Skiathos Island Things to Do

Two literary figures, cousins, known as "the two Alexanders", are dominating over the recent cultural history of the island:
Alexandros Papadiamantis, 1851 - 1911.
Alexandros Moraitidis, 1850 - 1929

Remember to visit Papadiamandis' House which you will find near the bottom of the street with the same name. It is the house, as it is said on a built-in inscription on one of its walls, in which he lived and died. It was built in 1850 -1860 by father-Adamantios, the author's father who was a priest. It functions as a museum dedicated to the great man which is worth a look at.

This house is located about 100 metres inland from the eastern coast of the city, in a narrow dead-end sidestreet of the present Papadiamanti street. It has two levels with the upper floor used for habitation and the ground floor used for storage.

On the left, as we enter, there is the winter room with its historical fireplace. This is where Papadiamantis lived his last moments. On the fireplace there were two shelves where all the cups of the house were.

Going back in time, we see that the people of Skiathos, together with their toil of the land, have shown great interest in the cultivation of the soul. Many chose to write stories, poems and songs as a way of expressing themselves, most notably the "Two Alexanders", both of which have glorified the customs and traditions of the island with their amazing short stories. Check out "Tales from a Greek Island" by Papadiamandis, published by The Johns Hopkins University Press of Baltimore and London.

Chora in Greek means the capital of an island, a market village or a small town, usually the main port of the island. It is also usual for this capital to have the same name with the island. Here is Skiathos village or Chora of Skiathos island as seen from the mountain, on the way to Kastro.

Megali Ammos is situated a bit outside the city in the street leading to Koukounaries. You can reach this beach on foot, by car or by bus.

On the western tip of the cape of Kalamaki and in front of a dry swamp, there is this beautiful beach with calm, clear waters and marvellous fine sand.

A typical backstreet in Skiathos town. To think the Rough Guide calles it commercialised and 'attractive only from a distance'!

Behind the hills, to the left of the photo is the west coast of the island and the beaches of Aghia Eleni and Krassas.