Skiathos Airport

Skiathos Airport ‘Alexandros Papadiamantis’ (IATA code: JSI) is located just 4 km from Skiathos Town.

This small but efficient airport is famous for its short and narrow runway that ends directly at the sea, offering passengers a spectacular landing experience. In fact, the only way to have an airport on the island was to build on reclaimed land from the sea that joined Skiathos and the then small islet of Lazareta into a large island.

The strategic location of the airport makes it particularly convenient for visitors, being only a 10-minute drive from the centre of Skiathos Town and a short distance from the island’s main beaches. The airport is located in the north-eastern part of the island, near the beach of Xanemos, and is easily accessible from most tourist resorts.

During the peak summer season (May to October), Skiathos Airport receives numerous charter and scheduled flights from various European destinations, in addition to regular connections with Athens (about 40 minutes flight time) and Thessaloniki (about 30 minutes flight time). Its small size makes it particularly convenient to use, with waiting times generally shorter than at larger airports.

Once disembarked, to reach your destination you can choose between using a rental car, highly recommended on Skiathos as the island’s only bus line is always overcrowded, public transport or taxis.

Connections from the airport to the centre of Skiathos

Bus

The Airport-Port-Koukounaries bus service connects the airport with the centre of Skiathos Town and continues all along the southern coast of the island.

The journey from the airport to the centre takes about 15 minutes and tickets can be purchased at the new ‘i-boxes’ (info-boxes) located there or directly on board from the driver. Buses are generally synchronised with flight schedules, but it is advisable to check up-to-date timetables, especially in the low season when journeys may be less frequent.

During the peak summer season, buses on the main line run at 15-minute intervals from 7 a.m. until after midnight. Journey times may be longer in the event of heavy traffic.

Taxis

Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal and are the most convenient option for reaching your destination quickly. The journey from the airport to Skiathos Town costs about €10-15 and takes about 10 minutes. For more distant locations, such as the beaches on the south coast, the price can go up to 20-25€.

During the high season, taxi availability may be limited and long queues may form. To avoid waiting, especially if you arrive at peak times, it is advisable to book a private transfer.

Car hire

The most convenient way to get around Skiathos is certainly to hire a car. Several car rental companies have offices in or near the airport. Rates are generally competitive, but it is strongly recommended to book in advance during the high season to ensure availability and better prices.

To rent a car in Skiathos we always recommend comparing the rates of all companies with DiscoverCars because in our opinion it offers the best prices, allows cancellation up to 48 hours before rental and offers a very cheap comprehensive insurance policy.

Renting a car will allow you to easily explore the entire island, reaching even the most isolated beaches and attractions less accessible by public transport. Roads on Skiathos are generally in good condition, although some can be narrow and winding, typical of Greek islands.

Bus routes in Skiathos

There are four summer bus routes on Skiathos:

1. Airport-Port-Koukounaries (formerly the Red Line): the main line that runs along the entire southern coast of the island, with 26 numbered stops, ideal for reaching most of the beaches and tourist resorts.
2. Skiathos Port-Kalyvia-Evangelistria (formerly the Green Line): leads mainly to the Evangelistras Monastery and makes one stop at the entrance of the monastery. It is served by a 12-seat minibus and the ticket costs 2€ each way.
3. Skiathos Port-Xanemos (formerly the Blue Line): a short route from the centre of Skiathos to Xanemos beach, north of the airport runway.
4. Troulos-Aselinos: a recently introduced line that cuts ‘vertically’ across the island and is the only one that allows the north coast to be reached by public transport.

Connections to the main tourist resorts

From the airport to Koukounaries

The famous beach of Koukounaries, considered one of the most beautiful in Greece, is about 12 km from the airport, in the south-western part of the island. The taxi ride takes about 25-30 minutes and costs around €25.

By public bus on the Airport-Port-Koukounaries line, you can reach Koukounaries directly (stop 26, the last on the line) in about 40-45 minutes. The area of Koukounaries is home to several quality hotels and flats.

From the airport to Megali Ammos

Megali Ammos is one of the closest beaches to Skiathos Town, located about 6 km from the airport. It can be reached by taxi in about 15 minutes at a cost of 15-18€. By public bus, get off at one of the first stops after Skiathos Town. This beach is also easily accessible on foot from the centre of Skiathos Town with a pleasant walk of about 15 minutes along the coast.

From the airport to Troulos

Troulos, one of the most popular tourist areas on the island with its beautiful beach, is about 9 km from the airport. The taxi ride takes about 20 minutes and costs 20-22€. By public bus, get off at the Troulos bus stop (stops 16-17). The new Troulos-Aselinos bus line also departs from Troulos. This cuts vertically across the island and makes it possible to reach Aselinos beach on the north coast, which is otherwise difficult to access by public transport.

From the airport to Agia Paraskevi

The beach of Agia Paraskevi, located on the southern coast of the island, is about 8 km from the airport. The taxi ride takes 18-20 minutes and costs around €18-20. Otherwise, with the public bus of the Airport-Porto-Koukounaries line, you can reach it directly by getting off at the corresponding stop.

From the airport to Achladies

Achladies, one of the nearest beaches to Skiathos Town, is about 7 km from the airport. The taxi ride takes 15 minutes and costs about 15-18€, otherwise you can take the bus on the Airport-Porto-Koukounaries line and get off at the Achladies stop.

Arrivals and Departures

Recommended hotels

Below is a list of recommended hotels near Skiathos Airport.