Skiathos Travel Guide: Skiathos Tips

Skiathos tips / Interesting travel guide for the island in the northwest of the Aegean / Skiathos Travel Guide

Where are you going on your next vacation ?Check out Skiathos travel guide…

With the almost endless selection of travel destinations (in Europe alone), the decision is not always easy. If you are looking for an island paradise and Greece is one of your longing destinations, you should find out more about the Northern Sporades archipelago. There it is not only about walking in the footsteps of the film locations of Mamma Mia, but also spending an unforgettable holiday by the sea. The small island of Skiathos inspires with numerous picture-book beaches and an indescribable attitude to life. If you are longing for relaxation as well as fun and exercise, you have come to the right place on the Greek island. Lean back and find out what you can experience on the island with the Skiathos tips. Which places should you not miss? Are you curious? Then let your travel heart beat faster and read on!

About Skiathos

The lively island is located in the northwest of the Aegean and, as already mentioned, belongs to the Northern Sporades archipelago and is the smallest inhabited island in the area with an area of ​​just under 49 km². For better orientation, you should consider the geographic location of Greece.

Skiathos is bordered on the east by the island of Skopelos. It is only four kilometers to the mainland with the Pelion peninsula and the island of Euboea is also not far.

Skiathos impresses with diversity, has some surprises in store for each of you and, despite its small size, has what it takes to be called one of the jewels of the country. The island is characterized by the almost 400 meter high mountain range Mitikas and is considered one of the “greenest” islands in Greece with beautiful vegetation.

The many trees that line the landscape and the beautiful stretches of beach and bays create an incredibly idyllic interplay of nature. In addition, there is a unique hospitality and an unexpected nightlife.

Before you venture out on the island, you need to know that the north is pretty much untouched and undeveloped and the south is buzzing with life. This will also play a role in your choice of accommodation.

In addition, the Aegean island is a perfect outdoor paradise for hikers. And you must take the opportunity to enjoy the typical products such as wine, olives and wild herbs.

In short, Skiathos is an island where you will feel comfortable from the first second.

Arrival to Skiathos / Skiathos Tips

Before you relax on the beach and let your soul dangle, you have to check off a few items on your to-do list. In addition to accommodation, it is important to plan your journey to Skiathos.

In the summer months you currently have the option of flying directly to the small holiday island from the German airports in Frankfurt, Düsseldorf and Munich. After a flight of almost two and a half hours, the first highlight awaits you with the approach to Skiathos.

Because Skiathos Airport’s runway is right by the sea, you’ll be greeted with a spectacular landing approach. If you can’t get a direct flight, a stopover in Athens is worthwhile.

Or are you planning to come by car or do you want to take the ferry to Skiathos after your discovery tour on the Greek mainland? From the Greek port of Volos you can reach the island in just under three hours and from around €20 per person (without a car).

Which one of you is considering island hopping in the Northern Sporades? You have the chance to travel between Skiathos and Skopelos several times a day.

For this you have to plan one hour and from 12 € per person. The ferry connections are top Skiathos tips and you should definitely make use of them.

Getting around Skiathos

Due to its length of 11 kilometers and width of five kilometers, Skiathos is quite manageable and you don’t need long from place to place. If you have your accommodation in Skiathos town, you can reach many beaches on foot.

But for optimal mobility on Skiathos you should book a scooter or rental car. So nothing stands in the way of your exploration tours, you are flexible and do not have to rely on the public bus.

Best time to visit Skiathos

Have you already decided on a travel period? When is the best time to visit Skiathos?

A question that of course has to be answered on the list of Skiathos tips. To make your decision easier, you should definitely heed a recommendation.

If you have the opportunity, you must travel outside of the holiday periods. Then you save on the one hand your travel funds and on the other hand it is much emptier on the island.

The average warmest months are July and August. But the spring and autumn months are also worth a stay.

All in all, the best travel time can be divided into the months from May to September. In spring you will be greeted by a colorful splendor of flowers and you can take a dip in the cool water and go on hikes without any problems.

Before the weather gets worse towards November, you can spend an unforgettable holiday in the months of September and October with wonderful temperatures. In any case, the months at the end of May/beginning of June and September are perfect for me to plan a stay.

Places on Skiathos

What should not be missing from the list of Skiathos tips? Right, the places on the island.

Due to the largest of the island, the number of holiday resorts is manageable. Tourism is largely concentrated in the island’s capital, Skiathos Town.

Your journey will start here and you can already look forward to a lively and traditional atmosphere. The heart of the island welcomes you with a colorful harbor, dreamy streets and lots of food.

When you walk through the babble of voices in the streets, you will be immediately captivated by the charm of the small, whitewashed houses. Depending on the season, different events take place on site and in the evenings it can get boozy.

You can’t miss one of the main streets, Papadiamanti Street. In addition to delicious restaurants, you will also find the local history museum Papadiamantis, which will lead you in the footsteps of the author of the same name.

As soon as the sun moves towards the horizon, you should walk to the Greek Orthodox Church of Agios Nikolaos and enjoy the breathtaking views. A walk along the port of Skiathos and along the Bourtzi peninsula is also worthwhile.

Not far from the airport you will find the second largest town of Skiathos, Kalyvia. You should look for accommodation here if you want to quickly reach the beautiful beaches in the north of the island.

Surrounded by picturesque pine forests you will find the small village of Koukounaries in the south. The place not only scores with quiet and idyllic scenery, but also with one of the most beautiful beaches of Skiathos.

Best Beaches in Skiathos / Skiathos Tips

Best Beaches in Skiathos

On the small island of Skiathos you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. The sections on the northern coast are considered untouched and remote.

Here you have to allow some time to reach the beaches, as they are more difficult to access. Alternatively, you can also book boat tours from Skiathos town and head directly for the dream beaches.

If you are looking for beaches with infrastructure, you have to look to the south of the island. But what is so special about the Skiathos beaches?

In some places, the lush green vegetation reaches as far as the beaches, creating special oases that provide shade and radiate tranquillity. In addition, many of the beaches have been awarded the “Blue Flag”, which is a seal of approval for environmental standards.

Top Skiathos Beaches

Let’s start with the secluded Lalaria Beach. The beautiful pebble beach in the north of the island can only be reached from the water and inspires with its surrounding rocky cliffs, crystal clear water and pure idyll.

In complete contrast is Koukounaries Beach. Between pines that protect you from the sun, you can rent loungers on site, pursue water sports activities or buy drinks and food. In short: perfect for the whole family.

Now we move about a kilometer and a half further east to Agia Eleni Beach. Crystal clear water, shallow water entry, gastronomic offer and lively atmosphere complete the already beautiful beach.

Continue along the south coast to Agia Paraskevi beach. Are you looking for a fully equipped stretch of beach? Then you are exactly right here.

One of the Skiathos tips is definitely the Mikros Aselinos Beach with an untouched ambience on the north coast. Although the descent to the beach is a bit steeper, a quiet bay with a rustic tavern welcomes you on site. Here you will always find a place by the water!

A little adventure awaits you when you arrive at Kastro Beach. In the north of the island you can reach this idyllic spot on a gravel road and on foot. The secluded beach with a bar will enchant you immediately.

Other Skiathos beaches:

Megali Ammos Beach
Achladies beach
Kanapitsa beach
Kechria Beach
Megas Gialos Beach
Xanemos Beach
Kalamaki beach
Paralia Vromolimnos
Tsougrias beach on small island
Ligarie’s beach
Paralia Lechouni
Megalos Aselinos Beach

Places to visit in Skiathos

Due to the manageable size of the island, there are not too many sights on Skiathos. Nevertheless, it doesn’t just have to mean: summer, sun, sea and beach during your vacation.

Of course, if you are looking for a change, the main town, Skiathos Town, is for you. You won’t get bored with the former Venetian fortress on the Bourtzi Peninsula or the small, family-friendly Skiathitiko Spiti Museum.

An absolute must and one of the top Skiathos tips is the monastery of Moni Evaggelistrias. On site you can take a break in a small restaurant or buy one or two souvenirs such as olive oil, schnapps and soap. Everything from our own production, of course.

Ancient atmospheres greet you at the northern tip of the island or you can plan a boat tour to the uninhabited island of Tsoungria.

Things to do in Skiathos

Skiathos Tips

Of course, relaxing by the sea is one of the top Skiathos tips. But you should definitely take the opportunity to discover the picturesque island from a different perspective.

How about hiking on Skiathos? The routes in the north of the island, for example, are particularly worthwhile.

There you can enjoy pure silence and immerse yourself in the beautiful nature of the island. The monastery of Moni Evaggelistrias is perfect for a stopover and a short break.

Second, boat tours around Skiathos are among the most popular activities. In addition, all the diving enthusiasts will find a breathtaking underwater world in the waters around the island.

On one of your evenings you should pack a picnic and enjoy the sunset on Skiathos (e.g. at Agia Eleni Beach). Alternatively, you can admire handicrafts in the studio “The Blue House art gallery” or rent bicycles or quads for some action.

Planning water sports activities on Skiathos:
Captain Cook & The Traditional Yacht
“Sail the Day” – Skiathos Sailing Cruises
Sail with a Dolphin
Go4Sailing – Sailing Cruises
Skiathos Boat Hire @ Stefanos Ski & Water Sports Center
Skiathos Diving Center
Dolphin Diving Center
Ocean Blue Scuba Diving School

Excursions from Skiathos

During your travel planning, you definitely need to think about island hopping across the Northern Sporades. Although Skiathos is the main town of the archipelago, this is by no means the largest and not the only highlight.

First you have to visit the neighboring island of Skopelos. The “home of Mamma Mia” inspires with cute places and unique nature. But have you ever heard of the islands of Alonissos or Skyros?

These jewels are definitely among the most exciting Greece tips and allow you to have a varied holiday. Alternatively, you can easily reach the island of Euboea (the country’s second largest island) from the mainland and immerse yourself in the fascination of Greece far away from mass tourism.

For a road trip I can recommend the Pelion Peninsula to you. Bizarre mountain landscapes, quiet bays and traditional villages await you there. Pure Greece!

But the Halkidiki peninsula is also an exciting, great alternative.

Eating and drinking in Skiathos

Do you also feel that you quickly become “hangry” when your stomach is growling and you don’t get good food? To counteract this, Skiathos has some excellent taverns and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Greek cuisine.

Be sure to taste Skiathos’ wine, sample other local produce, or order the traditional vegetable tarts (“hortopita”).

Taverns and restaurants on Skiathos

Parissis Winery
Crazy Cow Restaurant
Little Balcony
Exanta’s restaurant
Taverna Alexandros
Bakaliko
Akrogiali Tavern
Anatoly Taverna
Taverna Maistrali
Taverna Leagues
LYHNARI
Kehria Tarsana’s Taverna
Taverna To Kalo Pigadi

Beach bars, cafes and bars in Skiathos

Swell Beach Bar
Ginfish
Mojo Bar By The Sea
Tesla Cocktail Bar Skiathos
Old port house bar
Kentavros
Bar Anderssons
La Bussola Bar
Cafe nostalgic
Meltemi Cafe Bistro Bar
IL POSTO Skiathos
Bean tree

Best travel time for the Alonissos
10 inspirational travel films
Lefkada Travel Guide – 10 things to do on the Greek island

Skiathos – The Mykonos of the Sporades

Just under 50 km² in area, but more than 60 beaches and three ports. Skiathos is the smallest island of the Sporades, but also the busiest and most popular.

Skiathos is a Greek island off the coast of Thessaly. Together with the neighboring islands of Skopelos and Alonissos, it belongs to the Northern Sporades archipelago. Skiathos has just over 6000 inhabitants and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The island has countless beaches, pretty little fishing ports and a vibrant nightlife.

Its long beaches with turquoise water have earned it the nickname “Mykonos of the Sporades”. The most famous beach, Koukounaries, is a stretch of fine, clear sand lined with pine trees. The capital’s undeniable charm and lush green, refreshing landscape are other draws. But there is much more to discover on Skiathos.

Skiathos is one of the most picturesque Greek islands and the most popular island in the Northern Sporades. She became famous through the film “Mamma Mia”, part of which was filmed here. However, she managed to keep her romantic side.

Skiathos town

Skiathos Town is the capital of the island of the same name. The narrow streets of the city, paved with stone slabs, and the small white houses with their blue shutters convey a picture-postcard idyll. There are numerous taverns, bars and shops with classic souvenirs, but also high-quality products.

The beautiful port of the city invites you to linger. Here you can comfortably watch the small boats rocking on the water. Right next to the ferry dock, on the pine-clad Bourtzi peninsula, are the ruins of a 13th-century Venetian fortress and a small museum. Concerts and traditional events are also regularly held here. Also not to be missed is the Papadiamantis Museum in the centre, dedicated to the famous local writer Alexandros Papadiamantis and one of the largest in the country.