"Skiathos Island, The Jewel of Sporades" Skiathos Island by dimilag

Skiathos Island is situated in the middle of the Aegean Sea, opposite Mountain Pilio and it is the westernmost island of the North Sporades Islands. The island lies 41 nautical miles from Volos. It has an area of 48 sq km, a coastline of 44 km and a population of 4,200. It is a cosmopolitan island, maintained picturesque and tranquil.

Tiled roofed, white washed houses, amphitheatrically built, rugged coasts, golden beaches, planes and pine trees are some features of Skiathos. The mountaintop, which has a communications tower, is to the west. The slope of the hill is to the north and contains several valleys. Skiathos has approximately 70 beaches including one nudist beach at south end of the island (Banana beach).

The island has become internationally known, thanks to its two famous authors, Alexandros Papadiamantis and Alexandros Moraitidis.

The name of the island dates back to ancient times. Skiathos took part in wars against the Persians and in 478 BC, became a part of the Athenian Alliance. Later was occupied by Alexander the Great and then by the Romans. During the Byzantine period it sank into oblivion. In 1204 was conquered by the Venetians and in 1583 by the Turks. It was then that the inhabitants of the old town, built on the site of present-day Skiathos, abandoned it and constructed on the north side of the island the famous Kastro, perched on a nearly invisible rock. During the Greek War of Independence of 1821, many warriors from Thessaly took refuge on the island. Skiathos was liberated in 1823. In 1830, the local people, left the historic Kastro and rebuilt Chora. Skiathos was one of the unknown paradises to be discovered.

Life in Skiathos has changed a great deal since those days. Luxury hotels slowly began to be built along its lovely sand beaches, tourist activity continually grew and Skiathos became one of the most cosmopolitan islands in Greece. But its celebrated beaches are still insuperable and the narrow lanes of Chora are still as picturesque as ever.

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