Skiathos

Skiathos (Greek: Σκιάθος) is in the Greek Aegean Sea,one of the Northern Sporades group of islands and the closest to the Greek mainland. It is 41 nautical miles from the city of Volos. There is one main town , Skiathos Town. Prehistoric findings show that the island was inhabited by Pelasgians and Cretans. The town was destroyed by Philip V of Macedon in 200 BC and rebuilt in the 7th century by the Chalkidians on the south-eastern part of the island. This gave the island two ports. Later during medieval times the Kastro (castle/fort) was built in the north of the island (this was easier to defend). The island is one of the few to combine the green forests with the golden beaches. The forests of Mandraki and Koukounaries are under the protection of Unesco and Skiathos is proud of it’s sparkling seas, clean beaches, lakes and forests. Skiathos can be explored by bicycle or by foot along the island’s many hidden paths. You can visit the house of the famous writer, Alexandros Papadiamanti, who was born and brought-up on the island. At the harbor of the city there is also the Bourtzi, a small peninsula that separates the port into two.