The city of Skiathos, also known as Skiathos Town is the capital of the island of the same name and is the only real town on the island of Skiathos.
The old city of Skiathos, today called "Kastro" dating back to 800 AD is located on the northern side of the island.
Around 1830, after the pirate invasions ended, the residents decided to move to the southeastern coast of the island and build the new city here, closer to the sea and in a more accessible area.
The small Skiathos Town is located in a picturesque gulf, divided into two parts by the Bourtzi peninsula. Its streets are narrow, with small and simple houses that thanks to their characteristic of seeming almost crammed, offer a typical Greek charm.
Skiathos Town is full of places that tell its story and that fascinate tourists thanks to their unique, almost magical atmosphere. One example is the Church of Agios Nikolaos, located in the center of the capital: easily accessible via a long staircase, it is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, protector of sailors. From the large terrace in front of the church you can enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the gulf and the entire town. It was here that the opening scene of the famous film "Mamma mia!" was filmed, a reason to visit and photograph it.
The main street is dedicated to Alexandros Papadiamantis, the writer born on the island of Skiathos and later known throughout Greece. Here you will find not only various shops and restaurants but also small cafes and bars at will. In the port area there is a commemorative statue of the submarine Lambros Katsonis, shot down by the German Navy during the Second World War. If you want to learn more about Greek culture instead, don't miss the interesting Folk Museum, where traditional tools and costumes are displayed, which reconstruct the history of the island of Skiathos in a particular way.
Continuing the walk through the narrow streets of Skiathos Town, we suggest you also visit the Church of Panagia Limnia, with the bell tower that stands out on the city buildings. The skull of Alexandros Papadiamantis is preserved here. A little curiosity about this church that took its name from the inhabitants of Limni who in 1800 moved to Skiathos and settled in the area where the building stands.
It should be added that in recent decades the town of Skiathos has expanded considerably and has taken on a more modern appearance, also suitable for tourism able to satisfy both families and young people, thanks to the presence of numerous bars, restaurants, shops and night clubs.
Visit Skiathos Town and stop for dinner at one of the many restaurants, such as the Crazy Cow Wine Bar Restaurant, which in a romantic atmosphere serves, alongside traditional dishes, excellent main courses of meat and fish, with vegan options. And after dinner let yourself be swept away by the lively nightlife.
Papadiamantis Museum
Skiathos is the birthplace of Alexandros Papadiamantis, a famous nineteenth-century writer considered the father of modern Greek literature. Papadiamantis became famous for having told the hard life of the islanders with his novels.
Papadiamantis has been a novelist, poet, journalist and columnist and his narrative style is distinguished by realism and naturalism that shines through in all his works.
He was an attentive observer of the rural society of his time and from this he took inspiration to give life to marginalized and nonconformist heroes.
Papadiamantis was also the first to translate from Russian to Greek "Delitto e Castigo" by Dostoevski.
His 1860 house has been transformed into a museum with books, paintings and photographs that will allow you to get to know this writer so famous not only in Skiathos but throughout Greece.
You will get to know his very controversial way of dressing and his unkempt appearance, given a little by poverty, but above all by his life choice.
His most famous work is The killer a particular novel set right in Skiathos.
Entrance ticket: € 1.50
Opening time:
From 1 April to 31 October: 10.00 - 13.00 and 17.00 - 19.00
From 1 November to 31 March: 8.30 - 15.00
Official website: click here
How to visit the surroundings of Skiathos Town?
If you want to explore also the surroundings of Skiathos Town there is a bus that connects it to the main beaches of the island. With € 2.00 you can travel from one end of the small island to the other. Taxis are also quite cheap (certainly thanks to the small distances to travel). The vehicle we recommend most is certainly the scooter or the car, which will allow you to visit all the best beaches, in total freedom.
Do not forget the Taxi Boats that always find some success among tourists, especially for those who want to quickly reach, by sea, the most suggestive beaches of the island of Skiathos.