The natural landscape is what defines the island of Skiathos and has given it its name, which it has held since ancient times. According to experts, the root word ‘skia’ (shadow), comes from the many forests that cover the island.

Skiathos has been continuously inhabited since the 10th century BC. From Venetian and Dutch travelers and cartographers to modern tourists and the rapid growth of tourism, it consistently captivates those who discover it.

Skiathos reveals itself – or rather, one is ‘conquered’ – when one decides to uncover its secrets. Words are insufficient in describing this unique island, the only one in Greece where two-thirds of its area is designated as ‘Aesthetic Forests of Exceptional Natural Beauty’.

The island featurs beaches and coastlines that are monuments of nature. Among them are Lalaria, Koukounaries, and Mandraki – some lively and cosmopolitan, but most of the 67 beaches remain untouched by time and man, serene even in the height of summer. The coastline encircles much of the island, with sandy shores – black or golden sand – and others with pebbles, colorful or white, steep reefs, vibrant seaweed, and waters crystal clear like the beaches described in Homer’s Odyssey.

Skiathos boasts a magical inland area with a network of trails nearly 200 kilometers long winding through enchanting ravines, with streams, waterfalls, rows of plane trees, as well as monasteries, Byzantine monuments, and humble chapels, many leading to rose-colored shores.

Among its enchanments are monuments left behind by humans, the most significant sites being Kefala and the Castle. Kefala, the only known site from the early historical period in the Sporades, was inhabited from the 10th century BC.

At the northernmost tip of the island stands the Castle, where the Skiathos residents settled in the mid-14th century, abandoning the present-day town to escape pirate raids from the Turks and Venetians. However, the imprint of its inhabitants remains alive through picturesque chapels and fortifications that have withstood time.

A stroll through the town offers the delight of getting ‘lost’ in the Plakes area, where the traditional ‘captains’ houses’ and preserved cobblestone streets dominate. A visit to the House-Museum of Alexandros Papadiamantis is a must, as is a stop at Bourtzi, Skiathos’ historic headland, where the Museum of Naval and Cultural Heritage is housed. Here, one can follow the island’s remarkable shipbuilding and maritime history through its exhibits.

And if the high praise of outsiders encourages you to visit, the words of Seferis and Elytis will leave you in awe. George Seferis visited Skiathos in 1930 and wrote in ‘Days A’ (Ikaros Publications 2003): “This afternoon, I found myself on a small beach. A straight horizon line in the distance, a small boat moored, and in front of me, the pebbles formed by the waves, each with its own character, like people. Infinite tranquility…”

Forty-nine years later, when Odysseas Elytis visited Skiathos, he too was inspired by its natural beauty and created a collage of its landscapes, titled ‘Optasia’. In his study ‘The Magic of Papadiamantis’ (Ypsilon Publications 1996), he notes: “Here one reflects on how these sixty square kilometers with three thousand souls came to acquire the significance of an entire continent.” Elytis’ experience in the blue cave of Skiathos was immortalized in his description: “The moment the small boat enters the sea cave, from the blinding light, suddenly you find yourself enclosed in a frozen turquoise mint” (‘The Small Nautilus’ – Ikaros Publications 1985).

And while the Nobel laureates found words to describe it, the actual experience surpasses the most vivid description. The Skiathos you have just read about – the charming and full of contrasts – remains, in large part, as Alexandros Papadiamantis left it and described in his stories. This is the Skiathos worth discovering, but it is not easily given; it requires effort, like all things of true worth.

In Skiathos, the new municipal administration has set its sights on dynamically developing thematic forms of tourism.

Beyond the ‘classic’ vacations with dips in 67 stunning blue beaches, strolls in picturesque alleys, and lively nightlife, the island has become a beloved destination for those seeking alternative vacations, combining relaxation and the enjoyment of sights with the unique experiences offered by nature, religious culture, and the specialized facilities and venues of the Greek tourism industry.

The island caters to plane-spotting enthusiasts, maritime tourism (sailing, yacht charters, cruises), and adventure lovers, who can enjoy diving in the enchanting Mediterranean seabed – there are over 300 species of fish in the Sporades island group, including rare red coral.

Nature and hiking enthusiasts can explore the island’s untouched natural environment via 25 trails totaling 197 kilometers (with marked paths lasting from 1 to 6 hours), discovering idyllic spots offering breathtaking panoramic views of the island, as well as perfect places for relaxation or picnics. The beach of Koukounaries, besides its crystal-clear waters, is famous for its forest, which stretches almost to the sea, and the Strofylia lagoon within, a rare wetland that is now a protected area.

This year, with the participation in the Gastronomic Communities initiative led by the municipality and supported by local restaurant professionals, the foundation was laid for the development of gastronomic tourism.

Skiathos is a modern island, yet it manages to preserve centuries-old customs and traditions. Moreover, most of these are not presented as mere attractions but have been integrated into the daily life of both residents and visitors. Easter on the island of Papadiamantis, the ‘saint of Greek letters’ is mystical and devout. Unlike most places in Greece, the Epitaphios service on Good Friday begins at 1:00 AM, and the procession starts at 3:00 AM. In a solemn and moving atmosphere, the procession winds through all the alleyways of the town, passing by the illuminated houses. A herald – ‘the foreman’ – recites the Lamentations aloud, while the chanters and the faithful follow, singing and holding their lit candles.

In Alexandros Papadiamantis’ short story ‘The Easter Chanter’, after an extensive introduction to matters of writing, religiosity, and customs, the author introduces the subject of the story. It is a description of events that took place on Holy Saturday during an Easter service. The description also includes the Divine Liturgy and the customs observed on that day. All these elements give new dimensions to an Easter story that evokes memories for everyone. This is likely Papadiamantis’ goal – to convey the deep religious devotion of the holidays and the elements of Easter that were missing from Athens.

For more information visit www.skiathos.gr/