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Welcome to
Skiathos Island
Skiathos could truly be the destination of your dreams. In common
with most Greek islands Skiathos enjoys a beautiful climate, blue
seas and golden beaches, so what sets it apart?
From the moment, the international jet set discovered the island
in the 60s and 70s when it was still unknown, Skiathos become a
popular destination, attracting the likes of Jackie Onasi, Jane
Fonda, Adriano Celentano, and Beatles.
The opinion of most tourists who have visited and spent some time
on Skiathos island is that the feeling of welcome and friendliness
extended by the local people makes a stay on the island,
especially rewarding and memorable. From the moment you land in
Skiathos, you will be made to feel at home. English is widely
spoken everywhere, from the most sophisticated places to the most
traditional tavernas. As you sit outside with a view of the
sparkling blue sea, sipping your ouzo and enjoying the wonderful
range of Greek food at a leisurely pace, you will realize why
Skiathos is so special.
The port of Skiathos town has an imposing seafront with
elegant shops and stylish restaurants to delight the visitor.
Boasting over
60 sandy beaches and
some of the finest coastal scenery in the world Skiathos is a
holiday paradise. Stretching along the south coast is a selection
of easily accessed sandy beaches. The island’s main road, running
the length of the island, links Skiathos town to the famous
Koukounaries beach. Koukounaries, which means pinecone, is a 2
kilometre stretch of extremely fine golden sand and it is backed
by a pine forest, which separates it from the freshwater
Strofilias lagoon. Because of its beautiful setting, the beach has
been used as the backdrop for television programmes and films,
including “Act of Piracy”, starring Gary Basey. The deep sand and
shallow water make Koukounaries beach ideal for families with
children. To the west of Koukounaries is Banana Beach, a favourite
with naturists from all over Europe. The main naturist area is on
Little Banana, which lies around the rocks at the western end of
Big Banana.
As well as the southern beaches there are some fine beaches worth
exploring on the north coast of Skiathos. Here one of the best
beaches is Lalaria, which has been featured on numerous postcards.
The high bleached white cliffs to both sides and the aquamarine
water provide stunning scenery. To the west of the bay is a rock
forming a natural bridge between the beach and the sea, with a
hole in the middle composing a sort of submarine passage. This
lovely beach with its white pebbles, marble and limestone is
approachable only from the sea because of its rocky outcrop.
For the active there are water sports and scuba diving and
for all there are organized boat trips around the island and to
neighbouring islands, Skopelos and Alonissos. Boats to most
beaches leave from the Old Harbour in Skiathos Town. Skiathos’s
rich history and wonderful scenery can best be appreciated by
strolling around the site of the island’s former capital at
Kastro. There are also several old monasteries dating back to the
Turkish occupation which are well worth visiting.
Skiathos thus has something to offer for all tastes with the added
attraction of a genuinely friendly welcome
from the local population. |
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