Skiathos Island Things to Do Tips by StefanosS Top 5 Page for this destination

Koukounaries beach III

Behind the hills, to the left of the photo is the west coast of the island and the beaches of Aghia Eleni and Krassas.

The Airport II

Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority
Skiathos Island National Airport
Tel : +30 24270 22376 ,21885
Fax: +30 24270 24130
TELEX : 0282102 LGSK GR
Operational Year 1972

Locator: SKC NDB 326 KHz

Latitude 39 11' North
Longitude 23 30' East
Airfield elevation 49' (14m)
Runway direction 02/20
Runway Length 1570m

Middle size aircrafts types:
(B737-757-A320-321).

Transportation: Only by TAXI

The Airport I

The airport is only 4km away from the town. The air photo is taken from the north. Skiathos town can be seen after and slightly to the right of the runway.

Call: +30(Greece), 24270(Skiathos), 22049(airport).

Kastro beach

Not really a lovely beach to write about, more a place to cool off in the sea after walking across the old Castle to see the ruins. This beach is situated on the northern tip of the island, under the old medieval town of Skiathos. The beach at Kastro is pebbly but nice, a wonderful spot to view the old town of Kastro and contemplate how life must have been for Skiathitees in the days before independence from Ottoman empire. In the high season boats stop here with tourists who have come to see the place. That means refreshments and possibly a lift back to the town if the thought of walking back is too much to take. There is a traditional small taverna-cafe (not seen in the photo), in a lovely situation, selling omelettes and sandwiches. The combination of a swim in the bluish transparent waters and a visit to the old city of Kastro is a unique experience you must not miss while you are in Skiathos.

Evangelistria Monastery

The Holy Monastery Of The Annunciation Of The Virgin, well known as Evangelistria Monastery, built between 1794 and 1806, is a "must see" if you are into architecture and history. It is very old but well kept, and lays claim to being the place to bless and raise the present Greek flag during the struggle for freedom from the Turks in 1807. Many valuable relics, goldware and silverware are kept in the monastery, as well as old manuscripts and books. The old oil-press building of the monastery has been recently converted into a folk museum.

It is still a working monastery so give it the respect it deserves. To get there, take the ring road from the town and look out for a narrow road with a sign saying "Evangelistria" and "Kastro". It's on the right just after the airport turning. If you go on foot, There is also a track, very steep in places, so be careful.

Lalaria beach II

Lalaria is one of the nicest and most picturesque beaches of Greece and it is situated on the northern coast of the island. The northern winds fall with rage on the steep purely white cliffs, towering impressively over the sea. The winds and waves have carved out some spectacular rocks and have been creating for millions of years the round white marble like pebbles called "lalaria" which cover the whole beach. Pick up a prized pebble and marvel at the arch in the rocks cut out by countless thousands of years of rough seas; you will often see it on Greek posters and postcards. The sea is the most amazing colour of indigo and is crystal clear. The sun paints silver and copper highlights on the imposing rocks and cliffs and creates a fairytale scene far removed from the sandy southern beaches.

Lalaria beach I

If you would like to get offshore, then there are many caiques available to take you to most beaches, but especially to Lalaria which is famous for its beautifully round, sea-formed pebbles and can only be reached from the sea. Boats leave from the Old Port in the mornings around 10.00 or 11.00 a.m, when the wind is calm from the north. Another way would be to hire a small boat yourself but please take care as the sea in the north can become very rough in the afternoon. Equip yourselves with cool drinks as there are neither umbrellas nor canteens there. Lalaria is a "must see" place.

Koukounaries beach II

On the beach are 3 beach tavernas, 3 water sports schools and 2 kiosks for cigarettes, soft drinks, etc. Behind the forest is a large flat valley with green fields, more pine trees and fig trees. A large area between the road and the beach is a protected area for birds and wildlife. The locals and the authorities have managed to preserve this paradise keeping this corner of the island intact, away from big investors the sole objective of which is constructing big hotel complexes. It is like a mini National Park and is a great place to walk your dog or just stroll around the lagoon which is connected to the sea by a narrow channel. The whole area is unique, take your time and enjoy it.

Koukounaries beach I

"Koukounari" = pine cone. Koukounaries is the most famous beach of Skiathos and reputed to be the best in the Aegean if not the whole Mediterranean. "The Times" of London rated it #3 in the top ten beaches in the world. It is known also as "Chrysi Ammos" (=Golden Sand) since the sand there is extremely fine and shines under the summer sun. This beach offers the visitors its deep-blue, crystal-clear warm shallow waters and a unique chance for a midday rest since the pine tree shady forest (umbrella pines) of Koukounaries reaches down to the sea. It is almost a kilometre long. The beach shelves very gently so it's fine for children and non-swimmers.

Aghia Eleni beach

Just before the end of the road to Koukounaries, you can turn right at "The Golden Beach Hotel" over the hill to the beach of Aghia Eleni which has two beach tavernas on it. The bay of Aghia Eleni is a natural sandy coastline on the west side of Skiathos and is named after the little country church found there, dedicated to Saint Helen. There is nearly always a cool breeze blowing there, so it is a quite good place for windsurfing once you are off the shore where the wind tends to swirl around a bit. The sun shines until very late so if you swim there, you will enjoy even its last rays. The crystal - clear bluish waters are inviting and the pine-trees reaching the sea will offer you their refreshing shade under their dense leafs. This beach is very popular with families, as it is relatively peaceful.

Just before you get to Aghia Eleni, there is a dirt road off to the right. If you follow this for about 1 kilometre, you come to a steep path that runs down to the hidden beach of Kryfi Ammoudia (=”Secret Sandy Beach”). There is not a lot of room for parking cars there but there is a very nice "funky" taverna on the beach.