skiathos

Information about the town of Skiathos

skiathos-town

Skiathos Town, situated on the island of Skiathos in Greece, is a charming and picturesque destination that captivates visitors with its beauty and rich cultural heritage. Nestled along the coast and surrounded by the Aegean Sea, Skiathos Town offers a delightful blend of traditional Greek architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and stunning landscapes.

The town’s architecture reflects a mix of influences, combining traditional Greek elements with Venetian and Ottoman styles. Whitewashed buildings with colorful shutters line narrow winding streets, creating a postcard-perfect setting that beckons exploration.

The heart of Skiathos Town is the old harbor, where fishing boats and yachts gently bob on the crystal-clear waters. The waterfront is adorned with tavernas, cafes, and shops, creating a lively and inviting ambiance. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the promenade, savoring the sights and sounds of the bustling town.

Skiathos Town waterfront is split by a rock outcrop called the Bourtzi, topped by a medieval fortress with harbours on either side, both of them backed by rows of cafes and tavernas.

Recently repaved and spruced up, Skiathos Town looks neat and clean. The old harbour, to the west, is traffic-free and it is here that the island caquies tie up and display boards offering round-island trips and daily jaunts to the offshore islets.

The new port to the east takes the big inter-island ferries and the fast hydrofoils. This is also the place to catch Skiathos island buses or to find a taxi. All amenities can be found close to both harbours.

The main traffic-free shopping area is Papadiamantis Street, which leads directly inland from the Bourtzi and is lined with clothes and trinket shops, smart cafes and up-tempo bars.

Tavernas are plentiful but they serve up tourist-based fare, chips with everything, and nowhere can be called cheap. More cosmopolitan cafes get built each year to meet tourist demand.

Location

The town of Skiathos is built between hills, on the south-eastern tip of the island, with whitewashed houses, tiled roofs and narrow streets. It was destroyed by German bombs during World War 2 but rebuilt and flourished again.

Most of the population lives in the country of Skiathos. In the town of Skiathos is the preserved house of Alexandros Papadiamantis who was born and lived on the island.

In the port of the city, on a small peninsula, there is the Venetian fortress (Bourtzi) where today the Maritime Museum operates. Inside the fortress was built the Primary school of the island which now houses the cultural center of Skiathos.

In the town of Skiathos there are two historic churches, the Church of the Nativity (Panagia Limnia or Apano Panagia) was built in 1837.
The cart of Alexandros Papadiamantis is kept there as well as the historical miraculous icon of Panagia Odegetria (1700) which was brought to Skiathos by refugees from Limni of Evia.

Name of the Town

Skiathos town got its name from Evia as it was built by the refugees who left Evia in waves (1770, 1821, 1823) and took refuge in Skiathos and the Metropolitan Church of the Three Hierarchs, in which the miraculous icon of the Iconoclast is kept , patron saint of Skiathos.

Even in the town of Skiathos, in the area of Agia Triada, the ruins of an early Christian basilica, probably built between the 4th and 6th centuries AD, are preserved.

The ruins of the Early Christian basilica of Agia Sophia and the adjacent round tower in the Trollos area are preserved monuments of the island.

There are nine churches inside the Castle of Skiathos (Christ, Agios Nikolaos, Agia Marina, Panagia i Prekla, Agios Vasilios, Panagia i Megalomata, etc.

town of  skiathos

What to do

Skiathos Town serves as a gateway to the island’s renowned beaches, accessible by boat or bus. Koukounaries, Lalaria, and Banana Beach are just a few of the stunning sandy stretches that beckon sun-seekers.

With its warm hospitality, vibrant atmosphere, and cultural treasures, Skiathos Town offers a memorable Greek island experience, blending tradition with the allure of the Aegean Sea.

The heart of Skiathos Town is the old harbor, where fishing boats and yachts gently bob on the crystal-clear waters. The waterfront is adorned with tavernas, cafes, and shops, creating a lively and inviting ambiance. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the promenade, savoring the sights and sounds of the bustling town.

Entertainment, nightlife and shopping

Skiathos Town boasts a vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs offering entertainment well into the night. Whether you seek a relaxing evening at a seaside taverna or a lively night out, the town caters to various preferences.

The island’s main street, Papadiamanti Street, named after the renowned author, is a bustling hub of activity. Lined with shops, boutiques, and cafes, it provides an excellent opportunity for shopping and experiencing the local culture.

Skiathos Town serves as a gateway to the island’s renowned beaches, accessible by boat or bus. Koukounaries, Lalaria, and Banana Beach are just a few of the stunning sandy stretches that beckon sun-seekers.