Skiathos

Sporades Islands

Skiathos is by far the busiest of the Sporades islands, for two main reasons. It has an aiport, and it also has the best beaches. There are said to be over 60 of them, including some that are among the best in Greece.

Skiathos TownSkiathos Town

In summer, though, it does get packed with visitors, and many of the beaches get incredibly busy. It has a good reputation for its nightlife, too, especially in Skiathos Town, which is a beautiful little town filled with white houses - but also bars and restaurants. 

If you’re not a fan of busy beaches then visit Skiathos in spring or autumn, when it is a little quieter and you can explore the island. There are some good hiking trails and back roads, ancient monasteries, a 16th century fortress, and you’ll be able to enjoy some of the more remote beaches without the summer crowds. 

The island is especially good for hiking as 70% of it is covered in trees, providing welcome shade in the summer. Skiathos is also popular with migrating birds, and birdwatchers are guaranteed some good sightings, again best in spring and autumn.

Skiathos

Getting to Skiathos

Flights to Skiathos

Skiathos has the main airport for the Sporades, and from spring to autumn there are regular charter flights from all over Europe. There are also regular flights to Skiathos from Athens International Airport. 

Ferries to Skiathos

There are no ferries to Skiathos from Piraeus, but there are ferries from the two mainland ports of Volos and Agios Konstantinos. The regular ferries take about three hours and the faster and more expensive hydrofoils take about 90 minutes. There are also hydrofoils from Kymi on the island of Evia, which takes about an hour. From Skiathos there are regular ferries to and from Skopelos and Alonissos. You can also catch a ferry from Thessaloniki to Skiathos.

Ferries in Greece

Ferries in Greece has an excellent and very thorough website where, in addition to checking ferry schedules and times, you can also book tickets and get lots of useful information about travelling by ferry in Greece.

Best Things to Do on Skiathos

See our separate page on The Best Things to Do on Skiathos.

Skiathos, Greece

Where to Stay on Skiathos


See our other Sporades pages...

  • Northern Greece Guide

    The Bradt Guide to Northern Greece is a detailed guide to Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Macedonia, Thrace, The Pelion, The Sporades and the rest of Northern Greece.

  • Sporades: Travel Information about Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos

    The Sporades are the Greek islands of Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros, and this page has information on hotels, restaurants, and what to do.

  • Skyros in the Sporades Islands of Greece

    Travel advice and information on Skyros in the Sporades islands, with details of ferries and flights, and the best things to do on Skyros in Greece.

  • Skopelos in the Sporades Islands of Greece

    Travel advice and information on Skopelos in the Sporades islands, with details of ferries and flights, and the best things to do on Skopelos in Greece.

  • Pictures of Skiathos

    This page of pictures of Skiathos in the Sporades by photographer Nick Karvounis will help you decide whether you want to visit this beautiful Greek island.

  • Alonissos in the Sporades Islands of Greece

    Travel advice and information on Alonissos in the Sporades in the Greek islands, with details of ferries and flights, and the best things to do on Alonissos.

  • Best Things to do on Skiathos

    The best things to do on Skiathos include seeing Skiathos Town, enjoying its beautiful beaches, hiking in the forests, and visiting ancient monasteries.

  • Best Beaches on Skiathos

    The best beaches on Skiathos are the best in the Sporades, and some of the best in the Greek islands, ranging from busy and crowded to quiet and remote beaches.

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