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.