The first island of the North Sporades group of islands, it's only 3 nautical miles away from the coast of the Pelion and 38 from Volos. Its golden beaches, the bright green mountain and its historical monuments all contribute to an image that makes the island one of the most beautiful in Greece.

Skiathos is a relatively small island, only about 12km long while the total length of the coastline is 44 km. The central road is approximately 14 kilometre's long and connects Skiathos Town with Koukounaries. The Hora (village) as many call the town of Skiathos, is the main village on the island. It is built according to traditional island architecture and hosts a great part of the local population amounting to approximately 4000 people. However, many people prefer to live outside the town, enjoying the peace of the countryside all year round. The locals are mostly employed in the tourism business which is the main source of income for the island. Nevertheless, many still linger on their old occupations, those of their ancestors. Agriculture, farming and fishing, were all flourishing until recently. Olives are still farmed throughout the island and are the basic agricultural product and the best are exported all over the world. You can buy 5ltr cans of the best Skiathos Olive Oil from the larger supermarkets for about 25 Euros.

Going back in time, we see that the people of Skiathos, together with their toil of the land, have shown great interest in the cultivation of the soul. Many chose to write stories, poems and songs as a way of expressing themselves, most notably the writers Alexandros Papadiamandis and Alexandros Moraitidis, both of which have glorified the customs and traditions of the island with their amazing short stories. Papadiamandis lived in the town and often took his afternoon Ouzo in the Mouria Taverna which is located close to the bottom of Pappadiamandis Street. Mouria is also a great place to eat tradional Greek food.

Check out "Tales from a Greek Island" by Papadiamandis. It's published by The Johns Hopkins University Press of Baltimore and London. The publishers contact address is 2715 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218-4319. USA. Or you can buy it from various bookshops in the town.

The locals, faithful to their customs and God, fed their souls with liturgies (orthodox masses) and other religious events. Annual fairs reinforced the traditions. During those fairs, the people of Skiathos would celebrate the glorious days of Christianity with feasts and festivities that would often last many days. Greek Orthodox Easter is celebrated in style on Skiathos and if you get a chance to be in Skiathos during the Easter week please don't miss it but be prepared for many nights without sleep especially Friday and Saturday.

Skiathos has witnessed a great tourist influx since the 1960's. The islands natural charms, along with its unique character, attract thousands of visitors from all over the world like a magnet every summer. The diversity that the island offers, and the changes in landscape and images, hold the interest of the visitor up until the very last moment of their holiday.

The sixty or so glorious beaches of Skiathos are perfect for holidaymakers. The sandy ones along the southern coastline being the most popular, while those to the north have a sort of unique wild beauty and attract visitors who enjoy nature and wilderness.

The trails and uphill tracks into the interior among the bright green trees will make your walks unforgettable. They often lead to one of the many churches, monasteries or other historical monuments. Remember to take plenty of water though as you won't find a local taverna or cantina in the forests.

In the town itself you will experience the true cosmopolitan atmosphere of the island, as you will find yourself surrounded by numerous restaurants, cafes and all kinds of night life. The local people tend to stroll back and forth along the harbour side (Paralia) every night just enjoying the spectacle and talking to everyone they meet. Strolling through the paved alleyways of the town you will find churches and innumerable traditional stone houses with gardens in full bloom. Recently, Papadiamandis Street (the main street in the town) has been paved and pedestrianised and you can now enjoy a stroll without having to dodge the motor vehicles. Remember to take in Papadiamandis House which you will find near the bottom of the street. There is a museum dedicated to the great man which is worth a look at. Also, check out "Mouria" hotel and taverna. It is opposite the museum and is where Papadiamandis often sat and enjoyed the wine produced by the current owners Great Grandparents. Mouria have their own website at www.mouriahotel.com

Skiathos offers numerous options to visitors. The accommodation ranges from the basic and traditional through to deluxe class hotel suites. The word "Deluxe" seems to mean something different in Greece when compared to what you would expect in The UK or US. Think of it as "Better than the rest" and you won't be far off and not so disappointed with the reality. You will find many tourist offices in the town that will be pleased to help with finding suitable accommodation.

You will find the most beautiful beaches in Greece on this small island such as Koukounaries, which many opinion poles rate as one of the top ten beaches in the world. It was called koukounaries (pine cones) from the tall trees that reach the coast and go all the way to the lagoon on the other side of the forest. The locals and the authorities have managed to keep this corner of the island intact, away from big investors the sole objective of which is constructing big hotel complexes. It is like a mini national park and the lake is a great place to walk around. The beach is about 1km long and has a beautiful half-moon shape. The sand is a very fine light golden colour and the sea reflects the deep blue colour of the sky. The beach shelves very gently so it's fine for children and non-swimmers.

It's only logical therefore that tourists of all ages and from all corners of the earth arrive on this beach to admire its beauty. The wooden cantinas have been carefully placed on it so as to not spoil the natural beauty of the environment. They serve food that's simple and tasty, mostly sandwiches, salads and local specialities. Water sports and other activities are available. Try parachuting behind a speedboat which will give you the opportunity to admire the beauty of the beach and the forest behind and convince you of why it's rated so highly.

The bus service in Skiathos is excellent. It runs from the town to Koukounaries and each bus stop is numbered. Buy a local map of the island when you arrive in Skiathos and you will see the bus stop numbers are clearly marked. You will find the bus a very convenient and inexpensive way to see the southern part of the island.

Tsougria, the small deserted island off the coast is a great place to get away from it all. Often it will be completely deserted so you can have a beach to yourself. Small tourist boats depart from the harbour in Skiathos Town to the island every morning unless the weather is rough. They will drop you on an enchanting beach with a peaceful, exotic, deserted landscape behind. Going for a swim is essential and you will notice the gorgeous beach shelves very slowly till eventually giving way to deeper water. The small taverna often serves superb Maratha (whitebait fish). There are a few umbrellas and no water sports. The island is mainly inhabited by a herd of wild goats owned by Pantellis, the owner of Mesogia Taverna in the town.

Bus Stops. I haven't included the first few stops as they are just along the ring road that circles the town and therefore not very interesting. At the end of the town the bus turns onto the Koukounaries Road and runs alongside the Town Beach (Megali Amos). Our journey starts at the end of the Town Beach.

Bus Stop 8 - Vassilias

Vasillias Beach is accessed from the main road down a winding track. On the beach you will find one of the best Ski School's on the island. It is owned and run by Stefanos who has been based here for many years.

There is also a good beach taverna called "Ta Nissia" which is definitely worth a visit. Look out for the sign with the sailing ship on the main road.

Bus Stop 10 - Achladias Beach (pronounced Aklardias)

Achladias is a narrow beach with a more peaceful feel than Megali Amos. It is dominated by the Esperides Hotel and obviously the clients of the hotel use it. It has some really nice tavernas right on the beach and they offer wonderful views across the sea to Tsougria and beyond. The large mountainous island to the left is Skopelos and the hillside village lit by the afternoon sun is Glossa. There is a lovely small water taxi that runs continually from a jetty on the beach to the main harbour in the town till really late at night. Well worth the experience.

Bus Stop 11 - Sklitheri

A small beach where you could be completely alone to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and gentle sloping beach. Not many people know this even exists and it's in an under- developed area of Skiathos.

There is no beach taverna so you should take a picnic with you if you intend staying all day.

Bus Stop 12 - Tzaneria & Nostos Bay

Nostos Bay is a beautiful small sheltered bay at the start of a peninsula called Kanapitsa.

The Kanapitsa is where you would have your villa built if you won the lottery. At least that's what we used to say. These days you would need to win the lottery twice to be able to afford one.

Have your walking shoes with you and take the opportunity to walk around the peninsula to Vromolimnos Beach. Undoubtedly one of the most attractive beaches on the island, offering many happenings and a fast pace. Its rich vegetation reaches the shore and adds to the colour of the waters. In peak season, the beach is transformed into an endless party.

The two tavernas, apart from the delicious food that they offer, will entertain you with dance rhythm's and help you have a great time. In charge of water sports is Vasilis, with many years of experience in water skiing, an ideal instructor for children, but also for those who wish to improve their technique. Weather permitting, you can ask him to take you for a ride by parachute. You will enjoy it.

Bus Stop 12 / 13 Kanapitsa

The small beach is worth all the effort it takes to walk from the bus stop. It is very sheltered and placed in superb peaceful surroundings. It is seldom crowded and makes a great place to discover.

There is a small taverna on the beach offering fresh fish and salads and local wine to wash it down with. The taverna is also open at night and therefore is a great place to eat as the sun goes down whilst listening the the sound of the sea in the background.

The whole Kanapitsa is just delightful and has a single track road going all around the peninsula with fantastic views at every bend and the the never ending sounds of local wildlife.

The rough road is all a part of the rustic charm of this area but be careful if you visit on motorbike as it can be quite dangerous, especially after rain.

Bus stop 14a - Kolios

A gorgeous small bay, with the beach spreading wide and circular between its rocky sides. The quiet waters of the bay often give the visitor the impression of discovering a lagoon. The sea here is known to be the warmest of the whole island. At the Kolios Sand Bar Café you will find really tasty salads, sandwiches and cold dishes or you may opt for the fresh fish and Greek cuisine offered in a nearby taverna. Water sports are also available.

Bus stop 15 - Agia Paraskevi & Platanias

It's named after the church of Agia Paraskevi (Saint Friday) which can be found right behind the bus stop and worth a visit to see a traditional local church within a peaceful garden.

The beautiful hotels that adorn the area give a cosmopolitan aspect to this otherwise quiet environment. This is a resort for the more mature tourist or families and the nights are much quieter than elsewhere on the island.

The beach is quite long and the depth of the sea increases rather steeply, so you should be careful if you can't swim and take care of your children.

There are umbrellas and tavernas on the beach and water sports Take a walk over the rocks to the right, you might find your very own deserted beach.

Check out Tellis Taverna opposite the Princess Hotel. It's perched high up and offers fine food and wines.

Bus stop 17- Asselinos.

You will need your walking shoes again for this one and make sure you take some water as it's quite a trek.

On your way from the bus stop you will pass beautiful unspoilt meadows that are filled with wild flowers in the spring. If you visit in May you will be absolutely amazed by the shear beauty of the countryside as you walk along.

Asselinos beach is facing the north and its natural beauty becomes wild and imposing. There is usually a strong northerly wind and the waves that break on the shore create a continuous roar and a spectacle. The pictures opposite were taken on one of the rare days when the wind was from the south.

There are no water sports on this beach but there is a taverna offering reasonable food but their prices are amongst the highest on the island so it may be best to pack some lunch beforehand and enjoy a picnic on the beach instead.

Bus stop 18 - Troulos

You will recognise this beach by the small island that you can see right across from it. You will find it swarming with people, particularly during high season. In spite of that, the beach is always kept perfectly clean and unspoilt. You will find many British tourists who are particularly fond of the whole area. The taverna offers a great variety of fresh fish and there are water sports available in the season. The Troulos Bay Hotel dominates the beach and its a good place for a beer and some shade at midday.

Bus stop 19 - Maratha

Maratha beach is straight and narrow. It is a favourite with visitors staying at the Skiathos Palace Hotel which is just over the road. The small cantina is run by one of the islands great characters, Yeorgos and his wife Brigita. Please excuse the spelling, I find it best to spell foreign words the way they would be pronounced in English. They will serve you some wonderful local specialities and keep you entertained at the same time.

Bus Stop 21 for Mandraki

Mandraki Beach is some distance from the bus stop so be prepared for a walk.

It is richly blessed and combines the beauty of the northern beaches with the calm aspect of the southern side of the island. If you have your own means of transport, turn at the sign which reads "to Mandraki" approximately 700 metres before the end of the main road (Koukounaries). You will only be allowed to take the vehicle part way and will have to walk the rest which will take about 20 minutes.

The beach looks like virgin territory, with a wide embankment from one end to another. It is very quiet even in peak season. Visiting tourists are few, and the only sound to disturb the peace is the low hum of the sea.

There are a few umbrellas and no water sports, but there is a cantina serving good wholesome food.

Bus stop 23 - Agia Eleni

Turn off the main road at The Golden Beach Hotel and you will reach the beach in about 20 minutes. The track takes you through some pleasant countryside and there is always a smell of herbs on the breeze. The beach is a natural sandy coastline which in the most part is deserted. It tends to look a little neglected but I think it will become one of the more popular beaches once development of accommodation reaches its shores. There is a cantina for snacks and some shade to be had from the midday sun.

Bus stop 24 - Koukounaries

This is the stop for Koukounaries beach and for Banana Beach.

Koukounaries beach and the surrounding areas are amongst the most beautiful of the whole island. The local government and the Greek tourist board should congratulate themselves on a job well done in preserving this paradise and resisting the pressures of the property development moguls. The whole area is unique, take your time and enjoy it.

The picture was taken from the Skiathos Palace Hotel car park.