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About us
Island Wandering is proud to be the first Stand Up Paddle board out fit in Skiathos, offering lessons, rentals, wingsurfing and tours. Stand Up Paddle boarding is a great way to explore the coastline of Skiathos island with its sheltered bays, beaches caves, nooks and crannies.
To get you up and paddling we offer flat water lessons, starting with an overview of the equipment and SUP techniques. Coastal tours run throughout the day and involve paddling to a beach for a swim and a snack while taking in the stunning scenery. If you prefer exploring the coast on your own, paddle boarding equipment rental is possible too, for an hour or more.
Our tour guides are certified lifeguards with over 15 years of experience in water sports each, they are all locals with great knowledge of the enviroment that you will be exploring.
About Xerxes Beach
King Xerxes was the ruler of the Persian Empire in the 5th century BCE.
In 480 BCE, he launched a massive invasion of Greece with the intention
of conquering the Greek city-states. As part of this campaign, Xerxes led
a large army from Asia Minor through Thrace and Macedonia and into
central Greece.
According to Herodotus, the ancient Greek historian, Xerxes traveled by sea with his fleet, while his army marched along the coast. At one point, while sailing through the Aegean Sea, Xerxes' fleet passed by the island of Skiathos, which is located in the northern Sporades island .
Herodotus tells us that Xerxes was so impressed by the beauty of Skiathos that he ordered his fleet to stop and anchor there for several days. The island was reportedly lush and green, with abundant fresh water and plenty of game for hunting.
During his stay on Skiathos, Xerxes is said to have ordered the construction of a throne on a hill overlooking the island. He then sat on this throne and watched as his fleet sailed past. According to some accounts, Xerxes even ordered his fleet to perform a mock naval battle for his entertainment.
Eventually, Xerxes and his fleet moved on from Skiathos and continued their journey towards central Greece. The Persian army would soon meet the Greek forces at the Battle of Thermopylae, where the Greeks, led by Leonidas I of Sparta, would make a valiant stand against the Persian invaders.
