Skiathos

The green, hilly, pine-clad island of Skiathos, lying opposite Mount Pelion on the mainland, is a member of the Sporades island group, on the Aegean Sea in Greece. Until the early 1970s, when tourism began, the economy was based on agriculture. Today, Skiathos is the most cosmopolitan island in the Sporades, offering some of Greece's best sandy beaches, including the renowned Koukounaries, crystal blue sea and sophisticated tourist facilities. Most hotels, villas and restaurants are concentrated along the south coast, west of Skiathos Town, the capital. Skiathos Town, with its whitewashed, terracotta-tile roof houses, is built over two hillsides overlooking the harbour. It is the centre of life on the island and offers the best range of restaurants, bars and clubs. North of Skiathos Town lie several interesting cultural sights, including a beautifully restored 18th-century monastery and the ruins of the 16th-century Kastro, the island's oldest settlement which was abandoned in the early 19th century.

Most people come to Skiathos for the beaches. The season runs from Easter to mid-October, when the island attracts couples and families from all over Europe. It is particularly popular with British tourists. Note that it gets very crowded in July and August, when visitors are advised to reserve accommodation well in advance.

Skiathos is one of the eleven Sporades islands, which lie on the Aegean Sea off the east coast of mainland Greece. The island is served by an airport, which lies 2km (1.25 miles) northeast of the capital, Skiathos Town. Skiathos Town is also the main port, lying 41 nautical miles southeast of Volos and 44 nautical miles northeast of Agios Konstantinos on the mainland.

Skiathos is a compact island, only 12km (8 miles) in length. It is relatively hilly and much of the land is covered by pine woods. The best sandy beaches lie along the south coast, while the north coast offers dramatic cliffs and secluded coves accessible only from the sea.

Skiathos is known first and foremost for its excellent sandy beaches, which lie along the sheltered south coast. These include Koukounaries, a gently curving 1km- (0.5-mile) stretch of fine golden sand backed by pinewoods, with sun beds and umbrellas for hire, plus good watersports facilities. It is often referred to as the ‘best beach in Greece' and is home to Skaithos' largest resort after Skiathos Town. Close by, Banana Beach offers similar facilities, plus a fine stretch of golden sand reserved for nudists. Lying between Skiathos Town and Korkounaries, Vromolimnos sand beach is popular with a young, lively crowd who enjoy windsurfing, water-skiing and beach volleyball. On the north coast, the much-photographer Lalaria Beach is made up of smooth white stones backed by cliffs, and is accessible only by taxi boat from Skiathos Town.

In Skiathos Town, the Bourtzi Fortress on a small peninsular jutting out into the harbour is now a cultural centre, well worth a look in. A one-hour hike (take plenty of water) north of Skiathos Town stands the impressive 18th-century Monastery of Evangelistrias - it can also be reached by bus (infrequent) or by car (a 10-minute drive). On the north coast, the 16th-century Kastro is the island's oldest settlement, abandoned in the early 19th century when inhabitants moved to Skiathos Town. To see a bit of everything, take a round-the-island boat trip, including a stop at the Kastro, Lalaria Beach and a sea cave on the north coast.

Skiathos' unspoilt sandy beaches shelve gently into the sea, making them very safe for children. Horse riding enthusiasts should visit Skiathos Riding Centre at Koukounaries, offering riding lessons and trekking at all levels. For very young children they also give donkey rides, and there's a mini zoo and a playground.

Avid shoppers should head for Skiathos Town, where Papadiamanti Street is lined with elegant boutiques stocking clothes, shoes and accessories, and souvenir stores selling ceramics and locally produced olive oil.

Easy-going Skiathos is hardly a clubber's paradise, though Skiathos Town does offer a good selection of trendy cocktail bars and English-style pubs, grouped mainly on Polytekniou Street. A string of about a dozen clubs and discos lie at the east end of harbour, on the coastal road to the airport, overlooking the sea. Each summer, Bourtzi Fortress hosts the Aegean Festival featuring open-air theatre and concerts. After sunset, other resorts offer little more than low-key wining and dining.

Skiathos Town offers the widest range of dining venues, with some excellent seafood restaurants overlooking the old harbour, and prices to match. Cheaper eateries can be found in the town's winding back streets. One of the island's most memorable restaurants is the Windmill, serving international cuisine in a refurbished 19th-century windmill on the hill above Skiathos Town. The rest of the island's resorts offer standard Greek tavernas catering for tourists.

In summer, buses (red line) run every 30 minutes from Skiathos Town, west along the south coast the Koukounaries, stopping at several other beaches along the way. Less frequent buses (green line) run from Skiathos Town, north to the Monastery of Evangelistrias. It is possible to hire cars and mopeds in Skiathos Town. Taxis are cheap by European standards.

Numerous travel agencies offer one-day excursions by boat to the neighbouring islands of Skopelos and Alonnisos - if you are lucky you might see dolphins along the way. Alternatively, regular ferries connect Skiathos Town to Volos and Mount Pelion on the mainland.

Just 1.5km (1 mile) outside Skiathos Town, the Aegean Suites Hotel (Ftelia, Megali Ammos) (website: www.slh.com/greece/skiathos/hotel_skiaeg.html) overlooking Megali Ammos beach, is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It has 20 stylish suites (all with balconies and sea view), three restaurants, a beauty centre, an outdoor pool and a private beach.

Skiathos Airport (JSI)