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Skiathos

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Thodoris Tzoumas

Skiathos, meaning rich shade of trees, was named to its unique forests. The island has been continuously inhabited since the 10th century BC. Kefala is of particular importance as it is the first recorded place with inhabitants in the Sporades from early historical times, dating back to the 10th century BC.

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 remains via picturesque chapels and fortifications.

From the Venetians and Dutch travelers and cartographers, to holidaymakers and the rapid development of tourism, Skiathos consistently charms every visitor. During the 19th century the island became an important shipbuilding centre in the Aegean thanks to the abundance of pine forests.

Skiathos is a small island in the northwest Aegean Sea in Greece. It is the westernmost island in the Northern Sporades.

The main town is Skiathos (population of 4,883 in 2011), in the eastern part of the island. Other main settlements are Kalyvia, Troullos, Χanemos, Koukounaries and Achladias. The population of the municipality of Skiathos is around 6,600 inhabitants.

The economy of Skiathos is based on tourism. Despite its small size, the island has over 60 mostly sandy beaches scattered around the 44 km coastline.

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TOURISM

Skiathos offers unique coastline. The island was named the best island in the world for its beaches by the Condé Nast Traveler 2019 Readers' Choice Awards.

The island is the only one in Greece where two thirds of its area are characterized as 'Aesthetic Forest of Natural Beauty'. Skiathos offers unique coastline and numerous beaches, including Lalaria, Koukounaries and Mandraki. Some are busy and 'loud' but most of the sixty-seven islands, 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 with golden to black sand, multicolored or white pebbles, steep reefs, colorful marine life and crystal-clear waters.

The magnificent network of walking trails, almost 200 km long, passes through fairy glens with streams and waterfalls, rows of plane trees, monasteries, Byzantine monuments, and small churches. There are also monuments of great interest, the most important being at Kefala and Kastro.

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.