Skiathos: The town and south harbour
Skiathos is an international holiday resort popular with everyone from chic Italians to backpackers, all drawn by the huge number of stunning beaches. The town is the only major settlement on the island but provides all a holidaymaker needs, from ice creams and sun cream to mini markets, bars and restaurants. It’s all done in a civilised manner – you can dance the night away in Skiathos, but this is no Faliraki.
Probably the least well cared for visitors are yachtsmen. The harbour gets packed at weekends and cries out for another pontoon (or two). A toilet and shower block would also save reliance on the obliging nearby cafes.
The current town is not as old as you may think. In the 16th century the island was over run by pirates. The population retreated to the Kastro (castle) who’s ruins can still be visited on the north tip of the island. It was several hundred years before they moved back with major rebuilding of the town in the 19th century and the town became a ship building centre. However, many of these buildings were destroyed by the retreating Germans in 1944 in return for the islands resistance.
You can pass several happy hours wandering the streets of Skiathos, especially at sunset when local artists often set up on the quay. A diversity of restaurants will proved everything from quality cuisine to Gyros (Greek fast food).
Skiathos: Kanapitsa, one of the many great beaches. Not a recommended anchorage but it has been done!
For anyone fancying some diving, there is usually at least one operators providing scuba trips from the quay. In the town centre you’ll find the Museum of Papadiamantis, a famous Greek scholar and poet, who hailed from the island. There is reputedly still a small shipwright just north of town, still building traditional wooden caiques (confirmation or otherwise appreciated).
The other attractions are out of town but accessible by public transport or you can hire a scooter. The Kastro contains old cannons and 4 restored churches, including some fine frescoes. There are several monasteries, of which the most visited is the Monastery of Panagia Evaggelistria, a couple of miles from town. This has a varied museum which includes a folklore wing and a photographic study of the Balkan wars.
Of course there are also the beaches – over 60 of them. However, some of these you can visit by yacht, including the best, at Koukounaries.
For all the souvenirs and plastic beach toys I still like Skiathos – it’s not ashamed to be what it is; a tourist town. However, I fear for its future with some local beaches now listed in travel guides with names like Big Banana and Small Banana (the nudist beach)! rather than their Greek names. I hope it doesn’t slide too far down market. Get there soon in case it does.