Skiathos (Greece) is one of the islands of the Northern Sporades archipelago. The island is located in the northwest Aegean Sea, east of mainland Greece.
Skiathos is quite small in area – only 47 km², and the length of its coastline is 49 km.
The island is inhabited by slightly more than 6,000 people. The bulk of the population, almost 5,000 people, live in the administrative center – the city of Skiathos (or simply Chora, which means “city”). In fact, this is the only large settlement, all the others are small villages, albeit with a rich tourist infrastructure.
Compared to the rest of Greece, Skiathos Island is completely unusual: pristine natural beauty, a huge amount of greenery, sandy and pebble beaches, clean ecology. Exotic lovers from all over the world come here to relax, especially many tourists from Germany, England and Austria.
Sights of Skiathos Island
Skiathos is popular primarily for its natural beauty, but there are also a variety of historical, religious and cultural attractions here.
Advice for tourists! For traveling around the island, it will be more convenient to use a car, which can be rented at a city car rental or ordered online in advance. It is better to rent a jeep, since good roads are only along the southern coast and near the city, and on the northern side there are mainly dirt roads.
Church of St. Nicholas and the Clock Tower
In the town of Skiathos, on the top of a hill, the church of St. Nicholas proudly rises. It is perfectly visible from any point in the town, and you can walk right from the embankment. You will have to climb the mountain along old narrow streets, squeezed between small white houses.
The church is open, you can go inside, stand, and light candles.
The area around the church offers a stunning view of the sea, the port, and the snow-white houses with tiled roofs on the city streets. This is a great place for a photo shoot: it is from this observation deck that you can get the most beautiful photos of Skiathos Island in Greece.
Important! The site is open and very hot, and there is nowhere to buy water. It is essential to take drinking water with you!
Monastery of Evangelistria
The only monastery in Skiathos that is open to daily visits is Evangelistria. It is located 4 km from the administrative center, on a hillside, among lush pine trees. Address: Vicino Al Monte Mitikas, 370 02, Greece.
The territory is small, there is a lot of greenery and flowers. In the center of the complex there is a functioning ancient church in the Byzantine style (dating back to the 18th century).
There is also a museum, among the exhibits of which are rare icons, an 18th-century Gospel, household items of the island’s inhabitants, national clothing of the Greek people, ancient manuscripts and historical documents, ship models, a collection of old postcards. There is also a loom on which the flag of Greece in the form in which it exists today was made. All exhibits are accompanied by detailed descriptions in English.
There is a bus stop near the city port, from which a small minibus regularly goes directly to the Evangelistria Monastery. It is impossible to confuse it – it has this religious building depicted on it.
Fortress of Castrom
The ruins of an ancient fortress are located in the north of the island of Skiathos, coordinates: Cape Kastro, 370 02, Greece.
The fortress was built high on a cliff, so that the cliffs surrounded it on three sides, and only on one (southern) side were significant fortifications built. There was also a single narrow entrance with a drawbridge – now a staircase has been built in its place especially for tourists.
Climbing to the very top of the cliff, where a majestic fortress once stood, you can admire the magnificent panoramic view of the Aegean Sea.
You can get to this historical landmark of Greece by car or by boat. From the local parking lot to the flag fluttering in the wind, you will have to walk for about half an hour. By boat, you can sail to Kastro Beach, which is located at the foot of the cliff, and from there climb to the top in 10 minutes.
Every day at 10:00 a sea vessel departs from the city port, delivering tourists here, and at 17:00 it departs back.
The best beaches of the island
Despite its very small size, Skiathos Island offers a wide range of beaches. There are 60 of them – along the southern and northern coasts. All of them are characterized by cleanliness and transparent water, but otherwise they are very different.
The northern side of the island is dominated by mountainous terrain, so most of the beaches here can be reached either by SUV or only by sea. But precisely because of this inaccessibility, even at the height of the season these places are deserted. The northern coast is very beautiful, there is a comfortable entry into the water, the surface can be sandy or pebbly, or mixed. But there is no “civilization” here – pristine luxurious nature.
The southern coast is dominated by beaches covered with fine golden sand, with a gentle and very convenient entry into the water. All recreation areas are equipped, vacationers are offered a variety of entertainment: jet skis and skis, catamarans, parasailing (flight on a parachute), water slides. Many beaches are ideal for diving and windsurfing, there are good schools of water sports.
Note for tourists! Most of the southern beaches are very easy to get to: the map of Skiathos Island (Greece) shows that there are numerous bus stops along the entire southern coast. Every 20 minutes, bus #2 (red line) leaves the city for Koukounaries Beach, making 24 stops along the way. The fare is 1.5 – 2€ (depending on the distance).
Below is a brief description of the most famous beaches on the island.
Lalaria
Lalaria is one of the most picturesque beaches in Greece and the calling card of the island. It is the one most often depicted in advertising photos of Skiathos in Greece.
Lalaria is a narrow strip of coast covered with snow-white pebbles, above which rise huge, and equally snow-white cliffs. On the left side, a unique natural creation grows right out of the waves – the stone arch of Tripia Petra, like a natural bridge connecting the sea and the coast.
Note to tourists! It is very painful to walk barefoot on the round pebbles that cover the shore and the entrance to the water – comfortable shoes are a must. And one more thing: according to Greek law, it is strictly forbidden to take these pebbles off the island!
The territory of Lalaria is not equipped: no cafes, no showers, no sun loungers with umbrellas – only the sea and open sun.
Lalaria is located in the northern part of the island and can only be reached by water. A boat departs from the city port every day at 10:00 and returns at 17:00.
Kukunaries
The most famous holiday area on the island of Skiathos, as well as the most beautiful sandy beach in the Mediterranean, is Koukounaries. The sand here is truly unique: yellow, with diamond inclusions that rise in the water and sparkle in the sun.
The name of the beach means “pine cones”, as it is surrounded by a pine forest on the land. The air is filled with a subtle and very pleasant pine aroma, but the sand is full of needles, which is why you have to wear shoes.
The coastline stretches for 1.5 km on the southern coast – the territory is large, and there are almost always a lot of people, especially after 11:00. It is from this time that travel agencies begin to bring their clients here from other places on the island by bus and boat.
Koukounaries is well equipped: free (clean) toilets and changing cabins, umbrella and 2 sunbeds for rent for 8 €, many bars (prices are high), various entertainment, water sports schools, massage cabins. Entrance to the area is free for everyone.
Banana
Banana is a small cozy bay on the southern coast. The surface is sandy, the entry into the water is gentle, and beautiful views of other islands open up from the shore. The recreation area is well equipped, there are sun loungers and umbrellas that can be rented (about €8 per set for two). The bay is divided by rocks into two parts: Big and Little Banana.
Next to Big Banana is the Banarama Beach bar, whose DJs organize various entertainment events. As a result, there are always a lot of young people relaxing here.
Little Banana, further south, is one of Greece’s largest official nudist beaches. It is a place where passive leisure activities are typical.
Getting to Banana is not very convenient. From the final bus stop you need to walk another 25 minutes. And even if you arrive by car, you will also have to walk for 10-15 minutes, since there is no convenient access.
Mandraki
This beach in the northwest part of the island is not very big – it is as if squeezed by a horseshoe-shaped bay and a steep hill. Nearby there are pine and olive groves, so the air is especially wonderful.
The entry into the water is very smooth and long (about 50 m) – these are ideal conditions for recreation with children. The surface is sandy, but the sand is somewhat damp.
There is a tavern on the shore where you can have a tasty meal. There are no hotels nearby. Due to some distance from busy tourist places, there are almost always few people here.
Mandraki is located 14 km west of the city. You can get there by bus, and then walk for another 30 minutes. You can also get there by car, but the road is not very good – a dirt road.
Trulos
The beach, named after the small island opposite, is located on the southern coast, 9 km from the city, very close to the main road.
Troulos is sandy, but there are places with small pebbles. The water is warm and clean, the descent into the sea is smooth.
There are toilets, showers and changing rooms on site.
You can take shelter from the sun under the picturesque pine trees – there are a lot of them here. Or you can rent an umbrella and a sun lounger – the price is standard for Skiathos, 8 €. To have time to take a sun lounger, you need to come early, because after 9:00 the sun loungers, however, like the best places, are already taken. It is quite crowded here, especially in the height of the season.
There is a shop near the road where you can buy something for a snack. There are taverns and cafes on the shore.
Marata
A small strip of sand on the southern shore, a gentle slope into the sea, in places large mountain pebbles in very clear water – this is Maratha.
There are changing cabins and showers, but no toilets. Sun loungers occupy almost the entire area: in one row where it is very narrow, in two rows where there is more space. You cannot lie on your own towels, only on sun loungers (rent with an umbrella €8).
There are 3 entrances to Maratha:
- an inconvenient path opposite the Villa Nefeli;
- a wide, flat path, where you can even push a baby stroller – opposite the “Maratha Beach” sign;
- very steep steps up to 30 m long – near bus stop No. 22.
Vromolimnos
Vromolimnos is located on the southern coast of the island, 8 km from the city. It is conveniently accessible by car or bus (within walking distance from bus stop #13).
The beach is protected from strong northern winds. The sand is very soft and pleasant, the entry into the sea is perfect for children.
You can settle down on your towel in the shade of a few pine trees, or you can rent an umbrella with a sun lounger. There are various water activities. Right on the shore there is a pretty decent tavern.
Vromolimnos is always crowded with people, especially young people.
Skiathos Accommodation: Prices, Hotel Locations
There are more than 300 hotels on the island, most of them are villas and private hotels with up to 30 rooms. There are relatively few 5* hotels, so it is quite difficult to “capture” a room.
Note for tourists! The chance to book a room in any hotel you like during the peak season 2-3 weeks before the tour is reduced to zero. You need to book accommodation in Skiathos, as well as in most resorts in Greece, in advance. If you plan to visit here in August, you need to take care of accommodation no later than May. The most convenient way to search and book hotel rooms is on the Booking service.
There are few hotels in the city itself, and they are chosen mainly by those tourists for whom a rich nightlife is important. Only a few hotels here can be reached by car, and most of them will have to be walked to, since the entire city is pedestrian. Almost in the center of the city is the luxurious La Piscine Art Hotel 5 *, the highlight of which is an Olympic-sized swimming pool. La Piscine Art accommodates only adults, and the price for double rooms starts from 385 € per night.
The majority of hotels on the island are located on the coast outside the city, along the road (its total length is 14.5 km). At the very beginning of the road, almost immediately from the city, there are many private villas, guesthouses and small 3* hotels. For example, at a distance of 3.5 km from the city there is a family Hotel Paradise 3* with 46 rooms. It is located on a hill, surrounded by a pine forest, and has two swimming pools – for adults and children. A double room can be rented for 130 € and up.
Cape Kalamaki, as well as the area of Troulos and Maratha beaches are excellent areas with a very large selection of various accommodation. For tourists there is everything: hotels, restaurants, shops.
The best area is the last 8 km of the road, where the farthest beach Koukounaries is located. There are many accommodations of various price categories. For example, in the guest house Musses 3*, where a huge outdoor pool is equipped for guests, a double room can be rented from 97 €. And in the 5* Elivi Skiathos hotel, located right in the middle of a pine forest and offering its guests spa services, the cost of double rooms starts from 230 €.
Note for tourists! In terms of housing prices, there is no clear division into areas. In any area of the island there are both inexpensive hotels and those with prices above average.
How to get to Skiathos from Thessaloniki
Like any island, Skiathos can be reached by sea and air. But there are no direct flights to this island in Greece from the post-Soviet space. The best option for getting to Skiathos from the CIS countries is to fly to Thessaloniki (Greece), and from there take a ferry to the island. The ferry, of course, is not as convenient as a plane, but it is much cheaper: there are inexpensive flights to Thessaloniki from the CIS, and a ferry ticket costs about €40.
First stage: from Thessaloniki airport to the sea port
There is no direct bus service on this route. You can take bus #78 or #78H to Thessaloniki bus station, and from there take bus #8 or #31 to the pier. The ticket price is about €2.
You can take a taxi right at the airport – a trip to the ferry will cost about 20 €.
Second stage: from Thessaloniki by ferry to Skiathos
The ferry “Thessaloniki – Skiathos” travels from the starting point to the destination in 4.5 hours.
When planning such a trip, it is necessary to take into account that the ferry service operates only during the high season (from the end of April to the beginning of October). The schedule is made approximately a month before the start of the season. But even those trips that were planned in the schedule can be cancelled if there are not enough passengers.
You can view the schedule and current ticket prices here: www.ferriesingreece.com.
The old embankment, where the ferry to Skiathos docks, is located in the central part of the city.
When is the best time to vacation on the island of Skiathos
The climate in Skiathos, like in all of Greece, is Mediterranean: long, dry summers and short, wet winters.
The beach season starts in late May and lasts until late October. The high season and the time of the most pleasant weather conditions are the months of July and August. In the height of summer, the air temperature is +30 °C, and the water temperature is +22 °C…+29 °C. Rainfall at this time is extremely rare.
September is the velvet season on Skiathos. The sea is still warm, +23 °C…+26 °C, the air warms up to +27 °C. But at this time there may already be rain.
From the end of October until April on the island of Skiathos (Greece) almost everything is closed (hotels, restaurants). Tourists have nothing to do here at this time.
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