Pictures of Greece and the Greek Islands

	I have read many comments on Skiathos and I am always surprised that they are not always complimentary. However, speak to anyone who has actually been there on holiday and they will invariably tell you that it is wonderful. But there are always exceptions! It is first and foremost somewhere you would go for a beach holiday. There is no doubt that over the years it has become very commercialised. It is, perhaps, a victim of its own popularity. The majority of the coastal road is lined with hotels, villas and studios. However, take a little time to explore the interior and the north coast of the island and you will be richly rewarded. We first went to Skiathos in September 1994. We were looking for somewhere with its own airport, short transfer and good beaches. Skiathos does indeed have its own airport, although as anyone who has been there will testify, that runway is very short.
	We stayed at Agia Paraskevi, on the coastal road midway between Skiathos Town and the renowned Koukounaries. The journey from the airport to Agia Paraskevi was little more than 20 mins. First impressions as you circuit the Skiathos bypass or ring road could be less than favourable. It all looks a bit shabby. However, once out on the main coastal road the views improve. You start to catch glimpses of some of those wonderful beaches. There is a strong scent of pine and many varieties of herbs. This is an aspect that we always recollect about Skiathos and something of course that pictures can never convey.
	On that first visit, we had 2 weeks of glorious sun, swam in the warm sea and met some wonderful people. Although leaving to come home was sad, it was certainly different. Check in and then wander over to one of the 2 tavernas outside the airport. You only go to the departure lounge once you have witnessed the plane land !! Since the new airport building was opened in 2002 arrangements have changed. You can still go to the tavernas but they no longer make the airport announcements there. Just keep your eyes peeled for that plane.
	It was 2 years before we were able to return. Again it was September, one of the best times to visit. I suspect that the island is mayhem during July and August - just too many people. To our surprise, many of the people we met 2 years before were still there. We had an even better holiday. Since then we have been back a further 5 times and have many friends in Agia Paraskevi. We once went in May and although the sight of the spring flowers was a bonus unfortunately that particular year the sea was a bit chilly for swimming.
	One of the best ways to see the many splendid beaches is to take a boat trip round the island. The magnificent Lalaria beach, on the north coast, can only be reached by boat. Another recommended boat trip is to visit Tsougria, one of the small islands off the south coast. All boat trips can be booked directly with the captains. If you can't find them they will find you if you walk anywhere near the old harbour at about 10 in the morning.
	We were once sat in a taverna by the harbour, people watching, and overheard someone say that they had hired a car for 3 days ... “had seen all of the island in half a day ... waste of time” How wrong they were. It really is worth hiring some kind of vehicle. Realistically you need to hire a 4WD, motorbike or scooter, that will allow you to travel on the many dirt tracks that criss cross the island. Otherwise you miss out on so much. Even on our seventh visit we still managed to discover a new dirt track and a view. Admittedly some of the tracks can be difficult. Sometimes it is easier to navigate them on a scooter, at least you can pick out a ‘line’. Just go slow!
	The local Bus is worth experiencing at least once - then get a taxi. To say the bus can get jam-packed is an understatement. If necessary the conductor will leave the bus so that he can push people from behind to squeeze them on the bus. Just when you think that they can’t possibly get any more people on, the bus will stop at the next stop. Amazingly the conductor will still manage to collect everyone’s fare. A true master of his profession. Taxi drivers on the other hand seem to believe they are invincible. I suspect that this is a common misconception amongst Greek taxi drivers in general. However, if you are really not comfortable driving on the wrong side of the road, overtaking on blind bends etc then get the bus (but see comments on the Bus above).
	The town of Skiathos is the life and soul of the island. Here you can relax and people watch. There are tavernas and restaurants to suit all tastes and pockets. As usual the prices seem to reflect location. Sitting around by the old harbour will cost. But, hey, you are on holiday. Probably best seen at night when it really comes alive. A tour of the Kalamaki peninsular should ensure you see somewhere you may wish to spend the rest of your days. Numerous very desirable villas – but if you need to ask how much … you can’t afford one!
	I suspect that most people come to Skiathos for the beaches. They will not be disappointed. Our favourites are Agia Paraskevi and Ag. Eleni (just the perfect spot to watch the sun go down over the Pelion peninsular). Another favourite is Aselinos - reached via a tarmac road from Troulos and also popular with the round the island excursions. This is a long beach with a large taverna and snack bar. What makes it different is that whereas the sea around the south coast beaches is usually very gentle, here in the north, the waves can be quite spectacular due to the predominant north wind.
	A wonderful walk across the heart of the island from Ag. Paraskevi will take you to Kechria. This is one of those beaches, however, that looks better when viewed from a distance but the walk there is certainly worthwhile. There is a smaller beach with a cantina to the right – this is sometimes called Super Paradise. The beach at Koukounairies is said to be one of the prettiest beaches in the whole of Greece. This unfortunately means that it can get very crowded. There is a wonderful aroma of pine from the trees that encircle the beach.
	The beaches are definitely the main attraction of the island. Just some of them are listed below:- Vromolimnos Troulos Maratha Banana - 2 beaches one of which is nudist Banana Beach Website Hidden beach - walk over from Eleni Mandraki - unusually backed by sandstone cliffs Elias - another wide sweeping bay Mikro Aselinos - up over the headland from Aselinos - now with a cantina. Nikotsara Airport beaches There are many more, allegedly some 65 in all.
	Our last visit was in September 2001. Hopefully it will not our last.
		To visit the Skiathos picture gallery - click HERE


Images of Greece - © Silverfox 2002-3