Skiathos
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==Skiathos== | ==Skiathos== | ||
| - | [[Image:Skiathos_m.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Map of Skiathos]] | + | [[Image:Skiathos_m.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Map of Skiathos<br/>''Click for larger view'']] |
===Background=== | ===Background=== | ||
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====Skiathos Harbor==== | ====Skiathos Harbor==== | ||
| - | [[Image:SkiathosHarborRegion_m.jpg|350px|thumb|center|Chart of the Region of Skiathos Harbor]] | + | [[Image:SkiathosHarborRegion_m.jpg|350px|thumb|center|Chart of the Region of Skiathos Harbor<br/>''Click for larger view'']] |
| - | [[Image:SkiathosHarbor_h.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Chart of Skiathos Harbor]] | + | [[Image:SkiathosHarbor_h.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Chart of Skiathos Harbor<br/>''Click for larger view'']] |
Skiathos Harbor [39° 09.9' N 23° 29.6' E] provides excellent shelter. There are several anchoring possibilities: | Skiathos Harbor [39° 09.9' N 23° 29.6' E] provides excellent shelter. There are several anchoring possibilities: | ||
#Anchor in the old harbor, which is the most sheltered. This is not always possible because of the large number of day-trip boats. Also it can be noisy here at night. If you do come stern-to after dropping the anchor at 4-5 m. The bottom is sand with good holding. | #Anchor in the old harbor, which is the most sheltered. This is not always possible because of the large number of day-trip boats. Also it can be noisy here at night. If you do come stern-to after dropping the anchor at 4-5 m. The bottom is sand with good holding. | ||
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====Koukounaries==== | ====Koukounaries==== | ||
| - | [[Image:Koukounaries_m.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Chart of Koukounaries]] | + | [[Image:Koukounaries_m.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Chart of Koukounaries<br/>''Click for larger view'']] |
Despite the number of tourist at the beach during the day, this is my favorite anchorage in Skiathos. There is a small harbor where, if there is any room you can tie side-to or take aline to the quay. Both places are usually occupied by flotillas. It is best to anchor off the beach at about 6 m. The bottom is sand and provides good holding. The bay is sheltered from the meltemi but exposed the southerlies (avoid in the fall). | Despite the number of tourist at the beach during the day, this is my favorite anchorage in Skiathos. There is a small harbor where, if there is any room you can tie side-to or take aline to the quay. Both places are usually occupied by flotillas. It is best to anchor off the beach at about 6 m. The bottom is sand and provides good holding. The bay is sheltered from the meltemi but exposed the southerlies (avoid in the fall). | ||
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====North Coves==== | ====North Coves==== | ||
| - | [[Image:Skiath_Kastr.JPG| | + | [[Image:Skiath_Kastr.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Beach under Kastro<br/>''Click for larger view'']] |
There are many attractive sand beaches on the N shore of the island where you can anchor but they are all exposed to the meltemi. The nicest ones are: Mandraki [39° 10' N 023° 04.6' E], Anemosouria, Megalos Aselinos, Mikros Aselinos, Kastro, the famous Lalaria, and Megalos Yialos. | There are many attractive sand beaches on the N shore of the island where you can anchor but they are all exposed to the meltemi. The nicest ones are: Mandraki [39° 10' N 023° 04.6' E], Anemosouria, Megalos Aselinos, Mikros Aselinos, Kastro, the famous Lalaria, and Megalos Yialos. | ||
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===Tourism & things to do ashore=== | ===Tourism & things to do ashore=== | ||
''Also see each Port/Stop'' | ''Also see each Port/Stop'' | ||
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| + | ===Fuel, Water, & Electricity=== | ||
| + | * | ||
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| + | ===Laundry=== | ||
| + | * | ||
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| + | ===Grocery Stores=== | ||
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| + | * | ||
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| + | ===Eateries=== | ||
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| + | ===Motorbike & Car Rentals=== | ||
* | * | ||
===Marine Stores & Facilities=== | ===Marine Stores & Facilities=== | ||
''See each Port/Stop'' | ''See each Port/Stop'' | ||
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| + | ===Repairs=== | ||
| + | * | ||
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| + | ===Transportation=== | ||
| + | Transportation to mainland or other countries, etc. | ||
| + | * | ||
===References & Publications=== | ===References & Publications=== | ||
Revision as of 14:16, 18 April 2008
Skiathos
Click for larger view
Background
Skiathos (Σκιάθος) is the most touristically developed of the Sporades. As a result in the past several years it has been cursed by many large and ugly new buildings, especially along its southern shores. By nature, Skiathos is a beautiful island, mountainous and very green, with large trees, and its reputed 62 beaches are of stunning beauty. Unfortunately very few have been left in their natural state. Most have been "developed" which translates into bars, blasting loudspeakers, umbrellas, cigarette buts, beach chairs, plastic wrappers and may other non-natural elements.
To my mind, as to the mind of most people raised and educated in Greece, Skiathos is synonymous with the archetypal Greek island. This is because of our early introduction to the vivid short stories of Alexandros Papadiamantis which all take place in Skiathos. Papadiamantis is maybe Modern Greece's pre-eminent short story writer. He lived and wrote in Skiathos. His stories are populated with local characters who move along the countryside and gaze on the sea and its waves braking on the rocks. He wrote in an archaic form of language, catharevousa, that no one uses any more and is hard to read, but the characters all spoke in the vernacular dialect of the island. Despite the language barrier these stories are totally absorbing. The modest house where Papadiamantis lived and worked is now a museum. My inner vision of Papadiamantis' Skiathos contrasted with the modern polyglot reality is stark.
The history of Skiathos is almost identical with the history of Skopelos. The small fort, Bourtzi, between the old and the new harbor was built by Venetian Gizzis. Many of the island inhabitants are descendants of refugees from Evia who settled on Skiathos in 1790.
Charts
BA 1062 Nisoi Voríoi Sporades
Imray-Tetra G25 Northern Sporades and North Nisos Evvoia
NIMA 54350 Nisoi Vorioi Sporadhes
Greek 331 Sporades to Ay. Efstratios
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
- Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
In general, during the summer months the meltemi is weaker in the Sporades region. Approaches to the island are straight forward, no dangers.An exception to this is the approach to the Harbor of Skiathos.
WARNING: The approach the Harbor of Skiathos, especially at night, can be tricky because of the confusion caused by the flashing red lights at Dhaskalo islet and at the end of the ferryboat mole.
Ports and Popular Stops
There is only one harbor in Skiathos and several attractive coves.
Skiathos Harbor
Click for larger view
Click for larger view
Skiathos Harbor [39° 09.9' N 23° 29.6' E] provides excellent shelter. There are several anchoring possibilities:
- Anchor in the old harbor, which is the most sheltered. This is not always possible because of the large number of day-trip boats. Also it can be noisy here at night. If you do come stern-to after dropping the anchor at 4-5 m. The bottom is sand with good holding.
- Dock either stern-to or side-to along the concrete quay of the new harbor (N of the old harbor). The bottom is sand with good holding.
- Dock stern-to on the newer floating dock. Drop the anchor in about 6-5 m. The bottom is sand with good holding. The disadvantage here is that you are more exposed to swell, on the other hand it much more quiet here at night than along the quay or in the old harbor.
- Anchor off on the eastern side of the bay. Good holding.
WARNING: Avoid the restricted area along the flight path to the airport.
 The Quay at the New Harbor |
 The Floating Dock at the New Harbor |
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
Vasilias
This is a cove about 1 nM W of the Old Harbor. Several local yachts anchor off here.
Kanapitsa
Kanapitsa is a sheltered cove about 3 M SW of Skiathos Harbor. It used by several local yachts and looks attractive despite the near by hotels.
Platanias Bay
This is a large bay E of Koukounaries. It is well sheltered from the meltemi but exposed the southerlies (avoid in the fall). Many large hotels.
Koukounaries
Click for larger view
Despite the number of tourist at the beach during the day, this is my favorite anchorage in Skiathos. There is a small harbor where, if there is any room you can tie side-to or take aline to the quay. Both places are usually occupied by flotillas. It is best to anchor off the beach at about 6 m. The bottom is sand and provides good holding. The bay is sheltered from the meltemi but exposed the southerlies (avoid in the fall).
While Koukounaries (Κουκουναριές) [39°08.9' N 24°.2' E] may not be the "most beautiful beach in Greece" as the locals will tell you, it is still a wonderful beach with a pine forest all the way to the waterfront. The whole area is a park and protected from development. The beach is crowded during the day, but the park closes at night and you can then enjoy this great anchorage.
About a 15 minute walk from the footbridge (turn left at the asphalt road) there are several groceries and restaurants.
North Coves
Click for larger view
There are many attractive sand beaches on the N shore of the island where you can anchor but they are all exposed to the meltemi. The nicest ones are: Mandraki [39° 10' N 023° 04.6' E], Anemosouria, Megalos Aselinos, Mikros Aselinos, Kastro, the famous Lalaria, and Megalos Yialos.
Offshore Islands
None.
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Tourism & things to do ashore
Also see each Port/Stop
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Laundry
Grocery Stores
Eateries
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Marine Stores & Facilities
See each Port/Stop
Repairs
Transportation
Transportation to mainland or other countries, etc.
References & Publications
See Greece.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
External Links
- Skiathos (Wikipedia)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
.
