More about Skiathos island BEST IN GREECE

Skiathos is a mostly tourist island in the Sporades Islands.

Kastro site of the medieval center of the island, abandoned in 19 century.

Home to the airport that services the other Sporades islands, many joke that the livelier crowds in search of an instant beer are dropped off at Skiathos, where others might choose to go on by boat to quieter destinations. While it is undoubtedly the most tourist-intensive island of the Sporades, it does have many faces, so don’t be fooled by the brash cover to this book full of splendid Greek secrets. Steer away from the main drag and you will find stunning scenery, quaint tavernas and lots of luscious green terrain perfect for gentle strolls or more intensive hikes.

Talk - Languages

• Greek is the native language of the people of Skiathos. However, most people also speak passable English and many speak German or other European languages.

How to get in Skiathos

• By boat

  Skiathos is accessible via ferry from Volos, Agios Konstantinos, and Thessaloniki

  Cruise ships dock at the Chora Port.

• By plane

  The island is served by an International Airport (World Airport Code JSI). The airport is situated north-east of Chora. It is served from Greek destinations by Olympic Airways, and from northern European destinations in summer months by charter and some regular scheduled airlines (currently including Austrian Airlines,) usually only once or twice a week.

  The runway is an excitement in itself; as you descend towards Skiathos you are met with sea, sea and more sea before out of nowhere appears a precarious strip of runway across the end of this small island. If the pilot misses his spot, you’ll have to circle and try again!

Get around Skiathos

• By bus

  Public buses operate throughout the islands.

• By taxi

  Taxis are easy to get from the port to anywhere on the island

• By car or motorbike

  It is not worth the hassle to bring your own car to the island, although it is in theory possible. You can rent a car or a motor scooter. Asphalt roads run across the south of the island. Roads in the interior turn out to be little more than dirt paths.

  Motorbikes and mopeds are popular alternatives to cars. Especially mopeds are frequently used by local youths and can go to many places that cars cannot go - for example the twisted narrow streets of Skiathos city. An additional advantage is that they are cheap to rent - 10 to 15 Euros a day is the usual price.

  If you start a day-trip with a moped, make you sure you do so on a full tank, as gas stations are sometimes hard to find. An extra stop at a gas station can save a lot of nerves. When renting a moped, check if the profile of the tyres is ok if the brakes work properly,lights,turn indicators and petrol gauge. if it doesnt look good dont be bothered to rent it,it could be the one that needs a repair badly. it can cause you a lot of troubles if it brakes down.Make sure the insurance stands on the contract. Helmets are required on Skiathos.

Beaches

There is a good variety of beaches on Skiathos with over 60 in total. The south side of the island has sandy beaches with calm waters. Beaches on the north are less crowded. The wind mostly comes in from the north and also the sea tends to be somewhat rougher to the north.

• Koukounaries. Covered with umbrella pines is the most famous beach on the island.
• Lalaria. Beach only accessible by daily boats, crystal clear water and large stones on shore.
• Banana. Next to Koukounaries is a naturist beach.
• Asselinos. Large and quiet undeveloped beach.
• Vromolimnos beach. Long organized sandy beach of 7 kilometers.
• Kanapitsa. Amazing beach, water sports, and a nice taverna.