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If you have booked flights to Skiathos, visit the Bourtzi for some culture this summer.

The island of Skiathos is a small island, only 4 miles across and less than 7 miles end to end. Multiply the length of the airport runway by six and you have the whole length of the island. It's that small, yet locals claim that much of the interior is largely unspoiled by modern intervention. The main town of Skiathos is the centre of most activity, providing a base for the airport, the harbour and some wonderful promenades along the seafront. The town is a cluster of pretty whitewashed houses on a small hillside, with interesting narrow streets, chapels and mosques and hundreds of cafes and restaurants where you can relax and watch the world go by.

A small peninsula known as the Bourtzi divides the harbour area. This is a wooded spit of land with shaded walkways that provide perfect views back towards the town. It is also the location of a number of cultural events organised by the local council during the summer. The outdoor theatre there is the perfect place to watch a play, listen to some live music or watch a dance performance. Information on the current season's performances is provided by the tourist information office close to the entrance to the Bourtzi.

The other popular resorts are located in a few clusters around the island. In the south is the resort of Koukounaries which boasts several hotels and a sweeping beach of golden sand. Tzaneria beach lies 2 miles south of Skiathos town and is not too developed. Slightly further north is the popular beach at Achladies, another long stretch of yellow sand and pretty Katsaros bay. For a more isolated beach try Mandraki bay and the nearby Elias beach on the west of the island. Both have minimal facilities but are quiet and relaxing places to spend a day.