Island facts
Skiathos is an island in Greece, located in the northern Aegean Sea, and is part of the Sporades island group. With an area of 47.9 km² and a population of 5,802, it ranks among the more densely populated islands in the region. The island has a well-developed infrastructure designed to support its tourism industry, including hotels, restaurants, and a range of recreational services. It is positioned 2.4 nautical miles from the southern coast of Pelion, 6 nautical miles from Skopelos to the east, and 16 nautical miles from Evia to the south. Additionally, Skiathos is 95 nautical miles from Thessaloniki, providing easy access to both local and regional transport networks.
Skiathos is connected to the mainland electrical grid as part of the interconnected Sporades island cluster. The island’s energy mix follows the mainland’s pattern, with renewable energy sources (RES) accounting for 57% of the electricity supply. As part of its efforts to increase sustainability, Skiathos has installed 335 kW of solar PV, contributing to reducing reliance on conventional power sources. The total estimated annual energy demand for the island is 174 GWh, covering electricity, heating, cooling, and transportation.
The city of Skiathos, a unique tourism destination, is also an example of commitment to the SDGs and is a Greek leader in the preparation and presentation of the Voluntary Local Review (VLR). Based on “Think global, act local” we collaborate with the UNWTO on tourism recovery post covid-19. This is an example of the city’s commitment to international relations, as it demonstrates Skiathos’ willingness to promote and escalate sustainable tourism development that is worthwhile using Skiathos experience. In this context, the City of Skiathos has developed the “Skiathos 2030” Mission Statement from the 17 UN sustainability goals in a large-scale public participation process. It sets out how we intend to live in Skiathos in 2030 and in doing so respond to our global responsibilities. Skiathos VLR 2020.
In the Follower Islands Programme framework, Skiathos aims to enhance energy efficiency and adopt sustainable practices that will protect its natural environment while supporting the local economy. Skiathos envisions a sustainable future through the Follower Islands Programme, focusing on reducing emissions and dependency on fossil fuels. Key initiatives include utilizing biomass for heating, developing land PVs with a BESS system for water supply, and electrifying marine transport.
Sporades island cluster is part of the interconnected power system. Sporades are connected to the mainland, in the Pelio region, through medium voltage submarine cables. The interconnection of the three islands of Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos) is also achieved through medium-voltage submarine cables. Skiathos is connected to the mainland via 4 cables 1x95 Cu- 20 kV, 2 cables 3x150 Al – 20 kV., 1 cable 3x95 Cu – 20 kV. Skiathos is connected with Skopelos via 4 cables of 1x50 Cu-20 kV, and 2 cables of 3x150 Al.