Biking Route 1
Hard
Skiathos Town to Skiathos Castle
We start from bus stop no. 3 (the bakery) and make a light warm-up to the first uphill at bus stop no. 2. After ascending 1 km we enter a quite technical uphill path where we test our technique. The distance is not long, and after that we come back to the asphalt road, which we follow for 2 km.
Following this route we arrive at the Monastery of Evangelistria, then start descending a fairly technical path along the Agalianous stream. A difficult ascent to Saint Charalampos follows. Ending with the climb, we relax along the road to the next fun single track through the forest, and arrive at the most northern part of the island: the Castle.
We rest, then continue for the return, leaving the group to choose their own path — trails or asphalt.
Distance 25 kmDuration 5–5:30 h
Biking Route 2
Medium
Skiathos Town to Kechria Beach
We start from bus stop no. 3 (the bakery) and continue on the coastal paved road that leads to Koukounaries. After 6 km of asphalt we reach Saint Paraskevi and turn right. From there begins the beautiful part to Kechria: asphalt for the first few metres, then packed clay.
We cross the stream of Achilas carefully, as there are some technical points, and end up at the beach of Kechria. We stop for a rest and a swim, and there is a canteen on the beach. For the return, riders can choose between the same path and an alternative we suggest.
Distance 14 kmDuration 3–3:30 h
Hiking Route 1
Hard
Prophet Elias, Evangelistria and the Castle
Our route starts from the ring road of the town, at the point where the asphalt climbs towards Prophet Elias. From there an uphill path begins through olive groves and small streams. We cross the biggest path of Skiathos, which leads to the Monastery of Evangelistria — a remarkable monument of Greek tradition, with the chancel of the sanctuary, the first hospital of 1821, and the old facilities for pressing olive oil and preparing the famous Alypiakos wine.
Behind the monastery an easy and beautiful route leads to the Monastery of Saint Charalampos. From there a climb begins under the shade of holm-oaks, ending at Kampia. We descend north-west through the shadiest forest on the island, pass the old chapel of Douman, turn right at the threshing floor and walk through the old castle garden to the historic fountain of Chairimonas.
We continue to the chapel of Saint Ioannis the Beheaded, where we drink from the spring, and the Castle is no more than five minutes further, with excellent views towards Mount Athos on a clear day. We swim at the historic beach below before returning to town, almost the same way with small detours if everyone agrees.
Distance 14 kmDuration 5–5:30 h
Hiking Route 2
Medium
Megali Ammos to Kechria and back
Our route starts at Megali Ammos, at bus stop no. 5. You climb through fragrant pines, pass the picturesque chapel of Saint Antonios and come out on the asphalt of the slope. From there begins one of the most beautiful trails of the island, with climbs and descents through woodland and wide views to Pilio, ending in the yard of the Monastery of Kechria.
Hikers refresh with the cool clean water from the source and can study the monastery’s wall paintings. Then we enter the little paradise connecting the monastery with the beach of Kechria: the path runs into the stream, with perennial plane trees, dense vegetation and running water, past an old watermill and an equally old oil press.
At the beach of Kechria there is a refreshment bar in summer. After a swim we begin the return, crossing the stream of Achilas, through the forest towards Leivadakia, then a dirt road for 1.5 km to one of the few preserved traditional cobbled roads, where the fountain of Mammous stands. Only 700 m remain to the start point.
Distance 14 kmDuration 4–4:30 h
Trail Running Route 1
Medium
Saint Antonios to Kechria
We start at the church of Saint Antonios and follow the path below Pefkorachi. Along the way we meet many technical sections. It is a pleasant trail with changes of scenery and altitude, ending at the spring of the Monastery of Kechria.
From there an almost continuous descent runs through the stream of Kechria with plenty of shade, taking us to the old oil press and watermill at the beach. Leaving the beach we enter a stream with slight climbs, then a dirt road alternating up and down. The end of the stream leads back to the starting point.
Distance 13 kmDuration 2–2:45 h
Trail Running Route 2
Hard
Evangelistria, Kampia and back
On this demanding discipline the warm-up matters, so the starting point is the Monastery of Evangelistria. Crossing the 600 m trail behind the monastery, we take on a tough 1000 m uphill dirt road to the Monastery of Saint Charalampos.
From there we enter a shady, demanding uphill trail; after 800 m it leads to an almost continuous climb on a dirt road, which brings us through a series of turns to Kampia. We descend a shady path past remarkable ruins of local history, almost at sea level, to the church of Glykofilousa. A road with mild climbs follows to Saint Anastasia, then about 1200 m of asphalt, and finally two beautiful shaded paths back to the Monastery of Evangelistria.
Distance 15 kmDuration 3–3:30 h
