If you’re looking for an appealing, low-key Greek beach break, Vibrant Skiathos — the westernmost of the Sporades islands — is a perfect choice. Located in the northwest Aegean, close to the mainland, it’s the smallest of the archipelago’s inhabited isles: but that doesn’t mean there’s any lack of things to see and do. With more than 60 beaches and a lively nightlife scene in Skiathos Town, this easygoing isle has earned a loyal following, particularly among the Greeks. And you know, you should visit places which locals favor. After all, they should know the best thing for them.
The amount of vegetation is what sets Skiathos apart from other Greek islands. The place is namely packed with pine trees. Forested hills fill the interior and descend to sandy shores, where the colors of the trees reflect in the crystalline waters, turning them an exquisite shade of blue. Whether hiking on a forest trail or admiring the scenery from a boat, the scent of pines is an inevitable signature of Skiathos.
But there’s more, away from the beaches, there’s culture to discover in the form of well-preserved monasteries and a ruined citadel dating from the Venetian occupation. Ultimately, watersports, diving, riding, and mountain biking await more active travelers, and there are frequent ferry connections to visit the sister Sporades of Skopelos and Alonissos.
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 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, therefore, preferred by naturists. Boats can be rented to make the tour of the island. You will find below a list of the best beaches on Skiathos Island.
Koukounaries Beach ©Iraklis Milas / Adobe Stock
Koukounaries Beach: It is the most well-known beach in Skiathos, therefore, the most crowded. It is renowned for its fine white sand and fragrant pine trees 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 with massive white cliffs rising out of the clear deep blue sea. So, 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 with 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 in most taverns, the quality of the products 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. The thing to do is 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.
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. 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 the 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 in Mykonos or Kavos (Corfu); however, you will find Skiathos as 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. Yet, 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!
How to get to Skiathos?
By plane
You can travel to Skiathos by flight and by ferry. With direct flights to Skiathos from the UK and other European countries and excellent ferry connections with the Greek mainland, there are multiple options for traveling to this island.
Not all Greek islands have airports, but fortunately, Skiathos does. Skiathos Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport (IATA: JSI, ICAO: LGSK) lies a few kilometers from Skiathos Town and has connections with Athens (year-round) and even with some destinations in Europe (seasonal). Take a look at Skyscanner for available flights that might be suitable for you.
For individuals who can’t fly directly to Skiathos, flying to Athens first and then getting a connecting flight is the next best thing. There are namely daily flights from Athens to Skiathos in the summer months.
Note: We use Skyscanner to book valuable flights.
By ferry
You can also catch a ferry to Skiathos from 4 ports in mainland Greece: Volos, Mantoudi, Agios Konstantinos, and Thessaloniki. The best way to reach the island is to travel from the port of Volos, as sailing is available daily, and the journey duration is just one hour with the high-speed vessel.
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.
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, rent car). However, if you prefer being closer to the town, perhaps stay there. We also recommend constantly checking reviews and the host’s responses (that will save you a lot of problems, especially if the hosts are labeled as super hosts).
Note: Find out the best deals here.
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FAQ – Frequently asked questions
How many beaches are on Skiathos island?
The island has around 60 beaches. You can find 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 and 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.
When is the best time to visit Skiathos?
The best time to visit the island is outside the primary season (July and August). Because in the primary season, the island gets crowded, and prices are higher. If you are more into tranquil holidays, try visiting them in June, September, or October. However, remember that the transport is best organized in the primary season.
The conclusion
What can we say about the Vibran 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.
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Featured photo: visitgreece.gr