Skiathos, Spotlight on Greece

Posted on 14/08/2019 by Website Editor

Skiathos is a small but beautiful Greek island in the Aegean Sea which can boast over 60 beaches. Here are 10 interesting facts you may or may not know:

• Skiathos is a little Greek Island in the Aegean Sea
• Skiathos will now forever be remembered as the location where “Mama Mia” was filmed
• Skiathos is a very green island, you will notice trees of fruits like figs, olives, plums, almond, oranges, lemons and grapes
• Skiathos makes up part of the island group known as Spоrаdеs, otherwise known as Thessalian Sporades
• There are a total of 24 Spоrаdеs Islands, but only 4 of them are inhabited
• Skiathos is a very religious island, despite its size there are over 50 churches
• Skiathos has its own international airport, you can choose to fly in with Thomas Cook UK, TUI Airways or BA CityFlyer
• Skiathos is well known for its glorious sandy beaches.
• None of the big 3 budget airlines fly direct to Skiathos

For the first time we talk with Jo Sullivan, who is Assistant to the Board of Directors and manages our property portfolio.

TLG: The Greek Islands are very popular with holidaymakers and has great weather in the summer months. Is this your first trip to the Greek Islands? Why did you choose this location for your summer break?

JS: I have travelled a lot and enjoyed other Greek destinations. I decided to holiday on one of the islands this year and a friend recommended Skiathos and the accommodation. I had an extensive check list of “wants” and “want nots”. I didn’t want an area swamped with “tourists” looking for fish and chips or “pubs”. I wanted to fly from a local airport, have good flight times with a short transfer when I arrived. I wanted to stay in a small property (max 20 rooms, no high rises!). I wanted a great outlook and a short walk into a town. This place definitely ticked all the boxes.

Also from Skiathos, you can travel to other islands via ferry from the port. So within an hour you can be on Skopolos or Alonissos. I want easy days out (I’m on holiday!!!)

TLG: Did you travel with friends?

JS: Yes, the friend that recommended Skiathos and the apartment to me. She couldn’t resist joining me once she found out I had booked! We booked our own apartments but next to each other so we enjoyed privacy and company!

TLG: Skiathos is a very old island and has so much history about it. Did you get out and see some sites, if so where did you visit, would you recommend any sites?

JS: Evangelistria Monastery is around 3 miles from the main town of Skiathos, it’s a monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was set up by Monks in the 18th Century it a long walk to the monastery but it a beautiful and has a museum attached.

TLG: Did you get time to chill out and relax; are you a pool or beach lover?

JS: I was looking for pure relaxation for this holiday and Skiathos is a destination that delivers that. However, the great thing about this island is that there is lots to do if you do get bored. I enjoy both pool and beach and like to visit the local sites. The beaches at Skiathos have various water sports, including boat hire and water skiing and there are lots of taverna’s for shade and cocktails (and shade and cocktails and shade and cocktails).

TLG: Also let’s ask about the food, a lot of people go on holiday for the food, give us a taste of what you ate?

JS: Skiathos town is full of great restaurants to enjoy, serving traditional Greek food. As I mentioned before, no fish & chips or pubs to be seen, just great Greek food,such as the Pastiso, great steaks, salads and gyros.

TLG: Jo, you are a well travelled person and we guess you have sampled many different cuisines. How did you find the Greek food?

JS: Simple but varied, great fish, lots of grilled steaks or lamb chops with gorgeous salads, gyros (a Greek dish made from meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, derived from doner kebab), Pastiso (a very filling Greek pasta dish), and scrummy desserts.

TLG: Do you have any funny stories of this trip?

JS: There are a few I could mention, but what happens in Corfu, stays in Skiathos!

TLG: Would you both recommend Skiathos as a travel destination, is it a location for all people/families etc?

JS: We would like to recommend Skiathos but we can’t…WE ARE TRYING TO KEEP THIS PLACE A SECRET…SHHH…

TLG: Finally as we mentioned before, you are a seasoned traveller and been to many places around the world, what are your top three favourite place you stayed and why?

JS: No.1 Maldives, unbelievable breathtaking paradise VISIT WHILST YOU CAN, THEY WON’T BE AROUND FOREVER!
No. 2 Thailand, for the food and smiles, culture and fun.
No. 3 Shhh…you know where.