Nestled amidst the Aegean Sea, the enchanting Greek island of Skiathos has captivated Lonely Planet’s travel experts, earning a coveted spot among their top 12 European islands for 2024. Renowned for its pristine beaches, rich history, and captivating charm, Skiathos promises an unforgettable travel experience.

Beaches of Enchantment

Lonely Planet aptly describes Skiathos as an island that unveils “Greek beaches of your dreams,” where visitors can bask in the sun’s embrace and revel in the beauty of the turquoise waters. Beyond its sun-kissed shores, Skiathos unveils a tapestry of historical significance, having served as the birthplace of renowned Greek author Alexandros Papadiamantis and played a strategic role during Greece’s War of Independence.

A Journey Through Time

Steeped in history, Skiathos invites visitors to embark on a journey through time. The island’s capital town showcases traditional island architecture, while ancient monasteries perched atop the mountains offer a glimpse into a bygone era.

Culinary Delights and Family-Friendly Charm

The island’s culinary scene is a haven for seafood enthusiasts. Family-run taverns along the northern coast tantalize taste buds with mouthwatering salads brimming with feta cheese and platters of freshly caught seafood.

Lonely Planet’s Top 12 European Islands

Skiathos joins an impressive roster of islands that Lonely Planet has recognized as Europe’s best:

1. Korčula, Croatia
2. Skiathos, Greece
3. Sardinia, Italy
4. Corsica, France
5. Menorca, Spain
6. Saaremaa, Estonia
7. Lofoten Islands, Norway
8. Gotland, Sweden
9. Texel, Netherlands
10. Isles of Scilly, England
11. Isle of Skye, Scotland
12. Inis Mór, Ireland

A Haven for Travelers

With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Skiathos is an island that promises an unforgettable travel experience. Whether seeking sun-kissed beaches, historical explorations, or culinary adventures, Skiathos has something to offer every traveller.

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The stunning isle boasts naturally beautiful sea, greenery, history and churches- making it the perfect location for the filming of the hit musical movie ‘Mamma Mia.’

The town is also filled with fabulous bars, taverns and boutiques, so there is something to do both day and night for singles, couples and families alike.

Skopelos is virtually covered in forest, with 80% of this hilly island featuring pine trees, while several resorts lie scattered around the shore. Olive and plum groves also help make up much of the lush, green interior of Skopelos and there are many pleasant walks along forest trails.

Skopelos is a popular day-trip destination, making it a great escape from the sometimes overcrowded and hour away Skiathos.

Skopelos has some wonderful beaches including Koukounaries, Big and Little Banana, Agia Eleni, Agia Paraskevi, Lalaria and Vromolimnos.

With less sandy beaches than its more populated neighbour Skiathos, the pebble beaches here are mainly confined to the south coast between Stafylos and Loutraki. Most can be visited by bus, although some require a bit of a walk so make sure you are prepared with good walking shoes, hats and water. Sandy beaches are definitely worth the journey to get to and most are quite tranquil- allowing both privacy and relaxation.

Picture perfect Skopelos Town is filled with roofs of blue slate and red tile flowing down to the steep harbour amphitheatre. Visitors can enjoy the waterfront promenade of restaurants, bars and shops pitched beneath trees of mulberry and a cliff wall ends with chapels that lead up to a 13th century Venetian Kastro. Now a designated preservation area, the streets have more than 130 churches hidden away.

The village →

Before climbing the hillside to the mountain village of Glossa, the main road passes through the Klima – with two villages-  Palio Klima and Neo Klima although the whole area is also known as Elios-Klima.

When you get to Glossa, you will find a picturesque hillside village, which is home to 1,200 people and views that are nothing less than magnificent. The traditional village way of life is still evident and many houses in the village have wooden balconies and the surrounding fields are full of plum and almond trees. Several dirt roads provide walks to nearby sights of interest.

The sights →

These must see sights include the monastery of Agion Taxiarchon, built on the ruins of a 7th century Byzantine church and the Gourouni Cape lighthouse. Tracks lead down to often deserted beaches with coves at Myrtia and Koutria to the north-west and Perivoli, Pethameni, Hondrogiorgi, Keramoto,Mavraki and Spilia in the north-east.

Many however are difficult to find and only Spilia and Perivoli have roads leading to them. Pethameni is at the bottom of a path but Hondrogiorgi has easier access and is popular amongst locals.

At Spilia there is a cave and a chapel to Agios Ioannis built on a spectacular headland above a double coved beach. The headland was created when the cliffs collapsed into the sea and the pretty chapel featured strongly in the popular film ‘Mamma Mia’.

https://greekcitytimes.com/greek-lifestyle-and-events-from-around-the-world/

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With 25 clearly marked nature trails surrounding the hotel that lead to the island’s most peaceful beaches, guests can partake in a series of walks at their own leisure with complimentary maps provided by the hotel. Elivi Skiathos will provide a small picnic hamper made up of locally sourced food including feta cheese, tzatziki, and fresh fruits, for guests to enjoy in the rich natural surroundings of the secluded beaches and forests they will discover on route.

The hotel’s new, off-road, 4×4 Greek Safari allows guests to visit hidden gems that would be otherwise inaccessible. Encompassing 60km of the island, the safari showcases the spectacular scenery and nature Skiathos is famous for, including remote beaches, wild flora and many rare bird species such as the black swan found in the surrounding waters of Elivi Skiathos. Guest will stop off at beauty spots including Kechria beach, known for its extraordinary fine sand and crystal-clear waters, the picture-perfect Elias bay, and Mandraki beach, a secluded beach only accessible by dirt roads. The safari is available for private use only for up to three adults or a family of five.

Spread across 213 acres, Elivi Skiathos is tucked away in an area of natural beauty on the southwest of the island, with direct access to four of the island’s best beaches. The hotel is separated into three distinct accommodation areas, well spread out across the vast acreage. Elivi Xenia Hotel features 32 rooms on a hilltop overlooking lush greenery and the Aegean Sea, 67 Elivi Grace Rooms & Suites sit directly on the beach and 61 Nest Rooms, Villas and Suites lay dotted amongst pine trees and olive groves. The hotel was developed by father and daughter Elias and Vivi Nathanailidi and welcomes young, old, families and couples alike.

The hotel will open with enhanced health and safety protocols to safeguard guests visiting this summer. These include online check-in to reduce face-to-face contact, the use of ULV fogging equipment to thoroughly disinfect rooms, regular disinfection of high-touch areas, hand sanitizer dispensers in all public areas for customers to use and complimentary travel-size hand sanitizers in each room.

https://www.thehoteltrotter.com/

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