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Travel guide – Skiathos

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Overview

With its own airport and more than 60 fine beaches, Skiathos is the most popular of the Sporades Island group and each year attracts thousands of tourists to its busy coastline. The island is only four miles (6km) wide and seven miles (11km) long. Away from the resort areas along the south and east coast it is relatively undeveloped with shady woods, olive and walnut groves and quiet beaches that can only be accessed by boat. The seafront in Skiathos Town is lined with local tavernas, cafés and some excellent seafood restaurants that look over the lively marina. From here boat trips leave to take tourists around the island to swim in the sparkling blue-green waters and see the sights, which include a ruined Venetian fortress dating from 1207, and the deserted 14th-century town of Kastro. The most famous beach on the island, and perhaps Greece, is Koukounaries, a one-mile (2km) long strip of fine golden sand and crystal clear water set in front of a thick pine forest. It attracts many visitors especially during July and August and offers all sorts of watersports facilities.

Climate

Skiathos enjoys hot, dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures in July and August range from 82ºF (28ºC) during the day to 72ºF (22ºC) at night. Rainfall is unlikely in summer but showers can be expected between September and May. All of the northern Sporadic Islands are subject to a strong wind blowing from the north, as a result most of the beaches on these islands are found on the sheltered southern sides.

Health

There are no specific health risks in Greece, but visitors who plan to walk through forested areas are advised to consider vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis. Medical facilities in Greece vary; those in major cities are excellent but many of the islands are some distance from a decent hospital. Food and water are safe, but those visiting for short periods should consider sticking to bottled water. UK nationals are entitled to a refund on emergency hospital treatment under a reciprocal agreement between the UK and Greece, and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should be taken on holiday for this purpose. Despite this, all visitors are advised to take out medical insurance. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for those arriving from infected areas. Bird flu was detected in swans in northern Greece in February 2006, but stringent measures have been taken to contain the outbreak; no human infections have been reported. The risk to people is believed to be very low, but visitors are advised to avoid any contact with caged, wild or domestic birds, and to ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked as a precaution.

The basics

Getting Around

There is a small airport in Skiathos offering daily flights to Athens and ferries depart regularly for Volos and Agios Konstantinos, on the mainland. Good bus services ferry tourists around the islands, and mopeds can also be hired.

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Travel Guide by www.wordtravels.com
Disclaimer: By its very nature much of the information in our travel guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Winter Sunshine Holidays & Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.