GREECE TRAVEL: Swan around on Skiathos

Skiathos Town, Aegean Islands, Greece

Skiathos Town, Aegean Islands, Greece (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Perched on a hill on the south-west facing Pounta Peninsula, the Elivi boutique resort on the Greek island of Skiathos is beachfront bliss. 

Sitting above ribbons of white sands and olive groves, meadows bursting with red poppies and violets cover the hillsides. A protected wetland and lagoon teeming with birdlife lies to the side.

“The view is what you should remember here,” Vivi Nathanailidi, co-owner of the new five-star resort, told us. 

The pleasingly low-rise building of 32 rooms, with two infinity pools, five restaurants and three beach bars, were designed to make the most of every vantage point. 

In my Scandinavian-style room, a superior double, the island’s natural beauty took centre stage. Through the glass doors onto a private terrace I could slip into a private pool overlooking the sea. 

Built by modernist architect Aris Konstantinidis, the hotel was part of a government project in the 1960s and 70s to bring tourism to some of Greece’s most beautiful places.

The hotel was built by modernist architect Aris Konstantinidis

The hotel was built by modernist architect Aris Konstantinidis (Image: Daily Mirror)

But the then Xenia hotel closed in 2000 and fell into disrepair. “There was graffiti on the walls and horses had been living in the bedrooms,” said Vivi.” 

A rare black swan which hangs out down at that beach has since become the emblem for the hotel, embossed on its logos and flying silently through the corridors thanks to clever shadow art. 

The Elivi’s prime location means it has direct access to four of Skiathos’s 60 sandy beaches, including Koukounaries, often rated as the best beach in Greece, as well as the white sands of Ampelakia. If you can tear yourself away from the plumped-up loungers lining the shores and pools, there are tennis courts, an outdoor yoga and Pilates studio, a spa with sauna, hammam and plunge pool, a gym and bike hire. 

Gastronomy also plays a huge part of the experience, with sunrise buffet breakfasts and contrasting restaurants serving everything from quality local cuisine to sushi.

The Elivi’s Superior double room

The Elivi’s Superior double rooms boasts a private swimming pool (Image: Daily Mirror)

The chef is so dedicated to his breads he gets up in the night to tend to sourdough. 

The hotel’s wine selection is equally impressive – ranging from whites grown on the volcanic soils of Santorini to spicy, full-bodied reds from northern Greece. 

Skiathos Town, eight miles away, is ideal for soaking up some laid-back Greek life. Pink bougainvillea tumbles down the pretty whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs. 

For dinner we chose The Borzoi, an old olive press factory turned restaurant. We loved the modern twists on Greek classics, the vegan moussaka and the salty-baked cheeses. The next morning we visited Evangelistria Monastery situated inland above Skiathos Town where goats gather under the trees for shade.

Classically greek: Narrow street in Skiathos

Classically greek: Narrow street in Skiathos (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Founded in 1794 by monks, the impressive structure was a haven for revolutionaries during the independence war against the Turks and in 1807 the first ever Greek flag is said to have been woven here. 

Wandering inside, it was easy to embrace the monastic calm of its cloisters. As a monk prayed in the pews, we admired ornate iconography in the conical stone chapel. 

Remember to take cash because credit cards don’t work here and there are some heavenly opportunities to spend a few euros. Monastery ketchup, preserved peaches and lemons, kitsch religious iconography and beauty products are all here to buy.

Evangelistria Monastery, Skiathos Town

Evangelistria Monastery, Skiathos Town (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Getting out on those famous blue waters is a must on any Greek island vacation, but Skiathos boat trips come with a star-studded stop-off.

Setting sail with DiaManti Cruises from Skiathos port, our captain, Babis, began by filling us in on the local history, geography and gossip. Then after skirting a few of the small islands we headed for Skopelos, to one of the beaches used as a backdrop in the hit movie Mamma Mia! – a fantastic photo opportunity for film fans. 

We then anchored for lunch – a feast of marinated caper leaves, potato salad and fresh mussels scrubbed in a bucket at the back of the boat by Babis while we drank wine and enjoyed the scenery.

A sunset seen from the hotel's lounging area

A sunset seen from the hotel’s lounging area (Image: Daily Mirror)

He then sailed us into another sunny cove where we leapt off the boat for a dip in the deep, clear waters. 

Wrapped in towels, the warm wind drying our salty faces, we sailed back to Skiathos Town, as the sun began to set. 

Do I want to go back to Skiathos? I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do.

THE KNOWLEDGE
TUI Airways flies from Birmingham, Gatwick, Bournemouth, Bristol, Manchester and Newcastle to Skiathos starting at £389 return (tui.co.uk/flight).
Rooms at the Elivi hotel in Skiathos start at €167 (around £142) a night (elivihotels.com)
More info at visitgreece.gr

source: express.co.uk