Skiathos

A pine-clad beach island in the Northern Sporades with more than 60 bays, a short boat ride from Skopelos, where Mamma Mia! was filmed.

Skiathos lies in the northwestern Aegean and is the westernmost and most accessible of Greece's Northern Sporades. Covering about 50 sq km, it is around 80% pine forest, and its long coastline is dotted with more than 60 bays and beaches, earning it the name "island of pines". The only town, Skiathos Town, sits on the southeast coast, its whitewashed, red-roofed houses spreading over two small hills. Between them the pine-covered Bourtzi peninsula juts into the sea, with the New Port (ferry dock) on one side and the Old Port (excursion boats, fishing boats and seafood tavernas) on the other. On the south coast, a road of about 12 km links town with the famous Koukounaries Beach at the southwestern tip, passing one beach after another, with frequent buses. The north coast is steep and wild: the white-pebble beach of Lalaria and the ruined town of Kastro can only be reached by boat or on foot. The classic plan: one day on a round-the-island cruise (Lalaria, sea caves, Kastro, Tsougria islet), one day beach-hopping, and one day taking the ferry to neighbouring Skopelos to see the Mamma Mia! wedding chapel. The best time is Jun–Sep, when the sea is warm; Jul–Aug is the busiest and most expensive. May and October are quieter, but some boat trips and restaurants aren't running. Getting there: the island's airport has summer charters from across Europe and flights from Athens, or take a ferry from Volos or Agios Konstantinos (about 1.5–2 hours). Stay 3–5 days. Note: roads are narrow and winding, so take care if renting a car or scooter; north-coast boat trips depend on sea conditions and are sometimes cancelled.

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