Skiathos travel guide

About Skiathos

Skiathos is a small Greek island in the northwest Aegean Sea. Skiathos is the westernmost island in the Northern Sporades archipelago, east of the Pelion peninsula in Magnesia on the mainland, and west of the island of Skopelos.

Places to visit in Skiathos

1. Koukounaries Beach

   Beach · 3 mi from centre

   The island's most famous beach, a long curve of fine sand backed by a pine forest and a small lagoon. The local bus from town ends here, and arriving early helps you find a shady spot.

2. Lalaria Beach

   Beach

   A beach of smooth white pebbles beneath tall cliffs, with a natural rock arch at one end. It can only be reached by boat, so join one of the round-the-island trips from the old port.

3. 

   Skiathos Castle

   Historic · 3 mi from centre

   The ruins of a fortified medieval town on a rocky headland at the island's northern tip. Reach it by boat or a rough road, and bring sturdy shoes to climb the steps to the old churches.

4. 

   Evangelistria Monastery

   Religious · 2 mi from centre

   An 18th-century monastery in the wooded hills north of town, linked to the Greek War of Independence. Dress modestly to enter, and stop at the shop selling wine and products made by the monks.

5. 

   Skiathos Town

   Neighborhood · 1 mi from centre

   The island's harbor town, with whitewashed houses, steep lanes and waterfront tavernas. Climb to the hilltop churches for views over the port, and take an evening stroll along the busy main street.

6. Bourtzi

   Viewpoint

   A small pine-covered peninsula between the two harbors of Skiathos Town, once home to a Venetian fort. It is an easy walk from the center and a pleasant place to watch the boats at sunset.

7. 

   Skopelos

   Nature · 14 mi from centre

   A green neighboring island known for its pine forests, quiet beaches and the chapel used in the movie Mamma Mia. Ferries and day cruises leave from Skiathos harbor, so check schedules the day before.

Top experiences in Skiathos

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 9 available.

Travel Services

European eSim Data Card

• 1 day
• Free cancellation

From $12 per adult

Where to stay in Skiathos

Popular hotels in Skiathos, out of 141 properties you can book.

Skiathos Living by GHH

Radisson Resort Plaza Skiathos

Skiathos Princess

La Piscine Art Hotel

Skiathos Palace

Kassandra Bay Resort, Suites & SPA

Elivi Skiathos

Polykratis Rooms

Atlas Hotel Skiathos

Atrium Hotel Skiathos

Alkyon Hotel Skiathos

Mouria

Best time to visit Skiathos

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Skiathos is June and September to October, when average daytime highs are around 69–84°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Skiathos weather forecast

• Wed 11 Nov 68° 57° 13%
• Thu 12 Nov 71° 60° 0%
• Fri 13 Nov 66° 62° 16%
• Sat 14 Nov 72° 60° 1%
• Sun 15 Nov 61° 53° 5%
• Mon 16 Nov 53° 51° 6%
• Tue 17 Nov 57° 53° 18%

Know before you go

Currency

Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89

Language

Greek

Calling code

+30

Driving

On the right

Time zone

Europe/AthensUTC+2

Capital

Athens

Upcoming public holidays in Greece

• Fri 25 DecChristmas DayΧριστούγεννα
• Sat 26 DecSt. Stephen's DayΣύναξις Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου Μαρίας
• Fri 1 JanNew Year's DayΠρωτοχρονιά
• Wed 6 JanEpiphanyΘεοφάνεια
• Mon 15 MarClean MondayΚαθαρά Δευτέρα
• Thu 25 MarAnnunciationΕυαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Skiathos

These are the airports closest to central Skiathos. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

• JSI Skiathos National Airport "Alexandros Papadiamantis"3 mi (4 km) from the city centre

Getting around Skiathos

Public buses operate on one line that runs from the port to Koukouniares along the southern side of the island. The port station is 200m to the right of the port. Tickets are bought on the bus from the conductor, only in cash. Stops are marked with a sign and a number.

By taxi

Taxis are easy to get from the port to anywhere on the island.

By car or motorbike

It is not worth the hassle to bring your own car to the island, although it is in theory possible. You can rent a car or a motor scooter. Asphalt roads run across the south of the island. Roads in the interior turn out to be little more than dirt paths.

Skiathos travel FAQ