Skiathos Crowned Europe’s Second Most Beautiful Island by Lonely Planet

Skiathos Town. Credit: Greek Reporter

According to Lonely Planet, Skiathos is the quintessential destination for travelers dreaming of the cleanable Greek beach. In its latest rankings of the “12 Best Islands successful Europe,” the usher placed Skiathos astatine an awesome 2nd place, 2nd lone to Korčula successful Croatia.

Lonely Planet describes Skiathos arsenic a “pine-scented” paradise successful the glittering Sporades, celebrated for its lush, rolling hills carpeted successful olive trees and much than 60 exquisite beaches.

Credit: Greek Reporter

The usher highlights the opposition betwixt the island’s vibrant, cosmopolitan hubs and its tranquil, “soulful” corners. Skiathos Town, the relaxed capital, is praised for its accepted land architecture and maze of whitewashed streets. For those looking to “see and beryllium seen,” the municipality offers a lively premix of galleries, tavernas, and boutiques on the waterfront.

However, the existent prima of the amusement is the coastline. Lonely Planet identifies Koukounaries Beach arsenic a must-see, describing it arsenic a “luscious agelong of powdery achromatic sand” backed by a fragrant conifer forest. For a much rugged experience, the usher recommends escaping to the northbound coast, wherever melodramatic cliffs conscionable “silver-pebble coves.” Iconic spots similar Lalaria Beach, celebrated for its earthy stone arch and accessible lone by boat, are highlighted arsenic immoderate of the astir beauteous successful the Aegean.

The Lalaria formation connected Skiathos. Credit: Greek Reporter

Beyond the prima and sand, Lonely Planet emphasizes the island’s affluent heritage. It is the birthplace of the renowned 19th-century writer Alexandros Papadiamantis and played a cardinal relation successful the Greek War of Independence. Visitors are encouraged to question retired the island’s “soul” by visiting the medieval clifftop superior of Kastro oregon the serene Moni Evangelistrias monastery, tucked distant successful the hushed mountains. Whether you are determination for the world-class nightlife oregon a quiescent hike on pine-dusted paths, Lonely Planet concludes that Skiathos offers a cleanable blend of Greek contented and modern Mediterranean charm.

Here are the apical 10 islands from Lonely Planet

Korčula, Croatia – Ranked #1 for its “serene beauty,” medieval architecture, and lush conifer forests.

Skiathos, Greece – Praised arsenic the “best for beaches,” specifically for its powdery achromatic soil and much than 60 antithetic coves.

Sardinia, Italy – Highlighted for its “wild nature,” rugged mountains, and deep-rooted Sardinian culture.

Corsica, France – Recognized for its “geographical diversity,” blending precocious upland peaks with gold-crescent coves.

Menorca, Spain – Noted for being a quieter, much romanticist alternate to its neighboring Balearic Islands.

Saaremaa, Estonia – An unexpected gem celebrated for its windmills, accepted villages, and coastal meadows.

Lofoten Islands, Norway – Famous for melodramatic fjords, reddish sportfishing huts, and the accidental to spot the Northern Lights.

Gotland, Sweden – A history-lover’s paradise centered astir the UNESCO-listed medieval municipality of Visby.

Texel, Netherlands – A unsocial North Sea destination known for its immense dunes, vertebrate sanctuaries, and cycling paths.

Isles of Scilly, England – An archipelago disconnected the seashore of Cornwall celebrated for its mild clime and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

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