Skiathos is a spectacular Greek island in the Sporades archipelago that perfectly balances natural beauty with accessibility.
Despite being just 12 kilometers long, this small island boasts over 60 beaches, dense pine forests, turquoise waters, and a charming main town that represents the very Greek island life.
Skiathos Town is the capital of the island, spreading over the hills on the coast
The lush pine forests remind of Aegina, another lovely island I love and recommend.
Check out my article about the best things to do on Aegina.
Contents of Escape to Skiathos: Your Complete Island Adventure
Why Visit Skiathos
The island offers something rare: world-class beaches without the overwhelming crowds of more famous destinations such as Crete, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Santorini.
Koukounaries Beach consistently ranks among Greece’s finest, while hidden coves accessible only by boat provide Robinson Crusoe moments. The contrast between the lively harbor town and the tranquil southern coast means you can switch between vibrant nightlife and peaceful seclusion within minutes. Besides, you don’t even need to drive, as there are buses running alongside the southern coast at regular intervals from early morning to late evening.
This is one of the many bars on Koukounaries Beach
The hiking and cycling trails are another good reason for nature and outdoors lovers to schedule a vacation in Skiathos. There’s even an official website of the Skiathos Municipality where you can find in-depth information on all of these trails.
Nothing compares to a Greek coffee on Koukounaries beach in October
What truly sets Skiathos apart is its compact size combined with excellent infrastructure. You can explore the entire island easily, the airport brings you directly to paradise, and despite its popularity, it retains an authentic Greek character that larger tourist islands have lost.
How to Get There
There are two ways to reach Skiathos: by air and by sea.
Getting to Skiathos by Air
Skiathos has its own international airport (JSI), famous for its very short runway and its thrilling approach over Xanemos Beach.
Here’s an airplane approaching one of the shortest runways in Europe
During summer, numerous charter and scheduled flights connect directly from European cities including London, Amsterdam, Munich, Bucharest, and Vienna.
From Athens, Olympic Air and Sky Express operate daily flights year-round, taking just 40 minutes. The airport is only 2 kilometers from Skiathos Town, so you can easily walk instead of taking the bus to the town.
Getting to Skiathos by Sea
Ferries and high-speed catamarans connect Skiathos to the mainland port of Volos (2.5 hours) and Thessaloniki (3-4 hours). During the high season there are ferries that link Skiathos to Agios Konstantinos on the mainland (3-4 hours).
During summer, services run multiple times daily. Hellenic Seaways and Aegean Flying Dolphins are the main operators. You can also reach Skiathos from neighboring islands Skopelos and Alonissos.
Traveling to Skiatos by sea off-season is tricky, as connections are rather scarce. This makes island hopping difficult, particularly when you want to set base on one island.
Mid-October, for instance, we were able to find ferries to and from Skopelos, to enjoy half day on Skopelos, but only on a Friday. Unfortunately, visiting Alonnisos wouldn’t have been possible without spending the night over, so we had to give up this idea.
Getting Around
From the airport or port, taxis are readily available. The island has an excellent bus service running along the south coast from Skiathos Town to Koukounaries Beach.
In October, when I visited Skiathos, buses were running every 30 minutes. As far as I understood, during summer they run every 10 minutes. Check out the current bus schedules here.
Car, ATV, and scooter rentals are widely available and recommended for exploring hidden beaches.
Water taxis operate from the old port to inaccessible beaches.
What to Do on the Island
Here are the top things to do on Skiathos, other than eating delicious octopus, shrimps, lamb chops, portokalopita, and gyros.
Beaches
This is Skiathos’s best asset. Start with Koukounaries, the island’s most famous golden sand beach backed by a protected pine forest and wetland.
Lalaria Beach on the north coast, accessible only by boat, features dramatic white cliffs and striking rock formations.
Banana Beach (officially Krassa) is the island’s party beach with beach bars and water sports. For quieter experiences, seek out Mandraki, Aselinos, or the tiny Kehria Beach.
Skiathos Town
The island’s main town and port is a delight to explore. Wander the narrow streets of Bourtzi peninsula, shop along Papadiamantis Street (the main thoroughfare), and climb to the churches of Agios Nikolaos and Panagia Limnia for sunset views.
The old port area comes alive in the evening with waterfront tavernas and bars.
Boat Tours
Daily boat trips circumnavigate the island, stopping at Lalaria Beach, the Blue Cave (Galazia Spilia), and Tsougria Island. Private boat rentals let you discover secluded coves at your own pace.
Click here to book a self-driving boat that’s license free.
Being able to drive your own boat and to stop by secluded beaches is priceless. Try it once and you’re going to be hooked for ever!
If you prefer others doing the driving, check out this day tour and Greek lunch on a traditional wooden boat.
Kastro
This fortified medieval settlement on the island’s northern tip was Skiathos’s capital for 300 years.
Perched dramatically on a rocky promontory, it offers stunning views and a glimpse into the island’s history when pirates threatened coastal settlements.
Hiking
The trail to Kastro from Skiathos Town takes about two hours through pine forests. Apart from that, there are several other hikes that take between 2 and 5 hours to complete. I’ll write an article about all of these trails soon.
Skiathos trails are marked like this. If you scan the QR code, you’ll get to see their official website with useful info
Other paths connect various beaches and monasteries, including the scenic route to Evangelistria Monastery, which played a role in Greek independence.
Water Sports
Most organized beaches offer jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Diving centers provide courses and trips to nearby wrecks and marine caves.
Nightlife
Skiathos Town has plenty of bars, particularly along the old port. Venues range from sophisticated cocktail bars to clubs that keep going until dawn.
Banana Beach offers daytime party vibes.
Keep in mind, though, that most bars close by beginning October.
I’ve been on the island after October 15th, and there was only one bar with music and party atmosphere in Skiathos Town.
Plane Spotting
Plane spotting is one of the fun things to do on Skiathos. Many tourists flock to the parking lot nearby the airport to watch planes landing and taking off.
That’s the best I could do.
Where to Stay
Skiathos Town: Staying in town puts you at the heart of the action with the best restaurant selection, shopping, and nightlife. Hotels range from budget options to boutique properties. The area is walkable and connected by bus to beaches.
Recommended: Sun Day is a lovely two-room apartment on a quiet street just near the port. I stayed there in October and I loved it. Click here to see the rates on Booking.com
Koukounaries Area: This western end of the island appeals to beach lovers who want easy access to the best beaches with less urban energy. Resorts here tend to be larger and more family-oriented.
Recommended: Properties near Koukounaries, Vromolimnos, or Troulos beaches offer excellent swimming right outside your door. However, by end October they all close for the winter, so you’ll need to stay in Skiathos Town.
Agia Paraskevi/Platanias: The middle of the island provides a balance between town access and beach proximity. These areas are quieter than Skiathos Town but still well-connected by bus.
Kanapitsa Peninsula: This area on the eastern side offers more secluded, upscale options with stunning views over the Aegean.
Accommodation Types: Skiathos has everything from budget studios and family-run guesthouses to luxury hotels and villas. Booking ahead is essential for July and August. Many properties close from November through March.
I’ll write another article about accommodation, so keep an eye on this website to use it for your next holiday planning.
Month by Month Guide
April: The season awakens. Some hotels and restaurants reopen, though many remain closed until May. Weather is pleasantly mild (15-20°C) with occasional rain. Perfect for hiking and exploring without crowds. Sea temperature (15°C) is too cold for most swimmers. Limited flight connections; mainly ferry access.
May: Increasingly lovely. Most businesses open by mid-month. Temperatures reach 20-25°C, and the island bursts with wildflowers. Sea temperature rises to 18-20°C—refreshing but swimmable. Crowds are minimal, prices lower, and the landscape is at its greenest. Excellent value month for peaceful exploration.
June: Summer begins in earnest. Weather is reliably warm (25-30°C) and sunny. Sea temperature reaches a comfortable 22-23°C. The island fills gradually through the month. By late June, everything is open and operating fully, but it’s not yet peak season. Great balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
July: Peak season arrives. Expect hot, dry weather (28-33°C), crystal-clear skies, and warm sea (24-25°C). Beaches and popular restaurants get busy, especially on weekends. Prices peak, and advance booking is essential. The atmosphere is energetic and cosmopolitan. Occasional meltemi winds provide relief from the heat.
August: The busiest month. Similar conditions to July but with maximum crowds, particularly mid-month around Greek vacation time. Beaches fill early, restaurants require reservations, and the island buzzes with activity. Sea temperature peaks at 25-26°C. If you enjoy lively atmosphere and don’t mind crowds, it’s vibrant and exciting. If you prefer quieter experiences, this is the month to avoid.
September: Many consider this the best month. Weather remains excellent (25-30°C in early September, cooling to 22-27°C by month’s end), the sea is at its warmest (24-25°C), but crowds thin significantly after mid-month when schools restart. Prices drop somewhat, and the pace relaxes while everything remains open. Ideal for couples and those seeking quality beach time without chaos.
October: The season winds down beautifully. Early October is often gorgeous with temperatures around 20-24°C and sea still warm enough for swimming (21-22°C). Fewer tourists mean peaceful beaches and authentic interactions. Many hotels and restaurants close by mid-month, and ferry schedules reduce. By late October, options are limited, but it’s perfect for tranquil walks and culture-focused visits.
November-March: Low season. Most hotels, restaurants, and tourist facilities close. Weather is cooler (10-16°C) with increased rainfall, though mild by northern European standards. The island returns to local life. Ferry service is minimal and dependent on weather; few flights operate. Only visit if you seek complete tranquility, enjoy off-season Greece, and have pre-arranged accommodation. The island can feel almost deserted but offers authentic insight into local life.
Best Times to Visit: For optimal weather with fewer crowds—late May to mid-June and September. For guaranteed hot weather and full atmosphere—July to August (book well ahead). For budget travel and peace—May and October.
Practical Tips
The island uses euros, ATMs are available in town but bring cash for remote beaches. Greek is spoken, but English is widely understood in tourist areas. The bus service is efficient and inexpensive. Renting a vehicle gives you freedom but parking in town can be challenging in peak season. Many beaches have sunbed rentals with umbrellas. Water is safe from taps but most locals drink bottled water. Mosquitoes can be bothersome in evenings, especially near wetlands—bring repellent.
Skiathos delivers that increasingly rare commodity: an accessible Greek island that hasn’t sacrificed its soul to tourism while offering excellent infrastructure and spectacular natural beauty.
