Popularly dubbed the "Emerald Isle" because of its lush green vegetation, Skiathos is the most sought after island in the Northern Sporades island group. Located in the Aegean sea, east of Volos and north of Evia and Thessaly islands, Skiathos is a bundle of unfathomed beauty and pristine nature, surrounded by azure sea. Skiathos is dominated by a modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere, provided by the multi-nationality of sailors that gather here to cruise in perfect sailing conditions.
Why choose Skiathos?
The only island in the Sporades with an airport, Skiathos, is the easiest pick for an ideal start of a perfect sailing vacation. It is also the westernmost island in the Northern Sporades archipelago, with more than 50 astounding beaches. The vegetation is lush and rich in bounties of figs, olives, plums, almonds and grapes, all of which the locals cultivate with excellence. The tradition of shipbuilding in Skiathos in which locals take pride in the nautical services their marina provides, so chartering a skippered or a bareboat yacht is made easy and affordable. Thanks to a loyal fanbase of sailors and tourists, Skiathos is the most busiest member of the Sporades island cluster. From Skiathos, sailors often choose to launch sailing expeditions to the rest of the North Sporades archipelago, the islands of Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros.
What to do and see on your yacht charter in Skiathos?
Skiathos has many cultural and historical treasures to present to willing travellers: the Papadiamantis museum, the Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary with four integrated museums and the Kástro, a fortress from the 14th century, to name a few. Skiathos is also famous for its wild night life, with the Old Harbour being a hotspot for entertainment, where bars and clubs keep party goers up until morning. In the area of Ammoudiá, party enthusiasts can also enjoy open air parties in big clubs. The harbor also contains the Bourtzi, a tiny peninsula where the remains of a Venetian castle from the 13th century stand, complete with walls and turrets. Off the coast of Skiathos Town, lie the isles of Tsougria, Tsougriaki and Arkos, popular places to visit for those wanting to bask in the sun on tranquil beaches the isles provide. With more than fifty beaches to choose from in Skiathos, it is hard to make a decision on what beach to take the first dip? The most famous beach in whole of Skianthos is Koukounaries, a long sandy beach declared to be the third most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean. Other beaches include Banana, a beach surrounded by pine, which contains water sport facilities and is ideal for the younger crowd, because of the parties that take place in the surrounding bars. For more peaceful and less crowded beaches, the western part of the island provides a solution in form of Mandraki, Elia, Agkistros and Small and Big Aselinos beaches. Lalaria beach, on the north-eastern part of the island is a pebble beach reachable by boat only.
Sailing season - When to charter in Skiathos?
Because of its northern position, the sea around Skiathos warms up later in spring than usual. The colder northern winds make the north coast of Skaithos wilder and less accessible than the south coast, with most beaches accessible by boat only. The numerous facilities that provide the ideal Skiathos holiday destination only stay open between June and September. During that time, chartering also sees an increase in traffic. The warmest months are those of July and August, when temperatures climb over 30 degrees Celsius. Warm months of May, June, September and October are also good periods to charter a yacht in Skiathos, because of stable weather and wind conditions.