Skiathos

Skiathos is a cosmopolitan, forested island with beautiful sandy beaches, including the world-famous Koukounaries, and attracts many tourists from April to October.

The island’s capital is Skiathos Town, a beautiful town overlooking a romantic and lush bay. The alleys of the town are full of taverns, ouzerias, antique shops, jewellery shops and trendy places to relax at the end of a day at the beach.

The town is the realm of entertainment and is nicknamed the Capri of the Aegean: the most luxurious yachts moor in its harbour and its promenade is the most frequented in Greece by the international jet set. During summer nights, the city’s alleys are transformed into large open-air discos full of young people in the mood for a good time.

Skiathos is the island of beautiful beaches and fun. Famous and very popular are Banana Beach, the trendiest, Koukounaries, framed in a pine forest and referred to by many as the best Greek beach, Aselinos and Mandraki, the realm of surfers, and Lalaria, which can only be reached from the sea as it is enclosed by very high rocks.

When to go to Skiathos

The tourist season in Skiathos kicks off in late April with the Orthodox Easter celebrations and continues until October. If you are wondering when to go to Skiathos, know that the island is the most popular of the Sporades archipelago and in July and August it is very crowded, hot, and prices are slightly higher.

In May and June, the island is still quiet: the water starts to warm up, the daytime temperatures are high but not oppressive and the evenings are pleasantly cool. These months, together with September and October, are ideal for fully enjoying the island’s lush nature and optimal for excursions.

According to the islanders, September is the best month to visit Skiathos: the island begins to empty out, the sea is warm, the beaches are quiet and the streets of the main town are relaxing and pleasant, ideal for a sunset stroll and a little shopping in the craft shops.

From October until the end of November, the weather gradually worsens, the temperatures drop and rain peeps over Skiathos. In December , during the harshest winters, snowflakes even fall, making the landscape magical and fascinating. From January to March, rain falls regularly on the island but temperatures hardly ever fall below 8 degrees.

In April, holidaymakers begin to awaken on the island and spring gives them wonderful plays of light and colour.

Beaches of Skiathos

Amidst the lush vegetation of pine and olive trees are the famous beaches of Skiathos, golden sandy shores that make the Greek island one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean.

Most of Skiathos’ beaches, especially the most famous ones, are located along the south-western coast of the island, while some particularly beautiful beaches, such as Lalaria and Mandraki, are located along the northern coast and can be reached by boat.

Rent a boat in Skiathos Town or take part in one of the many excursions and discover the island’s beautiful coastline!

Find out more about the beaches of Skiathos

Things to do in Skiathos

Skiathos is the most famous and visited of the islands of the Sporades archipelago in the northern Aegean. It is an island for fun-seekers, those looking for sensational beaches and sea and those who want to stay in modern, comfortable facilities, but it is also possible to discover hidden, uncrowded and enchanting little beaches.

Skiathos is the island of beaches, all you have to do is set off to discover your favourite! Temperatures are lower than in the Cyclades archipelago and the climate is less humid than in the Ionian islands.

Be sure to visit the island’s capital, Skiathos Town, and the islet of Bourtzi, the busiest spot on the island throughout the day!

Find out more about what to see in Skiathos

How to get to Skiathos

It is possible to get to Skiathos by plane or by sea by calling at the port of Piraeus in Athens.

Flights to Skiathos

During the summer there are direct flights to Skiathos Airport, which is located 2 kilometres from the island’s capital. If you cannot find a suitable direct flight, you can also consider a stopover in Athens: Olympic Airlines offers daily flights from the Greek capital.

• From Europe, flights are operated by Ryanair, Easyjet, Volotea and other companies. Charter flights are also organised during peak demand periods.
• From Athens airport, several flights a week are operated. The flight duration is 40 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can also fly to Volos and then take a ferry to Skiathos.

Ferries to Skiathos

From Volos or Agios Konstandinos: about 3 hours by ship, 1 hour 30 minutes by hydrofoil.
All the islands of the Sporades are regularly connected during the summer period, even several times a day.

Recommended hotels in Skiathos

We offer a selection of hotels at Skiathos to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Skiathos, sorted by number of reviews.

Apartments and vacation homes in Skiathos

If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Skiathos. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Skiathos are in high demand.