The Magical Greek Island of Skiathos

When people think of Greek summer what usually comes to mind are small white houses with blue windows, windmills, clear seas, bright blue skies and days filled with sunshine. If you are planning on visiting a Greek island you will not be disappointed. It seems that the economic crisis has not affected the romanticism and charm of Greece ’s 227 inhabited islands that continue to welcome millions of tourists every summer. The Hollywood movie Mamma Mia, starring Meryl Strip and shot in Sporades, showed the world a beautiful image of the island of Skiathos and convinced many people, that it was the perfect place for summer vacation. Indeed it is! Skiathos is part of Sporades, a group of islands located in the Aegean Sea, easily accessed by boat or airplane from Piraeus and Athens. It is the epitome of Greek islands, with its hilly landscape, pristine clear blue waters and hospitable inhabitants, some of the main reasons it is one of the most visited summer destinations in Greece. A large part of the island has paved roads but some of the most beautiful places can only be accessed by dirt roads or by boat. If you decide to walk near the main harbor, you should know that there are two places you must visit. First of all the clock tower at the top of the town will give the most amazing view of the island, as well as the opportunity to wander through the small town’s webbed pathways in order to reach it. Furthermore, near the harbor there is a paved waterfront that will positively compel you to stay. The waterfront is always full of people, Greeks and tourists who want to just lay back and enjoy the day. There is a large selection of options, you can find coffee shops, bars, clubs, restaurants, tavernas and of course places selling souvlaki. No matter what you decide though, one thing is for sure, your day, or night, will be filled with music, laughter, food and amazing people. Meanwhile, Skiathos has some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches. Sometimes during summer vacation all you want to do is relax. Well you’re in luck! Lalaria is the most amazing secluded beach that can only be accessed by boat therefore not many people visit it daily. There are many small boats in the harbor that will take you to the pebbled beach with pristine blue waters and jagged grey rocks that will take your breath away. However, if you are a party animal and prefer beach clubs, water-sports and parties you can visit Koukounaries, a white sand beach that never sleeps during summer season and is thought to be the finest beach in all of Sporades. You cannot leave the island without visiting Kastro (Fortress), the medieval capital of the island that was built during the 15th century to protect its inhabitants from pirate attacks. Finally, another place that is worth visiting is the Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria, built in 1806, it used to be very important to the islanders especially during the Greek Revolution in 1820 when it offered shelter to fighters and refugees as well as money to economically support the Revolution. Skiathos may not be as known or as visited as other Greek islands but we can assure you that your vacation there will be an amazing experience.

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