With its own airport and more than 60 fine beaches, Skiathos is
the most popular of the Sporades Island group and each year
attracts thousands of tourists to its busy coastline. The island is
only four miles (6km) wide and seven miles (11km) long. Away from
the resort areas along the south and east coast it is relatively
undeveloped with shady woods, olive and walnut groves and quiet
beaches that can only be accessed by boat. The seafront in Skiathos
Town is lined with local tavernas, cafés and some excellent seafood
restaurants that look over the lively marina. From here boat trips
leave to take tourists around the island to swim in the sparkling
blue-green waters and see the sights, which include a ruined
Venetian fortress dating from 1207, and the deserted 14th-century
town of Kastro. The most famous beach on the island, and perhaps
Greece, is Koukounaries, a one-mile (2km) long strip of fine golden
sand and crystal clear water set in front of a thick pine forest.
It attracts many visitors especially during July and August and
offers all sorts of watersports facilities.
