AN island in Greece has been given a tourism boost as budget airline extends its summer season.
Some Greek islands grab the headlines much more than others, but when there are 227 inhabited islands and islets to choose from, it’s not surprising that some slip under the radar.
Low-cost airline easyJet has extended its summer schedule to Skiathos, with flights set to operate until the end of October.
The mayor of Skiathos, Thodoris Tzoumas, revealed the extension in a statement, he told TTG: “Our first flight arrived this year on April 1st – the earliest ever.
“The season here usually ends at the beginning of October, but this year easyJet has committed to flying until the end of that month, allowing guests to experience our island at a time when it’s usually almost empty and our hiking trails and cultural attractions come into their own.”
“Many stakeholders – tour operators, airlines, hoteliers, restaurant owners – have come together for this opportunity.
“The result will improve tourism flows and ensure a more sustainable model from which everybody benefits.”
EasyJet flights operate between London Gatwick and Skiathos, with journeys taking just under four hours.
One-way fares start from as little as £30, with flights set to operate until October 26, 2024.
Services will then suspend for the winter before operating again next April for the summer season.
While most Brit holidaymakers may not have heard of Skiathos, the Greek island has already won favour with A-list stars, with celebrities like Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn spotted on the island in recent years.
Skiathos is part of the Sporades Islands, which include the likes of Skopelos and Alonissos.
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According to the myth, Zeus, the God of Thunder (he was the philanderer with the messy personal life who married his aunt and sisters), was holidaying on Mount Pelion and chucked a load of boulders down into the sea, resulting in the islands.
One of the main draws of the island is its beaches, including Koukounaries Beach, which is considered to be the centrepiece of the island because it’s one of the longest.
The beach has light gold sand and there are thatched huts that provide shade for beach-goers.
There are plenty of other beaches on the island, including Krifi Ammos, which is known as Hidden Beach,
Krifi Ammos is a 20-minute walk from Koukounaries Beach.
Beaches on the southern tip of the island have lots of facilities too like watersports centres with fun games, banana slides, paragliding and waterskiing.
The Greek island is also home to plenty of sea caves, including Skiathos Sea Caves, located on Lalaria Beach.
There’s also Skotini Spilia, the dark cave, which is characterised by its low and narrow entrance.
Other sites on the island include The Medieval Castle of Skiathos.
The castle was built on a rocky cliff overlooking the northern side of the island.
There are other islands and destinations in Greece that holidaymakers should consider visiting, including Folegandros.
Located near Paros, Folegandros has been compared to the popular Greek island in recent years, with one added bonus – it has fewer crowds.
Greek travel agency Greeka wrote: “Relatively untouched by international tourists, Folegandros island still manages to keep its unspoiled charm.”
While the island doesn’t have its own airport, it can be reached by ferry from Athens, Santorini or Piraeus.
The island is home to three villages, two beaches and accommodation starts from as little as £25.50 per night per person.
JOURNALIST Simon Copeland visited the island last year, and here's what he thought...
Since the success of Mamma Mia!, which was largely filmed there, Skiathos has joined the league of Greece’s celebrity A-list islands alongside Mykonos and Santorini.
That means Skiathos town is full of designer boutiques, jewellery shops and high-end places to eat and drink.
Arguably, it’s retained a more welcoming and laid-back vibe than Mykonos and Santorini, and it’s great for families and couples.
Spend the day wandering through the cobbled streets while munching a tyropita (the spiral-shaped feta cheese pie in filo pastry that’s the local delicacy), then head for a drink at the waterfront Ginfish bar in the Old Port.
Meanwhile, this “secret” Greek island is better and cheaper than Mykonos.
And this Greek holiday island is loved by A-listers.
