Skiathos is the most popular island in the Sporades (Greece). It may be small, but it draws thousands of visitors each year. In our travel guide, you can learn all about your holiday in Skiathos, Greece. Discover things to do, beautiful beaches, and amazing sights. We also offer some tips to help you travel better, easier, and cheaper.
Why should you go to Skiathos?
Skiathos is part of the Sporades island group in the northwestern Aegean. It is known for its lush greenery, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for a memorable holiday.
Most importantly, the island features over 60 stunning beaches. The most famous are Koukounaries and Lalaria beach, which often rank as one of the best in the Mediterranean. Along with its lively nightlife, it’s easy to see why many young people visit each year.
Also, many scenes from the popular movie Mamma Mia were filmed here!
How to get to Skiathos?
By Plane
Traveling to Skiathos is easy with direct flights from the UK and throughout Europe. Skiathos Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport (JSI) lies just a few kilometers from Skiathos Town. It offers year-round flights from Athens and limited seasonal flights from other European destinations. If a direct flight isn’t available, fly to Athens and take one of the daily summer flights to Skiathos.
Note: We use Skyscanner to book valuable flights. However, you can also get valuable deals if you book your flights directly with Ryanair or Volotea, for instance.
By Ferry
You can easily catch a ferry to Skiathos from four major mainland ports: Volos, Mantoudi, Agios Konstantinos, and Thessaloniki. The most efficient route is from Volos, where high-speed ferries operate daily, completing the journey in just one hour.
Notes:
- We use Ferry Hopper or Ferry Scanner to book valuable deals.
- Please check the following article for more info about moving around in Greece.
From the Airport to your accommodation:
Accommodations near Skiathos Town and the port provide a range of transportation options from the Airport, including buses, taxis, and rental cars. Some upscale hotels also offer transfers for a fee, so be sure to reach out to your hotel to confirm availability and costs.
How to get around Skiathos
To get around Skiathos, use the public bus system, which connects Skiathos Town to popular beaches like Ahladias, Troulos, and Koukounaries. The bus service is reliable and low-cost, with fares usually at €2 for shorter trips and €3 for longer trips. For more flexibility, you can rent a jeep or scooter, or take a taxi. Walking is also a good option in Skiathos Town.
Additionally, shuttle boats run from Skiathos Old Port to several beaches along the south coast, offering a pleasant alternative. You can also take day trips by boat to nearby islands like Skopelos and Alonissos. Renting a car is possible, but it may not be necessary because the island is small and parking can be difficult in Skiathos Town.
Note: For more information about the bus timetable and more, please get in touch with Skiathos-Transports for helpful details regarding stops and bus routes.
Things to do on Skiathos Island
Discover its beaches
Skiathos Island has some of the most impressive beaches in all of Greece. Covered with forests of pine trees, the beaches in Skiathos have soft sand and crystal clear water. Most Skiathos beaches on the island’s southern side are organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, and watersports centers. Skiathos beaches on the northern side are secluded and, therefore, preferred by naturists. Boats can be rented to make a tour of the island. You will find below a list of the best beaches on Skiathos Island.
Note: You can learn even more about Skiathos beaches by reading our related guide.
Koukounaries Beach ©Iraklis Milas / Adobe Stock
Koukounaries Beach
It is the most well-known and, therefore, the most crowded beach in Skiathos. It is renowned for its fine white sand and fragrant pine tree forest, from which the region took its name. Furthermore, it is considered one of the finest beaches in Greece. The stunning, crystal-clear blue waters are a simple pleasure. The beach is also well-organized. Hence, it offers many water sports, chairs, umbrellas, and beach bars.
Around the beach, there are many restaurants, bars, and some hotels. A local bus links this beach to the capital every 30 minutes, so it should be easy to reach, even without renting a car.
Lalaria beach ©Robert Breitpaul, Getty Images
Lalaria beach
Only reachable by boat from the capital’s port, this pearl is situated on the northeastern tip of the island and is a heavenly place of incredible beauty. Massive white cliffs rise out of the clear, deep blue sea, so it is no wonder it is regularly listed among the most amazing beaches in Greece.
To the left of the white sandy beach is a natural rocky bridge between the sand and the sea, which you will love. In addition, the Blue and Dark caves are located just before Lalaria and are also worth visiting by boat. And if you ask the locals, they will tell you one interesting story about the Dark Cave. However, for more information, you will have to visit the island.
Banana Beach
A few minutes away from Koukounaries, the road continues further south and splits in two: one end of the road leads to the sandy cove called Banana Beach because of its shape. It is an organized beach with fine sand and crystal-clear waters. The other end of the road continues up to the little bay called Little Banana Beach, a nudist beach separated from the banana beach by a huge rock. It is quieter than its neighbor, more minor, with fine sand and crystalline waters.
Skiathos town ©Greeka.com
Around Skiathos town
The capital of Skiathos is built amphitheatrically on the southeastern tip of the island in a bay full of simple white houses with tiled roofs and narrow streets protected by strong winds.
It is a very cosmopolitan little town. Therefore, it has plenty of restaurants (Greek and international cuisine), tourist offices, shops (touristy, clothes, and shoe shops), cafes, bars, and clubs open all night long and offering all kinds of music for everyone.
Most of the entertainment is on the main street, Papadiamanti, and the seafront. But beware: Everything is quite expensive there, and the quality of the products in most taverns could be better because they are very touristy.
Bourtzi ©Greeka.com
Bourtzi
Bourtzi is a small peninsula that divides the Skiathos port into two parts. It used to be a Venetian fort built in 1207. Nowadays, it is a popular place for rest and recreation. The entire neighborhood is full of pine trees and offers breathtaking views of the surroundings. There is also a restaurant, perfect for watching the town in the sunset.
Tsougrias island ©skiathos.gr
Don’t miss it!
Tsougrias
Take advantage of a tiny islet, Tsougrias, within easy reach of Skiathos Town. Tsougrias is home to a gorgeous sandy beach between a pine forest and the clearest of seas; it’s a magical place to spend a day. Rent a boat and set off for a castaway day trip. Otherwise, take a tour that circumnavigates Skiathos Island (these often pull into Tsougrias for a swim). And for those who want to avoid hiring their boat, there are day trip excursions.
Skopelos
Take one of the sailing trips that will take you to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches and, of course, to the church of Agios Ioannis Kastri on Skopelos, where scenes of Mamma Mia were filmed.
Note: If you want to learn more about Mamma Mia tours and locations, you should read our related guide.
Skiathos Sea Caves
Close to the beach of Lalaria are two sea caves, Skotini and Galazia. These two caves are regarded as nature’s most remarkable creations and are among the most beautiful sights of Skiathos, not to be missed. Once you are there, ask the locals about the legend surrounding them.
Skiathos Monastery of Evangelistria
The Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria is about 5 km north of Skiathos Town. It is reachable by car or on foot (1 hour) from the island’s capital. This historic monastery is built on the slopes of a mountainside and surrounded by lush greenery, mostly pine forests and fur trees. Lastly, you can visit its museum or enjoy views of the islands and sea.
Monastery of Evangelistria ©Greeka.com
Where to eat or drink?
As this is a very sophisticated island, there are many places to eat and drink, from upscale hotel restaurants by the pool to family taverns in the main town or at the beaches. Most restaurants are found in Skiathos Town, on the narrow streets, and at the port promenade. However, the most genuine one you will find inland. Our advice is to ask locals. Where do they eat? They should know best, right?
Nightlife on Skiathos
Maybe nightlife is less intense than Mykonos or Kavos (Corfu); however, you will find Skiathos an island for all party tastes. There are all-night clubs as well as lounge bars. Most clubs and bars are in the Town of Skiathos. You will also find many nearby organized beaches, such as Koukounaries Beach.
In summer, famous DJs will play music in the bars, creating a massive party atmosphere.
Hot tip for young people: The pedestrianized street by Old Harbour is the top hotspot for entertainment! Bustling bars and clubs keep youngsters partying until early morning!
The best time to visit Skiathos
If you’re looking for the ideal time to soak up the sun and enjoy swimming in Skiathos, the summer months from June to September are perfect, with July and August offering the warmest temperatures. For a wonderful mix of pleasant weather and fewer tourists, consider visiting during the shoulder months of May or early September. If your focus is on active exploration rather than lounging on the beach, the milder seasons of spring (May) and autumn (September/October) provide fantastic opportunities for adventure.
Where to stay?
When booking your room, we advise you not to look just at the price. Remember, sometimes more is less. There are plenty of convenient accommodations in the main town and at the beaches close to the city. If you prefer lovely beaches, then book a room closer to a beach; that way, you will save yourself long walks or even additional transportation costs (buses, renting a car). However, if you prefer being closer to the town, perhaps stay there. We also recommend constantly checking reviews and the host’s responses (which will save you a lot of problems, especially if the hosts are labeled as super hosts).
Note: Find out the best deals here.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
How many beaches are on Skiathos island?
The island has around 60 beaches. There are extensive shorelines with beach bars and more tranquil, secluded beaches and coves.
Is Skiathos expensive?
It is considered a relatively inexpensive island. Hotel and meal prices are typical of Greece (excluding Mykonos and Santorini), and it is easy to stay on a budget with careful planning.
Do you need a car on Skiathos?
Getting around Skiathos Island is relatively easy by car. In addition, boats are available to hire on the island to visit some remote places, depending on the location of your accommodation. And lastly, the island has well-organized public transport, so you should have no problem getting around.
If you’d like to know more about how to get around, visit the Skiathos Transport page, but if you’d like to do some beach hopping, try to see the Skiathos water taxi page.
How many days should you stay on Skiathos?
It depends on your preferences. If you want to explore nearby islands, spend more time in Skiathos. We recommend at least a week. However, a 3 to 5 day trip lets you enjoy the key beaches, town, and nightlife without rushing. A shorter trip shows you the highlights, while a week or more allows for relaxing, boat trips, and exploring the island and its surroundings.
The conclusion
What can we say about the Vibrant Skiathos island? Firstly, it combines all the appeals of an ideal Greek island, namely the lush greenery of the Ionian islands, the white-washed houses of Cycladic islands (like Santorini or Mykonos), and lastly, the Greek blue colors of its sea.
What is your favorite Greek island, by the way? Please, share the news with us in the comments below.
Take a look at
The Finest Time to Visit Greece
This article, The Finest Time to Visit Greece, will show you when and how to travel and what options you
Why should you go to Mykonos Island?
Why should you go to Mykonos Island? Mykonos, “the Ibiza of Greece,” has much more to offer than its magnificent
Alluring Sporades
Alluring Sporades consists of 4 larger islands in Greece, Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, and Skyros, as well as several small and
References and sources:
Photo credits:
Featured photo: visitgreece.gr
