5 Best Sights in The Sporades, Greece

This lovely presence on Skiathos harbor stands on a small, pine-covered peninsula that divides the main port. It was built in 1207 by the Venetian Gyzi brothers to protect Skiathos from pirate attacks. Not much remains of the original fortress (also called the castle of St. George), but a cultural center at the site hosts concerts in the summer, as well as art and antiquities exhibitions. Many tranquil, refreshing spots provide views over the busy waterfront.

Within walking distance of Skiathos Town, the sandy stretch of Megali Ammos is an easy option. The bars and eating options lining the beach have sun lounges reaching down to the water's edge, and many of the bars offer a free drink when you rent one for the day. There is a water-sports school on the busier, right side of the beach where you can enjoy white-knuckle rides on giant inflatable bananas and doughnuts pulled at high speeds by little motorboats. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguard; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming.

The modest home of one of Greece's finest writers, Alexandros Papadiamantis (1851–1911), lauded by some as "the Greek Dostoyevsky," is filled with his modest furniture, personal belongings, and vintage photographs. The author's native Skiathos played a prominent role in his essays, short stories, and novels, as did his Greek Orthodox faith and simple rural life. Several of his novels have been translated into English, including the internationally acclaimed The Murderess.

One of the better beaches close to Skiathos Town, Vassilias is lined by pine trees that lean thirstily toward the shallow seashore, providing shade under their aromatic branches. A rustic canteen and some beachside restaurants serve refreshments, outfitters offer all sorts of sea-based adventures, and rows of shaded sun lounges are lined up for rent. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

One of the most popular and busiest beaches on Skiathos has a party vibe, along with waterskiing, which is especially good in the afternoon when the sea usually calms to a lakelike smoothness. On the far end of the beach, away from the pulsating tunes and rumbling boat engines, there's space to lay out a towel and soak up the sun. There's also a decent little taverna. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguard; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunset; swimming.