topped cookies. They come in all shapes and sizes, from little pear-shaped bites to thicker macaroons. Gift sets are available, too, which make for great treats for friends and family back home.

You’ll find this protected landmass two miles off the coast of Skiathos. It’s part of a nature reserve, and apart from a small chapel on the east coast and a beachfront restaurant, the island’s completely uninhabited. While you’re here, you can flake out on one of the secluded beaches, or lace up your walking boots for a hike through the hills.

This religious celebration takes place at the Evangelistrias Monastery, and locals come here every year to join the procession and listen to the service. Afterwards, things turn really merry, with massive feasts and live music par for the course.

Skiathos’ countryside is studded with monasteries, but if you’ve only got time to see one, make it the Monastery of Evangelistrias. This place is hidden among vineyards and olive groves, about 3 miles north of Skiathos Town. It was built by monks from Athos in the 18^th century, and used as a secret hideout for refugees during the Greek War of Independence. It played host to a historical first back in 1807, too, when the official Greek flag was raised for the very first time.

This house in Skiathos Town pays tribute to the island’s most famous former resident, Alexander Papadiamantis. One of Greece’s most celebrated authors, he wrote 170 short stories and several novellas in the 19^th and 20^th centuries, and his home has since been turned into a museum. The upper floors, especially, look just like they did when the writer lived there.

The ancient quarter of Skiathos Town is the Greece you’ve seen on postcards. Picture a maze of winding alleyways, freckled with whitewashed houses and balconies overflowing with local blooms. Stroll around the cobbles, and then make your way to one of the authentic tavernas to sample local favourites like pan-fried prawns or suckling pig.

Koukounaries Beach is one of the most photographed stretches of sand in the Aegean. It comes with fine, golden sands and clear waters that are ripe for snorkelling. The sands are backed by a valley blanketed in fig trees, so you can go for shaded afternoon strolls if the sun gets too hot.

If you’re here in the height of summer, pay a visit to the Bouzi Fortress by the old harbour in Skiathos Town. It’s now used as an exhibition centre and, next to it, there’s an open-air theatre that hosts ballet performances, musical concerts and traditional Greek shadow theatre.

Set on a rocky outcrop, the fortified town of Kastro was once the capital of Skiathos. It was built back in the 16th century to act as a refuge from pirates, and housed no less than 20 churches and 300 or so houses. Nowadays, there are just a couple of churches left, along with crumbling ruins of the walls and the gate of the fort.

Troulos Beach doesn’t disappoint when it comes to scenery. This sweep of white sand is fringed by pine trees and washed by blue-green waves. It’s also great for watersports – pedalos, jet skis and banana boats are available to hire down by the shore. And, because the beach is just a stone’s throw from the town centre, you’ve got plenty of café and restaurant options come lunchtime.