GENERAL INFORMATION
About 5.000 people live on the 49 square km of Skiathos, settled along its 44 km long coastline. This leaves the green of the forested interior uninterrupted, as visitors as well as locals find it difficult to spare their attention for anything but this captivating coastline with its endless succession of beauteous sandy beaches. Cosmopolitan and picturesque Skiathos is a favorite equally among those who revel in vivid nightlife and those who seek relaxation.
HISTORY-CULTURE
Skiathos was inhabited during the Neolithic Age, but the proximity of the island to the mainland increased its historical significance during historical times. It participated in the Persian Wars, as well as in the Peloponnesean War, where it would side either with Athens or with Sparta. As a member of the Athenian Alliance, the economy of Skiathos flourished at the end of the 4th century BC. As the Macedonians rose to become the leading power in Greece, Skiathos came under their rule. They chose to destroy it themselves a few centuries later, in a vain attempt to stop the Romans from advancing further into their territory. Romans prevailed anyhow, losing control of the island in turn to Byzantines, Venetians, and Turks. Neither of the latter three protected Skiathos effectively, leaving it to the tender mercies of pirates, who made devastating raids, the most catastrophic being the one performed by the notorious pirate Barbarossa. This forced the populace to move their capital inland to a more fortified location, unto which they remained until the Greek nation was liberated after the War for Independence of 1821. Skiathos enjoyed a new era of prosperity as a building center for sailing ships, which lasted until the 1930s.
SIGHTS
The medieval castle of Bourtzi at the entrance of the harbor, built atop a pine-crested hill, beckons the visitor to pay a visit. Also worth visiting are the monasteries of Evangelistria, Agios Charalambos and Panagia Kounistra. Several more picturesque churches can be seen on the island, but what is most captivating on Skiathos is its magnificent beaches. Among these, the ones that stand out are Koukounaries, acknowledged as one of the most beauteous in the Aegean, Lalaria with its round white pebbles framed by an imposing steep cliff, the islet of Tsougria, Aselinos, Achladi and Kanapitsa. The tour around the island offers the opportunity to visit some of the numerous islets around Skiathos, while the blue and the dark cave should not be missed.
ENTERTAINMENT-SPORTS-SHOPPING
The capital of Skiathos offers full accommodations, along with an array of cafes, bars, night clubs, restaurants, taverns, and shops. Access to other locations is facilitated with frequent bus routes, as well as boat rides and tours. Watersports are fully available on most organized beaches, while the more reclusive ones will suit those who seek romance or relaxation. When out shopping, local artistic metalwork, weaving and pastry-making deserve a careful look. Various diverse cultural events, such as artistic exhibitions, music concerts, theatrical and dance performances, frequently take place on the hill of Bourtzi, so one should not miss the opportunity to attend those closer to his interests. Even performances in Greek will be found entertaining, as well as indicative of the cultural heritage of this land. Nevertheless, under the starlit sky, between pine trees and over the sea which glimmers the red-and-white lighting of the harbor, it is very likely that the content of any performance -however spectacular- will soon lose significance, and the visitor will simply relax and enjoy the moment.
ACCESS
Flights are carried out throughout the year while there is a ferry-boat and speed-boat service from the ports of Volos and Agios Constantinos on a daily basis. Both ports are accessible by bus or automobile. All routes are more frequent during the Summer.
CONNECTIONS
Ferries and speed-boats link Skiathos with the islands of Skopelos and Allonissos, and with the mainland of Thessaly through the ports of Volos and Agios Constantinos. Additional routes from Thessaloniki, Evia, and Chalkidiki operate in the Summer.
MUSEUMS
The house of the famous Greek author Alexandros Papadiamandis operates as a museum. Along with a tour of the mansion, the collection includes personal items and memoirs.
ALTERNATIVE TOURISM
Ecotourism, spiritual, cultural-historical, archaeology, caving, sporting (jet ski, water ski, scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing, trekking).
USEFULL TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
SKIATHOS AREA CODE: 24270-
POLICE STATION: 24270-21111
TOURIST POLICE: 24270-23172
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 24270-22399, 22699
MUNICIPALITY POLICE: 24270-22022
MUNICIPALITY: 24270-22022
POST OFFICE: 24270-22011
TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE: 24270-23300
TAXI STATION: 24270-24461
MEDICAL CENTER: 24270-22222, 22040
PHARMACIES: 24270-22988
AIRPORT: 24270-22049
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