We try to get out as much as possible on Merlin, our 8 metre catamaran to enjoy the beautiful waters around Skiathos.
MERLIN
-|-WALKS-|-SAILING-|-TENNIS-|-WATERSPORTS-|-CAMPING-|-
-|-BOAT RENTAL-|-DIVING-|-CAIQUE TRIPS-|-
There are still a few footpaths left on the island but most have
become dirt roads. However, the walks and the views are still just as beautiful.
For ambitious walkers one can leave Troulos, walk to Kounistra
Monastery & Kechria via Agios Yiannis Krifos and return via the streambed
and valley to Platanias & Aghia Paraskevi. Another is to Evangelistra Monastery &
Kastro visiting several churches of interest on the way.
For those that would like a gentle amble to a nice beach, take the bus to the
Mandraki bus stop (by Hotel Caravos) & take the path through the woods to Elias or
Xerxes beaches. It takes roughly half an hour & the path is mostly in the shade of the
pine-tree forest of Mandraki.
A lovely walk is around the peninsular of Kalamaki. It takes roughly an hour, is
quite gentle and the views are terrific.
| The waters around Skiathos & its neighbouring islands of
Skopelos & Alonnissos are a paradise for sailors (or for anyone that enjoys beauty
& peacefulness). If you are an experienced sailor & wish to have use of a large
boat (30 foot & more) it is possible to arrange Flotilla Holidays from the UK or
bareboat charters from several companies based in Piraeus & Skiathos. If you like
sailing off the beach, at Kanapitsa beach you can rent a Topper or at Banana beach they
have some speedy beach cats for rent. We try to get out as much as possible on Merlin, our 8 metre catamaran to enjoy the beautiful waters around Skiathos. |
MERLIN |
DAY SAILING:
If you would like day sailing, several yachts are offering this from the New Port of Skiathos. Go in the evening to book for the following day or see our SAILING page to contact these yachts on line.
Tennis & Leisure Club's home page.
Skiathos has recently acquired a new tennis club which has been a wonderful bonus for those of us who live all year round. It has added a totally new dimension to our lives, particularly in the off seasons when Skiathos used to become pretty dead. The club has 4 excellent clay courts, a swimming pool & a good restaurant & bar. The courts have lighting installed which means that one can play in the cooler hours during the hot summer months. We play in almost all conditions during the winter (except rain) but the best seasons are spring & autumn when the weather is marvellous but not yet boiling.
On all the major beaches on the south side of the island you will find a watersports centre. On some beaches there will be more than one. They offer water-skiing, para-sailing, rides on doughnuts or bananas (figure that one out!?!?), & hire out jet-skis & motor boats. Most centres have an old windsurfing "plank" or two & canoes & pedalos which you can rent by the hour.
There are 2 official camp sites on the island. One near Xanemo Beach at the north east corner of the island, near the end of the airport & Koukounaries Camping at the far end of the island.
All the water sport centres hire out motorboats with which you can visit the
offshore islands, a secluded beach or two, or go right round the island when weather
permits. There are one or two specialist hirers who have a large collection of motor boats
to suit all tastes.
Please be guided by your hirer with regard to weather conditions & DO NOT attempt to
go around the island when you have been warned against it.
Scuba diving is attracting more & more people these days & Skiathos is
now catering for this sport.
There are 3 dive schools on the island.
There are two dive shops in town. See our business pages.
The Greek authorities get very upset at the thought of Greek art treasures being
discovered & not declared so tend to restrict diving locations to one or two small
areas. Talk to your diving instructor about the possibilities.
Apart from our own day sailing trips, there are many caique & boat trips which can be enjoyed. Caiques run hourly from the port to Tsoungria island in the morning & return from mid-afternoon onwards. Many caiques go to the main island beaches as well as to Lalaria, Kastro & around the island. There are caiques that are available for rent all day to take you to a destination of your choice. Larger boats go daily to the neighbouring islands of Skopelos & Alonnisos or go around the island stopping at several different beaches & a taverna for lunch.
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Copyright Geof Baldry 2001