Skiathos

Most visitors to Skiáthos choose to stay at one of the many resort hotels that lie behind the scenic island’s south-shore beaches, although there are a few options for those wishing to stay in Skiáthos Town. The Bourtzi Boutique Hotel (Moraítou 8) is one such offering, and boasts an excellent standard of service. However, you may not need to use the hotel’s inviting pool thanks to the plethora of beaches - in excess of 60 - that can be found around Skiáthos. Head to Megáli Ámmos, which lies 1km southwest of town, and try the hillside Aegean Suites, which offer spacious accommodation, a live-cooking restaurant and oodles of luxury. Elsewhere, stunning Koukounariés Beach is found towards the end of the island’s bus line, along with Mandraki Village, a family-friendly option equipped with an excellent restaurant.

Aside from the seaside offerings of sandals and swimming masks, there is little of note with respect to shopping located away from Skiáthos’ harbour settlement. The Galerie Varsakis antique shop (Platía Trión Ierarhón, just up from the old port) is worth a visit, offering jewellery, copperware, textiles and the owner’s own paintings, although perhaps only for those with plenty of cash to spare - the high prices almost lead potential customers to believe that the owner neither wishes nor expects to sell most of the items in stock. Meanwhile, the small alleys that lie between here and the main thoroughfare of Papadiamándi are great for more favourably priced boutiques, selling everything form ceramics to jewellery.

There are many spots to get your fill of Mediterranean delicacies, both behind the beaches of Skiáthos and in town. Amfiliki (opposite health clinic, Skiáthos Town) comes recommended for its delicious seafood such as their bráska kípo (monkfish in sauce). There are a number of trendy restaurants on the airport road (opposite yacht anchorage), including Bakaliko, which is popular among the locals for its interesting take on traditional dishes. Try Alexandros (Kapdistríou, off Trion Ierarhón square), which offers outside dining and frequent informal live musicor starters, and serves great chops and casserole dishes. Just below the road (approach to Tzaneriá Bay), Sklithri is a superb fish taverna that may be hard to spot but boasts a great reputation.

Skiathos Gay Seduction Festival

July

This festival debuted in 2012 and features model shows, parties and the like, as Skiáthos sheds its former reputation as ‘the straight Mýkonos’.

Maritime Week

July

This somewhat modest event commemorates the island’s long seafaring history, which includes both facilities for modern yachties and wooden caique-building yards.

July–August

Each summer there are a range of theatre and music events, plus exhibits at this small medieval island fortress, which has an open-air theatre and is now linked to Skiáthos Town by a causeway.

Feasts of the Virgin (Panagía)

14 August, 21 November

Evangelístria Monastery is the setting for the funeral procession of the Virgin on the evening of 14 August, while 21 November sees Kounístra Monastery play host to the Presentation of the Virgin.

Katsonia Festival

6 September

The lives of the crew who died when Greek submarine Lambros Katsonis was torpedoed on patrol from British Egypt are commemorated at Kástro, which is the old medieval capital of Skiáthos that lies on the north coast of the island.