The Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria is located 5 km north of Skiathos Town, amidst an area of rich vegetation. The monastery was built in the early 19th century and it has great historical importance for the island, as it contributed in the Greek War of Independence. In September 1807, the first Greek flag was weaved and blessed, the flag with the white cross on blue background.
Bourtzi
Bourtzi is a tiny peninsula at the entrance of the port that divides it in two district parts. A fortress was built there in the 13th century to protect the town, however today only few ruins survive. This is a popular place for rest and recreation, full of pine trees. The old primary school built in 1906 presently serves as a gorgeous cultural center. Inside the premises there is also a marvelous summer theatre and every year it hosts theatre and musical performances.
Monastery of Evangelistria
Medieval Castle
The Castle of Skiathos is located on the northern side of the island, accessible by boat or through a track path. This is a former Medieval principal town, built on a rocky cliff. In the area, there are remains of old structures such as churches, walls, baths and many more. From the summit of the cliff, one can view the mainland as well as the northern part of Skopelos. The view down to the picturesque beach is absolutely breathtaking.
Skiathos town
The capital of Skiathos is built amphitheatrically around a windless bay. Surrounded by pine trees, Skiathos Town distinguishes for its traditional architecture and the vivid nightlife. Because it is a very cosmopolitan little town, Skiathos Town has plenty of restaurants, tourist offices, shops, cafes, bars and clubs opened all night long. Most of the entertainment is located in the main street Papadiamanti and on the seafront. The old port is picturesque and pleasant place for a walk, boarded with little fishing boats.
House of Papadiamantis
This museum was the home of Alexandros Papadiamantis, one of the most prominent Greek writers, who lived there in the 19th century. He used to write ethnographic novels and narrative stories which are considered as masterpieces of contemporary Greek literature Located in Skiathos Town, this museum has personal items of the writer and many folklore pieces. The house is a typical example of the local architecture, one of the few that reflect the traditional style and character of the island.
Sea Caves
The sea caves on the northern side of Skiathos can be reached by tour boats from the Town. The landscape is wild and the water is crystal there. They are close to the beach of Lalaria, one of the most photographed beaches in Greece. These two caves are regarded as nature’s most remarkable creations and are among the most beautiful sights of Skiathos that should not be missed.
Koukounaries beach
This is the most famous beach of Skiathos, therefore the most crowded. It is well-known for its extremely fine white sand and its fragrant pine trees forest from which the region took its name. It is considered as the most unspoiled natural beach of the Mediterranean and is a protected environment. A biotope can be found in the pine forest boarding the beach where different species of plants and birds are protected. Since the beach is well-organized, it offers many water sports, chairs, umbrellas, beach bars.
Lalaria beach
Only reachable by boat from the port of the capital, Lalaria is situated on the north-eastern tip of the island and is a dream-like place of an incredible beauty with huge white cliffs rising out of the clear deep blue sea. To the left of the white sandy beach is a rock forming a natural bridge between the sand and the sea with a hole in the middle composing a sort of submarine passage. The magnificent Blue and Dark caves are located just before Lalaria and are worth being visited by boat.
Agia Paraskevi beach
The beach resort of Agia Paraskevi is placed in the south area of Skiathos, 7 km from Skiathos Town. It is a beautiful beach with blue waters and golden sand. It took its name after the close little church of Agia Paraskevi. This large beach has enough facilities to practice lots of water sports, including water skiing and jet skiing. It is also possible to rent a boat to go on small trips around the island.
Aselinos beach
Aselinos is a very beautiful exotic beach only basically organized with bamboo umbrellas and sun beds. The sea is crystal clear, the sand is gold and the environment exotic, quiet and calm. Ideal if you choose who dislike noisy touristic beaches and prefer to swim in a pure green landscape. It is located at the north coast and when northern winds prevail the sea gets wavy and you should be very cautious.
Mandraki bay beach
This is one of the most calm beaches located in the western coast of the island, 15 km west of Skiathos Town. It is a very well-known beach gifted by the nature for its crystal clear waters and the unspoiled views. It is moderately organized. Although it has a perfect natural surrounding, during the summer months it doesn’t get very crowded, probably because the road from Koukounaries to Mandraki is track.
Day trips
Round-the-island boat cruises, departing from the old port at 10am (June–late Sept), do an anticlockwise circuit via sea-caves and postcard-worthy Lalária beach with its famous Trýpia Pétra rock-arch – all inaccessible by land – before continuing to Kástro, Asélinos beach (the usual taverna stop) and Tsougriá islet with its emerald waters for another swim.
