Skiathos
Discover Skiathos
Skiathos (Greek: Σκιάθος, Skiáthos) is the entry point and main island of the Sporades Islands. Although it is neither the biggest nor the most attractive of the Sporades islands, because it is the first port of call for most ferries and possesses the sole airport, most tourists don't venture beyond Skiathos. For most, why would they want to? There are great beaches, good accommodation on offer, and decent public transport. In season, the 6,000 or so natives are vastly outnumbered by tourists from around the world. It is undoubtedly the most tourist-intensive island of the Sporades, with beautiful scenery, quaint tavernas and lots of luscious green terrain great for strolling and hiking.
What to Experience in Skiathos
Taste of Skiathos...
Besides the following listings, there are numerous Souvlaki (Greek kebab sellers) dotted around the island, and frozen yoghurt is increasingly available on Papadiamanti St. The tap water is not drinkable (and even ice in restaurants is provided via special procedure from companies) and restaurants will serve glasses of ice water upon request. Local drinks include beer and Ouzo. There are various hot club locations, though most famous clubs are located north-east of the port at around 300 m, by the seashore. Skiathos is a generally safe destination. As with all Greek islands, the summer sun is very strong all day. You should not take the risk of dehydration, sunburns or even heat strokes lightly. Wear appropriate clothes, a hat and sunglasses; use sunscreen; bring enough water on excursions and know when to stop exhausting yourself and seek the shade of a tree. Greeks take it easy in the middle of the day, from 2–5, often only venturing down to the beaches in the late afternoon and early evening. Then aircraft taking-off, the engines are in full thrust, directly on you. So then an airplane taking-off get a cover behind the wall on the other side of the road, or if you are adventurous person grab the Armco barrier and low your profile, the exhaust gasses can throw you hundred meters away. Cover your face also, very often the gasses lifting items like a tiny gravel, you don't want such an encounter that could ruin the enjoyment.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsSkiathos is accessible via ferry from Volos, Agios Konstantinos, and Thessaloniki. Cruise ships dock at the port in the centre of Skiathos town. 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. Taxis are easy to get from the port to anywhere on the island. 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. Motorbikes and mopeds are popular alternatives to cars. Especially mopeds are frequently used by local youths and can go to many places that cars cannot go - for example the twisted narrow streets of Skiathos city....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
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. Taxis are easy to get from the port to anywhere on the island. 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. Motorbikes and mopeds are popular alternatives to cars. Especially mopeds are frequently used by local youths and can go to many places that cars cannot go - for example the twisted narrow streets of Skiathos city. An additional advantage is that they are cheap to rent - €10-15 a day is the usual price.
Where to Stay
Skiathos is a generally safe destination. As with all Greek islands, the summer sun is very strong all day. You should not take the risk of dehydration, sunburns or even heat strokes lightly. Wear appropriate clothes, a hat and sunglasses; use sunscreen; bring enough water on excursions and know when to stop exhausting yourself and seek the shade of a tree. Greeks take it easy in the middle of the day, from 2–5, often only venturing down to the beaches in the late afternoon and early evening. Then aircraft taking-off, the engines are in full thrust, directly on you. So then an airplane taking-off get a cover behind the wall on the other side of the road, or if you are adventurous person grab the Armco barrier and low your profile, the exhaust gasses can throw you hundred meters away. Cover your face also, very often the gasses lifting items like a tiny gravel, you don't want such an encounter that could ruin the enjoyment.
Money & Budget
Besides the following listings, there are numerous Souvlaki (Greek kebab sellers) dotted around the island, and frozen yoghurt is increasingly available on Papadiamanti St. The tap water is not drinkable (and even ice in restaurants is provided via special procedure from companies) and restaurants will serve glasses of ice water upon request. Local drinks include beer and Ouzo. There are various hot club locations, though most famous clubs are located north-east of the port at around 300 m, by the seashore. Skiathos is a generally safe destination. As with all Greek islands, the summer sun is very strong all day. You should not take the risk of dehydration, sunburns or even heat strokes lightly.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Skiathos is a generally safe destination. As with all Greek islands, the summer sun is very strong all day. You should not take the risk of dehydration, sunburns or even heat strokes lightly. Wear appropriate clothes, a hat and sunglasses; use sunscreen; bring enough water on excursions and know when to stop exhausting yourself and seek the shade of a tree. Greeks take it easy in the middle of the day, from 2–5, often only venturing down to the beaches in the late afternoon and early evening. Then aircraft taking-off, the engines are in full thrust, directly on you. So then an airplane taking-off get a cover behind the wall on the other side of the road, or if you are adventurous person grab the Armco barrier and low your profile, the exhaust gasses can throw you hundred meters away. Cover your face also, very often the gasses lifting items like a tiny gravel, you don't want such an encounter that could ruin the enjoyment.
Glimpses of Skiathos
white and brown concrete buildings near body of water during daytime
The Famous Skiathos Bench
Looking down over Skiathos Town, as the sun begins to set.
One of many breathtaking views on Skiathos, Greece.
Skiathos, Greece.
Skiathos beach on a sunny afternoon
a view of a city from a hill
a view of a beach with boats in the water
The amazing Lalaria beach with its white pebbles
white and blue concrete building
white and brown concrete buildings near body of water during daytime
The Famous Skiathos Bench
Looking down over Skiathos Town, as the sun begins to set.