Saronic Islands Archives - Insights Greece

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Skiathos

Skiathos is nothing short of breathtaking. Known as one of the most popular of the Sporadic islands, it is filled with lush pine trees and over 60 stunning beaches; making it a hot destination during the warmer months. Here are the Top 10 things to do in Skiathos, including visiting modern museums, eating at quaint tavernas, and swimming at serene spots loved by locals.

Hike Around

Hike from town to the Evangelistria Monastery or the Kastro, the ancient fortified capital of the island. Skiathos is one of the best organised hiking destinations in Greece, offering 26 hiking routes with a total length of 200 km.

Insights Greece - Top 10 Best Things to Do in Skiathos — Evagelistria Monastery

Enjoy Cultural Events

Skiathos is a great place for culture lovers. Here you can enjoy a film at the open-air cinema, visit the small Maritime and Cultural Museum, and an in-house museum, which is dedicated to celebrated author Alexandros Papadiamantis. For a more modern cultural experience head to the Kivo Art Gallery, The Blue House Art Gallery, and Skiathitiko Spiti.

Visit Agios Nikolaos Church and Clock Tower

The church is dedicated to the Agios Nikolaos, Patron Saint of the sea. Located on a high hill at the beginning of the harbour, it’s totally worth getting up here to enjoy panoramic views of the city, the sea, and the Tsougria Islet on the opposite side.

Stroll Around Town

Keep walking around the town and you’ll eventually reach Plakes, and if you stroll through the streets of the old town, here you will find magical views and some lovely cafes and taverns run by locals. The backstreets of Plakes are filled with white washed homes that feature plenty of charm.

Explore Bourtzi

The stretch of harbour leading to the Bourtzi is where you will find the New Harbour and the town’s marina. It’s lined with an array of cafes and eateries which continue around the corner to the Old Port, whereas the far end near Bourtzi is pedestrianised. When the sun sets, this is where you will find local and international visitors enjoying their evening.

Shop Local Products

Papadiamantis is a wide pedestrianised street in the heart of the Old Town and the main shopping strip of Skiathos Town. Here you’ll find creperies, souvenir shops, boutiques local jewellers and other artisans. Also, make sure to stop off at Ergon deli, where you an grab some great local delicacies to take home.

Dine in Style

There are plenty of dining options in Skiathos and some of our picks include Under the Pine Tree behind Koukounaries, Marmita in Skiathos Town, or Agnadio, on the road towards the Evangelistria Monastery. For traditional taverna dishes head to Alexandros or Amfiliki. For a unique dining experience try the Windmill Restaurant and for modern cuisine head to Borzoi Club, Lo&La, Infinity Blue, or The Final Step.

Drink With the Locals

For a glass of wine or a cocktail, head to Rock n Roll, La Bussola, Gin Fish, or Tesla. For an all-day cafe and bar try Bourtzi, perched atop of the island. For the most charming setting, head to Sklithri and book one of the taverna tables right on the beach, and have a light mezze with your drink of choice.

Swim at the best beaches

Some of the best beaches are only accessible by boat however they are easy to get there with boat trips that go around the island every day. We recommend Koukounaries Beach, backed by lush pine forest and Vromolimnos beach is another beautiful sandy beach with a lively beach bar and a water sports centre. Those in the north of the island head to Elia beach, with its crystal-clear sea and rustic-chic tavern. And don’t miss a swim at Lake Strofinias, Kechries, and Tsoungria (a small isle close by).

Lalaria Beach

Yes, this beach deserves a mention of its own. Lalaria Beach is famous for its cave and its impressive rock formations and is accessible only by boat from Skiathos town; if you can only get to one beach on the island, this is the one.

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for some boutique hotels check out La Piscine Art Hotel or Elivi Skiathos. For a nice hotel that is reasonably priced look at Skiathos Avaton and for some villa-style accommodation head to Atrium Hotel.

Getting there

By Plane: Skiathos International Airport is to the east of the island, 30 minutes away by car. By Boat: There is no ferry to Skiathos from Athens. Ferry routes from port towns in mainland Greece such as Agios Konstantinos (two hours from Athens), Thessaloniki, and Volos connect with Skiathos and the neighbouring Northern Sporades islands.

Spetses’ 100-Year-Old Grand Hotel

Poseidonion Grand Hotel first opened its doors in 1914. This stunning building has become a famous landmark on Spetses island, a favourite spot for affluent Athenians and international jet-setters.

Location

Only two hours from Athens, the striking hotel occupies a prime seafront position and is one of the first things you spot as you arrive on the Saronic island- a coastal playground for the Athenian A-list crowd. With classic architecture, the Poseidonion is centrally positioned on the island’s main Dapia Port and is a sight to see when approaching the island by boat. Surrounded by a rich history, it is steps away from where a proud statue of Laskarina Bouboulina, the early 19th-century Greek independence heroine stands. We should mention, very few cars are allowed on the island, so scooters, 4x4s, bicycles, a horse carriage and walking are the best ways to get around. The hotel is close to the old harbour, the Bouboulina Museum and the Hatzigianni Mexi Spetses Museum. The closest beaches are only minutes away too.

Style & Character

Here contemporary luxury meets old-world glamour and you will truly be forgiven for believing you are on the French Riviera. In 2009 the hotel re-opened after a 5-year restoration project that carefully combines splendour with 21st-century luxuries. Under the ownership of the Vordonis shipping family, the hotel has been updated with the finest facilities, fixtures, and fittings while carefully preserving the original architecture of the building. Filled with decorative archways, potted palms and floors decked with painted tiles, it is a place of pure luxury.

Room Types

The hotel comprises of two buildings with superior and deluxe rooms and suites, several with private gardens or balconies offering spectacular views of the Dapia Port area and the sparkling blue-turquoise water. The historic wing features 38 rooms with a soft blend of whites and neutrals, including high ceilings, flowing layered curtains, wood floors and a mix of antique and modern decor. A new annexe features 17 rooms with a view of a Mediterranean garden and pool. Two private access suites, the Royal Suite and the La Cupola Suite boast a private balcony with panoramic views of the island.

Facilities

The Poseidonion is famed for being the first Greek hotel to offer spa services when it opened a century ago. Its wellness centre is now a series of small whitewashed buildings that surround a 300-metre spa pool. Treatments include massage, facials, body treatments, a nail spa, and a hairdressing salon on site. Stretched across the back garden is a lush palm tree-lined 17-metre lap pool. The stylish lounge is decked with comfy sofas, a grand piano and a vintage jukebox; there is also an outdoor cinema, and various restaurants that spill onto the sweeping terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea- perfect for watching the horse-drawn carriages go past on this car-free island.

Food & Drinks

Unique gastronomic experiences are curated by French chef Olivier Campanha, who is now at the helm of Library Brasserie and Bostani. With a focus on pure, regional
ingredients from the Poseidonion Grand Hotel’s Organic Farm Bostani is a farm to table experience combining local tradition with French techniques to create delicious dishes bursting with flavour. The updated Library Brasserie menu is dedicated to Greek cuisine with some elements from the wider Mediterranean. For some casual dining and drinks, The Palms Bar overlooks the waterfront promenade and offers scenic views of the sunset. Take a stool at the elegant marble counter and choose from an extensive menu of cocktails, developed in collaboration with Baba Au Rum, one of the world’s 50 best bars.

Ideal For

Couples, honeymooners, all artistic/creative types and anyone looking for a luxurious getaway. It’s also ideal for those who love to sail as the island is home to the Spetses Classic Regatta. With many pretty beaches and a buzzing summer nightlife, it’s also great for those who want to party and mingle with the rich and famous.

Services

24-hour reception
Business centre
Conference rooms
Free WiFi in lobby/rooms
Gym
Hairdresser
Hotel bar
Laundry service
Outdoor swimming pool
Wellness centre / Spa
Wheelchair accessible

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Our Complete Guide to Hydra

A small island in the Saronic Gulf (just 2 hours away from Athens), with its classic beauty, has seduced many international personalities such as Sophia Loren, Maria Callas, Aristotle Onassis, and Leonard Cohen, who purchased a house on the island in 1960. Moreover, the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd used to regularly vacation here.

Hydra has a charming atmosphere and romantic allure, it is aristocratic, yet authentic and features a rocky landscape with elegant, imposing stone mansions, narrow cobblestone alleys (with colourful bougainvillea), plus impeccable sunsets.

What you need to know before you arrive

Cars or motorcycles are not allowed on the island, aside from garbage trucks and ambulances.

Getting There & Getting Around

You can get here by ferry that departs from the port of Piraeus in Athens (a 2-hour journey). You can drive up to Metohi in the Peloponnese (2.5 hours) and park your car and cross to Hydra by a ferry or water taxi (25 minutes). You can also do a day cruise from Athens, where you will visit three islands- Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. Bear in mind that you will only have two hours to explore Hydra. Once there, the main method of transport is the delightful mules and donkeys, as well as water taxis.

Insights Greece - Our Complete Guide to Hydra

Where to stay

Near the harbour is nice, this is where all the buzz is. Other great places for accommodation are Vlychos, Mandraki, and Vlychos Plakes.

Where to sleep

Rafalias a magnificent Mansion, near George Kountouriotis Manor and the Hydra Museum Historical Archives. Mastoris Mansion is another great hotel, located just 90m away from Hydra’s port, with five rooms beautifully decorated and a wonderful terrace. And Hydrea Boutique Hotel in the heart of Hydra Town has stunning views.

Where to eat

Techne Restaurant & Social, situated by the sea, it’s set in a renovated historic building with a picturesque courtyard and serves great Mediterranean dishes. Omilos Restaurant is a must as it evokes memories from Hydra’s history.

To Piato, a traditional restaurant with a big collection of plates, decorated by the clients. From its prime spot, you can see the port while you enjoy fabulous dishes. Caprice, an Italian trattoria, only 150m from the port. The restaurant is decorated with old photos, tools, and equipment used by sponge divers. It serves traditional Italian recipes made with fresh Greek ingredients. Il Casta, another authentic Italian restaurant in the alleyways of Hydra’s town serves food from Napoli and the South of Italy.

What to eat

The traditional Hydriot halva for dessert and Tsagkaris’ amygdalota.

Where to drink

Hydronetta, a café-bar carved into the craggy coastline near Hydra’s harbor is the perfect spot for a drink any time of the day. Amalour is for cocktail lovers and Isalos café, the most well-known café on the island is also a must. Tip: ask for the Caffe del Doge, a specialty coffee from Venice.

Where to swim

Vlychos, a pebbled beach, just 2km west of Hydra Town, it’s for those who are fond of undisturbed beaches. Kaminia, a pebbled beach, is located within a small fishing village, only 1km west of Hydra Town, and near the village of Vlyhos. Spilia, a rocky “beach” with translucent blue waters is the perfect diving spot. At Agios Nikolaos, a sandy blissful beach on the western end of Hydra. In front of the Four Seasons Hotel and located in Plakes town, the long, sandy beach of Plakes offers panoramic views of mainland Greece and the surrounding islands. To get there, the hotel offers a boat that runs every hour between the village and Hydra Harbour for 3€, or you can hire a water taxi (20€).

Discover history

Visit the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Hydra’s main Cathedral, located in the center of the harbor, underneath the clock tower. It was said to have been built by a nun on her arrival in 1643 and consists of magnificent Byzantine-style architecture, frescoes from the 18th century, and exquisite Orthodox icons. Historical Archives Museum, founded in 1918, displays artifacts and rare documents related to the historical, traditional, and cultural aspects of the island from 1708 –1865. There is also a library there. Kountouriotis Museum, a mansion dedicated to Lazaros Kountouriotis, who played a vital role in the War of Independence. It was built in 1780 and features beautiful interiors, paintings by Greek artists, historical jewellery, and furniture owned by the Kountouriotis family. The Ecclesiastical Museum, located on the west side of the Monastery and housed in a former monk cell, has been open since 1999 and showcases elaborate holy vessels, jewellery, musical manuscripts, and other historical relics of the Monastery.

Special Events in Hydra

Miaoulia is celebrated during the last weekend of June, in remembrance of Admiral Andreas Miaoulis, who played a vital part in the War of Independence. The festivities include folk dancing, concerts, and boat races. At the very end, a sensational fireworks display takes place.

Koundouriotika Festival takes place in late August and commemorates the death of Hydriot and the first Greek Republic President Pavlos Kondouriotis. The festival includes sporting events, exhibitions, and lectures while ends with thanksgiving and memorial service.

Hydra Regatta is a famous sailing race from Faliro to Hydra and back. It is organised twice a year, in Spring, on the weekend before the 25th of March (Independence Day), and in Autumn, on the last weekend of October.

Do as locals do

Visit little-known beaches on the back of the island, such as Limnioniza and Nisiza. You can reach them using a boat ride. For a beautiful walk, begin from the picturesque fishing village of Kamini to Hydra Town. It is off the beaten path as there are no tourist shops. You will meet the parish church of John the Baptist and several stunning mansion ruins.

Top activities

There is a Yacht Club, offering swimming, water polo, sailing, and canoeing. The island is also rich in aquatic life, reefs, and sea caves at the bottom of the sea, so it’s perfect for snorkeling. Hydra is also top for hikers because the landscapes from the highest points are magnificent.

Where to shop

Speak Out is a chic boutique with various jewelry, accessories, and clothing. Keramidas Lykourgos, since the late 1960s, creates jewellery inspired by Greek tradition (especially the Byzantine one). Turquoise, unique clothing, and textile shop, with handmade pieces. For a variety of beauty products including soaps, lotions, and cologne that are made using old traditional recipes from Greek pharmacopeia, in stylish packaging, visit Rafalia’s Pharmacy.

What to see

Rafalia’s Pharmacy is considered one of the most beautiful pharmacies in the world. It was founded in 1890 by Evangelos Rafalias, located within a gorgeous century-old mansion, it’s the oldest in Greece and has remained in the same family. The Tsamados Mansion houses the oldest Merchant Marine Training School in the world, still in operation today. The Tombazis Mansion hosts students from the Athens School of Fine Arts in the summer. The Bastions to the left and the right of the harbor, with a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea.

Take a day trip to…

Poros and Spetses islands. Alternatively, to Ermioni, Porto Heli, or Aegina.

Can’t leave until

Stopping along the way to admire the dusk at Sunset Restaurant, which has a spectacular and romantic view of the sea. And a walk to the Profitis Ilias Monastery.

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Your Curated Guide to Greece

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Skiathos

Spetses’ 100-Year-Old Grand Hotel

Poseidonion Grand Hotel first opened its doors in 1914. This stunning building has become a famous landmark on Spetses island, a favourite spot for affluent Athenians and international jet-setters.