Evangelistria Holidays

Evangelistria sits serenely on a pine-topped hill in northern Skiathos – a Greek island in the Sporades region of the Aegean Sea. A world away from the busy resorts, yet only 10 minutes' drive from Skiathos Town, it has a sense of almost divine calm – probably because it's been left untouched by mass tourism.

Evangelistria's certainly had its part to play in Greek history – 19th-century freedom fighters took refuge here in the Monastery of the Annunciation and hoisted Greece's blue and white flag for the first time. Today, this spot's still the home of hard-working monks who make and sell their own honey, wine and olive oil.

It's a half-hour walk down the hill to two secluded bays – Glyfoneri and Megas Gialos. Getting back up's a bit more strenuous, but it's only five minutes if you go by car. Head onwards to Skiathos Town if you want to sail out to sea and squeeze in some beach hopping.

Most of Evangelistria's hotels and restaurants are clustered around its flower-draped monastery. Look for local favourite 'papoutsaki' on the menus– that's baked aubergine stuffed with beef and spices, then topped with creamy bechamel sauce.