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Sightseeing and monuments
Skiathos town, gifted with a picturesque mixture of red tile roofs, white
buildings and bell towers, is a main attraction in it self. The only "sight"
as such is the well-preserved home of the island?s most famous son; the 19th
century poet Alexandros Papadiamantis. From the port you can pick up the
daily boat tour, stopping briefly at the Blue Cave - a sea cave on the east
coast, and at Kastro, site of the medieval centre of the island. Skopelos on
the other hand, boasts a fair number of ancient ruins. Apparently, the
island was a Cretan colony and its first king and settler was Stafylos. His
grave was discovered by a cove bearing his name. It contained weapons, a
gold crown and funerary offerings, among other findings, all of which are
housed today in the Volos Museum. The 9th Century chapel of Agios
Athanassios has been built on the ruins of an ancient temple. There are also
the ruins of a Venetian fortress, the Kastro - a vantage spot for a sweeping
view all round. Very interesting is the sight of the old hilltop capital of
Alonissos, called Chora, which was deserted after a disastrous earthquake in
1965 left it in ruins. Most inhabitants where moved then to the modern
capital of Patitiri. In this port you shall find excursion boats for a tour
to the Alonissos Marine Park. The town of Skyros climbs to an impressive
Venetian castle, with superb view over the island, housing as well a small
archaeological museum. In the town there is also a folk museum in the form
of a traditional house, decked out with examples of the island wares. Those
acquainted with English literature will not omit to visit the grave of the
early 20th century poet Rupert Brook, which is set in an area called the "Pirate
bay", on the southern shores of Skyros.
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