Skiathos is a beautiful Greek island in the Aegean Sea, part of the Sporades archipelago. It is famous for its stunning beaches, pine forests, lively nightlife and charming old town. But Skiathos is also a paradise for sailing and yachting enthusiasts, who can explore the nearby islands, secluded coves and crystal-clear waters.
But how did Skiathos become such a popular destination for sailing and yachting, and where are the best marinas and ports to dock your boat? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and give you some tips on how to enjoy your sailing holiday in Skiathos.
The history of sailing and yachting in Skiathos
Skiathos has a long and rich maritime history, dating back to ancient times. The island was an important naval base for the Athenians during the Persian Wars, and later for the Byzantines and the Venetians. Skiathos was also a refuge for Greek revolutionaries during the War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century.
However, it was only in the second half of the 20th century that Skiathos started to attract tourists, especially after the construction of an airport in 1972. The island became famous worldwide after the filming of the musical “Mamma Mia!” in 2008, which featured many scenes on Skiathos and nearby Skopelos.
As tourism developed, so did sailing and yachting activities. Many visitors chose to rent or charter a boat to explore the surrounding islands and coasts, or to join organized sailing trips and cruises. Skiathos also hosted several sailing events and regattas, such as the Aegean Regatta and the Sporades Cup.
Today, Skiathos is one of the most popular destinations for sailing and yachting in Greece, offering a variety of options for all levels of experience and budgets.
The best marinas and ports to dock your boat in Skiathos
If you are planning to sail or yacht in Skiathos, you will need to know where to dock your boat safely and conveniently. Here are some of the best marinas and ports to choose from:
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Skiathos New Port
: This is the main port of Skiathos, located on the northwestern side of the island. It has a capacity of about 350 boats, including yachts up to 65 meters long. It offers all the necessary facilities and services, such as water, electricity, fuel, security, customs, laundry, showers, toilets, Wi-Fi, car rental, supermarket, restaurants and bars. It is also close to the town center and the airport. -
Skiathos Old Port
: This is a smaller port on the southeastern side of the island, next to the old town. It has a capacity of about 50 boats, mostly fishing boats and small yachts. It offers basic facilities and services, such as water, electricity, fuel, security and Wi-Fi. It is also very picturesque and charming, with traditional houses, churches and taverns. -
Koukounaries Marina
: This is a new marina on the southwestern side of the island, near the famous Koukounaries beach. It has a capacity of about 100 boats, including yachts up to 25 meters long. It offers modern facilities and services, such as water, electricity, fuel, security, showers, toilets, Wi-Fi, car rental, supermarket and restaurant. It is also close to several other beautiful beaches and natural attractions. -
Lalaria Marina
: This is a small marina on the northeastern side of the island, near the stunning Lalaria beach. It has a capacity of about 20 boats, mostly small yachts. It offers basic facilities and services, such as water and security. It is also very secluded and peaceful, surrounded by cliffs and caves.
Some tips on how to enjoy your sailing holiday in Skiathos
Now that you know how Skiathos became a popular destination for sailing and yachting,
and where are the best marinas and ports to dock your boat,
here are some tips on how to make the most of your sailing holiday in Skiathos:
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Choose the right boat for your needs
: Depending on your budget, experience, preferences and group size, you can choose from different types of boats, such as sailing yachts, motor yachts, catamarans, gulets or ribs. You can also decide whether to rent or charter a boat, and whether to hire a skipper or not. You can find many options online or through local agencies. -
Plan your itinerary wisely
: Skiathos is a great base to explore the Sporades islands, such as Skopelos, Alonissos, Kyra Panagia, Gioura, Psathoura and Skantzoura. You can also visit the nearby mainland coasts, such as Pelion and Volos. However, you should also consider the weather conditions, the distances, the availability of mooring spots and the attractions you want to see. You can either follow a predefined route or create your own itinerary. -
Enjoy the activities and attractions
: Skiathos and the Sporades islands offer a lot of things to do and see for sailing and yachting lovers. You can swim, snorkel, fish, dive, surf, kayak or paddle board in the crystal-clear waters. You can also hike, bike, horse ride or quad bike in the pine forests and hills. You can also visit the historical and cultural sites, such as monasteries, castles, museums and churches. And of course, you can enjoy the local cuisine, nightlife and festivals.
Conclusion
Skiathos is a wonderful destination for sailing and yachting, thanks to its long and rich maritime history, its beautiful scenery and its modern facilities. Whether you are looking for a relaxing or an adventurous sailing holiday, Skiathos has something for everyone. So don’t hesitate and book your boat today!
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