Holidays in Skiathos GREECE - Discover the island ...
Holidays in Skiathos are like a breath of fresh air. Open your eyes to the beautiful landscape and an instant feeling of relaxation washes over you here. From chic boutiques to the pine clad hills, Skiathos will enchant you from the moment you step off the plane. It might not be the biggest of islands but Skiathos holidays are certainly packed full of exciting things to do. Take the beaches, they are picture postcard perfect and hard to do justice when putting them into words. Many say that they are some of the finest sands in all of
Greece and with around 60 to chose from you will be hard pushed to pick a favourite. But beaches here aren't like your normal bucket and spade affairs, yes they have the grains ready for sandcastle building and the sea for a quick paddle, but many have another wow factor. Look behind you'll see shady pine trees and low green hills. This is one place where the pictures from the beach need to be 360 degrees!. Summer holidays to Skiathos are perfect and you'll find a great mix of the cosmopolitan and sleepy traditional villages. Skiathos town has a chic air to it – designer shops, yachts moored at the harbour and plenty of places to dance the night away. But in stark contrast to this you'll also find sleepy villages during your Skiathos holiday that seem untouched by modern life. Beautiful countryside and a warm welcome await you here for a quiet Skiathos break.
Greece is famous for its cuisine and here the influence is heavy on the Greek. Long lingering lunches, even longer dinners, meze plates by the dozen and a bottle of retsina to wash it down with. Head to a traditional taverna and sample dishes that have been cooked and served the same way for generations. Where else would you find a culture so passionate about food? Ask nicely and you might be let in on a secret family recipe! Is this island of contrast for you? With its gorgeous beaches, summer long sunshine and the perfect balance of sleepy villages and upbeat towns, a holiday in Skiathos might be the next one you book.
Information about Skiathos beaches
Skiathos has the best beaches in the Sporades including a couple which have
often been cited as being the loveliest in the Mediterranean. There are more
than 60 beaches to choose from, the most popular being the golden crescents of
sand spread along the island's south coast. During high season there's a continuous stream of cars, buses, scooters and
pedestrians along the paved road linking Skiathos Town with famous
Koukounaries beach in the south west corner of the island. The 14-kilometre
road has several access points to various good south coast beaches but none
can compare with stunning (albeit over-crowded) Koukounaries, a 1200 metre
curve of fine yellow sand backed by a lagoon and acres of pine forest. The beach is worth at least one visit, even if you find the hordes of
fellow holidaymakers oppressive, because the setting really is quite
exceptional. There's a full range of watersports here including water ski-ing,
windsurfing and parasailing. Wooden walkways cross the sand to several beach
bars serving drinks and snacks and sun beds and shades are available for hire,
enabling you to while away the hours until the late evening when the last bus
leaves for Skiathos Town.
For a spot of nude sunbathing or skinny-dipping, check out trendy Krassa
Beach, on the other side of the headland west of Koukounaries. The beach is
better known as Banana Beach because of its curve of bright yellow sand. If
you walk around the rocks at the far right end of the beach you'll come to
Little Banana Beach which is also nudist and has sun beds, shades and jet skis
for hire. At the far south west tip of the island, Agia Eleni Beach provides the best
windsurfing on the island. You can reach it via a scenic one-kilometre walk
from the main road. Further north along the coast from Agia Eleni there's Mandraki Beach which
is relatively tranquil as it can only be reached by caique or via a half hour
walk through a forest of towering pines. The beach is also called Limoni
Xerxes Cove after the Persian King Xerxes who brought 10 galleys to conquer
the Hellenic fleet moored off the coast of Skiathos during the 4th century BC
Persian War. Peppered along the island's ruggedly beautiful north coast you'll find
plenty of deserted coves, accessed only by boat or on foot if you're up for
some fairly arduous hiking. The most stunning north coast beach is lovely Lalaria, featured on many
postcards and front covers of tourist brochures. Cliffs of perforated rock jut
out to sea on either side of the cove which is lapped by startling aquamarine
water, shimmering above a sea bed of white pebbles, marble and limestone. You can book a boat trip round the island with a stop at Lalaria Beach and
a visit to the nearby grottoes of Skotini, Glazia and Halkini. Skotini is the
most spectacular of the three - a 20-foot high cave reached via a narrow
crevice just wide enough to allow a small caique through the cliff wall.
Skiathos sites and attractions - Skiathos highlights ...
As you will be entering the port of Skiathos, the
characteristic piney peninsula with the ruins of the
Venetian fortress and the neoclassical buildings of the old school shall welcome you. Outspread from the
traditional port all the way to the flamboyant hills, the town of
Skiathos, in spite of the vast development during the last years, maintains its non-identical picturesqueness intact. The
imposing castle, the old shipyard, the
important lake - hydro biotope, the several churches and the
monasteries, the
historical monuments, integrate the beautiful profile of the town of Skiathos. This beautifulness is dispersed all over the island of Skiathos, which pulses with innumerable
amazing settlements that are considered to be ideal resorts for you to visit during your holidays. The
village of Kanapitsa, which is located at a close distance from the town of Skiathos, is a
verdurous settlement gifted with magnificent beaches that shall definitely impress you. Furthermore, the
beautiful village of Koukounaries is the renowned settlement where the pines and the firs that are planted along the beach mix with the sea. Finally, the beaches of Vassilias, Ahladies, Vromolimnos, Kolios, Troulos, Maratha, Agia Eleni, Agia Paraskevi, Krassas, Nikotsara, Lalaria, Megas Gialos as well as the islet Megali Tsougria worth a visit. You can go to the island of Skiathos from Agios Konstantinos, Volos and Kimi by boat, while from
Athens and
Thessaloniki you can go by airplane. During your stay at the island of Skiathos seize the chance to visit
Skopelos,
Skyros and
Alonissos, which are the other islands of the exquisite Sporades Islands cluster.
Skiathos activities - Things to do ...
Most people come to Skiathos for the beaches. The most famous one is Koukounaries on the southern tip of the island, a horseshoe-shaped bay fringed with white sand. Koukounaries is widely regarded as the best beach in the Aegean. As a result it does get fairly crowded. Banana Beach just a little way up the coast is almost as good. It has a reputation for being popular with nudists, but this is not so true in recent times. Banana Beach is less crowded (but smaller) than Koukounaries.
# Walking & Hiking in Skaithos: For those looking to explore the interior of this scenic green island, there are plenty of walks to suit those looking for both gentle strolls and serious hikes. The countryside boasts many marked footpaths and ancient trails that meander through lush forests and leafy valleys, leading to hidden churches and monasteries, tiny villages and unspoilt beaches.
# Scuba Diving: Diving is becoming an increasingly popular activity on Skiathos, with a small number of dive centres offering facilities. With warm waters and clear visibility, the conditions for scuba diving around the island are excellent, and with a variety of dives are available, from introductory dives out in the reef to open-water PADI courses, the island would suit all levels.
# Boating and Sailing: Discover the charm and beauty of the Skiathos coastline by renting a boat or taking an organised excursion, reaching hidden coves and deserted beaches, or taking a trip to the idyllic islands of Tsougria and Arkos. Enjoy the luxury of a chartered yacht and tour the Cyclades Islands such as
Paros,
Mykonos, Naxos or Andros, or try your luck on a fishing trip out into the deep blue waters around the island.
# Watersports: There are plenty of water sports facilities to be enjoyed on the majority of Skiathos' beaches, including the popular pedalos, rings, tubes and banana rides. Other activities offered include windsurfing, kite surfing, wake boarding, water skiing, canoeing, sea-kayaking and parasailing.
Getting out in Skiathos: Nightlife, Clubs, Cafes & Restaurants
Skiathos town has a lively nightlife scene, more concentrated on each end of the port, but many prefer to pass the evening with a volta (stroll) along the harbor or around and above the Plateia Trion Ierarchon. In fact, we feel the best-kept secret of Skiathos town is the little outdoor cafe at the tip of the promontory with the Bourtzi fortress, a 3-minute stroll from the harbor. Removed from the glitter of the town, you can sit and enjoy a (cheap) drink in the cool of the evening and watch the ships come and go--this is the Aegean lifestyle at its best. The main concentration of nightclubs is in the warren of streets west of Papadiamandis (left as you come up from the harbor).
On the street opposite the post office is the Blue Chips Club. Further along Papadiamandis, another turn to the left leads to the Borzoi, which claims to be the oldest club on the island; you may want to check it out several times during the evening, as it generally gets livelier toward midnight. Continue past it to find the Banana Bar, for "surprising dance music," on the right; then the Admiral Benbow Club, which offers something more soulful. Across from the Benbow Club is the flashy Spartacus. At the next intersection south you'll find Kirki, which offers jazz and blues. Back across Odos Papadiamandis, just before the post office, along Parados Evangelistrias you can find Adagio, a gay establishment that plays classical music and Greek ballads at volumes low enough for conversation. Wander back down the main street to find Kentavros Bar, on the left beyond the Papadiamandis House, which plays classic rock and jazz. On the far west end of the harbor, if you want videos with your drinks, try the Oasis Cafe.
Climate and weather in Skiathos GREECE
The climate on Skiathos is typically Mediterranean, with the island enjoying a long sunny holiday season and mild winters. Being one of the more northerly
Greek Islands, Skiathos does not see such high temperatures as some of its neighbours, however the islands' average summer high of 25C makes for an excellent beach or sightseeing holiday. Summers in Skiathos are bright, clear and dry, with most days seeing at least 10 hours of sunshine. The average temperature in June is 23C, rising to 25C during July and August, with occasional highs of almost 30C, and rainfall in the summer being practically non-existant. During the height of summer, the 'meltemi' winds from the north pick up, bringing cooling breezes to the island, which can sometimes be quite strong, especially on the coast. Spring is a delightful time to visit Skiathos, when the temperature reaches between 16C and 20C, and there are fewer crowds. April and May are still relatively dry months and there is on average 8 hours of sunshine every day. Autumn in Skiathos sees temperatures similar to the springtime, with the sun still shining for 9 hours a day. Winter temperatures are still very mild, dropping to around 11C and the island seeing about 4 hours of sunshine a day. October sees the start of the rain, with November, December and January being the wettest months on Skiathos, with an average of 150mm of rainfall during this time. The rain dries up in April, and the very wet winters help to maintain the islands' lush green landscape throughout the year.
Getting to Skiathos - flights & ferries - Getting arround the island ...
Skiathos is one of the four inhabited islands of Sporades complex, the other three being Skyros, Skopelos and Alonissos. It's quite close to mainland Greece, only a few kilometres on the east of Mount Pelion in central Greece.
You can fly to Skiathos on the daily scheduled flights of Olympic Airlines from
Athens all year long. The tickets' prices are relatively cheap. There are also numerous charter flights coming in the island in the summer season from European cities like
London, Manchester, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Vienna, Zurich, Milan, Oslo, Trontheim, Stavanger, Stockholm, Goeteborg, Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Belgrade. Arriving in Skiathos airport, the most convenient way to get in the town (4km) is taking a taxi.
It is also possible to reach Skiathos by ferry or hydrofoil from both mainland Greece and the other
Greek islands. Ferry timetables change annually and from season to season. The most up-to-date information can be obtained at the local port police. Typically there are daily services available to and from Volos, Agios Konstantinos, Skopelos Town, Glossa and Alonnisos. Also in July and August there are ferries to and from Thessaloniki. If you have travelled to Athens you can catch a bus from Kannigos Square (in central Athens) to Agios Konstantinos (a coastal village) where you can catch a ferry to Skiathos. The duration of the trip is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes. Alternatively you may choose to travel by hydrofoil - Hellas Flying Dolphins often provide daily services to and from Volos, Glossa, Skopelos Town, Alonissos and Agios Konstantinos. There are also less regular services to and from Skyros, Kymi and Thessaloniki. If you have travelled to Athens you can catch a bus from Syntagma Square to Agios Konstantinos (a coastal village) where you can catch the hydrofoil which then sails onto Skiathos. The hydrofoil service “Flying Dolphins” takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Skiathos public transport system is efficient and moving around by car, taxis or buses may be a fun and inexpensive way of catching the sights. Main road between Skiathos town and Koukounaries beach is good. Minor roads can be unsurfaced, narrow, and winding. International traffic signs are used and are located on the right side of the road. Petrol costs about 1.10 € per liter. The use of seatbelts in cars is required by law, as are helmets for motorcyclists. Often the police clamp down and on the spot fines are imposed. Also, when looking for a parking space, check if there is a “No Parking” area, as this can be the most common fine. Parking and speeding tickets must be paid at the local police station. If you want to have the freedom to explore at your own leisure, renting a car or jeep is the choice for you. Most major international and local car rental companies offer a good choice of packages and competitive prices. The minimum legal age to rent a car is 18 years old and there is no maximum age restriction. The only other requirement in this regard is that you've held your valid driving license for at least a year. Whoever you rent from, be sure to check the insurance being offered. Full coverage is strongly recommended. So, arm yourself with a valid international license and a reliable road map and set out for the adventure of your life. Remember that traffic in Greece travels on the right side of the road. Motorbikes are widely available in Skiathos. Make sure that the vehicle is in good condition and that the price includes proper insurance. Always wear a helmet! Some roads are tricky, hilly and slippery. Be aware of sharp, unexpected corners. It is easy to find a taxi in Skiathos. Ranks are found at airports and harbours. When getting a cab at either of these outlets arrange the fare before you set off. This can often avoid an unpleasant surprise later. By law there must be a board at these sites showing the taxi fare to the most popular destinations. Hailing a taxi or phoning the taxi station incurs an extra charge of 1.50 €. A local cab number to note is 24270 24461. There is a cab rank in front of Skiathos harbour. You will often find yourself sharing a taxi with strangers. This does not mean the fare will be shared. Some drivers ask your permission to do this and you may say no. As this is common practice you can of course hail a cab with occupants and join in the very often short journey to town
Quick facts - Skiathos overview
Skiathos is one of the
Sporades group, lying just off the east coast of
mainland Greece. It was one of the first islands to cash in on the tourist boom with the building of an airport big enough to take charter jets. A small, compact island just 12km long and packed with beaches (said to be about 60, Skiathos manages to hang onto some of its Greek flavour despite a huge annual influx of holidaymakers. That said, the island still teeters on the brink of package tour oblivion, buried by the sheer weight of numbers. With its lush pine forests and sandy beaches, Skiathos could have been a holidaymaker's heaven. Sadly, it is slowly spiraling into a tacky, tourist sprawl of takeaway tavernas and souvenir shops. There was even a McDonald's - briefly - in Skiathos town. A virtually unbroken line of cement hotels, apartments and neon-lit tavernas now flank the once scenic road that runs the length of the south coast. And each passing year this former jewel of a holiday destination gets a little more tarnished. If you want a taste of
Greece, but are not looking for authenticity; want sandy beaches, and don't mind the noise and crowds then this could be the island for you. Just 12km long and 4km wide Skiathos is the smallest, prettiest and busiest of the Sporades group of islands with a picturesque, colourful and cosmopolitan main port. Skiathos coastline is peppered with sandy bays and its inland peaks are clothed in fragrant pine. There are reputed to be more than 60 sandy beaches though no one has counted them. The nightlife is concentrated in Skiathos town which, although it has no beach, can get very busy at the height of the season. The town has a busy cosmopolitan air but has been spared cement block buildings and recently made traffic free. The better known beaches such as Koukounaries get quickly packed with holidaymakers as the buses, taxis and caiques arrive. The north coast beaches are just as sandy as the south and much less crowded.
