Different from the other more popular and currently trending Greek islands, the island of Skiathos preserves the charms of authentic Greece.
Immediately upon arriving at the charming town of Skiathos, I fell in love. This picturesque village is vibrantly coloured by greenery, royal blue waters, and red-tiled roofs, featuring narrow twisting streets, traditional Greek tavernas, and handcraft shops. Skiathos isn’t really loaded with archaeological sites, however, the island makes up for this with its beauty and charm coupled with sandy and not-so-sandy beautiful beaches with turquoise crystal clear waters.
5 Reasons to visit Skiathos
1. The picturesque cobbled town
2. Beaches straight out of paradise
3. Affordable vacation
4. Less crowds
The island offers a slightly less party-packed getaway in Greece.
5. A bit of everything
Skiathos has a bit of everything for everyone. The Greek island destination is suitable for families, couples, and friends. If you’re into gorgeous beaches, stunning landscapes, and traditional Greek culture in a no-crowd-zone coupled with affordable prices, then Skiathos should be your next travel destination.
Not to mention, it’s where the Abba-themed movie Mamma Mia was filmed! The Chapel of Agios Ioannis in the movie, however, is not on the island, but a short boat trip away in Skopelos 😉
Skiathos is a stunning Greek getaway destination, where there’s always something fun and exciting to do. Visitors can enjoy beaches, explore ancient ruins, join tours, participate in water activities, and experience so much more.
12 Things to do in Skiathos
1. Watch the Mamma Mia! show at the open-air cinema
The open-air cinema in Skiathos Town shows Mamma Mia! every week. I won’t spoil the surprise, but you really can’t miss it! Purchase your tickets in advance to ensure you find a place! You can purchase snacks and drinks inside, including wine!
Cost: 10 Euros per ticket
2. Beach, beach, and more beach!
Skiathos boasts around 60 stunning beaches found all around the island. Koukounaries Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island; even we were won over by its beauty. There are also many companies offering fun water activities there such as diving and snorkeling. Small Tip: Bring bug spray – no one seemed to be bothered by this, but there were bees everywhere. This beach took 3rd place among the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.
Banana Beach is also a popular choice with the nudist beach Little Banana right around the corner.
Lalaria is one of the beaches that stole my heart – this secluded rocky beach with sea caves is located north of the island and we found it best to go with the island tour for a few hours since we didn’t need to spend the whole day there.
Cost: FREE
3. Water activities
Go scuba diving and explore caves, reefs, and ship wrecks with certified divers for a memorable and exciting experience.
4. Go on a boat island tour
I highly recommend this so you can get a feel of some of the awesome beaches in Skiathos (and then re-visit your favourites the following days). You don’t need to book online; simply go to the port in the evening and you’ll see several companies each offering a tour package; you decide based on the tour offered, your budget, etc. We booked a Skiathos island tour with Nemesis and thoroughly enjoyed it! Our stops included Lalaria and Kastro, as well as Tsougaria beach on the island facing Skiathos.
Cost: 15-20 Euros per ticket
5. Go shopping on Papadiamantis Street
This street is considered the main shopping area in Skiathos. I recommend Toakrokeramo for handmade souvenirs and silver jewelry and Psari for traditional Greek leather sandals, handmade bags and tunics, etc.
6. Visit the Medieval Castle
Kastro, the island’s medieval castle, was built in 1350. As with Lalaria Beach, we visited this beautiful abandoned village on our Skiathos island tour and explored the ruins. The views from the top are exceptionally breathtaking!
Cost: FREE
7. Visit the Bourtzi Fortress grounds
Bourtzi Fortress is situated on the main port of the island. This 13th century fortress was built to protect the island from pirate invasions. A school was built in the 20th century on the grounds and now serves as a cultural center. There’s a cute cafe there where you can have a drink in the evening overlooking the sea.
8. Simply stroll around town
Skiathos Town is so beautiful and it’s filled with restaurants, bars, shops, small churches, and more. Explore the town by taking a stroll through the cobbled stone streets and finish along the harbor. Once you’re tired from walking around and feel like having some food, stop for ice cream, coffee, or a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafés!
9. Experience Skiathos town nightlife
Skiathos Town is one of the most beautiful Greek island towns, lined with little shops, restaurants, and bars. Most of the bars and tavernas offer beer for as little as €2 earlier in the evening. Portobello is a great choice!
10. Catch a boat to Skopelos
Day trips from Skiathos to Skopelos are popular as well as overnight stays! Skopelos island is located between the islands of Skiathos and Alonissos. You have the choice of catching a ferry (best for overnight stays) or a “Kaiki” water taxi which leaves town in the morning and comes back in the evening. A third option would be to take one of the day-trip tours offered on the port as with the boat island tour.
11. Go hiking
With over 20 GPS-mapped hiking routes to choose from, Skiathos provides visitors a chance to explore nature. You can even find medical herbs along the hike. For more information, visit Hiking Skiathos.
Cost: 15 euros for the guide book
12. Visit the Agios Nikolaos Church & Clock Tower
For spectacular panoramic views of Skiathos Town, climb up to the Church of Agios Nikolaos and Clock Tower. There are many beautiful churches around the island, however, they are more easily accessible by car.
Cost: FREE
What to eat in Skiathos
1. Have Greek yogurt and coffee for breakfast by the port
I fell in love with Greek yogurt during my trip to Greece. Greeks mainly have coffee for breakfast, but I would eat yogurt almost every morning with sticky local honey, crunchy walnuts, and sometimes fruit.
2. Eat traditional Greek cuisine at a taverna
Plenty of traditional tavernas in Skiathos offer authentic Greek cuisine to indulge in. I recommend Grill House Old Street for its friendly hospitality, chill ambiance, and tasty Greek specialties like dolmades and stuffed vegetables; this was the first taverna we had dinner in upon arrival. Another of our favourites on the island was Mesogia Taverna, also in Skiathos Town.
3. Experience fine dining and seafood at Marmita
I very highly recommend and insist you pay a visit to Marmita when in Skiathos. It’s a whole other level of Greek fine dining in a very beautiful relaxed atmosphere. It’s the first place I would go to if I ever visit Skiathos again. The Fried Calamari and Grilled Mastelo Cheese dishes are exceptional. Our host also recommended rabbit, but we didn’t have the heart! Check out my exclusive review of Marmita Restaurant.
4. Taste the special “Mamma Mia” ice cream at MAMMA MIA! Ice Cream Parlour
Of course, the rest of the flavours offered are just as fantastic.
Getting around the island
By Bus
If you’re staying in town, which I highly recommend, there’s a very easy bus service you can use to get to the different beaches of the island such as Koukounaries and Banana Beach.
There are three bus routes in Skiathos. The main route connects Skiathos Town to Koukounaries (Stop #25), which leaves town every 20 minutes. The other two routes are for Xanemos (north east) and Moni Evagelistrias (north).
By Boat
If you don’t feel like taking the bus, you can always take a shorter ferry ride to other parts of the island. For instance, Lalaria Beach, is not easily accessible so you’ll need to catch a “Kaiki” boat.
By Taxi
To explore the main tourist sites on the more developed side of the island, taxis (and buses) are your best option.
For an estimate of taxi costs to some destinations on the island, check out this table.
By Car
In order to explore the northern part of the island, which is slightly less developed and where access is difficult, then it would be best to rent a small all-terrain vehicle or even a motorbike, which is more convenient and cheaper. There is a rent-a-car company right on the port.
For more info on transport around the island, check out this detailed guide.
When to go to Skiathos
The sea starts to get warmer in late spring. Bars and seaside restaurants open early June up to mid-September.
From October to early May, Skiathos island is basically asleep.
How to get to Skiathos
Skiathos is one of four inhabited islands of the Sporades complex.
Skiathos Island can be reached by:
- Airplane: If you’re coming from Athens, the most convenient and fastest option would be by plane. Once you arrive at Skiathos airport, take a taxi to get to town. In summer, there are numerous charter flights coming from many European cities.
- Bus/Ferry: Option two would be by ferry boats as well as the faster (and more costly) hydrofoils and “Flyingcats”. Boats leave from Agios Constantinos Port (165 km from Athens) and Volos Port (321 km from Athens / 204 km from Thessaloniki). Note that the faster options may cancel itineraries on windy days.
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Non-watermarked photos were sourced from Skiathos Tourism Board
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Waw this island looks good, next destination is skiathos, thank you 😊
This post is so informative!! Great way to help us plan our trips! Can you write a guide on Athens as well? I’m going in May for 3days and then choosing one of the islands you wrote about for 3days too! Thanks!
Beautiful photos! Skiathos doesn’t get the attention that Santorini and Mykonos get, which is really a shame. It’s a beautiful island and a nice retreat for those who don’t love crowds.