Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Around Skiathos
Sights
With some 65
beaches
to choose from, beach-hopping on Skiathos can become a full-
time occupation. Buses ply the south coast, stopping at 26 numbered beach access points.
The first long stretch of sand worth getting hopping off for is the pine-fringed
Vromolim-
nos Beach
. The road continues to
Koukounaries Beach
, backed by pine trees and a
small wetland, and touted as the best beach in Greece. But come midsummer, it's best
viewed at a distance, from where the 1200m long sweep of pale gold sand does indeed
sparkle.
West of Koukounaries,
Big Banana Beach
, known for its curving shape, soft white
sand and beach-bar buzz, lies across a narrow headland. Skinny-dippers prefer to hang at
equally frenetic
Little Banana Beach
(also popular with gay and lesbian sunbathers)
around the rocky corner.
About 400m north, elegant
Agia Eleni Beach
is a favourite with windsurfers. Sandy
Mandraki Beach
, a 1.5km walk along a pine-shaded path, is just far enough to keep it
clear of the masses, and sports a good taverna. From Troulos, it's 4km to
Megalos Aseli-
nos Beach
, a lovely long stretch of sand, with tiny
Mikros Aselinos
and secluded
Kehria Beach
a few kilometres further on.
The northwest coast's beaches are less crowded but are subject to summer
mel- temi
(northeasterly winds).
Lalaria Beach
is a tranquil strand of pale grey, egg-shaped
pebbles on the northern coast, but be only reached by excursion boat from Skiathos
Town.
Kastro
LOOKOUT
Kastro, perched dramatically on a rocky headland above the north coast, was the fortified
pirate-proof capital of the island from 1540 to 1829. An old cannon remains at the north-
ern end, along with four restored churches, including Christos, home to several fine fres-
coes. Excursion boats come to the beach below Kastro, from where it's an easy clamber
up to the ruins.
Moni Evangelistrias
MONASTERY
(Monastery of the Annunciation; museum admission €2; 10am-dusk)
The most famous of the
island's monasteries was a hilltop refuge for freedom fighters during the War of
Independence, and the Greek flag was first raised here, in 1807. Today, two monks do the
chores, which include wine making. You can sample the tasty results in the
museum
