Skiathos is home to a history-filled Old Town, pine-framed beaches and the inviting waters of the Aegean Sea.
Destination Highlights
Stunning beaches perfect for all occasions.
An explorers dream with plenty of hiking trails to stroll down.
A gorge mix of affordable hotels across the island.
Delish dining spots that'll have the whole fam feeling content.
What are the best beaches to try on your holidays to Skiathos 2024?
Right, first things first. You can't mention Skiathos without waxing lyrical about the beaches – and boy, does it have some stunners! Stretching from secluded coves to bustling resorts, there are more than 60 to choose from. There's something for everyone, whether you want to flop on a sunbed with a cocktail or try out water sports. A few not to miss include:
Vromolimnos Beach - A natural beauty with a calm bay and stun surrounding pine forests, this is deffo not a beach to miss while you're on your Skiathos holidays.
Koukounaries - In a list of 60 on the island, not the mention the hundreds more across the region, for this to be famed as one of Greece's best should be all the reason you need to zoom over here immediately.
Banana Beach - Surprising to absolutely no-one, this beach is the hotspot destination for getting your adrenaline fix with water sports galore.
Lalaria Beach - We loveee a bit of exclusivity, so when we say a beach that's only accessible by boat, you know we're giddy with excitement, this one's a real hidden treasure.
Agia Eleni - We're bringing the relaxed vacay vibes to your holiday to Skiathos with this one, think stunning sunsets and chilled-out beach bars.
Vromolimnos - Another cracker for the thrill-seekers among you, this lively option comes packed with a tonne of beach activities sure to have you working up a sweat, that could just be the anxiety kicking in though.
Agia Paraskevi - We had to shout-out a classic, family-friendly spot with shallow waters and plenty of tavernas nearby so the little ones have got plenty of stimulation and you've got plenty of places to grab a pint.
What about the best hotels (in our opinion) on the island of Skiathos?
When you think holidays to Skiathos, you think gorge sun, plenty of pools to dip your toes into and delish dining for morning, noon and night. We reckon whatever you're looking for Skiathos has the goods, even if it's a cheeky, last-minute holiday. Here are some of our fave hotels to have a nose at:
Hotel Skiathos Princess- A five-star paradise perfect for your next fam holiday in Skiathos - it's right on the beach, the rooms are stun and the pools to die for.
Skiathos Luxury Living- When it comes to this four-star, you'll be treated to lux apartments, a boujee pool area and you've got plenty more right on your door.
Alkyon Hotel - Skiathos- If you're looking for a vacay stay that's close to the action, but still offers some tranquility, then this is your guy, (almost) smackdab in the centre of Skiathos Town.
Radisson Resort Plaza Skiathos- Calling all families, this ones deffo got your names written all over it - we checked - we're talking a roof garden, lush pool area and even a playground for the littleuns.
Aegean Suites - Adult Only- I'm sure it comes as no surprise - if it did, we'd be worried - that this hotel is a haven for you adults, no kids running around, just you, your other half and five-star luxury, we're talking open air hot tubs and a champagne lounge.
Skiathos is a Greek island - it loves to serve up summer sizzlers like they're going out of fashion, but don't get it twisted, this is a sunny spot for most of the year. Whether you're looking to chase the heat, or enjoy something a lil more lowkey, lazing on the beach or wandering the streets, we've got you covered.
Let's start with everyones fave time, during Summer you can expect toasty temps of around 25°C to 30°C - ice creams by the pool and bangin beach bods at the ready, it's a scorcher best enjoyed with a water source close by for a cheeky cooldown dip.
Autumn isn't letting Summer run away with the win though, you can still snag some hot days ranging from 25°C - 15°C, you'll be beating the Summer crowds and with the slight dip it means if you're partial to a wander, you won't be dripping after five mins.
When Winter blows into town, you're looking at a cooler - but no less iconic - 10°C - 15°C, a calm, relaxing atmosphere and still glimmers of sunshine... let it be known that Winter is Winter afterall, and these months see the most rainfall - that's what coats are for though!
Springtime is a time for rebirth, and that's what Skiathos is giving - a rebirth of toastier climes and sunny days with temps ranging between 15°C - 25°C - time to crack out the hiking boots and get exploring all this gorge island has to offer before the school holidays start.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Skiathos?
It takes about 3.5 hours to fly to Skiathos from the UK/Ireland - make sure you've got plenty downloaded on Netflix and settle in for the journey to your jolly.
What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Skiathos?
Skiathos is 2 hours ahead of the time in the UK/Ireland - so if you land at 7, that's actually 5 which means you're about 5 hours overdue a pint.
What currency do they use in Skiathos?
The official currency of Skiathos is the Euro.
What language do they speak in Skiathos?
The official language spoken in Skiathos is Greek.
When you're on your holidays to Skiathos in 2024 you'll be up to your eyeballs in bars and restaurants, sometimes it's nice to take a lil' pause and enjoy something more lowkey. *Open-air cinema has just entered the chat* - if you're in the heart of Skiathos Town you can find this gem playing three films a week, and don't worry there's a minibar, so no need to sacrifice an after dinner tipple.
Scuba-Duba (Do) Diving
Get acquainted with the aquatic scene, it is an island after all, so head to the South side - beaches like Tzaneria and Vromolimnos to name a couple - and mosey on over to the diving centres there. You can strap on your scuba gear and be getting up close and personal with the cutest lil sea life you ever did see. If you've got the kids in tow, not to worry, these centres offer courses for all ages.
Sail the Day Away
If you're not one to get into the water, but you've got your sea legs well and truly strapped on, then this might be more your speed. You can take private day trips around the island as well as day cruises. A little birdie told us that Captain Stefanos is the go-to with his own sailboat that anchors in the swanky, new port of Skiathos town.
Out on the (Skiathos) Town
Are you as prone to a cheeky shopping day like we are? Beaches are who we are, but everyone loves a spending spree every now and then, and couple that with these lush, rustic streets with everything from local products to jewellers, book shops and tourist trinket spots and you're gonna be in for a day long Monzo bill.
Olive Oil Tasting
We know, don't give us that look, let us explain. Picture it; a serene drive to a local olive grove, the smells, the sites, the vibes - all immaculate. You get to learn all about the olive oil making process, a lil bit of history for the buffs and if you find the right grove tour, they even let you get stuck in with olive harvesting and pressing - your next bottle of olive oil could've been made with your help - we're sold.
What events can I go to in Skiathos?
When you've settled on your holiday to Skiathos, it's best you're clued up on all the goings on if you're not about the sitting on a sunbed for ten days kinda vibe (no judgement, we love those kinda jollies). We're talking food and drink festivals, religious celebrations, and plenty of arts and culture to make you feel well sophisticated. Check out some of the things going on through the year:
Epiphany Celebrations (January) - Usually taking place on the 6th Jan, this religious holiday takes place in some coastal towns and sees the blessing of the waters ceremony - your next swim will feel a whole lot more holy.
Carnival (Feburary) - We're talking parades, costume contests and street parties, one of the biggest celebrations you deffo don't wanna miss out on, just because Skiathos Town is small, doesn't mean the celebrations aren't mighty.
Clean Monday (March) - an official marker of the beginning of lent complete with celebratory outdoor picnics in parks and on beaches with delish traditional foods such as seafood, olives and bread.
Greek Orthodox Easter (April) - the biggest religious celebration in Greece - think traditional celebrations, feasts, processions and even a midnight resurrection service on Holy Saturday.
Agios Georgios (April) - a large celebratory feast at the end of April sees a tonne of organised horse races followed by a delish spread of local dishes at an open panigiri complete with traditional dances.
International Music Festival (June) - if you're a bit of a music fanatic like us, then this is the one for you, with a whole host of international and local artists giving it 110% with genres ranging from classical to jazz to traditional Greek and even contemporary pop.
Cultural Workshops (July) - a popular month for all things culture, all things art, all things exhibitions - basically any creatives dream - try your hand at Greek dance and hand crafts or leave that to the profesh peeps and head to an art gallery instead.
Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) Festival (August) - An important holy festical that takes place throughout Greece in mid-August - expect church services and cultural events to add a bit of culture to your Skiathos holiday.
Skiathos Open Air Cinema Festival (August) - Film buffs, this one is most definitely for you, outdoor locations that are eye-candy and Instaspam worthy all offering a range of classic and contemp films for your viewing pleasure - oh did we mention beneath the stars? Yeah, that too!
Skiathos Wine Festival (September) - A wine lovers dream - we know it's ours. September is the harvest for grapes so expect a tonne of tastings, plenty of samples of new vintages, live music to shake your tail feather to and, of course, plenty of delish tradish cuisine.
Nightlife
Ready to dance until the sun peeks over the horizon? Well, buckle up, because Skiathos' nightlife is anything but tame! As the sun sets, this tiny island transforms into a vibrant party hub. Check out some of our top hot spots below:
Old Port Bar, Skiathos Town - this is a tame choice for those fancying a relaxing tipple with a gorge view of the coming and going boats in the harbour.
Hedonism Bar, Skiathos Town - right by the main square, this party haven is serving up delish signature cocktails and banging tunes that play on until the wee hours of the morning.
Bourtzi Bar, Bourtzi Fortress - a lil away from the hustle and bustle, but with a birds eye scope on the hustle and bustle, this gorge bar offers a chill vibe, crisp cold beers and skyline views of the harbour.
Buddha Bar, Koukounaries - a more laid-back vibe is on the cards at this club that lets you dance beneath the stars with a mix of R&B and Pop tunes, it's a toes in the sand kinda place too if you weren't convinced already.
Amnesia Club, Skiathos - Perhaps the most vibrant club to ever be a club depending on who you ask - we're talking DJ decks spinning, more bars and dance floors than you'll know what to do with and a late night party vibe that we all love.
What's the food like in Skiathos?
Feeling peckish? You're in for a treat. Greek cuisine is a flavour-filled adventure, and Skiathos dishes up the best of it. Check out our lil list and make sure to sample them all:
Spetsofai - a delish spicy sausage stew made with thick, country sausages and peppers in a rich tomato sauce... if you don't try it, we will.
Skiathos Pie - a unique blend of local cheeses like feta and mizithra wrapped in flaky puff pastry - yeah we're obsessed.
Bourdeto - the most famous fish dish in Greece deserves a shoutout, if you don't know it, you're gonna know it - fish cooked in a spicy tomato sauce and served with potatoes... come on?
Ladopita - Thinly sliced potatoes layered with onions, tomatoes and olive oil, sounds delish right? no wonder it's considered a staple comfort food - let it comfort you too.
Loukoumades - who doesn't love a silly, little sweet treat? This one packs a punch, deep fried dough balls drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon - you really need to get your gnashers round this.
Hungry for more? Luckily for you, we've got the inside scoop on the tastiest restaurants to try too. Check out these places:
Taverna Ta Nisia, Skiathos Town - Heaping helpings of traditional Greek dishes made with only the best local sourced ingredients - we're talking grilled meat, seafood and delish desserts.
The Final Step, Skiathos Town - We're a sucker for a hidden gem and this spot is tucked away down an alley, a best kept secret if we've ever heard of one... well... I guess not anymore - tuck into Greek and Mediterranean dishes and sample some crisp wine while you're at it.
Plakes Taverna, Agia Paraskevi - this one is all about the family-run homemade cuisine touch with a lil dash of stunning sea views, a feast for your eyes and a feast for... well, you.
Marmita Restaurant, Megali Ammos Beach - this tranquil eatery is tucked away in a garden, al fresco dining with the sound of the waves crashing nearby - sounds like absolute perfection to us.
Agnadio Taverna, Skiathos - If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town, then trundle up into the hills of Skiathos and tuck into homemade deliciousness, think slow-cooked stews to make your mouth water.
Places to visit
Moni Evangelistrias
We're providing the history goods, with a lil dash of hiking for all the nature people out there. This monastery is sat up in the pine-covered hills above Skiathos Town, whip your binoculars out and see if you can spy it. If you wanna get immersed in the islands days gone by, then you deffo don't wanna skip out on this one - strap on your best hiking boots, let the sun wash away those blightey blues and bask in the absolute bliss of a quiet, stroll. The Monastery is the cherry on top of a gorge day out.
Kastro
This combines some of our fave jolly activities away from the hustle and bustle of beaches - well you'll be in the hustle and bustle at first because to get to this piece of Skiathos' anchient past, you deffo need to hop in a kaiki boat from the old port of Skiathos, take in the scenery, enjoy the gentle rock of the waves, then make the walk up to the natural fortress that clings to the cliff edge. It's a history buffs dream, but it's also a boat trip lovers dream, it's a day trippers dream, it's everyones dream who wants to get off the sun bed and out on an adventure.
Skiathos Old Town
We're crazy about this one - well the island in generla really. The best way to explore this stunning slice of paradise in Greece is to get up close and personal with Skiathos old Town. You can take a guided tour through the traditional neighbourhoods, get accustomed to the local way of life, have a nosey at the old houses and don't think the fun stops at a stroll - oh no - we're talking restaurants, bars and shops to whisk you through the day from sunrise to... well sunrise if you're that way inclined. Boat trips leave from the harbour, the nightlife is booming and it truly is an Instagram lovers dream photoshoot destination to boot.
Key facts about Skiathos
Flight Time
Around 3.5 hrs
Time Difference
+2 hrs
Currency
Euro
Language
Greek
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Skiathos?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Skiathos?
From 1st of January 2018, the Greek Govt. are charging a sustainable tourism tax on all overnight stays which will be payable on arrival in the hotel:
