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Koukounaries, the
fabulous pine grove after which the region is named. It fringes a long
stretch of golden sand for 1,000 metres, and most of its 30 metre width
is shaded by pines and shrubs. There are hotels, restaurants and refreshment
stalls. You can get there by bus from the town (12 kms), or by motor launch.
Behind the grove there is a lovely lagoon, wheat fields and olive groves.
From Koukounaries you can walk to the beach of Agia Eleni, which faces
the southern shores of Mt. Pelion. It is splendidly isolated and offers
good fishing. Also from Koukounaries, it takes 40 min. on foot to reach
a quite unspoilt strip of coast, Mandraki, also known as the port of Xerxes.
Lalaria, is another famous beach with large pebbles on the N.E. side of
the island, accessible from town by boat. The Kastro, or ancient walled
town, lies two hours to the north of the town on foot. Accessible by motor
boat as well. In the 16th century, the whole population moved to the impregnable
rock which rises to the northeast of the town of Skiathos and built their
Kastro. It stands on a rock projecting into the sea and overlooking a wild
and jagged coast. A drawbridge was its only link with the rest of the island
in the old days, but today it can be approached by climbing up some steps.
Its walls once enclosed 300 houses and 22 churches. None of the houses
remain, and of the two churches the Church of Christ is worth a visit for
its icons and carved wooden screen. Excursions are organised in summer
daily to the nearest island Skopelos and to Alonissos. There are also organised
tours round the island by boat.
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