Skiathos Castle

A Refuge on the Rocks

When the people of Skiathos settled here around 1360 AD, they took full advantage of the naturally fortified rocky peninsula, reinforcing it with defensive walls. Within the limited area of just 25 acres, they built 400 to 500 small, dark houses and 20 churches. During Ottoman rule, additional structures—including administrative buildings and a mosque—were added. At its peak, the Castle was home to around 1,500 inhabitants.

From Abandonment to Revival

Following the liberation of Greece and Skiathos' incorporation into the modern Greek State in 1830, the Castle was gradually abandoned. Its former residents relocated to the area of today’s town, using stones from the old settlement to build new homes. As a result, only a few ruins remain visible today. However, recent restoration efforts have significantly enhanced the site's accessibility and brought its historical significance back into the spotlight.

How to Get There

To reach the Castle, you’ll need to drive for just under an hour from the town of Skiathos. From the nearby parking area, a short and scenic walk will lead you to the site. As you explore the ruins and the few surviving structures, you might sense echoes of the past—or even imagine the “ghosts” of Alexandros Papadiamantis’ literary characters, many of whom are tied to this setting in his work.

A Break from the Buzz

What’s certain is that this visit offers a refreshing escape from the cosmopolitan energy of the town and its lively beaches. And if you’d like to combine history with a swim, you’ll find a small but beautiful beach just below the Castle. Be mindful, though—it’s exposed to the northern winds and can be unpredictable!