GREECE & CYPRUS SKIATHOS DESTINATIONS


T blue rue


Sun, sand and spa await on a relaxed beach break in Skiathos, finds David Golledge


I


t’s a great feeling when you travel somewhere new to


know there’s someone waiting for you, but as we came in to land at Skiathos airport, I hadn’t expected to see a whole crowd of people awaiting the arrival of our flight. Peering through the tiny


aircraft window, there was a throng assembled on the road just beyond the airport’s perimeter fence, greeting our arrival with excitement. Little did I know that this is


Skiathos’s signature party trick. As aircraft come in to land mere metres above the coastal road, crowds flock to take a look, getting precariously close to the powerful jet blast from the engines to do so. It’s as big a thrill as you’re


likely to get on an island where the pace of life is pleasingly slow,


the locals warm and friendly, and the scenery just as stunning whether you’re hiking through its lush interior or kicking back on one of its golden-sand beaches. With the opening of five-


star hotel Elivi Skiathos adding another option for luxury-loving guests, we checked out a handful of the most relaxing activities around the island.


 BEACH BEAUTY Skiathos’s 60-plus beaches are undoubtedly its star attraction, with sandy stretches that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean. The long, sweeping


Koukounaries beach – where a verdant pine forest meets crystal-clear waters – is particularly impressive. The area enjoys ecological protected status and is a popular draw for


visitors travelling by water taxi from the island’s capital. Despite Koukounaries’


attractions, it would be a shame not to head at least a little off the beaten track. The island’s forested hills provide more than just a dramatic backdrop, with the many trails offering great opportunities to explore on foot. Shortly after grabbing a map and setting off, we found ourselves far from any crowds, with the only noise coming from the crunch of pine needles underfoot. Better still, we were rewarded with the most spectacular sunset overlooking secluded coves.


 JOIN THE YACHTS With Greece so renowned as a seafaring nation, it seems only natural to take to the water. The port in Skiathos Town is


28 March 2019travelweekly.co.uk55


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