From a guide book for Greece published by Sp. Zissis in May 1965

The most widely known island of Sporades group, it is also the smallest - the distance from one end of the island to the other is only approximately 14kms.

Skiathos has developed touristically at a faster and more advanced rate than the others. This is due partly at the airport which receives flights from many European countries, but it is mainly explained by the island's stunning natural beauty:

Like the other islands Skiathos is extremely verdant and green, but it also has an abundance of fine, sandy beaches, which stretch all along the south facing coast, reputed to be 60 in total, all offering fabulously clean seas, and golden sand, as well as a selection of water sports. It is even possible to learn how to scuba dive on Skiathos, as there is now a small school operating at Tsanerias Beach. For other sports enthusiasts, Skiathos also offers a riding school and a tennis club with clay courts.

Despite the fact that the island and some of its beaches can be busy in high season, it is still possible to escape from the crowds; Skiathos north coast, which is more rugged, has not been developed at all, and there are some lovely natural beaches here accessible only by private boat.

From here, the views out over the open sea are breathtaking - Papadiamantis, the island's famous novelist, wrote :
"The perspective stretches out, vast, into the shimmering blue sea towards the shores of Chalcidice, Macedonia and mount Athos."

Skiathos main town  has a busy and cosmopolitan feel, and has many places to eat out, ranging from simple fish tavernas to restaurants offering Chinese and French cuisine. For those looking for a wide choice of nightlife, Skiathos town has a good number of bars, and clubs with foreign and Greek music.