By on 25-06-2022
So, you’re planning to spend your holidays in Skiathos for the first time?
Chances are, you’ve already done your research. But are you sure you know the true highlights of the island?
Probably not!
But, no worries here. We did the hard work just for you. We gathered our favorite highlights of Skiathos island and we created a go-to first timer’s guide!
Stick with us to learn everything!
So, why Skiathos?
Simply because it will blow you away!
Skiathos is an unbelievably beautiful island with lush greenery and exotic beaches. It belongs to Sporades island complex in the Aegean sea and is among the most popular island destinations in Greece.
What is Skiathos famous for?
Its golden beaches, the fertile vegetation, and cosmopolitan atmosphere are just some of the reasons why this island is unbeatable.
And don’t let yourself be fooled by the size of Skiathos!
Although it might be a small island, it attracts a large number of visitors each year. Due to its proximity to the Greek mainland and its amazing virgin landscape, travelers just love it!
The best part?
The ferry trip to Skiathos from the mainland lasts for about two hours, so the trip is quick and fun.
For stunning beaches
If we had to pick just one reason why you should visit Skiathos, it would definitely be its beaches!
Truth is, Skiathos island is mostly known for its superb sandy beaches.
Picture this. Exotic beaches with impressive landscapes, secluded coves that stay uncrowded even in high season and popular lively beaches. Whatever your taste might be, you’ll find the ideal beach for you.
So, what are the most popular beaches in Skiathos? The highly acclaimed Lalaria beach, the busy Banana beach, Agia Paraskevi beach, Achladies beach, and Koukounaries beach.
Lalaria beach
Prepare to be amazed!
Lalaria beach is the most wonderful and photographed beach in Skiathos! The only way to reach it is by a tour boat from the port of Skiathos Town.
Once you get there, you’ll stand in awe in front of the amazing rock formations of this white-pebbled beach. The scenery is dreamy, with huge cliffs rising from the deep crystalline sea. True love or what?
Tip: When in Lalaria beach, don’t miss to visit the amazing Blue and Dark Caves nearby!
Banana beach
If you love water sports and beach parties, Banana beach needs to be on your travel wishlist!
Just 13.6 km away from Skiathos town, Banana beach is an easily accessible beach option.
Pine and olive trees create an idyllic natural landscape, while the sunset view is breathtaking. Water sports facilities, restaurants, cafes and bars transform an ordinary day at the beach to a summer party!
Agia Paraskevi beach
Agia Paraskevi is a beach resort, consisting of Agia Paraskevi village and Agia Paraskevi beach.
You know what this means, right?
Not only can you enjoy relaxing days by the beach, but you can also stay at one of the luxurious hotels and studios by the area.
As for Agia Paraskevi beach, it is one of the biggest beaches of the island. What’s more, it has lots of facilities, such as umbrellas, sunbeds, water sports facilities, and beach bars!
Tip: At Agia Paraskevi beach you can rent a boat and do a little sailing exploration.
Achladies beach
Are you on a family holiday, desperately searching for a family-friendly beach?
No sweat, we got you covered!
Achladies beach is a kids-friendly beach, surrounded by a stunning natural landscape. You’ll find this beach just 2 km away from Skiathos town, at a sandy cove with crystal clear waters. Moreover, at Achladies beach there are water sports facilities, like windsurfing and water ski.
However, our favorite thing about this beach is its proximity to Skiathos town. Actually, you can reach Achladies beach either on foot, or by a local bus, or by boat from Skiathos town. And, of course, by car!
Koukounaries beach
Koukounaries beach is the most crowded beach of the island. It is well organized with beach bars, umbrellas, seabeds, cafeterias, and water sports facilities.
The best part?
A gorgeous pine tree forest surrounds this sandy beach, filling it with a fresh and pleasant scent.
What’s better than linking scents with memories?
For strolling around Skiathos Town
Skiathos Town is a picturesque village, where the heart of the island beats. It has many nice restaurants, shops, and a vivid nightlife.
The best time to visit Skiathos Town is in the evening! Enjoy a relaxing drink or party till morning at the modern bars. Whatever your taste might be, you’ll find the perfect place for you, as the choices are unlimited!
What’s more, there are buses from the town, heading to all the southern beaches of the island. Also, there are excursion boats to Lalaria Beach, Tsougria island, Skopelos and Alonissos, from the town’s port.
Tip: The most important site to visit in Skiathos Town is the Museum of Alexandros Papadiamantis. It is housed inside the family house of this famous Greek author.
For easy access
One of the things we love about Skiathos is how easy it is to get there!
Skiathos is actually accessible by ferry from two Greek mainland ports: Volos and Agios Konstantinos. Daily ferries to Skiathos depart from these ports and the trip lasts for just two hours.
However, in summer, there are also ferries to Skiathos from the small port of Mantoudi on Evia island. This is an excellent way to combine holidays in northern Evia with a trip to Skiathos.
Visitors can also arrive in Skiathos by plane. There are daily flights from Athens airport and, in summer, direct flights from abroad.
For island hopping to Sporades islands
What you might not know about Skiathos is that it is an awesome base for island hopping to the rest of the Sporades islands!
If you haven’t traveled to the Sporades island complex before, you’ll be surprised by its natural beauty. Yep, this means a natural green landscape and fantastic beaches for all tastes.
So, let’s hop on a ferry to some of the best Sporades islands!
1st stop: Skopelos
Skopelos island will be our first stop!
Skopelos is the island where the famous movie “Mamma Mia” was filmed. Remember all those stunning landscapes? It’s time to visit them yourself!
Truth is, the island’s natural beauty is incomparable, especially the forests!
The green forests of Skopelos are crossed by lovely hiking paths. These paths lead to spots with breathtaking views, abandoned monasteries, and secret beaches. True love, or what?
If you like virgin beaches, you’ll be happy to know that Skopelos has many of them!
Stafylos, Panormos, Hovolo, and Elios are among the most beautiful beaches in Skopelos. Also, don’t miss to visit the chapel of Saint John in Kastri. This is where the wedding scene of the Mamma Mia movie was shot!
Skopelos: Apart from Skiathos, ferries to Skopelos also depart from the ports of Volos and Agios Konstantinos in central Greece.
Skopelos island has two ports: Glossa port on the north, and Skopelos Town port on the south. So, double-check that your ferry to Skopelos arrives at the port that serves you!
2nd stop: Alonissos
Far from busy Skiathos and developing Skopelos, Alonissos island keeps a low profile!
Do you want to kick back and relax, away from noisy crowds!?
You just found your dream destination!
Truth is Alonissos receives fewer tourists than the rest of the Sporades islands. As a result, it is a tranquil paradise.
Some of the things Alonissos stands out for is its secluded beaches, turquoise sea, and cozy villages. What’s more, Alonissos has wonderful green forests crossed by mountain trails. In fact, a multi-terrain hiking race takes place in Alonissos every summer, with international participation.
Alonissos: The ferry to Alonissos usually has less daily itineraries than the ferry to Skiathos and Skopelos. There are usually 2-3 ferries to Alonissos per day from Volos and 2 ferries from Agios Konstantinos. These ferries also pass by Skiathos and Skopelos, before arriving in Alonissos.
So, let’s do a recap.
Skiathos is an easily accessible island paradise! Apart from its amazing beaches and its stunning natural beauty, it is full of surprises.
The best way to discover them?
Book your ferry trip and let the adventure begin!
