PARADISE island

With lush pine forests, blossoming gardens and emerald mountains, tiny Skiathos is a paradise for nature lovers

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Greece is most known for its arid, rocky landscape, whitewashed houses, and, of course, those phenomenal coastlines, but it’s less known for its green-carpeted mountains and forests. That is, unless you visit the petite island of Skiathos in the northwest Aegean Sea – a dazzling kaleidoscope of greens and blues with over 60 heavenly beaches.

From the unspoilt fairy-tale forests to the tree-lined hiking paths along streams and over hills, it’s the perfect place to walk. And with a stunning coastline that will have you reaching for your camera at every pine-fringed turn, exploring is a must – although there are plenty of other delights to discover too.

Ways to explore

Hiking is big news on this island. With 26 routes on offer, from a lazy one-hour stroll to a more intense six-hour challenge, there’s something to suit everyone, and they’re all well signposted. If you’d rather not walk, cycling and horse riding are encouraged. The Skiathos Riding Centre has been a firm favorite with the so-called boomerangers who return here every year.