Date of HolidayJuly 2007 The IslandI have tried to find something different to say about the island in general this year but I think most was mentioned in my previous review in 2005 so please take a look at my other suggestions and photographs from that year as well as what follows. Skiathos is the most cosmopolitan of the group of islands known as the Northern Sporades. People come to Skiathos from all over the world because of the beauty of the town and harbour and the fantastic beaches Skiathos is a beautiful, wooded island, far greener than one would expect a Greek island to be. It has over 60 beaches, wonderful tavernas and a warm and friendly local population. Quite simply, Skiathos is unique, a piece of paradise you will want to return to again and again.
Our ResortThis year we decided to stay in Skiathos Town mainly because we had our 17-yr old daughter and her friend with us and it was more convenient for them to have the freedom to go out in the evenings and walk home. However, we immediately realised that we too preferred to stay in town and drive out each day to explore the beaches. To us, Skiathos Town is the best place to enjoy your evening – whether you are eating in one of the excellent tavernas, strolling along the harbour or sitting in one of the numerous bars and just ‘people watching’. We spent time this year just wandering around the lanes of Skiathos Town, discovering new areas and looking at all the pretty houses and views from every turn of an alleyway. The view of the town from the Bourtzi on the harbour is breathtaking with the old harbour in one direction, with its daily boat trips and the new harbour to the right full of wonderful yachts.
Our AccommodationThe Bourtzi Hotel (not to be confused with the peninsular of the same name on the harbour front) is located near the top of Papadiamantis Street and is surprisingly quiet considering its location. I cant recommend this hotel highly enough. Dimitris and his mother Maria were so friendly and accommodating and everywhere was so clean. We booked with the hotel independently and chose one of their superior rooms for ourselves and my daughter and her friend had a standard room. Their room was very nice, quite adequate and our room was just sumptuous including a bathroom with bath, overhead shower and constant boiling hot water. The balcony was huge and the room was cleaned every day. Our air conditioning and safe deposit boxes were included in the price. There is a large pool. There are lots of sunbeds and lovely sofas positioned all around the pool area. The nearest beach, Megali Amos, is only a 10-minute walk. The Bourtzi Hotel now has a bar called “The Lobby” which adjoins the pool terrace and then through to the street where non-residents can come in. The breakfast consisted of fresh juice, coffee, bread, jam, cheese and ham and can be taken around the pool or in your room. A highly recommended hotel, in a good location, run by a lovely family. Link: http://www.hotelbourtzi.gr/Bourtzi-Pothos/bhome.asp?lng=en
Things to do and places to visit on SkiathosBeachesThis year we visited new beaches and on the North coast I highly recommend: Kechria Bay. What a charming and pretty bay. I was told that you can’t actually drive all the way to the beach. But it can be done! We took the road between bus stops 8 and 9, climbing up the mountain until you see a left turning saying Kechria. This road leads over to Ligharies beach and just before you drive onto that beach, there is a right fork which takes you up and over to Kechria bay. There is a STOP sign but ignore it. All the jeeps and even some cars drive down the track and park on the grass. It was so pretty and you can choose to sit on the grass or on the pebble bay. Excellent for snorkelling and Babis’ Taverna does very good food. A highly recommended bay. Another new one for us was Agistros Beach. Stunning bay with crystal clear sea and once again, a good taverna. On the South coast we enjoyed Kanapitsa Beach which has an excellent taverna. Excellent watersports can be found on Banana Beach, Koukounaries Beach and especially Megali Amos beach.
Boat trip to Skopelos and AlonissosAn enjoyable trip taken on the Kassandra boat from the old harbour to visit the other two islands in the Sporades. We were lucky enough to see lots of dolphins on this trip, but this is not guaranteed. Stopped firstly at Skopelos which is a very pretty town with wonderfully colourful houses and then on to Alonissos where we had the choice of a 10-minute bus trip up to the old town which has been restored. A very pretty town in the hills. The trip cost €25 each. Skiathos TownOne thing we thoroughly enjoyed this year was spending a day just wandering around the lanes and exploring new areas of Skiathos Town, looking at all the pretty homes and how the locals live. Watching the PlanesWorth watching are the planes landing on Skiathos’ incredibly short runway on a Wednesday and Friday afternoon from 12.15. Stand at the beginning of the runway on the edge of the sea and the planes almost touch your head as they land. Good taverna here called the Amaretto. Or go and sit on Xanemo beach at the end of the runway and watch the planes take off over your head !
Recommended Tavernas for 2007Hellinikon Taverna, Skiathos TownOne of our favourites this year. From the old harbour up the steps past the Rock n’ Roll Bar into church square. Cross the square and take a right, then just keep to the left and you will find it. In high season just listen out for the local musicians playing in the corner. Taverna Alexandros, Skiathos TownOnce again a lovely taverna with local musicians in the lanes near Hellinikon Taverna. Link: http://www.skiathosinfo.com/business/alexandros.htm
Asprolithos, Skiathos TownAlways a firm favourite with us, excellent food. Link: http://www.skiathosinfo.com/business/asprolithos.htm
Taverna Dionysos, Skiathos TownInstantly recognised and welcomed by Miranda, still a lovely taverna.
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