Skiathos Travel Guide: The Complete Island Guide

Skiathos is small, green, and densely packed with beaches. At 48 sq km it is one of the smallest populated Sporades islands, but it has 65 named beaches and more boat access routes than any comparable island. The pine forests that back the main beaches distinguish Skiathos from the barren rock of the Cyclades — it is a greener, more lush island that benefits from higher rainfall than the Aegean islands further south.

Skiathos Town

The only town on the island — a pleasant harbour settlement with two small hills, the new port, and the old part with good restaurants and nightlife. The town fills with tourists in season but retains a working character. The waterfront promenade is the social centre — evening walks, café-bars, and the ferry arrivals.

Bourtzi fortress: The small fortified islet just off the harbour, connected by causeway. Now used as a cultural venue. Free to walk around.

Papadiamantis House Museum: The childhood home of Alexandros Papadiamantis, one of Greece’s most important short story writers (1851–1911). Small, interesting for Greek literature enthusiasts. Entry €2.

Koukounaries

The island’s most famous beach — a 1.5km arc of fine golden sand backed by a pine forest, separated from a lagoon (Strofilia) on the other side. The combination of pines, clear water, and white sand makes it one of the best-looking beaches in the Sporades. Bus from town (approximately €1.80, 25 minutes) or taxi.

Banana Beach: Two beaches (Banana and Little Banana) at the next headland east of Koukounaries — lively, with beach bars, sunbeds, and watersports. Little Banana is clothing-optional.

Lalaria

The beach that makes Skiathos distinctive — a cove of white pebbles below smooth curved limestone cliffs, with a sea arch at one end and no road access. Only reachable by boat from Skiathos Town (part of the regular round-island boat trip, approximately €25 per person). The water is extraordinarily clear; the marble pebbles and limestone backdrop are unlike any other Sporades beach.

Kastro

The abandoned medieval capital of Skiathos — a fortified hilltop settlement on the north coast, occupied from the 13th century until 1829, when the residents moved to the current town. Four Byzantine churches survive (one restored). Accessible by a 3km walking path from Agia Apostoli, or by boat from Skiathos Town.

Boat Trips

Boat trips are central to enjoying Skiathos — the north coast beaches (Lalaria, Kastro Beach, the sea caves) are inaccessible by road.

Round-island trip: Approximately €25–30 per person, departs daily in season from the old harbour. Covers Lalaria, the Blue Cave, and several north coast stops. Usually includes swimming time.

Guided boat hire: 4-person speedboats approximately €80–120/day (fuel included at some operators). Allows you to reach quiet coves at your own schedule.

Where to Stay in Skiathos

Skiathos Town: Atrium Hotel (clifftop position above town, pool, from approximately €180/night peak), Hotel Bourtzi (old town, from approximately €120/night peak), various small guesthouses from approximately €70/night.

Koukounaries area: Skiathos Palace Hotel (above the beach, from approximately €250/night peak), Mandraki Village (east of Koukounaries, from approximately €180/night peak).

Quieter areas: Kassandra Bay Resort (north coast, secluded, from approximately €200/night peak).

Budget: Several small guesthouses in Skiathos Town from approximately €65/night in season.

Where to Eat in Skiathos

Skiathos has a good restaurant scene for its size — the island has been feeding tourists well enough for decades that standards are reasonably high.

Windmill (Skiathos Town): The island’s best upmarket restaurant — creative Greek food, roof terrace with harbour views. Approximately €40–60 per person.

Liotrivi (Skiathos Town): Reliable traditional taverna in the old town, good for grilled fish and mezedes (approximately €20–30 per person).

Alexandros (Koukounaries): Good beachfront restaurant near the lagoon, fresh seafood, approximately €25–35 per person.

The harbour front: Several traditional fish tavernas on the old port quay — prices are higher than the backstreets but the setting is excellent.

Getting Around Skiathos

The main road runs along the south coast from town to Koukounaries — KTEL buses run this route every 20–30 minutes in season (approximately €1.80 per journey). Stops include the main south coast beaches. The north coast is accessible only by boat or on foot. Taxis are available but limited. Scooter hire from approximately €20/day is popular. Water taxis from the old harbour serve Lalaria and north coast coves in season.

The Famous Landing Strip

Skiathos Airport (JSI) is notable for having one of the shortest runways in Greece — planes land and take off directly over the beach at Xanemos. The approach is low enough that plane-spotters gather on the beach below the flight path. Domestic flights from Athens take approximately 50 minutes; seasonal international charters operate from the UK and northern Europe during peak season.

The runway length limits the size of aircraft that can land — most Skiathos flights use ATR-72 turboprop aircraft or similar. This also limits the island’s capacity for mass tourism arrivals.

Skopelos and Skiathos Together

Skiathos is the western entry point to the Sporades — Skopelos lies 40 minutes further by ferry. Skopelos is less visited, more forested, and gained unexpected attention as the primary filming location for Mamma Mia! (2008). Combination trips (Skiathos 2 nights, Skopelos 2 nights, Alonnisos 1 night) are feasible and give a more complete picture of the northern Sporades than any single island can provide.

Ferry connections: Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways run routes from Volos and Agios Konstantinos (near Athens) through Skiathos to Skopelos and Alonnisos. High-speed ferries also operate between Skiathos and Skopelos (approximately 40 minutes, approximately €15 single).

What the Island Costs

Skiathos is moderately priced by island standards — more expensive than the Sporades neighbours but significantly cheaper than Mykonos or Santorini.

• Budget traveller (guesthouse room, taverna meals): approximately €80–110/day in peak season
• Mid-range (3-star hotel, restaurant dinners, boat trip): approximately €160–250/day
• Accommodation ranges from €65/night (small guesthouse in town, peak season) to €250+ (resort hotel near Koukounaries)

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