Skiathos Tourism (2024) - Greece > Top Places, Travel Guide

Skiathos Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2 - 3 days

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"Entry Gate To The Sporades"

Skiathos Tourism

Quite close to the mainland of Greece, Skiathos is located in the northwestern Aegean sea. It is the smallest island in the Sporadic group and also serves as an entry point to it. Although small, Skiathos is known for its sky high pine trees descending from the hilltop till beaches giving the waters a magnificent hue of aquamarine. The island of Skiathos has over 60 sublime beaches and is popular for its nightlife.

Skiathos is choke-full of forest-clad hills and mountains that are home to some beautiful quaint villages and tiny chapels. With numerous stunning beaches with romantic views of sunsets and great options to party all night, Skiathos is extremely popular among young couples. Apart from the sandy beaches, a historical side of the island in the form of well-conserved monasteries and a citadel ruin dating back to the Venetian occupation showcases another culture of Skiathos.

Apart from hiking, riding, diving, mountain biking, and watersports are the activities that can be enjoyed in Skiathos. There are over 26 hiking trails in Skiathos, and to see how the Skiathos landscape looks from the outside, take a boat tour. One can also try exploring locations where the movie, 'Mamma Mia' was shot.

Skiathos island is divided into 12 districts, including Skiathos town, the island's capital. Other important settlements include Kalyvia, Xanemos, Troullos, Koukounaries, and Achladias.
Though the greatest part of the island is mountainous, the northern part of the island consists of several caves, reachable only on foot and some secluded beaches.
The south coast has some of the most stunning beaches with accommodation as well as well-maintained bars and restaurants with a watersports activity centre.
The southeast and southwest parts of the island is made of gentle slopes where most of the settlements are established, along with Skiathos town.
With 3 routes, public buses are the best way to move around. The main route is from the main town to Koukounaries beach, the second is from Skiathos Town to the Monastery of Evangelistria, and the third route is to Xanemos on the north coast.
Volos and Agios Konstantinos have regular boat service to Skiathos and other parts of the Sporades. High-speed Flying Cat vessels by Hellenic Seaways, along with some conventional ferries, are also available on this route.
Other options for commuting include renting a car or bike, but parking is a challenge in Skiathos town.
Stay at one of the hotels along beaches close to the main town, like Megali Ammos, Ftelia, Vassilias and Ahladies, for ebay access to beaches, taverns and good bus connectivity.
Shops are open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Restaurants and taverns are open from about 8:00 AM till about 12:00 AM.

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Things To Do In Skiathos

Koukounaries Beach

Skiathos Old Town

Evangelistria Monastery

Lalaria Beach

Kastro

Mandraki Beach

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Top Hotels In Skiathos

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Shopping in Skiathos

Having enough shops scattered unevenly throughout the island, the shopping scene in Skiathos is largely limited to the main street in the capital town of Skiathos - Papadiamantis street. The shops in this market deal mostly in local products, shoes, labelled clothes, jewelleries, art, books, souvenirs, and delicacies. Ceramics and glass items like lampshades can also be seen sold in the market. Lovely old mansions converted into shops, in the old town of Skiathos, all kinds of collectibles, antiques and high quality local products.

Nightlife in Skiathos

Nightlife in Skiathos can be seen in the lively resort towns of the island that offer a plenty of taverns, nightclubs, and beach bars that stay open till late at night. Skiathos offers some of the most vibrant and amazing club districts where people can spend their entire night dancing. Skiathos old port is surrounded by several bars and pubs that start offering tempting deals like happy hours, buy 1 get 1 free as soon as evening approaches.

Skiathos town has two main streets, Papadiamanti alley and Polytexniou. Papadiamanti alley basically has several chic cocktail bars while Polytexniou is known for its lively underground lounges. The strip in Platanias is famous for its reggae-themed tiki beach bars, wine bars, pool bars and sports bars. Paraliokos has a strip close to Skiathos harbour, which flaunts sunset bars and taverns with a youthful vibe. Koukounaries consists of several retro bars and beachfront taverns that serve drinks till late at night. Troulos beach, Kolios beach, Achladies beach, Vromolimnos beach and Megali Ammos beach have some of the best taverns, rooftop bars and cocktail bars that offer some quieter party scenes. Almost in all the beach resort towns and villages in Skiathos, the nightlife is only limited to summers.

Food in Skiathos

Fragrant authentic cuisine Skiathos revolves around seafood and 'horta'(wild greens). There is a variety of seafood and fish that is used in the food in Skiathos, including pelagic fish, bottom feeders, crayfish, squid, prawns, mussels and cockles. 'Kalapodia' and 'Tiropita' are a must-try. A traditional dessert named 'Aspro' and a traditional homemade liquor made out of walnuts and cherries is famous and served in the festivals of Skiathos. Sweets that are served at weddings in Skiathos include 'Hamalia' and 'Kidonopasta'.

History of Skiathos

The Skiathos is derived from great shadows(Skia) of pine trees which is believed to have been given to Skiathos island by the Pelasgians, who were the first inhabitants of the island. The island was then occupied by the Mycenaeans and Cretans who also lived in the Sporades. During the 6th and 7th centuries, Skiathos was colonised by the inhabitants of Chalki, who built the island's first fort. Skiathos helped Athenians during the Persian war and got a place in the Athenian Delian League. After 404 BC, Skiathos became autonomous. Later, Skiathos was taken over by the Macedonians. It was then ruled by the Byzantine Empire and destroyed by Saracen Pirates in the 7th century.

In 1204, Skiathos came under the hands of Venetian rule. Ottomans ruled Skiathos in 1538 AD. Skiathos was well prepared, with the famous revolutionary hero Kolokotronis, to face the war of Independence against the Turks. During Nazi occupation in Greece, Skiathos town faced destruction by German bombs. In 1943, the Greek submarine Lambros Katsonis was sunk by the Nazi troops and the island commemorates this unfortunate event in form of Katsonia Festival. During this period, Kastro gave refuge to the Greek revolutionaries, the British, Australians and New Zealanders. After the war, Skiathos traversed towards growth quickly.

Suggested Itinerary for Skiathos

Day 1: Start by roaming around Skiathos town and ride a bus to Koukounaries beach to spend the afternoon and then to Banana beach. Head back to the town by evening and hit a bar at night.

Day 2: Take a boat ride to Lalaria and enjoy the views of Kaminaki, Red cave, Fonissa cave, and the ruins of Skiathos castle on the way. After getting back to Skiathos town by afternoon, take a stroll to Megali Ammos beach or head towards Ftelia.