all about Skiathos island Villages Beaches History Sightseeing

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1 all about Skiathos island Villages Beaches History Sightseeing

2 Content The Island of Skiathos General... 4 History of Skiathos... 4 Shopping Local Products... 5 Local dishes and delicacies... 5 Τhe town of Skiathos... 6 Sightseeing in the town... 6 Setlements of the island of Skiathos 1. Aghia Paraskevi Achladies Kanapitsa Katsaros Kolios Koukounaries Megali Ammos Tzaneria Troulos Ftelia Beaches close to the Town of Skiathos Bourtzi Xanemos Lehouni Kastro Megas Gialos Other Beaches Lalaria Aselinos Mikri Aselinos Alygaries Kehria Mandraki Elia Angistro Aghia Eleni Kryfi Ammos Banana Mikri Banana Beaches at the Southern Coast (from the Town of Skiathos up to Koukounaries) Megali Ammos Ftelia Vasilias

3 Achladies Sklethri Tzaneria Kanapitsa Bromolimnos Kolios Aghia Paraskevi Poros Troulos Maratha Koukounaries Ambelakia Alexandros Papadiamantis Sightseeing Kastro (The Castle) Bourtzi Papadiamantis House Monasteries The Holy Monastery of Evangelismos, or Moni Evangelistrias The Holy Monastery of Panaghia Kounistra (Aselinos) The Holy Monastery of Aghios Charalambos Why Skiathos? Practical Info

4 The Island of Skiathos General Skiathos is a pretty big island almost in the center of the Aegean Sea, opposite to the coasts of Pelion and the island of Euboea. It is a lovely island, endowed by Nature with breathtaking beauty; an island with luxuriant green, lovely beaches and other natural sightseeing. The natural environment, the crystal clear sea, the monuments and the local architecture, along with the hospitable residents, attract many visitors, not only in summer but throughout the year. A wide network of facilities and high level infrastructure are at the disposal of the people visiting the island for a short or for a longer stay. The extent of Skiathos reaches the 50 square kilometers and its coastline is more than 45 kilometers long. The island counts some permanent residents occupied mainly in tourism and to a lesser extent in agriculture and other jobs. Access to the island is possible by several means of transport, both marine and aerial ones. History of Skiathos According to mythology, in prehistoric times the island was inhabited by the Pelasgians, the Careans and the Cretans. Several ancient written sources state that Dionysus, the god of wine, was worshipped as Skianthios on all the islands occupied by Cretans, a name that makes allusion to Skiathos. Later on, during the 8th and 7th century Ions from Chalkis came to settle on the island, on their way to colonize the peninsula of Chalkidiki. The town that the Ions had established was situated at the northeastern part of the port upon a low height and dominated the whole area and the bay with the double port. The town was fortified with a strong wall made of boulders, with two gates which assured connection with the rest of the island and with the port. This town kept settled until the medieval times, when the population moved to Kastro at the northern part of the island. The ancient historian Herodotus states that the residents of Skiathos, through a system of beacons had notified the fleet of the Greeks that the Persian fleet was sailing down towards southern Greece; it is also stated that the people of Skiathos was one of the few populations that did not fall in with the Persians. After the end of the Persian Wars they became allies of the Athenians and participated to the First Athenian Alliance set up in 478 b.c. The residents of Skiathos, governed by a democratic government in this period, contributed only a small amount to the Alliance, since the place was pretty poor. After the end of the Peloponnesian war and the defeat of the Athenians, Skiathos passed to the domination of the Spartans and the people was obliged to establish an oligarchic regime. After the Peace of Antalkidas, in 386 b.c., Skiathos became autonomous, but soon the Spartans took possession of the island again. During the Second Athenian Alliance that was established in 378 b.c. Skiathos fell again in line with the Athenian democracy and the island served as a marine base for the Athenian fleet until 338 b.c., when it was conquered by the Macedonians. In the next period the island was involved in the conflicts of the Macedonians and, later on, of the Romans until the battle of Philippi, when Antonius, the victor of the battle, yielded it to the Athenians and the island returned to a democratic regime. In the next centuries Skiathos fades out of the scene of history; no precise activities are known, apart from the information that a diocese was established on the island which belonged to the Metropolis of Larissa. During the Byzantine period Skiathos suffered a lot from the pirates raids. In 1204 the island was given to the Venetian brothers Ghizi, who constructed the new castle at Bourtzi. 4

5 Later on the Byzantines took possession of the island anew and kept it until 1453, when the locals called the Venetians again, in order to have protection from the Ottoman attacks. The second period of the Venetian domination lasted until 1538, when the Ottomans took possession of the island. The Ottomans occupied the island in 1538, a fact that was confirmed with a peace treaty with the Venetians in During this period of time Skiathos is under the government of a Voevoda (Ottoman official); the governor is aided by a number of notables who were elected by the local population. The island belonged to the Kapoudan Pasha, the admiral of the Ottoman fleet. At the beginning, the residents were subject to high taxes, as it is in that way that they could redeem the obligation of service to the Ottoman fleet. After the island was destroyed by Morozini in 1660, the Ottomans gradually decreased and the notables also redeemed the post of the Voevoda; thus the island became almost autonomous and the population had only the obligation to pay taxes to the Ottomans. Since the early 18th century the residents of Skiathos reactivated the ancient art of sailing and started to build up small ships and hold the trade with Thessaly and the neighbouring islands. Soon enough they expanded their activities to the Black Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean and Egypt. The locals took active part to the revolt led by the Russian admiral Orlof and that of Lambros Katsonis and they contributed both people and ships. An interesting and symbolic fact is that one of the versions of the Greek flag, that with the white cross on blue fond was for the first time raised at Skiathos, at the Monastery of Evangelismos (Annunciation) in During the Greek National Revolution the locals resisted strongly to the attacks of the Ottoman fleet; as a result of this they remained free and autonomous from the very beginning and soon received a lot of refugees from Olympus, Pelion and Thessaly. More than people arrived to the island in that period of time, which caused a lot of problems. In 1823 the residents of Skiathos achieved to repulse the extended attack of the Ottomans who tried, unsuccessfully, to take possession of the island once more. After Greece had obtained its independence, Skiathos was incorporated to it and ever since it followed the destiny of the new state. Shopping Local Products The visitors of the island will have the chance to buy various local agricultural products and sweets. You may buy olive oil and olives, tasty honey, gorgeous amygdalota and aspro (local sweets made with almonds). At the Monastery of Evangelistria you will find wine, tsipouro (a local drink similar to ouzo), nice liquors and various sweets; you will also find honey, olive oil and olives, herbs and homemade pasta. Local dishes and delicacies You will enjoy fresh fish and sea food at the sea front taverns of the island. In the traditional taverns ask for the local cheese pie; it is certainly worth tasting! And, of course, don t forget to finish your meal with a local sweet! 5

6 Τhe town of Skiathos The town of Skiathos is the capital town of the island where it is also found the port. The town receives a lot of tourists. It has been built at the beach, but it is also extended up to the low hills around. The first part of the town the visitor sees when entering the port is the small peninsula with the pines and Bourtzi, the old castle of the island. The town of Skiathos is a modern tourist center with good infrastructure and a lot of facilities for the visitors. Whatever you might wish for a comfortable accommodation, food, amusement, shopping and other services, is available at the town. Swimming is quite an easy thing, as you may choose from several beaches close to the town; the closest one is Bourtzi, while Xanemos at the North is not far away. Also, you may catch the excursion boats that depart regularly every day from the port, to get you almost to every beach of the island. In case of emergence a local Medical Center, a pharmacy and a Police station are available for you. A series of cultural activities take place at the town throughout summer, which reach their peak in July and August with the events known as Oneiro sto kyma ( a dream on the wave, after the title of a novel of Alexandros Papadiamantis). In early September you may attend the cultural events entitled Imeres Violiou ( the violin days ) organized in memory of the sinking of the submarine Lambros Katsonis during the World War II. On the name day of Aghios Georgios (St. George, celebrated on the 23rd of April, or on Monday following Easter, there are organized horse races at the lake, an old custom that has recently revived. Finally on the 18th of August a local religious feast ( panighyri ) takes place at the islet of Tsougria in honor of Aghios Floros. Access to the island and the town is possible by sea and by air. Ships of several types connect Skiathos with the ports of Aghios Constantinos at Fthiotida, of Kymi (Euboea island), as well as with the ports of Salonica and Volos. The island has also regular air communication with Athens, more frequent in summer, and with several capitals of Europe via charter flights. Sightseeing in the town Apart from the house of Alexandros Papadiamantis, where you may see a lot of souvenirs and objects of everyday use of this great Greek author, the town has a lot of sightseeing. Of course, the most outstanding among them is the overgrown area of Bourtzi, with the ruins of the medieval castle, the old buildings of neoclassic style and the municipal café with the excellent view of the sea and of the island. You may also see the memorial in honor of the submarine Lambros Katsonis which sank in short distance from the island in 1943, after it had heroically combated the Germans. You may also see the Folk Exhibition with several objects, utensils and costumes from the past. Don t miss to have lunch or dinner at the restaurant established at the old windmill! On your way to the lagoon you will find another old windmill, just by the sea. And, when you arrive at the area of the lagoon, you will have the chance to watch the hundreds of migrant birds of this interest- 6

7 ing biotope. Also you may go to Punta, a place full of pine trees and some hotels; from Punta you will enjoy a wonderful view. Skiathos has many churches worth seeing. The most important among them is the Cathedral, built in the 19th century and celebrated in the name of the Three Hierarchs. The church is a three-aisled basilica with a tower bell of very interesting style and an exhibition of old icons and wood carved items, coming from various churches of the island. You may also visit the church of Panaghia, dedicated to Virgin Mary, with the stone built tower bell, the church of Aghia Triada (Holy Trinity) and the ruins of the ancient walls nearby, the church of Aghios Nicolaos (St. Nicolas) with a clock on the top and the church of Aghios Fanourios, situated one kilometer far from the town upon a height with excellent view. From the port of the town you may get any of the excursion boats which will bring you to remote beaches inaccessible from the land; or you may choose to make tour of the island, during which you will see parts of the island which you would not see otherwise and which will remain in your memory for long. Click here to view hotels in Skiathos town by Greekhotel.com - Greekislands.com Setlements of the island of Skiathos 1. Aghia Paraskevi The settlement of Aghia Paraskevi is a tourist resort extended around the homonymous sandy beach, at the southern coast of the island, well protected from the strong northern winds. The settlement is situated at a distance of some 8,5 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos and half kilometer southern to Platanias. It owes its name to the homonymous small country church, hidden in the shade of huge perennial plane trees and tall aspens, which grow just by the sea. You have a lot of alternatives for accommodation by the sea to choose from in the settlement; you will also find taverns and cafés for meals and cool refreshments. Swimming is possible at the very well organized beach in front of the settlement that offers full facilities for swimming, sunbathing and sea sports. On the 26th of July the locals celebrate the name day of Aghia Paraskevi with a local religious feast ( panighyri ). If you are around, don t miss it! For any problem the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, 8,5 kilometers far away to the Northeast, are available for you. Access to the beach is easy by public buses, with frequent service, by taxi and by rented or private car and motorbikes. Click here to view hotels in the nearby Platanias by Greekhotel.com - Greekislands.com 7

8 2. Achladies Achladies (meaning pear trees in Greek), is an important, rapidly developing tourist resort extended along the homonymous sandy beach. It is situated some 5 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos. The settlement counts only a few permanent residents living almost exclusively on tourism. Many accommodation facilities are available in the resort. But the most interesting feature of it are certainly the nice taverns and the scenic ouzo bars at the sea front, where you will enjoy tasty dishes and gorgeous meals or just an aperitif, before or after swimming. The beach in front of the settlement is very well organized, offering full facilities for swimming, sunbathing and sea sports to swimmers. For any problem, you should address to the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, only 5 kilometers far from the settlement at the Northeast. Access to the beach from the town of Skiathos is possible by public buses, running frequently, by taxi and by rented or private car and motorbikes. There is also a daily connection by excursion boats that depart from the port of the town of Skiathos and get many people to the settlement. Click here to view hotels in Achladies by Greekhotel.com - Greekislands.com 3. Kanapitsa Kanapitsa is a small tourist resort extended around the homonymous very popular beach; it is situated at a distance of 7,5 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos, very close to the scenic cape of Kalamaki. The area offers many alternatives for accommodation and you have several sea front taverns to choose from for fresh fish and nice aperitifs, which you will enjoy along with the breathtaking view that you will remember for long; taking photos of the place is certainly a good idea. Swimming is possible at the well organized beach where the swimmers will find all facilities for swimming, sunbathing and sea sports. For any problem you have to return to the town of Skiathos, some 7,5 kilometers far from the settlement at the Northeast. Access to the beach is easy by public buses, by taxi and by rented or private car and motor- 8

9 bikes. You will leave your vehicle at the parking by the road. The bus station is also close to the parking. Click here to view hotels in Kanapitsa by Greekhotel.com - Greekislands.com 4. Katsaros Katsaros is a small tourist settlement very close (1 kilometer far away to the South) to the nice beach of Vasilias. The settlement is situated at the southern coast of the island, some 6 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos on the way to Koukounaries. Several accommodation facilities, taverns and cafés are available in the settlement and in the broader area. Swimming is possible at the nearby beach of Vasilias (the word means king in Greek), which offers full facilities to swimmers. In case of any problem, you have to return to the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, 6 kilometers far away to the Northeast. Access to the settlement is possible by public buses, with frequent service, by taxi, as well as by private means (car or motorbikes). 5. Kolios The settlement of Kolios (the word means mackerel in Greek) is a tourist resort surrounding the homonymous sandy beach. It is situated at the southern coast of the island, some 8 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos, 3 kilometers western to Platanias on the way to Koukounaries. The settlement and the broader area offer many alternatives for accommodation; you will also find several taverns and snack bars for full meals and cool refreshments. Swimming is a pleasure at the well organized beach in front of the settlement that offers full facilities for swimming, sunbathing and sea sports. In case of any problem you have to return to the town of Skiathos, 8 kilometers far away to the Northeast. Access to the settlement from the town of Skiathos is possible by public buses running regularly, by taxi and by rented or private car and motorbikes. 9

10 6. Koukounaries Koukounaries is a rapidly developing tourist resort around the homonymous beach, one of the most famous beaches of the Mediterranean Sea; the settlement is situated at the southwestern coast of the island, at a distance of 13 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos. It counts some 150 permanent residents, almost all of them occupied in tourism. The settlement offers many alternatives for accommodation and eating close to the beach. The wonderful natural environment attracts a great number of visitors who will find here the ideal combination of a scenic landscape with high level services. The swimmers will certainly enjoy the excellent sea, the bright sun and the variety of sea sports. When in the area don t miss to take a walk or a drive to the lagoon of Strofilia, an impressive biotope within a natural environment of breathtaking beauty. For any problem you should address to the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, some 13 kilometers northeastern to Koukounaries. Access to the resort from the town of Skiathos (Chora) and from the airport is pretty easy by public buses, with frequent service, by rented or private car and motorbikes, but also by taxi, as the distance is quite short. If you wish to arrive here by yacht, facilities for mooring are available at the small port of Koukounaries. Click here to view hotels in Koukounaries by Greekhotel.com - Greekislands.com 7. Megali Ammos Megali Ammos (meaning the large sand in Greek) is an almost exclusively tourist resort, situated at a distance of 3 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos. There are many alternatives for accommodation in this rapidly developing tourist resort. It is worth mentioning the taverns and the ouzo bars at the sea front, where you will enjoy gorgeous meals, aperitifs and refreshments after a nice swimming. Swimming is possible at the very well organized beach in front of the settlement, where the swimmer will find facilities for swimming, sunbathing and sea sports. In case of emergence, you should address to the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, are only 3 kilometers far from the beach at the Northeast. Access to the settlement from the town of Skiathos is easy by public buses running frequently, by 10

11 taxi and by rented or private car and motorbikes. As the distance from the town of Skiathos is pretty short, the fans of walking can also get here on foot. 8. Tzaneria Tzaneria (the name means greengage tree in Greek) is a tourist resort, developed around the homonymous beach. The settlement is situated at a distance of some 7 kilometers far from the town of Skiathos at the Southwest, within a small cove. The settlement and the area around offer several alternatives for accommodation and you will enjoy fresh fish at the sea front tavern of the beach. The beach in front of the settlement is well organized with facilities for swimming, sunbathing and sea sports. In case of emergence, you should return to the town of Skiathos, some 7 kilometers far from the beach at the Northeast. Access to the resort from the town of Skiathos is pretty easy by public buses, running frequently, by taxi and by rented or private car and motorbikes. 9. Troulos Troulos (meaning dome in Greek) is a small tourist settlement developed around the homonymous cute sandy beach. It is situated at the southern coast of the island, some 9 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos and one kilometer western to Platanias, on the way from Skiathos to Koukounaries. It owes its name to the islet across, whose shape reminds the dome of a church. Several accommodation facilities are available in the area around the beach; you will also find taverns and cafés for meals and cool refreshments. The beach of the settlement is very well organized and offers full facilities to swimmers. In case of emergence you should address to the town of Skiathos, 9 kilometers northeastern to Troulos. Access to the beach is easy by public buses, with frequent service, by taxi, by rented or private car and motorbikes, but also by excursion boats, departing from the port of the capital town of Skiathos. Click here to view hotels in Troulos by Greekhotel.com - Greekislands.com 11

12 10. Ftelia Ftelia is an exclusively tourist settlement, extended around the homonymous beach and situated at a distance of 4 kilometers southwesten to the town of Skiathos. The rapidly developing tourist resort offers a lot of accommodation facilities. Here too, as in Megali Ammos, you will find several scenic ouzo bars and taverns at the sea front, where you may enjoy tasty meals. The beach in front of the settlement is well organized, with crystal clear sea and many facilities for swimming, sunbathing and sea sports. For any problem, the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, some 4 kilometers northeastern to the beach, are available for you. Access to the beach from the town of Skiathos is easy by public buses with frequent service, by taxi and by rented or private car and motorbikes. As the distance is pretty short, you may also get to the beach on foot. Beaches close to the Town of Skiathos Bourtzi The beach of Bourtzi is situated very close to the town of Skiathos, at the small peninsula in the port of Skiathos, just below the ruins of the castle. Being that close to the capital of the island, you have a lot of alternatives for accommodation, eating and drinking to choose from. For any problem, the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos are available for you. Access to the beach is easy on foot, via the road leading to Bourtzi. 12

13 Xanemos The beach of Xanemos, a pebbly beach with gross pebbles, is situated some 3,5 kilometers northeastern to the town of Skiathos, within a cove, at the eastern coast of the island. It owes its name to the fact that it is totally open to the strong northern winds blowing in the area; it is a beach with very cool sea. Neither accommodation, nor food and drink facilities are available at the beach; but as it is quite close to the capital town of Skiathos and at the end of the way to the airport, several alternatives for accommodation and eating are found in the broader area. At the site of Kefala archaeologists have detected the traces of a prehistoric settlement. The beach is rather organized, with swimming, sunbathing and sea sport facilities. The nice view to Skopelos, the crystal clear very clean sea and the short distance from the town of Skiathos and from the airport have made the beach pretty popular, especially among nudists and naturists. In case of any problem you should address to the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, at a distance of 3,5 kilometers southwestern to the beach. Access to the beach is possible by public buses with frequent service, by taxi, as well as by rented and private car and motorbikes. Lehouni The small rocky beach of Lehouni, with gross pebbles, is situated some 5 kilometers far from the town of Skiathos at the eastern coast of the island. According to the local tradition it is here that has been buried Nikotsaras, a hero of the Greek National Revolution of 1821; for this reason the beach is often called Nikotsaras beach. No accommodation or food and drink facilities are available at the beach, but as it is pretty close to the town of Skiathos, you may stay in the area around and come here for a nice swimming. The beach is not organized at all and if you come here it is only for the wild beauty of the landscape and the crystal clear clean sea. On your way to the beach you will also see the Holy Monastery of Evangelistria. For any problem you have to return to the town of Skiathos, some 5 kilometers southern to the beach. Access to Lehounia is possible by rented or private car and motorbikes; from the monastery of Evangelistria to the beach, you have to drive on a good dirt road. 13

14 Kastro The secluded rocky beach of Kastro, is situated just below the marvellous medieval castle, after which it has been named ( kastro in Greek means castle ). It is found at a distance of some 13 kilometers northern to the town of Skiathos, at the northern coast of the island, within a small cove, open to the North. A tiny part of the beach is sandy. Accommodation facilities are available only in the area of the town of Skiathos, far enough from the beach. The beach is not organized at all, but it offers crystal clear very clean sea, usually wavy, and a rocky fascinating environment. In case of any problem you should return to the town of Skiathos, some 13 kilometers southern to the beach. Access to the beach is possible by private means (car and motorbikes) up to Kastro; from there you will continue on foot down to the beach. Megas Gialos The small sandy beach of Megas Gialos is situated at a distance of some 4 kilometers northeastern to the town of Skiathos, at the eastern coast of the island. It is a beach ideal for those who are tired of the crowded cosmopolitan beaches of the tourist resorts and seek a place for relaxing. No accommodation facilities or taverns and bars are available at the beach, but the town of Skiathos is pretty close and the area offers several alternatives for this kind of facilities. The beach is not organized at all; if you come here it is for the beautiful landscape, the relaxing atmosphere and the clean sea. In case of any problem you should address to the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, at a distance of 4 kilometers southwestern to the beach. Access from the town of Skiathos is possible only by private means (car and motorbikes) via a good dirt road. 14

15 Other Beaches Lalaria The famous beach of Lalaria, the beach with the worldwide known big, smooth pebbles, is situated at the northeastern cost of the island. It owes its name exactly to these snow-white almost perfectly round pebbles, which the locals call lalaria. The pebbles are being made since millions of years, as the rough sea with the frothy waves bursts out on the white rocks of the steep and inaccessible coast, when the wind blows furiously from the North; thanks to the action of the elements of nature big pieces are detached from the rocks which successively, after a long time, turn out to these lovely round pebbles. Many of the frequent visitors of Skiathos suggest that it is thanks to the photo of this extraordinary beach the island has made up its reputation worldwide. The beach is inaccessible from the land and has nothing else to offer you but the absolute beauty of an intact original and very scenic natural environment. The sea is usually wavy, the beach breaths a sigh as the lalaria are agitated by the waves, the Trypia Petra (meaning the hollow rock in Greek), famous thanks to the numerous photos, stands there like protecting the beach, and the high impressive white rocks of the beach rise steeply, almost vertically from the ground up to the sky. Whenever the weather allows it, when there is no northern wind, numerous visitors arrive here by the excursion boats departing from the town, to enjoy this solitary beach with the excellent crystal clear sea, under the bright sun, shining on the transparent light blue of the Mediterranean sky. It goes without saying that taking photos, especially of the trypia petra, through which you may see the small boats arriving to the beach, is a must for all visitors. Before coming here, don t forget to take along the necessary provisions, especially water, as nothing else but beauty is offered to you at the beach. When there is northern wind nobody comes to the beach, as there is no shelter to protect you from the fury of the sea bursting out on the steep rocky coast. Also, if the boat has already brought you here and the weather turns bad, it will immediately pick you up, to get you back, in the safe and friendly bosom of the town of Skiathos. Access to the beach is possible by the excursion boats of the town of Skiathos. If you wish to come here by private boat or yacht, you should attempt it only if you know well the route and the sea around. Aselinos Nice, secluded enough and of moderate size, the sandy beach of Aselinos is situated some 13,5 15

16 kilometers northwestern to the town of Skiathos, at the northwestern coast of the island within a cove open to the North. Accommodation facilities are available in short distance from the beach (the beach is found some 4 kilometers far from Troulos). Aselinos is basically organized with umbrellas and sun beds at the beach. The sea is crystal clear and very clean and the environment exotic and quite calm and mild. If you choose this beach it is for enjoying a beach without big crowds, far from the noise of the popular resorts of the southern coast and for relaxing within a natural environment of luxuriant green. However, when there are northern winds, the sea gets wavy and you should be very cautious. In case of any problem the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, some 13,5 kilometers at the Southeast, are available for you. Access to the beach is possible by the excursion boats departing daily from the town of Skiathos. If you prefer to come by car or motorbike you have to drive for a few hundred meters on a dirt road and you have to leave your car close enough to the beach. Mikri Aselinos The tiny secluded sandy beach of Mikri ( small ) Aselinos is situated some 16 kilometers northwestern to the town of Skiathos, at the northwestern coast of the island within a cove open to the North. On your way to the beach you will pass by the Holy Monastery of Panaghia Eikonistra, or Kounistra, dedicated to Virgin Mary. Accommodation facilities are available in short distance from the beach (the beach is found some 6 kilometers far from Troulos). Mikri Aselinos is not much organized; only a few umbrellas and sun beds are available at the beach. The sea is crystal clear and very clean and the environment very nice and quite exotic. If you choose this beach it is for enjoying a beach without big crowds, far from the noise of the popular resorts of the southern coast and for relaxing within a wild natural environment, close to the interesting rock formations of the beach. However, be careful when there are northern winds, because the sea gets wavy and may be a bit dangerous. In case of any problem you should address to the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, some 16 kilometers at the Southeast. Access to the beach is possible by the excursion boats departing daily from the town of Skiathos. If you choose to come by car or motorbike you have to drive some 2 kilometers or more on a good dirt road and you have to leave your vehicle close enough to the beach. 16

17 Alygaries Nice, secluded enough and of moderate size, the sandy beach of Alygaries (meaning osiers in Greek) is situated at a distance of 12 kilometers northwestern to the town of Skiathos, at the middle of the northwestern coast of the island within a cove open to the North. Accommodation facilities are available in some distance from the beach (the beach is found some 6 kilometers far from Katsaros). Alygaries is not organized at all. It is a beach for solitary souls with crystal clear and very clean sea and a wild and exotic natural environment. If you come here it is for enjoying a beach without big crowds, far from the noise of the popular resorts of the southern coast and for relaxing in an almost intact natural environment. Be careful when there are northern winds, since the sea gets wavy enough. In case of emergence the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, some 12 kilometers at the Southeast, are available for you. Access to the beach is possible by the excursion boats departing daily from the town of Skiathos. If you prefer to come by car or motorbike you have to drive for some 6 kilometers on a good dirt road and you have to leave your car close enough to the beach. Kehria The nice, secluded enough and tiny beach of Kehria is a beach with sand and pebbles, situated at a distance of 13 kilometers northwestern to the town of Skiathos, at the middle of the northern coast of the island within a cove open to the Northwest. Accommodation facilities are available in some distance from the beach (the beach is found some 7 kilometers far from Katsaros). The beach is basically organized; only a few umbrellas and sea beds are available for swimmers. But the sea is very clean and the pretty secluded environment offers exotic beauty. You will come here alone or in small company, only if you have got bored of the noise of the popular and cosmopolitan resorts of the southern coast and if you wish to enjoy a wild and somehow intact natural environment. Be careful when there are northern or western winds and the sea gets wavy. In case of emergence you should return to the town of Skiathos, some 13 kilometers at the Southeast. Access to the beach is possible by the excursion boats departing daily from the town of Skiathos. 17

18 You may also come by car or motorbike, but in this case you have to drive for some 6,5 kilometers on a good dirt road and you have to leave your car a bit before arriving to the beach. Mandraki The lovely sandy beach of Mandraki, also known as the Port of Xerxes, is situated some 14 kilometers far from the town of Skiathos, at the western coast of the island. Accommodation facilities are available close enough, in the area of Koukounaries, at a distance of 2-3 kilometers southern to the beach. No facilities at all are available at the beach. If you come here it is for the crystal clear sea and the exotic environment; the place is ideal for relaxing far from the noise of the popular crowded beaches, within a natural landscape. In case of emergence, the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, 14 kilometers far away to the East, are available for you. The best way to get to the beach is by the excursion boats departing daily from the town of Skiathos. If you decide to use your car, you will leave it some 1-2 kilometers before arriving to the beach and make the rest of the way on foot, passing through a thick wood of pines and walking on sandy soil. If you decide to use a motorbike, you may continue all the way long until arriving to the beach. Elia The cute sandy beach of Elia (the word means olive tree in Greek) is situated at the western coast of the island some 15 kilometers western to the town of Skiathos. Accommodation facilities are available in the near by area of Koukounaries (some 3-4 kilometers southern to the beach). Elia is not organized at all, but the sea is crystal clear and the landscape pretty exotic. It is an ideal place for relaxing within a wonderful natural environment, far from the noisy and crowded popular beaches. For any problem you should address to the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, 15 kilometers far away to the East. The easier way to access the beach is by the excursion boats, departing daily from the town of Skiathos to get people to these remote beaches. If you wish to come by car, you have to park it some 2 kilometers before arriving to the beach and continue on foot, walking in a thick wood of pines and on sandy soil. Motorbikes can reach the beach, although via a difficult road. 18

19 Angistro The lovely remote sandy beach of Angistro (meaning hook in Greek) is situated close enough to Elia, within a cove open to the North, at the western coast of the island. It is found some 15 kilometers western to the town of Skiathos. Accommodation facilities are available in the area of Koukounaries, some 3-4 kilometers to the South. The beach is not organized at all, but you will certainly enjoy a mild and exotic landscape and the crystal clear very clean sea. You will choose this beach only if you wish to relax and avoid the cosmopolitan crowded beaches of the rest of the island. In case of emergence you have to return to the town of Skiathos, 15 kilometers far away to the East. Access to the beach is easier by the excursion boats, departing daily from the town of Skiathos and sailing to the beaches of the area. The difficult way is to come by car; you will park it some 2 kilometers before arriving to the beach and continue on foot, walking in a thick wood of pines and on sandy soil. Motorbikes can drive up to the beach. Aghia Eleni The nice sandy beach of Aghia Eleni (St. Helen) is situated at the western coast of the island, at a distance of some 14 kilometers western to the town of Skiathos and one kilometer western to Koukounaries. The beach owes its name to the homonymous small church, whose white color goes very well along with the blue of the sea, the green of the trees and the golden sand. Accommodation facilities are available at Koukounaries. The beach of Aghia Eleni is only basically organized, but the sea is very clean, the golden sand is ideal for sunbathing and the landscape is wonderful and quite exotic. Another pro of this beach is that it is situated to the very west. The sun shines here until late in the afternoon when it becomes a red disc which sinks slowly in the horizon line. In June and July, the area retains the daylight until early in the evening. During the rest of the day, the sun is quite strong, but, you will be protected under the umbrellas, or enjoy the thick shade of the big trees almost shadowing the sea. For any problem, the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, 14 kilometers far away to the East, are available for you. The commonest and easiest way to access the beach is by the excursion boats, departing daily from the town of Skiathos and bringing several people to this area full of nice and quiet beaches. You may also reach the beach by car via the pretty bad road that you will find after you have passed by the lagoon of Strofilia. 19

20 Kryfi Ammos The tiny sandy beach of Kryfi Ammos (meaning the hidden sand in Greek), a beach of breathtaking beauty, is situated at a distance of some 15 kilometers western to the town of Skiathos at the western end of the island, some 2 kilometers western to Koukounaries. It owes its name to the fact that is totally invisible, literally hidden behind low hills and rocks. Accommodation facilities are available only in the area of Koukounaries. The beach is not organized at all, but the sea is crystal clear and very clean and the environment mild, exotic and lovely. Also, since it faces the West, you will enjoy a nice sunset. In June and July there is light until late in the evening. For any problem you should address to the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, some 15 kilometers eastern to the beach. Access to the beach is possible by the excursion boats departing daily from the town of Skiathos. You may also come by car or motorbike, via a pretty bad road which you will follow after deviating from the lagoon of Strofilia. Also, you have to leave your car a few hundred meters and continue on foot to reach the beach. Banana The wonderful sandy beach of Banana is situated at the southern part of the western coast of the island, at a distance of some 14 kilometers western to the town of Skiathos and approximately one kilometer western to Koukounaries. The beach owes its name to its shape that looks like the homonymous fruit. The old name of the beach was Ormos tou Krassa (the Krassas cove), but today it is the new name that prevails everywhere. Some years ago Banana was a beach for nudists, but as recently the beach has become very popular and attracts many people, nudists and naturists have now found shelter to the adjacent beach of Mikri Banana ( small banana ). Accommodation facilities are available only in the area of Koukounaries. Banana is a well organized beach with taverns and cafés for food and drink and with facilities for swimming, sunbathing and sea sports. The sea is crystal clear and very clean and the golden sand ideal for sunbathing. You will swim in a pretty exotic environment, with the trees to shadow the sea. Another pro of the beach is that, being at the west, the sun shines until late in the afternoon. All these features make the beach a pole of attraction for many visitors, mainly younger ones, who come here not only for swimming but also for frantic amusement. 20

21 For any problem you should address to the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, 14 kilometers far away to the East. The best way to get to the beach is by the excursion boats, departing daily from the town of Skiathos and bringing several people to this area full of nice and quiet beaches. If you wish to reach the beach by car, you will follow a pretty bad road, which you will find after you have passed by the lagoon of Strofilia; don t forget to follow the opposite direction from this leading to Aghia Eleni. Mikri Banana The lovely small sandy beach of Mikri Banana (the name means small banana in Greek) is situated at the southern part of the western coast of the island, at a distance of some 14 kilometers western to the town of Skiathos and approximately one kilometer western to Koukounaries. The beach owes its name to the fact that it is the younger sister of Megali Banana; the two beaches are separated by a big rock. The beach is quite secluded, which makes it popular to nudists and naturists who have moved here, after the big Banana was invaded by crowds of conventional tourists. Accommodation facilities are available only in the area of Koukounaries. This beach is not organized and for any facilities you have to pop up to the nearby beach of Banana. But if you choose this place you will certainly remember it for long. The sea is excellent and, if you stay late, you will have the chance to enjoy a wonderful sunset and you will feel like staying here for ever. In case of emergence you should address to the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, 14 kilometers far away to the East. The best way to reach the beach is by the excursion boats, departing daily from the town of Skiathos. If you wish to reach the beach by car, you will follow a pretty bad road, which you will find after you have passed by the lagoon of Strofilia and take the direction to Banana. Beaches at the Southern Coast (from the Town of Skiathos up to Koukounaries) Megali Ammos The large sandy beach of Megali Ammos (meaning the large sand in Greek) is situated at a distance of 3 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos. There are many alternatives for accommodation in the area around, rapidly developing to a 21

22 tourist resort. It is worth mentioning the taverns and the ouzo bars at the sea front, where you will enjoy a gorgeous meal after a nice swimming. The beach is very well organized and offers facilities for swimming, sunbathing and sea sports. In case of emergence, the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, are only 3 kilometers far from the beach at the Northeast, are available for you. Access to the beach from the town of Skiathos is easy by public buses running frequently, by taxi and by rented or private car and motorbikes. Those who like walking can also get here on foot. Ftelia The long sandy beach of Ftelia is situated at a distance of 4 kilometers southwesten to the town of Skiathos. The tourist settlement around the beach, a rapidly developing resort, offers a lot of accommodation facilities. Here too there are several scenic ouzo bars and taverns at the sea front, where you may enjoy tasty meals. Well organized and with crystal clear sea, the beach offers many facilities for swimming, sunbathing and sea sports. For any problem, the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, some 4 kilometers northeastern to the beach, are available for you. Access to the beach from the town of Skiathos is easy by public buses with frequent service, by taxi and by rented or private car and motorbikes. As the distance is pretty short, you may also get there on foot. Vasilias The lovely sandy beach of Vasilias (meaning king in Greek) is situated at at the southern coast of the island, well protected by the strong northern winds, at a distance of some 5,5 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos and one kilometer southern to Katsaros. Several accommodation facilities are available at the beach and in the area around; the visitor will also find several taverns and coffee bars for full meals and refreshments. The beach is well organized with full facilities for swimming, sunbathing and sea sports. 22

23 In case of any problem you should address to the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, at a distance of 5,5 kilometers northeastern to the beach. Access to the beach from the town of Skiathos is possible by public buses, running frequently, by taxi and by private means (car and motorbikes). Click here to view hotels in Vasilias by Greekhotel.com - Greekislands.com Achladies The long sandy beach of Achladies (meaning pear trees in Greek), is situated some 5 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos, in front of the homonymous, rapidly developing tourist resort which is amphitheatrically arranged around the beach. The settlement counts only a few permanent residents living on tourism. The place offers many facilities for accommodation. There are also several nice taverns and scenic ouzo bars at the sea front, where you will enjoy tasty dishes and gorgeous meals after swimming. The beach is very well organized, offering full facilities for swimming, sunbathing and sea sports. All these pros make it pretty popular. In case of emergence, the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, only 5 kilometers far from the beach at the Northeast, are available for you. Access to the beach from the town of Skiathos is very easy by public buses, running regularly, by taxi and by private means (car and motorbikes). There is also a daily connection by excursion boats, departing from the town of Skiathos. Click here to view hotels in Achladies by Greekhotel.com - Greekislands.com Sklethri The tiny sandy beach of Sklethri, at the inlet of a small and scenic cove, is a well protected beach situated at some 7 kilometers far from the town of Skiathos at the Southwest. Accommodation facilities are available in the area around. You will enjoy eating in the small scenic coastal tavern, situated at the mouth of a ravine with luxuriant green and high plane trees. The beach is not much organized; only a few facilities for swimming and sunbathing are available. 23

24 For any problem you have to return to the town of Skiathos, 7 kilometers northeastern to the beach. Access from the town of Skiathos is possible by public buses, with regular service, by taxi and by private means (cars and motorbikes). Tzaneria The sandy beach of Tzaneria (the name means greengage tree in Greek) is situated at a distance of some 7 kilometers far from the town of Skiathos at the Southwest, within a small, but pretty well protected cove. Several alternatives for accommodation are available in the area around and you will enjoy fresh fish at the sea front tavern of the beach. Tzaneria is very well organized and offers facilities for swimming, sunbathing and sea sports to swimmers. In case of emergence, the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, some 7 kilometers far from the beach at the Northeast, are available for you. Access to the beach is possible by public buses, with regular service, by taxi and by rented or private car and motorbikes. Kanapitsa The sandy beach of Kanapitsa, the most popular beach of the island, is situated at a distance of 7,5 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos, in front of the homonymous small tourist resort and very close to the scenic cape of Kalamaki. Many alternatives for accommodation are available in the area around. The sea front taverns will offer you fresh fish and nice aperitifs, which you will enjoy along with the breathtaking view; so, don t forget to take photos. The beach is well organized and the sea crystal clear and very clean. The swimmers will find all facilities for swimming, sunbathing, as well as sea and beach sports. For any problem you have to return to the town of Skiathos, some 7,5 kilometers far from the beach at the Northeast. Access to the beach is easy by public buses, by taxi and by rented or private car and motorbikes. 24

25 You will leave your vehicle at the parking by the road and walk for a few minutes to get to the beach. The bus station is also close to the parking. Click here to view hotels in Kanapitsa by Greekhotel.com - Greekislands.com Bromolimnos The beautiful sandy beach of Bromolimnos (meaning the dirty lake in Greek) is situated at the southern coast of the island, well protected by the strong northern winds, at a distance of approximately 8 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos and very close to the tourist resort of Kolios. The beach owes its name to the small shallow lake that used to be there in the past; today the lake is nothing more than a totally dried marsh. A lot of accommodation facilities are available in the area of the beach as well as at the nearby tourist resort of Kolios; you will also find many taverns and cafés for full meals and cool refreshments before or after your swimming. Vromolimnos is a very well organized beach; full facilities for swimming, sunbathing and sea sports are available for the visitors. The excellent light and fine sand gives an unforgettable impression to the visitor. The combination of facilities with the wonderful sea and the nice environment makes this beach very popular, especially to young people who come here in mass and create a lively and joyful atmosphere. For any problem, the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, some 8 kilometers at the northeast, are available for you. Access to the beach is possible by taxi, by rented or private car and motorbikes; you can also get there by excursion or by rented boats departing from the port of the town of Skiathos. Kolios The cute sandy beach of Kolios (meaning mackerel in Greek) is situated at the southern coast of the island, some 8 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos, 3 kilometers western to Platanias on the way to Koukounaries, in front of the homonymous tourist resort. There are many alternatives for accommodation available in the area of the beach, as well as several taverns and snack bars for full meals and cool refreshments. Kolios is a pretty well organized beach, offering full facilities for swimming, sunbathing and sea sports. Thanks to that and to the nice sea and environment, the beach is very popular. 25

26 In case of emergence you have to return to the town of Skiathos, 8 kilometers far away to the Northeast. Access to the beach is possible by public buses running regularly, by taxi and by rented or private car and motorbikes. Aghia Paraskevi The cute sandy beach of Aghia Paraskevi is situated at the southern coast of the island, which is well protected from the strong northern winds. The beach is found some 8,5 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos and half kilometer southern to Platanias. It owes its name to the homonymous small church hidden in the shade of huge perennial plane trees and tall aspens. A lot of alternatives for accommodation are available in the area around the beach and at the nearby settlement of Platanias; you will also find taverns and cafés for meals and cool refreshments. The beach is very well organized and offers full facilities for swimming, sunbathing and sea sports. The landscape is also lovely; the light fine sand gives the impression of a golden soil, a really unforgettable image. Due to the nice sea and the facilities offered, the beach is very popular and attracts many people. For any problem the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, 8,5 kilometers far away to the Northeast, are available for you. Access to the beach is easy by public buses, with frequent service, by taxi and by rented or private car and motorbikes. Click here to view hotels in the nearby Platanias by Greekhotel.com - Greekislands.com Poros The lovely sandy beach of Poros is situated some 9 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiatos, at the southern coast of the island, on the way to Koukounaries, a bit before Troulos. Accommodation facilities are available in the broader area and you will also find several taverns and coffee bars for full meals and refreshments, before or after swimming. The beach is organized and offers all facilities necessary for swimming and sunbathing. The combination of facilities with a nice sea and a marvellous environment make this beach pretty popular. 26

27 For any problem the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos. 9 kilometers to the Northeast, are available for you. Access to the beach is possible by public buses, with regular service, by taxi and by rented or private car and motorbikes. Troulos The nice sandy beach of Troulos (meaning dome in Greek) is situated at the southern coast of the island, some 9 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos and one kilometer western to Platanias, on the way from Skiathos to Koukounaries. The beach has been named after the islet across whose shape reminds the dome of a church. Several accommodation facilities are available in the area around the beach; you will also find taverns and cafés for meals and cool refreshments. The beach is very well organized and offers full facilities to swimmers. The combination of the lovely environment, the excellent sea and the facilities offered, have made this beach pretty popular. In fact, you will swim, sunbathe and make your favorite sea or beach sport within an environment of luxuriant green, blue sea and golden sand; an unforgettable experience. In case of emergence you have to return to the town of Skiathos, 9 kilometers far away to the Northeast. Access to the beach is easy by public buses, with frequent service, by taxi, by rented or private car and motorbikes, but also by excursion boats, departing from the port of the capital town of Skiathos. Click here to view hotels in Troulos by Greekhotel.com - Greekislands.com Maratha The nice sandy beach of Maratha (the word means fennel in Greek) is situated at the southern coast of the island, well protected by the strong northern winds, at a distance of some 12 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos, half kilometer before arriving to Koukounaries. Several accommodation and food and drink facilities are available in the area around. The beach is very well organized and offers full facilities for swimming, sunbathing and sea sports. 27

28 In case of emergence you should return to the town of Skiathos, 12 kilometers far from the beach to the Northeast. Access to the beach from the town of Skiathos is possible by public buses, running frequently, by taxi, as well as by rented or private car and motorbikes. Koukounaries The beach of Koukounaries, one of the most famous beaches of the Mediterranean Sea, is situated at the southwestern coast of the island, at a distance of 13 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos. Many visitors and several maps refer to this beach as Chryssi Akti (the golden coast in Greek), after the fine, sparkling golden sand. But it is the impressive and interesting wood of umbrella pines, almost watered by the waves, that gave the name to this excellent beach ( koukounaria is the Greek word for the umbrella pine). The rapidly developing settlement around the beach offers many alternatives for accommodation and eating. The wonderful natural environment attracts a great number of visitors who will find here the ideal combination of a scenic landscape with high level services. The swimmers will certainly enjoy the excellent sea, the bright sun and the variety of sea sports. When in the area don t miss to go to the lagoon of Strofilia, an impressive biotope within a natural environment of breathtaking beauty. For any problem you should address to the corresponding services of the town of Skiathos, some 13 kilometers northeastern to Koukounaries. Access to the beach from the town of Skiathos (Chora) and from the airport is easy by public buses, with frequent service, by rented or private car and motorbikes, but also by taxi, as the distance is quite short. If you wish to arrive here by yacht, facilities for mooring are available at Koukounaries. Click here to view hotels in Koukounaries by Greekhotel.com - Greekislands.com Ambelakia The sandy beach of Ambelakia (the word means small vineyards in Greek) is somehow successive to the famous beach of Koukounaries and is found behind some small rocks. It is situated at the southwestern part of the island, at a distance of some 13,5 kilometers southwestern to the town of Skiathos. Here you can also see some of the trees of the umbrella pines wood. Accommodation and food and drink facilities are available at the adjacent to the beach tourist 28

29 resort of Koukounaries. If you come here you will enjoy the sea and the sun at a place very close to the most popular resort of the island. Also you are very close to the lagoon of Strofilia, a biotope of breathtaking beauty. In case of emergence you should return to the town of Skiathos, some 13,5 kilometers at the Norhtheast. Access to the beach from the town of Skiathos and the port and from the airport is pretty easy by public buses, running frequently up to Koukounaries. As the distance is short enough, you may also come by taxi and of course by rented or private car and motorbikes. If you wish to reach the beach by boat or yacht, the small port of Koukounaries is suitable for mooring. Alexandros Papadiamantis Alexandros Papadiamantis is the most eminent out of numerous authors and intellectuals born on the island of Skiathos. He was born in 1851 and his father was the priest Adamantios (Diamantis) Emmanuel. The author remained at Skaiathos until the second class of the Hellenic School (an intermediate stage between elementary and high school) and then moved to Skopelos, to Piraeus and finally to Athens where he graduated from the Varvakion School. After his graduation he was registered in the Faculty of Letters of the University of Athens, from where he never graduated, mainly because of personal economic problems. From 1879 he started to publish his writings, both poems and prose, in reviews and newspapers. In 1882, the well known romance Emporoi ton Ethnon ( the Tradesmen of the Nations ) was published in sequels in the weekly newspaper of Vlassis Gabrielides Me Hanessai, which later became the daily newspaper Acropolis. At the same time he undertook translations of various foreign works in order to earn money. In 1884 Acropolis published another romance, the Gyfropoula ( the Gipsy girl); the newspaper offers to him an almost permanent work of reporter, translator and press corrector, which lasts until In 1902 Papadiamantis returns to Skiathos where he remains for another two years, occupied in writing his masterpiece Fonissa ( the Murderess ). In 1908, again in Athens, the Philological Association Parnassos, under the auspices of the princess Maria Bunaparte, organized an honorary event for his 25-years period of writing. Afterwards the author returns back to his home island where he died in He was buried in his beloved Skiathos and later on, a bust, made by the well known sculptor Thomopoulos was erected on his tomb. The work of Alexandros Papadiamantis has been influenced from his close environment, both of Skiathos and of Athens. In his writing he represents the life of the simple everyday people of his island and of Athens. It is not without reason that he is considered at the leading ethnography author of Modern Greek Literate, and a discerning student of human psychology. His work, now highly esteemed worldwide, has been certainly influenced by the Russian Literature of the epoch, especially by Dostoyevsky. Nowadays, both his novels and his few romances keep published again and again and are very popular. Some of his works, as Fonissa became successful films and others, as Gyftopoula and Empori ton Ethnon, serials in the Greek television. 29

30 Sightseeing Kastro (The Castle) The settlement of Kastro and the Castle itself was constructed in the mid 14th century to protect the population of the old town of Skiathos from the pirtates raids, pretty frequent in these times all over the Aegean Sea. The new town was established at the northern coast of the island on a small peninsula naturally fortified. The walls of the castle on the side of the inland were very high and strong with numerous loopholes; later on a series of canons were placed to enforce the defensive capacity of the place. The castle had access to the inland via a wooden drawbridge at the entrance of the castle which led to a height across. In case of emergence, or when the invaders would reach very close to the walls, the bridge was drawn in the interior of the castle and the entrance closed. For additional safety, above the entrance there was a flat terrace, where they had placed a scalding fabrication, from where they would pour hot water or olive oil to the invaders, if they would try to enter the castle. Until 1453, when Constantinople was conquered by the Ottomans, the castle belonged to the Byzantine Empire; after the collapse of the Byzantines it passed to the Venetians until 1538 and then to the Ottomans who kept it until the Greek National Revolution of 1821, except for a short period in 1660 when the Venetians, under the leadership of Morosini took it anew. When the island passed to the Greeks the castle was gradually abandoned and deserted. Today, only four out of some 20 churches are still preserved, along with a small part of the big wall, the terrace with the scalding construction, a ruined mosque and a few remnants of the Ottoman headquarters, two water basins and a big canon (that of Ananghia). The period of the settlement of the castle was pretty tough for the residents of the island, who had to cope with continuous pirates raids and attempts of invasions. The castle was small and there was a considerable lack of space. Thus the houses were pretty small and packed one to another; no other buildings apart from some churches had been constructed within the castle. Even the cemetery was out of it, in close distance from the town. Today, the castle is one of the most important sightseeing of the island, attracting many visitors who come here to admire the wild natural beauty and the ruins of the castle which remind the old times, tough but glorious. Bourtzi Bourtzi (a false pronunciation of the word burg meaning castle ) is in fact a small peninsula situated at the middle of the port of the town of Skiathos, where some ruins of the old castle are still visible. It is the castle of the Venetian family of Ghizi, who dominated the island during the period of the domination of Constantinople by the Francs of the 4th Crusade, from 1204 until The remnants of the castle give no precise information about the size and the strength of the walls, but we know that two round defensive towers stood at either side of the gate. At the interior of the castle there was a big water basin and the small church of Aghios Georgios (St. George) after which the castle was named Kastelli tou Aghiou Georgiou ( the castle of St. George). The whole construction was destroyed almost in total, by the Venetian admiral Francesco Morosini in

31 It is from this castle that in 1823 during the Greek National Revolution the residents of Skiathos repelled the attacks of the Ottoman Topal Pasha. After the liberation of the island, Bourtzi became a lazaretto, and later on, in 1906, it was constructed the elementary school, at the expenses of Andreas Syngros endowment. In 1925 a bust of Alexandros Papadiamantis was placed at the school yard. Today, nothing reminds the hard military past of this place. Nowadays, it is an excellent recreation site with nice view and luxuriant green, full of pine trees. Only a few traces of the once strong walls are visible today; on the way to the school, the visitor may see the foundations of the church of Aghios Georgios and of the water basin. The building of the old elementary school has been transformed to a Municipal Cultural Center and the nice high halls house several cultural and educational events. A lovely small open theater has been constructed at the schoolyard and a lot of plays take place in summer. There is also a municipal buffet, well in accordance with the environment, where the visitors can also attend several interesting events, organized by the Municipality and other cultural associations. Papadiamantis House The house of Alexandros Papadiamantis is situated at a distance of some 100 meters far from the eastern beach of the town, at a small blind alley, a side street of Papadiamantis street. The house has been transformed to a modern museum with souvenirs of the life of this great Greek author. The old original entrance of the house at the west is now closed and access for the public is possible through the eastern entrance, via a wooden staircase. This house was constructed by the author s father and it is at this house that Papadiamantis lived from 1860 until he left Skiathos; today an inscription reminds that it is in this housed that Papadiamantis grew up and died. The house where the author was born is not preserved today, as its owners had demolished it. It is a two-storey house, with a ground floor, the katoi, and an upper floor, the anoi, as the locals call them. The ground floor is an open space with a well at the middle, whereas the anoi has 3 rooms and an oblong corridor which also served as a kitchen. At the left side of the entrance it is situated the room with the fireplace, where the family used to spend the cold winter days; it is the room where the author lived his last moments of his life in the winter of A lot of personal souvenirs and objects that the author used in his everyday life are found in this room. At the right of the entrance there is a small room which served as the room of the author s father, where he kept his books and religious vestments. Later on Alexandros Papadiamantis used this room as his bedroom and office. It is a room reminding a monk s cell with a small window, a dresser built in the wall and a narrow bed. The bigger and most official room of the house, the drawing room, decorated with a colored rhomb at the ceiling is situated across the entrance. Today the house, transformed to a museum, attracts many visitors who come here to see where Alexandros Papadiamantis lived during his childhood and return to die. 31

32 Monasteries The Holy Monastery of Evangelismos, or Moni Evangelistrias The Holy Monastery of Evangelismos (Annunciation of Virgin Mary), or Moni Evangelistrias ( Vangelistras as the locals call it) is situated some 6 kilometers northern to the town of Skiathos, within a place with luxuriant green, beside the spring of the ravine of Lehouni. The construction of the Monastery started in about 1794 and was completed in The Monastery was founded by a group of monks, the so- called Kollyvades, who came here from Mount Athos, after they had argued about matters of ritual with the majority of the monks there. Kollyvades had influenced a lot the every day life of the island and the Monastery soon became the center of the revolutionary ferments of the period. According to tradition, it is here that it was woven and first used the version of the Greek flag with the white cross on blue fond. It is in this Monastery that several leaders of the Greek Revolution of 1821 took the oath to set Greece free from the Ottoman yoke: Theodoros Kolokotronis, Andreas Miaoulis, Vlahavas, Nikotsaras and others. It is in this monastery that Theophilos Kairis took his monastic vows when he was put in detention by the Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church. The Catholicon of the Monastery, situated at the center of the complex, is a three-conch church of Byzantine style, cross-shaped and with three domes. The icon screen is wood carved and of great artistic value and bears icons dated in the 17th and 18th centuries; there are also relics of various saints offered to the Monastery by Lazaros Kountouriotis from Hydra. Within the area of the Monastery you may see the monks cells, the dinning room, the hospital, the dorter, the kitchen with the ovens and the kneading-place, the oil press, now housing an interesting Folk Museum, the library, with a rich collection of books, precious manuscripts, rare editions and patriarchal documents. The visitor can also see two chapels, storehouses, cisterns and stalls. A great number of visitors come here all year round, but mainly during the Holy Week and on the 15th of August, on the feast of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. On this very day all the locals gathered at the Monastery chant together the hymns in honor of Virgin Mary, a ritual pretty infrequent in Greece. The Monastery has been recently restored and repaired and several new constructions have been added to the initial buildings, as a new dinning room, new kitchens and several other. Access to the Monastery is possible by public buses with frequent service, by taxi and by rented or private car and motorbikes. The Holy Monastery of Panaghia Kounistra (Aselinos) The Holy Monastery of Panaghia Iconistria (or Kounistra, as the locals usually call it) is situated at a distance of 13,5 kilometers western to the town of Skiathos, at a deviation of the way leading to the beach of Aselinos, at a distance of some 2 kilometers far away. The place is considered as the most sacred one of the island since it is here that in circa 1650 it had been found by miracle the icon of Virgin Mary. Also, it is here that in the past lived as a monk Dionysios, an emblematic figure of the Greek Orthodox Church. The Catholicon of the monastery, celebrated in honor of the Presentation of Virgin Mary is a one- 32

33 aisled basilica with a dome and it is dated in the 17th century. In past times the frescoes decorating the church were well visible, but now they have somehow faded out and partly damaged due to the candles that have affected them. Access to the Monastery is possible by taxi and by rented and private car and motorbikes. The Holy Monastery of Aghios Charalambos The Holy Monastery of Aghios Charalambos is situated at a distance of 5 kilometers northern to the town of Skiathos; half of the route is a dirt road. The Monastery is one of the older ones of the island. The exact date of the establishment of the monastery is not known, but in 1809 it had been renovated, while some of the icons, as well as the elaborated wood carved icon screen are dated in It is in this monastery that the novelist Alexandros Moraitidis, whose origin was from Skiathos, spent the last years of his life. Access to the monastery is possible by private means (car and motorbikes). Why Skiathos? because it is an island of breathtaking beauty and can satisfy any mood and taste: it has impressive and lovely beaches, scenic landscape, interesting monuments and excellent tourist facilities and transport. because Lalaria is one of the most impressive beaches of Greece; no sand there, only nice round pebbles worked by time and by the fury of the waves. because Koukounaries is an outstanding sandy beach with the umbrella pines to shade it; a beach that despite the crowds of visitors, still remains nice and beautiful. because if you catch one of the excursion boats making the tour of the island, you will see and enjoy places and landscapes you would not see otherwise. because of its long story, visible and evident all over the island: ancient monuments, old churches, castles, old mansions. because it is here that was born, grew up and died the eminent Greek author Alexandros Papadiamantis, a beloved person for his compatriots, and it was on this island that he was inspired most of his novels, which describe his home island that he had loved so much. because you will find any type of beach: cosmopolitan sandy beaches with full facilities, or secluded and remote ones without human intervention, beaches within an exotic environment, accessible only by sea. because access to the island is very easy by ship from almost any part of the Aegean Sea and by air from Athens by regular flights and from many European cities by charter flights. because the locals have kept intact their spontaneous and hospitable character, despite the invasion of tourism and the rapid tourist development. because here you will find both nice sea and an overgrown land and everywhere on the island you will find lovely pines, umbrella pines and a variety of other trees smaller or bigger. 33

34 Practical Info Telephone Code e: Postal Code Town Hall Telephone nr.: 22022, 22240, Municipal Culture Center Papadiamantis Police Station Tourist Police Port Authorities Medical Center Surgery Dentists 21401, 22384, 23130, Orthopedic Doctor Pediatrician Cardiologist Pharmacies 22988, 21230, 22666, Customs Post Office Fire Brigade 199, Airport