The coastline of Skiathos - the island famed as the birthplace of the Greek writer lexandros Papadiamantis - is adorned with more than 60 beaches. The island lies just 2.4 miles from the shore of southern Pilion and 4 miles from Skopelos.  It covers an area of 48 square kilometres, is 12km long and 9km wide.
The southern coast of the island has undergone heavy tourist development, while the northern coast is still unspoiled and unexplored.

Beaches

Megali Ammos, Troulos, Banana, Tzanerias, Sklithri, Aghia Paraskevi, Marathias, Mandraki, Elias, Aselinos, Kehrias, Limenaria, Tsoungrias, Vasilias, Ahladia, Kanapitsa, Kalamaki, Kolios, Lalaria and Vromolimnos - these are just some of the many places worth visiting.Skiathos' best-known beach, Koukounaries, has been declared the third best beach in the whole Mediterranean. Skiathos is full of high-quality amenities for cosmopolitan holidays, offering lively excitement or peaceful relaxation - just as the visitor chooses.

Places Of Worship

An important role has been played in the history and culture of Skiathos by the island's churches and monasteries, which the local people continue to visit on feast days, in accordance with the religious traditions of the island. The church of the Trion Ierarchon, the metropolitan church of the island, was built in 1846 to a three-aisled basilica plan. It contains the miracle-working icon of the Panayia Eikonistra, found in 1650. The Evangelistria monastery, founded in 1704 by monks from Mt. Athos, is famous for the part it played in the years of the Greek War of Independence.

Boutzi

This is the small headland which separates the harbour into two parts and formerly served as a fortress. It was founded at the time of the 1st Venetian Rule by the Gizi brothers, who occupied Skiathos in 1207. It was surrounded by fortified walls with battlements. It is now densely clad with pine trees and only a few remains of the walls can be seen.The local council and cultural agencies have made Skiathos an important center for cultural events, staged at the new arts center on the Bourtzi.

Residence & museum of Alexandiros Papadiamantis

The house of Papadiamantis is close to the harbour and is now a museum. It contains many of the writer's personal items and furniture. It has been kept just as it was in the last days of the famous author, maintained with respect and the greatest care by the Municipality of Skiathos.

Monastery Of The Evangelismos of Theotokoy

This imposing monastery is the only one still functioning on the island. It lies to the north, half an hour from town on the bus.

Panayia Eikonistria Monastery

This is the site where the holy icon of the Panayia Eikonistria - patron saint and protector of the town - was found. The monastery church is a single-aisled basilica with dome. The interior of the church is painted and there is a carved wooden screen.

Kastro

A giant outcrop of rock, rooted in the sea, with a panoramic view; this provided the natural fortification for the medieval town of the island. It is one hour from town by car or boat.

Church of the Christ

This is the metropolitan church of the medieval town. The interior was adorned with religious paintings, some of which have survived in good condition and offer fine examples of post-Byzantine art.

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