Skiathos in Greece has everything a vacationer could want – unadulterated beaches, fresh landscape, palatial properties and just enough activities to keep you happily busy. After all, an island life is not easy!
By: Savvas Savvaidis, President & CEO, Greece Sotheby’s International Realty
Posted on: July 26, 2019
Managing to pass under the mass tourism radar for many years, Skiathos is now making a bit of a comeback. Although this Greek Sporades island does see a steady influx of regulars each summer, it has never quite been up there with its siblings in the Cyclades like Mykonos or Santorini, nor has it fought for attention with its cousins in the Ionian like Corfu and Paxos.
Despite its pristine sandy white beaches, of which there are over 60, and its pine-green hills, it has remained largely unknown and has thus managed to retain that quintessential Greek island charm that everyone dreams of.
Mediterranean Blossom is the perfect example of the Skiathos island charm, placed beautifully amongst the lush landscape which makes Skiathos so idyllic. Surrounded by turquoise blue waters, Skiathos' elegant monasteries, churches and hiking paths will help you strike a note with this gorgeous destination. Skiathos Old Town will charm with its quaint cafes, striking galleries, and one-of-a-kind trinket shops. Diving, boating and simply beach-lazing is what most people seek to do in this postcard-perfect destination.
The owner of the Seascape, a six bedroom villa built between the most popular beaches of the island, Koukounaries and Bananas, has been travelling to Skiathos since he was a child. What always made his time on the island so special was the unspoilt and pristine natural environment and he was determined to protect this lush landscape of the island. To ensure that future generations are able to experience this same pleasure, he built this home with minimal impact on the environment - ensuring this beautiful part of the world can be experienced by many for years to come.
While quietly minding its own business, Skiathos has begun offering a low-key escape for some very high profile celebrities since a few of its beaches were used in scenes from the ‘Mamma Mia’ movies. Although its neighbour Skopelos was the main protagonist, it seems that Hollywood warmed more to understudy Skiathos. Many celebrities have come to frequent the island, often spotted enjoying a simple meal in one of the local taverns, minus the paparazzi.
The beautiful beach-fringed south coast is filled with hotels and apartments. But from June to September, when the island fills up with stylish Italians, Russians and the few Greeks or Spaniards, or the Brits, Germans and Scandinavians who show up more in spring or autumn, hotel prices soar and rooms dwindle.
Luxury rentals like Infinite View are fitting of any celebrity with private beach access, spectacular views, and expansive outdoor areas for relaxation and entertainment. This six-bedroom, six-bath palace is the ideal vacation rental for large groups seeking ultimate privacy and elegance.
The island’s welcoming emerald harbours have developed a magnetic pull on super yacht owners - from CEO’s to royalty. There has also been an increased interest in the island by large investment funds, mainly from Saudi Arabia, promising to add even more kudos to this enchanting Greek treasure.
The flavourful Greek food and wines are the perfect accompaniments to an environ which is dazzling beyond belief. There is so much to Skiathos that is yet unknown and ready to be discovered.
Savvas Savvaidis, President & CEO at Greece Sotheby’s International Realty, is a seasoned real estate professional with over 20 years’ experience in luxury residential real estate. His real estate sales record in Greece has earned him the title of Best Estate Agent in Greece every year since 2003. He is the founder of the Hellenic Association of Realtors and his articles and interviews are frequently featured in national and international media. Mr. Savvas holds a degree in Economics from the University of Bologna and has participated in numerous executive courses in luxury real estate marketing and negotiations at Harvard Business School and the MIT Sloan School of Management.
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