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Skiathos, Greece
Skiathos town (Chora), Greece. 
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Skiathos (population: 6,088 [2011]) is the entry point and main island of the Sporades Islands. Although it is neither the biggest nor the most attractive of the Sporades islands, because it is the first port of call for most ferries and possesses the sole airport, most tourists don't venture beyond Skiathos.
Skiathos, Greece. For most, why would they want to? There are great beaches, good accommodation on offer, decent public transport... But be warned, the 5000 or so natives are vastly outnumbered in season by tourists from across the world!
While it is undoubtedly the most tourist-intensive island of the Sporades, it does have many faces, so don’t be fooled by the brash cover to this book full of splendid Greek secrets.
Steer away from the main drag and you will find stunning scenery, quaint tavernas and lots of luscious green terrain perfect for gentle strolls or more intensive hikes.
There is one town on Skiathos which is literally called "The Village" by the locals, or Skiathos town. It is located on the east end of the island with the airport, port, a variety of shops and water fronts, bars and clubs.
Get in
• By boat. Skiathos is accessible via ferry from Volos, Agios Konstantinos, and Thessaloniki. Cruise ships dock at the port in the centre of Skiathos town.
• By plane. The island is served by the "Alexandros Papadiamantis" international airport. The airport is situated north-east of Chora. It is served from Greek destinations by Olympic Airways, and from northern European destinations in summer months by charter and some regular scheduled airlines (currently including Austrian Airlines,) usually only once or twice a week.
The ≈1600m runway is an excitement in itself; as you descend towards Skiathos you are met with sea, sea and more sea before out of nowhere appears a precarious strip of runway across the end of this small island. If the pilot misses his spot, you’ll have to circle and try again!
Get around
• By bus. Public buses operate throughout the island. The main route runs from Skiathos Bus Terminus (Stop 0) servicing all the resorts along the south coast and terminating at Koukounaries Beach (stop 26) to the west of the island. All bus stops are numbered and although they also show the place names there is a tendency throughout the island to refer to all destinations by their bus stop numbers.
Fares are very reasonable at (2014) €1.60, €1.80 and €2.00. Frequency varies according to the time of day but is typically every 15 minutes. During high season though (July and August), the buses can sometimes be jam-packed with tourists going to the beaches or Skiathos Town!
• By taxi. axis are easy to get from the port to anywhere on the island. If you are waiting for a bus, the taxi drivers are allowed to stop at a bus stop and take you to your destination, along the bus route. Agree a fare first with the driver, before you board.
• By car or motorbike. It is not worth the hassle to bring your own car to the island, although it is in theory possible. You can rent a car or a motor scooter. Asphalt roads run across the south of the island. Roads in the interior turn out to be little more than dirt paths.
Motorbikes and mopeds are popular alternatives to cars. Especially mopeds are frequently used by local youths and can go to many places that cars cannot go - for example the twisted narrow streets of Skiathos city. An additional advantage is that they are cheap to rent - €10-15 a day is the usual price.
If you start a day-trip with a moped, make you sure you do so on a full tank, as gas stations are sometimes hard to find. An extra stop at a gas station can save a lot of nerves. When renting a moped, check if the profile of the tyres is ok if the brakes work properly, lights, turn indicators and petrol gauge. If it doesn't look good don't be bothered to rent it, it could be the one that needs a repair badly. it can cause you a lot of troubles if it breaks down. Make sure the insurance stands on the contract. Helmets are required on Skiathos.
What to see in Skiathos
• Alexandros Papadiamantis House Museum, Papadiamanti Street (Skiathos main street) (After 100 meters at a small alley on your right). 09:00-13:00, 17:00-20:00 - Tue-Sun. Alexandros Papadiamantis (1851-1911) is one of the greatest ever Greek authors. He wrote over 100 novels mostly based on island life. His house has been turned into a museum.
• Kastro. Site of the medieval center of the island. Abandoned in the 19th century (1829). There are well maintained three churches and a house, the other buildings are dilapidated.
• Byzantine Church of Christ.
• Holy Monastery of Evangelistria.
• Old Monastery of Panaghia Ekonistria.
• Old Monastery of Panaghia Kechrià.
• Church of Panaghia Limnià.
• Church of Tris Ieràrches.
• Bourtzi Peninsula.
• Koukounaries Beach.
• Tsougria Island.
• Lalaria.
• Strofilia Lake.
What to do in Skiathos
Most people come to Skiathos for the beaches. Let's face it, there is not much else to do on the island. However, there is a large, forested interior that can be explored. Yachting. Skiathos has a large port from where one can charter yachts either for day trips or longer periods to explore the surrounding islands. Puresailing Yachting has a selection of yachts for this purpose.
Beaches
There is a good variety of beaches on Skiathos with over 60 in total. The south side of the island has sandy beaches with calm waters. Beaches on the north are less crowded. The wind mostly comes in from the north and also the sea tends to be somewhat rougher to the north.
• Koukounaries. Covered with umbrella pines is the most famous beach on the island.
• Lalaria. Beach only accessible by daily boats, crystal clear water and large stones on shore.
• Big Banana. Next to Koukounaries is the beach for young people .
• Small Banana. Next to Big Banana is a naturist beach.
• Asselinos. Large and quiet undeveloped beach.
• Kanapitsa. Amazing beach, water sports, and a nice taverna.
Plane spotting.
The island's airport as discussed above has a 1600 meters-long runway. As land reclaimed, for the construction of the airport, the landing path of the airplanes passes just above the spotters heads, and a asphalt road passes right in the spot, making that location ideal for experiencing the same effects as Saint Marteen, with more safety in the absence of jumbo jet airliners.
Stay safe
Skiathos is a generally safe destination. As with all Greek islands, the summer sun is very strong all day. You should not take the risk of dehydration, sunburns or even heat strokes lightly. Wear appropriate clothes, a hat and sunglasses; use sunscreen; bring enough water on excursions and know when to stop exhausting yourself and seek the shade of a tree. Greeks take it easy in the middle of the day, from 2-5, often only venturing down to the beaches in the late afternoon/early evening.
Then aircrafts taking-off, the engines are in full thrust, isn't little 15+ thousands newtons of thrust per engine, directly on you... So then an airplane taking-off get a cover behind the wall on the other side of the road, or if you are adventurous person grab the Armco barrier and low your profile, the exhaust gasses can throw you hundred meters away. Cover your face also, very often the gasses lifting items like a tiny gravel, you don't want such a encounter that could ruin the enjoyment...
Get out
The less known island of Skiathos in Greece, as featured in the Mamma Mia film, is to host the Skiathos Gay Culture Festival in July 2012, in what could become an annual event of art exhibitions, beach parties, V.I.P. parties, beach wrestling and beauty competitions.
The festival intends to promote gay culture and involves art events and exhibitions as well as themed parties and other events. Organised sailing cruises on yachts as well as private flights are available for the ones who wish to enjoy a more private holiday.
Skiathos is one of the greenest islands in Greece and has been nominated the most popular Greek destination in 2010. The island has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing and culture.
Its beautiful beaches such as the so called "Small Banana" are some of the most popular beaches in Greece, and according to Tripadvisor the best Greek beach 2012. Ideal for visiting close by islands such as Skopelos and Alonissos, where holiday makers might also have the chance to see the seals that live in the caves of the island.
Skiathos enjoys a number of visitors during summer not only because of its natural beauties and crystal waters, but also because of the excellent nightlife that it has to offer. The area of Skiathos Town which is the center of the island is characterized by stone paths, traditional taverns and restaurants and affordable bars and nightclubs. (Wikitravel/Wikivoyage/Wikipedia)
Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos, Greece.
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