In Sporades group, the Skiathos island is the most popular one. It is renowned for its sandy beaches, the natural beauty and the vibrant nightlife, which is why holidays in Skiathos are especially popular among young tourists and the local people. The southern side of the Skiathos is marked with wonderful beaches, like Koukounaries, Banana, Agia Paraskevi, Kanapitsa and more. The countryside is green and has few exciting monasteries to visit. From Skiathos island, there are day cruises to the other islands of Sporades and Pelion.
Where is Skiathos island
Skiathos is a small Greek island in the northwest Aegean Sea. Skiathos is the westernmost island in the Northern Sporades group, east of the Pelion peninsula in Magnesia on the mainland, and west of the island of Skopelos.
How to get to Skiathos island
Flights to Skiathos
You can use planes departing from Athens to reach the island of Skiathos. Skiathos International Airport “Alexandros Papadiamantis” receives flights from Athens International Airport all year round. The flight time from Athens to Skiathos is about 30 minutes. The airport also receives some seasonal flights from different places around Europe. Upon your arrival, it is a good idea to take a taxi for your transfer, since the airport is located about 5 km away from the city center of Skiathos. There are always many taxis at the airport’s entrance.
Ferries to Skiathos
There is no ferry to Skiathos from Athens. The ferry to Skiathos departs from the port of Agios Konstantinos in central Greece and the trip takes about 1 hour and half. Another ferry to Skiathos departs from Volos in Thessaly and the trip takes about 2 hours and half. There are ferries from Skiathos to: Alonissos island, Skopelos island (Glossa and Town) and Volos. It costs about 60 EUR.
Map of Skiathos
From its deep green trees to its rockin’ bars and restaurants, Skiathos invites you to take part in its distinctive and spirited vibe. Perfect for those who demand high standards, it has long been a premier destination for cosmopolitan, international travellers, particularly those on yachts and sailboats cruising the Mediterranean. At its lively marina, boats of all kinds – many available for private charter – are docked side by side. Holidays on this idyllic Greek island are unforgettable.
Top 10 Magical Places In Skiathos Island
The beach service is flawless. Nights in Hora are lively and fun and the spectacular beaches Lalaria and Koukounaria are among the best in Greece. The 14th century castle, the habitat of Strofilias, the caves… The beauty of Skiathos is everywhere. Young and thriving, but most importantly caring, the island and its locals make sure visitors will have an unforgettable time.
Skiathos Town View, Sporades, Greece Skiathos Town View, Sporades, Greece
What to do in Skiathos
Lalaria beach: Beauty that knows no bounds
This dazzlingly beautiful beach and landscape put Skiathos on the map. Crystal clear waters, smooth white pebbles, steep cliffs that plunge into the sea. Little boats, yachts and day cruises carrying visitors from all over the world come to experience its splendour.
Natural wonders: Koukounaries and Lake Strofilias
Discover the second-most talked about beach on Skiathos: Koukounaries. Famous for its golden sand, this seemingly endless beach is considered one of the most natural in the Mediterranean. It is embraced by a dense pine forest, behind which is Lake Strofilias, a unique habitat that is home to a variety of rare birds.
Hora and Bourtzi: A stately welcome
Entering the port, you are welcomed by Bourtzi: a pine-wood islet that is home to the ruins of a Venetian fortress, built in the 13th century. Across the way, Skiathos’ Hora spreads along the landscape like an amphitheatre, with its cluster of homes with blossom-red rooftops.
Meet you at Papadiamanti St
This is the main meeting point every night, and where your holidays will take on the rhythm of the island. Cafes and bars throb with life, while restaurants, tavernas and stylish boutiques are sure to lure you in.
Local Legend: Alexandros Papadiamantis
Known as the “saint of modern Greek literature”, Alexandros Papadiamantis was a significant and influential Greek writer. It’s about time you met him! Born on Skiathos, his work frequently features his birthplace. You will discover in his stories another side to the island, as it was in the 19th century. The Papadiamantis house-museum is located right in the centre of Hora, and is one of the most significant attractions in Skiathos.
Sail away … to the castle
Although also accessible by land, a great way to arrive at beautiful, isolated Kastro (Castle) is by boat (if you don’t have your own, tours leave from Skiathos town daily). Located on the northern part of the island, it was built in the 14th century to protect the Skiathians from pirates. Today, its mystical allure is captivating. Admire the art in two of the 22 surviving churches and marvel at the murals depicting the Nativity of Christ and the ceramics of St Nicholas.
There are so many terrific beaches to choose from that your dilemma will be where to go first. The list is endless: Big Banana, Troullos, Agia Paraskevi, Kanapitsa, Xanemos, Megalos Aselinos. With beach bars, water-front tavernas, umbrellas, sun beds and watersports, Skiathos’ beaches are a work of art.
Amazing Greek island, Skiathos Amazing Greek island, Skiathos
Things to do and see in Skiathos
The sea caves
Holidays mean adventure and exploration – the sea caves of Skiathos await! As long as you have a boat (and it’s very easy to rent one) Pounta, Fonissa and Altanous are all waiting to be discovered.
The watchtower
Pagan altar, Christian spire or Venetian castle? Find the circular building at Pyrgi, hidden in the oaks, and let your imagination run wild.
The monastery of Evangelistria
The stone walls look like a monastery on Mount Athos. Located on the northeastern tip of Skiathos, it has been there since 1794.
Villages of Skiathos
The only true village on the island is Skiathos Town, which also serves as the main port. The other settlements are tourist resorts with many hotels and organized beaches. Boats that make the tour of the island depart from Skiathos Town.
Beaches of Skiathos
Skiathos island has some of the most impressive beaches in the Greek islands. Covered with forests of pine trees, the beaches in Skiathos have soft sand and crystal water. Most Skiathos beaches on the southern side of the island are organized with umbrellas, sunbeds and watersports centers. Skiathos beaches on the northern side are secluded and frequented by naturists. Boats can be rented to make the tour of the island. You will find below a list with the best beaches in Skiathos island.
List of all beaches of Skiathos island
Discover our guide to 10 beautiful Skiathos beaches. They are all presented with a detailed description, photos and their location on a map of Skiathos. For the most popular spots, we also provide information about sightseeing in the area, a selection of hotels and reviews.
Where to stay in Skiathos
Nice and convenient hotels in Skiathos are found at the beaches close to Skiathos Town, such as Megali Ammos, Ftelia, Vassilias and Ahladies. These accommodations give easy access to the beach, taverns and frequent bus connection to the town, which is the centre of nightlife on the island. Many Skiathos hotels are also found in long-distance beaches, like Koukounaries, ideal for total relaxation.
Hotels in Skiathos Town
- Chrysoula’s on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Green House on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Pension Nikolas on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Architectonika on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Hotel Marlton on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Atlas Hotel on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Meltemi Hotels on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Hotel Akti on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Babis on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Central Skiathos on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
Hotels near Beach of Megali Ammos
- Angeliki Hotel on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Mamma’s Cooking on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Megali Ammos on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Azalea View on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Hellen Studios on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Olga Villa on booking.com
- Aegean Suites on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Aphrodite Studios on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Villa Yiannis on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Irida Aegean View on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
