Skiathos, the jewel of the Aegean, is renowned globally for its pristine beaches and unique natural beauty. Skiathos is the most cosmopolitan island of the Northern Sporades. Despite the rapid growth in tourism here in recent decades, it is still picturesque and unspoilt.
Over 60 beaches with crystal clear waters adorn the island, the most famous of which is Koukounariés, which has been declared as the third most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean.
Mayor Thodoris Tzoumas is proud of his island, which has become a hub for Hollywood icons such as Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, and Kate Hudson, who make Skiathos their summer retreat almost every year.
Speaking to Greek Reporter, Mayor Tzoumas, spoke of the stunning beaches and resorts on the island but he also highlighted Skiathos’s impressive natural landscape. “Two-thirds of Skiathos is covered by forest,” he explained. “We’ve worked to showcase this through 100 kilometers of paths across 15 routes, including one specifically designed for people with mobility issues – a rarity in Greece.”
A gastronomic destination with a vibrant nightlife
Skiathos is also making a name for itself as a gastronomic destination. “We’ve created a website with all the information about our gastronomic communities,” said Tzoumas. “The combination of seafood and local vegetables is truly special. Think shrimp with wild greens, octopus with zucchini, or our unique soups also featuring wild greens. And of course, there’s the famous ‘pita,’ both oven-baked and fried.”
The island seamlessly blends vibrant nightlife with tranquil escapes. “You can find almost everything on Skiathos,” he noted, “despite its small size of approximately 48 square kilometers and unique coastline. Even in the peak heat of August and July, you can rent a boat or reach a secluded beach by foot or car and find absolute solitude. That’s the magic of Skiathos.”
History and culture on Skiathos
Beyond its natural and culinary appeal, Skiathos boasts significant historical and cultural monuments, including the Papadiamantis Museum, dedicated to the Greek writer Alexandros Papadiamantis (1851–1911) and the Skiathos Naval Museum, which introduces the remarkable nautical and naval history of the island.
Other sites include the Holy Monastery of Evangelistria, a historical monastery where the first Greek flag was designed over 200 years ago, and the medieval castle, inhabited for almost 500 years from 1450, which is essentially a natural fortress and a source of immense pride for Skiathians.
The medieval castle of Greece’s Skiathos, known locally as the “Kastro,” has officially reopened to the public in May following extensive restoration works.
The project, long-awaited by residents and visitors alike, encompassed the construction of a new bridge, the restoration of the castle gate, and the reconstruction of pathways for improved accessibility.
This reopening is part of a broader initiative by the Skiathos Municipality to rebrand the island as a year-round cultural destination, blending history, sports, gastronomy, and live events to attract a more diverse audience beyond its well-known summer beaches.
The Skiathos airport and its international appeal
The conversation with the Mayor of Skiathos naturally turned to the island’s unique airport. “The airport receives a lot of publicity, and people go there specifically to see it,” he acknowledged. “We don’t consider it a danger, but rather a phenomenon. Few airports allow you to witness departures and landings so closely, and there’s a special audience of ‘plane spotters’ who travel the world just for this.”
However, safety remains paramount. “It is truly impressive to see,” he continued, “but we have, in cooperation with the airport, police, and port authorities, designated restricted areas for approach with traffic lights and signs explicitly prohibiting standing there, either by car or foot. When these signs are violated, problems arise.
“We had an accident about a month ago, but everyone bears responsibility for exposing themselves to danger. It’s like crossing a red light – it’s not the traffic light’s fault,” he told Greek Reporter.
He notes that some people travel from all over the globe to experience it. Others, during their 7 or 10-day stay, might pass by in the afternoon. “The key is to do it safely. We’ve ensured safety measures are in place, but problems occur when they are violated.”
Mayor Tzoumas’s insights paint a picture of Skiathos as a multifaceted destination, continually evolving to offer a richer, more accessible, and sustainable experience for all.
