The island of Skiathos (Greek: Σκιάθος) is home to beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, picturesque trails, historical monuments, and traditional architecture. It includes several protected areas. In the vicinity of Skiathos, you can discover several scattered small islands with untouched nature and beautiful beaches.
Skiathos is said to be the only Greek island that has retained the same name for centuries.
There are three prevailing versions of the origin of the name Skiathos. The first version claims that it is a combination of the words "skia" (σκια) and "Athos" (Αθός), due to its proximity to Mount Athos. The name is therefore associated with the shadow that Mount Athos casts on the island.
According to another version, the name is associated with the city of Skia (Σκια) on Euboea, from where the inhabitants of Chalkida set out for the island.
The third and most likely version links the name of the island with the rich shade created by many trees. According to this theory, the island was named Skiathos by its first settlers, the Pelasgians, in the Hellenistic period.
Various prehistoric finds confirm that the island has been inhabited since prehistoric times.
The island, with its tradition of shipbuilding and fertile soil, was an important resting place for travelers. It is believed that Jason and the Argonauts stopped here, as did the Greek fleet on its way to Troy.
In the 7th century BC, the Chalcidians settled here. Skiathos played an important role in the Persian Wars in the 5th century BC.
The greatest destruction of the island occurred in the 2nd century BC, when Philip III plundered the island to prevent the Romans from conquering it.
The island enjoyed relative freedom during the Roman and Byzantine periods until the Venetian period in the 13th century. During the Middle Ages, it was constantly attacked by pirates. Therefore, its inhabitants moved to the castle Kastro.
In 1538, the Turks occupied the island. After a week of conquest, the Turks reached the castle, where they killed men, women, and children.
In 1770, the island took part in the victorious naval battle of Cesme on the side of Russian Admiral Alexei Orlov. Later, Skiathos provided men and ships to Lambros Katsonis, who at that time was raiding the Turkish coast and attacking Turkish ships.
The island was finally liberated in 1829.
The island of Skiathos offers over 60 beaches. Most beaches have fine golden sand and gentle entry into the sea, ideal for families with children. The hidden beach of Lalaria can only be reached by boat or popular boat trips from the town of Skiathos. Xanemos Beach, north of the airport, offers the experience of watching planes.
Among the most popular beaches are Koukounaries, Banana, Achladies, Mandraki, Agia Eleni, Agia Paraskevi, and Vromolimnos.
Explore our gallery and you are sure to find the beach that suits you best.
Although Skiathos is a relatively small island, it has an international airport that connects the Northern Sporades with the rest of Europe. Thanks to frequent flights, Skiathos is also a great starting point for visiting the neighboring islands of Skopelos and Alonissos.
If you are traveling by car, you will probably use the ferries departing from the port of Volos.
If you have any questions about Greece, write to us in the "Questions and Answers" section.
GREECE is not just Crete, Rhodes and Kos!
66 min.
2019
Includes: Skiathos, Limin Skiathou, Bourtzi, Tarsanas beach & Cape Plakes, Tsiferi, Megali Ammos, Mitikas, Vasilias, Achladies, Sklithri, Tzaneria, Kanapitsa, Koutsouri, Kstodoulou, Vromolimnos, Kolios, Platanias, Agia Paraskevi, Gianoulas, Troulos, Katharina - Papa, Maratha, Koukounaries, Ambelakia, Megali Banana, Mikri Banana, Agia Eleni, Krifi Ammos, Mandraki, Gournes, Agistros, Megalos Aselinos, Panagia Kounistra, Mikros Aselinos, Ligaries, Kechria, Panagia Kechria, Kechria’s Olivepress, Skiathos Weather Stone, Pirgi - Agia Anastasia, Agios Alexandros, Kastro, Kastro beach, Platanos, Profitis Ilias, Zoodochos Pigi, Evangelistria Monastery, Agios Charalambos, Lalaria, Blue & Dark Caves, Nikotsara, Megas Gialos, Xanemos, Stygero, Kamini, Tilegrafos, Fournakia, Arkos beach, Arkos Island
41 min.
2019
Includes: 49 beaches of Skiathos
