Skiathos

Skiathos is a mostly tourist island in the Sporades Islands

Villages

Other destinations

• Kastro site of the medieval center of the island. Abandoned in 19 century.

Culture and History

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.

Tourist information

Talk

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.

Travel to Skiathos - Visa Requirements

By boat

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

Cruise ships dock at the Chora Port.

Flights and airtickets to Skiathos

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!

Tours and Getting around Skiathos

Buses to Skiathos

Public buses operate throughout the islands.

By taxi

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

By car

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.

By motorcycle

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 and if the brakes work properly. If it is the last vehicle in store, be suspicious - it could be the one that needs a repair badly. Helmets are required on Skiathos.

Skiathos tourist attractions and sightseeing

• Alexandros Papadiamantis house - Alexandros Papadiamantis (1851-1911) was a writer. He wrote over 100 novels mostly based on island life
• Kastro - site of the medieval center of the island. Abandoned in 19 century.

• '''Acropolis motorbikes'''(Thanasis Kalimanis), Acropolis rental and service center 0030 24270 23136 Megali ammos rental office, ☎ 0030 24270 24432, [1]. 09:00-21:00. Acropolis motorbikes, rental, service and sales. The people of Skiathos know where to get quick, efficient and friendly service, we rely on our reputation, as do you! free delivary: email:akropoli@otenet.gr edit  

Skiathos city tours

• Sunbathing
• Swimming

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.
• Kanapitsa. Amazing beach, water sports, and a nice taverna.

Skiathos souvenirs and shopping

• Jewelry stores are common
• Colorful sea shells are a popular souvenir item, but very many of them are actually imported, and have no authentic connection to the island whatsoever.
• Many brand name products for sale in the tourist shops may be fakes and/or unlicensed (t-shirts, towels, hand bags, and so on)

Skiathos Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Skiathos nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

The tap water is not drinkable (and even ice in restaurants is provided via special procedure from companies) and restaurants will serve glasses of ice water upon request. Local drinks include beer and Ouzo. There are various hot club locations, though most famous clubs are located north-east of the port at around 300 meters, by the seashore, and the most famous are Kahlua, Maraccas and BBC.

Skiathos cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

Skiathos Princess, Agia Paraskevi, Skiathos Deluxe hotel on the white sandy beach of Agia Paraskevi. Contact information: Tel.: +30-24270-49731, Fax: +30-24270-49740 Winter Contact: 40 Ag. Konstantinou, 151 24 Marousi (Athens), Greece Tel.: +30-210-6196980, Fax: +30-210-6197764, e-mail: princess@santikoshotels.com

Aegean Suites, Megali Ammos, Skiathos Aegean Suites Hotel is Skiathos's only boutique hotel, exclusively for adults & children above the age of 13.

Stay safe

Skiathos is a generally safe destination.

• The summer sun tends to get very strong. You should not take the risk of dehydration, sunburns or even heat strokes lightly. Wear appropriate clothes, maybe with a hat and sunglasses; use sunscreen; bring enough water on excursions and know when to stop exhausting yourself and seek the shade of a tree.

Get out

This page was last edited by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by Hotels Combined, Eric Polk and Andreas Routsias, Wikitravel user(s) Sailsetter, Dun and Morph and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. - Content on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0 license