The Green Diamond

Emerald beaches, dense forests, and historic treasures. Skiathos is Queen of the Sporades.

Upon arrival, the beauty of Skiathos will overwhelm you. You may ask yourself, “What should I see and do first?” Start walking the busy, pedestrianised main street of Alexandros Papadiamantis. Follow it down to the port, where it separates from the Bourtzi peninsula, once the site of a Venetian Castle. Today, it functions as a municipal-cultural events centre with an open-air theatre.

Make sure to visit the residence of Alexandros Papadiamantis, now a museum dedicated to the great Greek author. Skiathos has 64 enchanting beaches; count them. Wander through the forest of Koukounaries and the shores of Lake Strofilia and its wetlands. Visit the18th-century Monastery of Evangelistria, built by the monks of Mount Athos, one of the oldest monasteries in the island’s northeast region. Here, the first Greek flag incorporating the emblematic, central white cross was hand-stitched, blessed and raised for the first time.

Take a boat from the old port and find yourself on beaches of indescribable beauty, such as Lalaria with its turquoise waters and white-pebbled shore. Head for the northernmost point on the island where the oldest medieval castle resides. Once the capital of Skiathos, it has remained uninhabited since 1827. See the remnants of houses, churches, a mosque, and a portion of the fortifications with what remains of the main gate and the cannon of Anagia.

Travel to neighbouring Tsougria, an island covered in pines with crystalline waters and the seaside church of Agios Floros. Wander inland to discover monasteries, Byzantine monuments and chapels. Here, the air smells of mint, spearmint, sage, thyme and oregano. Lose yourself in the area of ​​Plakes, famous for its captain houses and picturesque cobblestone alleys. Places as beautiful as these feel as if they exist in summers that last forever.

TEXT : ELLI KARNEZI 
PHOTOS : YIANNIS GIANNELOS