New Santorini: Greek island with 64 beaches

Skiathos is much more than a tourist hotspot. It is no coincidence that it is considered one of the most developing islands in the Mediterranean in recent years.

The reputation of the smallest of the four Sporades islands as a cosmopolitan hot spot in the Aegean has quickly spread internationally in the 21st century and is preferred by many to popular destinations such as Mykonos and Santorini.

Beaches Skiathosone should certainly not be jealous of these two largest tourist resorts in Greece. Readers of the renowned British travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler chose it last January 2019 as the island with the best beaches in the world. In a poll of more than 600,000 readers, Skiathos has left behind exotic destinations such as the Seychelles and Virgin Islands, and more recently the same magazine has paid tribute to the island’s blue-green magic again.

Last year’s article by Rachel Howard on her website titled “23 Best Greek Islands to Visit in 2020” put Skiathos at the top of the list! According to the magazine, Skiathos – “the island where Mamma Mia was filmed” – has some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, the most characteristic of which is Koukounaries, distinguished by turquoise waters and surrounding trees. He also makes Elia (or Mandraki) Beach in the north with a characteristic analogy – thanks to the crystal clear sea and the cleaned wooden tavern, it feels like “falling into a little piece of paradise.”

Koukounaries, with its golden sands, clear blue waters and the unique Koukounaries (cones) forest on its outskirts, is a really good reason to visit Skiathos – especially for fans of the vibrant beach life. But, of course, he is not alone.

As for the beaches, Lalaria is no less good, one of the most beautiful and exotic beaches in Greece. This is a place of worship for the spirits of freedom, as you can only get to it by boat, and the beach itself is wild and not organized.

It was named after the white and smooth pebbles that make the crystal clear water even more transparent and reflect the sun on the shore. Sculpted white cliffs rise above the sea, creating several meters of natural shadow for anyone hiding underneath.

In general, the beaches, according to the above-mentioned vote, are the main weapon of the island. You will need to spend a lot of time to see all 64. But it is enough to visit and those few that impress with the variety and brightness of colors. Some of the most famous, besides the two most popular, are Banana, Megali Ammos, Agia Eleni, Achladies, Xanemos, Vromolimnos, Kanapitsa and Aselinos.

Every island looking to grab attention needs to have something different, unique, and Skiathos Town is the perfect addition to its beaches. It is a labyrinth of narrow streets of the old city, a mosaic of picturesque alleys, traditional island houses, flower gardens and neoclassical mansions.

The island has many historical and cultural attractions, the most recognizable of which is the Venetian Castle in Bourdzi, which overlooks the port on a pine-covered islet, and, of course, the house of Alexandros Papadiamantis, which functions as a museum.

The medieval castle, where the old fortress city of Skiathos ends, literally “hangs” in the air, it was built on the highest northern point of the island.

Overall, Skiathos is known for its many Byzantine and medieval monuments such as churches, monasteries and castles, and this traditional atmosphere creates a charming contrast to its postmodern character.

As is well known, the island’s gastronomic, entertainment and nightlife infrastructure provides a cosmopolitan getaway for everyone who wants to experience it. At the same time, Skiathos can satisfy a budget for all tastes, offering a wide range of options, from the quietest taverns and beaches to noisy social clubs, where you can even meet an Arab emir.

It is not for nothing that for several years in a row on the island (with the exception of the pandemic period) he spends part of his vacation Sheikh of Qatar, former Prime Minister Hamad bin Yassim bin Jaber Thani Al Thani.

Usually, Mr. Al Thani arrives in Skiathos in his “floating palace”, on the famous luxury yacht “Al Mirqab” with a length of 133 meters, which is characterized as one of the largest megayachts in the world.

The island has many historical and cultural attractions, the most recognizable of which is the Venetian Castle in Bourdzi, which dominates the port on a pine-covered islet, and, of course, the house of Alexandros Papadiamantis, which functions as a museum.

The medieval castle, where the old fortress city of Skiathos ends, literally “hangs” in the air, it was built on the highest northern point of the island.

Usually Mr. Al Thani arrives in Skiathos in his “floating palace”, on the famous luxury yacht “Al Mirqab” with a length of 133 meters, which is characterized as one of the largest megayachts in the world.

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