Things to Do in Skiathos: Town, Monasteries, and Sporades Boat Trips

Skiathos is primarily known for its beaches, but the island has more to offer once you step back from the sand. A charming capital town, active monasteries in the pine hills, dramatic cliff-top ruins, and easy access to two neighbouring islands make Skiathos the best base in the Sporades for travellers who want variety. Prices are approximate as of 2026.

Skiathos Town

Skiathos Town is built on two low hills above the main harbour, with a tangle of narrow whitewashed lanes rising to a church-topped summit. The lower town along Papadiamantis Street (named after the 19th-century novelist Alexandros Papadiamantis, born here) is the main commercial strip — shops, restaurants, and bars in close succession.

The old quarter above is quieter: traditional houses, small chapels, and views over the rooftops to the sea. The Papadiamantis House Museum, the writer’s childhood home, is preserved as a small literary museum (entry approximately €2). The harbour itself is active year-round with fishing boats, ferries, and excursion boats.

For eating in town, Windmill Restaurant on the hill above the harbour is a reliable sunset dinner option (mains approximately €18–28). Carnayo on the waterfront is better value for lunch (mezedes plates approximately €7–12). The Burtzi area on the eastern harbour has good cafes for morning coffee.

Bourtzi Peninsula

Bourtzi is the small wooded promontory that forms the eastern arm of Skiathos harbour — a 10-minute walk from the town centre across a narrow causeway. The Venetians fortified it in the 13th century; later it served as a school. Now it is an open green space with pine trees, a cafe, and an outdoor theatre (Bourtzi Cultural Centre) used in summer for concerts and film screenings.

The walk around the tip of the peninsula takes about 30 minutes and gives views over both the old and new harbours, the fishing quay, and the coastline towards Tsougrias island. Go at sunset — the light on the town from this angle is excellent. Evening cultural events at the outdoor theatre are listed on the Skiathos Municipality website and admission is usually free or low-cost.

Evangelistria Monastery

Evangelistria is the main monastery on Skiathos and one of the most significant in the Sporades historically — the Greek flag was raised here in 1807 by fighters preparing for the war of independence. The monastery was a hiding place for resistance leaders and a production centre for manuscripts.

Located 5km north of Skiathos Town in the pine hills, accessible by car or on foot (a well-marked trail from town takes about 45 minutes uphill through pine forest). The monastery is active and can be visited; a small museum inside holds manuscripts, icons, and historical documents relating to the independence movement. Entry is free; a donation is expected. Dress code applies — no shorts or bare shoulders.

From the monastery, a track continues further into the hills toward the Kastro ruins (another 2–3km). Combining both in one morning hike gives a good view of the island’s forested interior. Take water and start early to avoid midday heat.

Kastro

Kastro is the medieval capital of Skiathos — a cliff-top fortified settlement abandoned in 1829 when residents moved down to the coast after independence. The ruins sit dramatically on a headland at the far north of the island, accessible by a signposted hiking trail (about 3 hours return from Evangelistria) or by water taxi from Skiathos Town (approximately €30–40 per person return, negotiated at the harbour).

The site includes the remains of Byzantine-era churches, fortress walls, cisterns, and a small cannon — the original settlement had around 30 churches and 300 houses. A narrow land bridge gives dramatic views in both directions along the north coast. Below the headland, Kastro beach has sea caves and clear water accessible by a steep path from the ruins.

Day Trip to Skopelos

Skopelos is 30–60 minutes from Skiathos by ferry (depending on the port — Glossa is closer at 30–45 minutes, Skopelos Town is further at about 1 hour). High-speed ferries run multiple times daily in summer. Fares approximately €8–12 per person each way as of 2026.

The island was used as the filming location for Mamma Mia (2008) and remains significantly quieter and more forested than Skiathos. Skopelos Town is one of the most attractive ports in the Aegean — a hillside of traditional Sporades houses rising above a horseshoe harbour. The Chapel of Agios Ioannis ston Kastro (the cliff-top chapel used in the film’s finale) is a 30-minute walk from Glossa and one of the most photographed spots in the Sporades.

A day trip to Skopelos is the single best excursion from Skiathos. Take the first morning ferry, hire a scooter or join a local tour on Skopelos, and return on the late afternoon service.

Day Trip to Alonissos

Alonissos is further east — approximately 1.5 hours from Skiathos by fast ferry. It is the most remote of the Sporades and the most ecologically protected: the surrounding sea is the National Marine Park of Alonissos, the largest marine reserve in the Mediterranean, protecting the endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).

The old village (Chora) was abandoned after the 1965 earthquake and subsequently repopulated by northern European settlers attracted by cheap ruins. It is an interesting place — restored old houses, tavernas, and views. The marine park means that diving and snorkelling is exceptional. A day trip works but Alonissos is worth an overnight stay to do it justice.

Getting Around Skiathos

The south coast bus serves all the main beaches every 20–30 minutes in summer — the most useful public bus of any Greek island. For the north coast (Kastro, Mandraki) a scooter or car is needed. Scooter hire in Skiathos Town costs approximately €25–35 per day as of 2026; car hire approximately €45–65.

Skiathos has its own airport (JSI) with direct charter flights from major European cities in summer. Flying time from London approximately 3 hours. Ferry connections from Volos (approximately 3.5 hours, €25–35) and Agios Konstantinos on the mainland (approximately 2.5 hours by fast ferry, €35–45) are the main alternatives. Seasonal ferries also connect to Thessaloniki.

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For the full Skiathos island guide, see our Skiathos travel guide. For beach details — Koukounaries, Lalaria, Banana Beach — see best beaches in Skiathos. The Greek Island Ferry Guide covers mainland connections and inter-island routes.

Book Skiathos tours and boat excursions through GetYourGuide. Hire a car or scooter for north coast access. Get a Greece eSIM before you fly.

See Also

• Skiathos Travel Guide — island overview, accommodation, and getting there
• Best Beaches in Skiathos — Koukounaries, Lalaria, Banana Beach, and Mandraki
• Skopelos Travel Guide — the next island east, 30–60 minutes by fast ferry
• Best Greek Islands — comparing the major island groups including the Sporades
• Greek Island Ferry Guide — mainland ports and inter-island connections