Posted by Information for visitors to the great island of Skiathos
The island of Skiathos is located a few kilometers from the Greek mainland (from the Pelion peninsula). The island is 47 square kilometers in size and has around 6,000 inhabitants in 2025. It belongs to the Sporades archipelago. Skiathos is best known for its beautiful sandy beaches.
Boat trips (day trips) from Skiathos can be booked online. You can find an overview on the following link: >>> More information and booking
Image: Susen Heyde – Fotolia.com
Although the island is not big, a lot of tourists come to the island. Skiathos has become a typical package holiday island in recent years. The tourists, especially from Central Europe, Great Britain, Northern Europe and especially Greece, come for the sun, the beautiful beaches and the nightlife. In summer it is difficult to find a free spot on some beaches.
The accommodation and taverns are a little more expensive here than on the less touristy Greek islands. The capital, Skiathos Town, has retained a certain authenticity in the narrow streets of the old town. The beaches (especially the fine sandy Koukounaries beach), the Kounistras monastery and the mountainous, partly wooded and quite green interior of the island are worth seeing. However, if you are looking for Greek life or peace and quiet, Skiathos is probably not the place for you.
Skiathos Chora
The main town on the island is a modern, very busy city. With around 4,000 inhabitants, it is by far the largest town on the island. According to the last census, no other village on Skiathos has more than 200 inhabitants. The town is very busy at night, with several large discos and the like. Many restaurants and cafes in Skiathos are in the higher price range. There is a lot of fresh fish on offer.
Koukounaries
The beach in the southwest is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the Sporades. In general, there are a number of dream beaches in Skiathos, especially along the south coast. Koukounaries beach is the most famous. A lot of hotels have been built in the area, especially upscale ones. The advantages of Koukounaries over the other beaches are the good bus connections (see below) and the great landscape. In high season, however, the area is quite crowded.
Boat trips (day trips) from Skiathos can be booked online. You can find an overview on the following link: >>> More information and booking
Accommodation
Many of the accommodations, which are also offered at the port, in Skiathos town are not the best and not exactly cheap either. A positive exception is, for example, the Hotel Babis (bookable online by clicking on the hotel name), about 200-300 meters from the ferry dock. Very friendly and helpful staff, well-furnished double rooms and studios with cooking facilities for 35-40 euros. The guesthouse is on a hill with a good view. The steps could be a problem for people with walking difficulties. There are also room rentals and hotels in all categories on many beaches.
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Buses Skiathos
There is only one bus line on Skiathos. This connects the town of Skiathos with Koukounaries in the west of the island. However, the buses run frequently (around 12 times during the week in summer between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.) and are cheap (around 2 euros one way). As far as I know, there is no public bus to the airport. However, the airport is so close to the city that you can almost walk there. There are plenty of taxis on Skiathos. There are far fewer buses at the weekend. On Saturdays there are around 6 in both directions, and on Sundays in 2024 there will only be 3 connections.
Ferries Skiathos
The island can often be reached by ferry from Volos and Agios Konstantinos on the mainland. There are also direct ferry connections to the other islands in the Sporades group. There are around 5-6 ferries per day between Volos and the island of Skiathos in the season, and around 4 daily ferry connections between Agios Konstantinos. Most of these ferries are fast ferries (Flyingdolphin, Flyingcat, etc.). Around 6 ferries continue daily to Skopelos and Alonnisos.
Island map
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The island of Skiathos is only 2-3 kilometers from the Greek mainland at one point. There is a well-developed road network on the island of Skiathos. The beaches in the west such as Banana Beach, Agia Eleni Beach, Koukounar Beach or Xenia Beach are easily accessible. The airport is only about a kilometer outside the island’s capital. er Insel-Hauptstadt. |
Flights to Skiathos
The airport, which was completed in the 1980s, has transformed the island. There are charter flights to Skiathos from Northern Europe. You can also reach the island by plane from Athens every day. From Germany there are currently direct flights from Frankfurt and Munich to Skiathos in summer. There are also sometimes direct flights from Vienna, Zurich and Amsterdam, for example.
Highlights, sights and activities Skiathos
Beaches:
Koukounaries Beach: One of the most famous beaches in Greece, surrounded by pine forests and with soft sand.
Lalaria Beach: Known for white pebbles and impressive rock formations. Only accessible by boat.
Banana Beach: A beach with a lively atmosphere, ideal for younger people and water sports.
Agia Eleni: A quieter beach with great sunsets.
Capital Skiathos Town:
Picturesque old town with narrow streets, tavernas and boutiques.
Skiathos port, which is a lively hub for restaurants and bars.
Agios Nikolaos church, which offers great views of the town.
Cultural attractions:
Evangelistria Monastery: A historic 18th century monastery that played an important role in the Greek independence movement.
Kastro Fortress: A medieval clifftop settlement that offers a glimpse into the island’s history.
Skiathos activities:
Boat tours to the remote beaches and neighboring islands.
Hiking the numerous nature trails through the pine forests.
Water sports such as diving, windsurfing and kayaking.
Skiathos attractions overview
Evangelistria Monastery
A historic 18th century monastery that played an important role in the Greek independence movement.
Site of the first Greek flag production.
Surrounded by peace and nature, it offers impressive views and a small exhibition.
Tip: Try the locally produced wine and other products sold in the monastery.
Kastro Fortress
A medieval settlement on a cliff in the north of the island.
Once a refuge from pirates, today a landscape of ruins with chapels and remains of old buildings.
Breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.
Getting there: Either on foot via a hiking trail or by boat.
Bourtzi
A small peninsula that separates the old and new harbor of Skiathos Town.
Site of a former Venetian fortress.
Today Bourtzi houses a cultural center and a cafe with spectacular views of the sea.
Perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Skiathos Old Town (Chora)
Picturesque alleyways, traditional houses with red tiled roofs and inviting tavernas.
The old harbor is a lively meeting place with bars, restaurants and boat trips.
Visit the church of Agios Nikolaos on the hill for panoramic views of the town.
Papadiamantis House
The former home of the writer Alexandros Papadiamantis, who is considered one of the
most important authors in Greece.
Now a museum that offers an insight into his life and work.
Panagia Kounistra
A small monastery dedicated to the patron saint.
Famous for its religious significance and peaceful surroundings.
Boat trips (day trips) from Skiathos can be booked online. You can find an overview on the following link: >>> More information and booking
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