Skiathos Town holidays

How to reach Skiathos Town

Flight time: Flights to Skiathos from London take about 4 hours and are available seasonally, with airlines such as Jet2, TUI and British Airways offering direct services during summer. Alternatively, you can fly to Athens and catch a connecting flight or ferry to the island.

Transfer time: Skiathos Airport is located just 2km from Skiathos Town. A short taxi ride will have you in the heart of town in 10 minutes. Ferries from Athens and Thessaloniki dock directly in the town.

Price: A taxi from Skiathos Airport to the town centre costs around €10–€15. Alternatively, there is a bus service, but taxis are the most convenient.

Best time to visit Skiathos Town

Skiathos enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best time for your holidays to Skiathos Town depends on whether you prefer bustling summer crowds or a quieter, cooler escape.

April to June is one of the best times to visit Skiathos Town, especially if you enjoy pleasant weather without intense heat. Temperatures range from 18 to 26°C with minimal rainfall and up to 10 hours of sunshine per day. The beaches are uncrowded and ferry connections are frequent.

July to August is the busiest time, when the island comes alive with tourists. Temperatures soar to around 30°C, with 11–12 hours of sun daily. Visitors should expect crowds and higher prices.

September to October is the shoulder season. It offers great weather, temperatures between 22 and 28°C, fewer tourists and lower prices. The sea is still warm and there are 7–8 hours of sunshine daily, making it a fantastic time to explore the island.

November to March is mild, with temperatures averaging between 10 and 15°C, and 5–6 hours of sun each day. However, many businesses close during these months, ferry services are reduced significantly and rain is more frequent (about 100mm per month).

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Skiathos locals are friendly and welcoming. Tipping is appreciated, usually around 10 percent in restaurants. Siestas are common in the afternoon, with many shops closing from around 2 pm to 5 pm.

• Currency: Greece uses the Euro (€). ATMs are available throughout Skiathos Town, and credit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants.

• Getting around: The island has a reliable bus service between Skiathos Town and the popular beaches on the southern coast. Tickets cost around €2 and buses run frequently during the summer. For more flexibility, you can rent a car or scooter from one of the many agencies near the port.

• Electricity and plug types: Greece uses the European two-pin plug. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Greece operates on Eastern European Time (EET), 2 hours ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in Skiathos Town

With its picturesque harbour and cobbled streets, Skiathos Town is a hub of activity on this idyllic island in the Sporades. Whether you're here to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere or seek out historical sites, there's plenty to do during your Skiathos Town holidays.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• The Bourtzi Peninsula: This scenic spot offers panoramic views over both harbours in Skiathos Town. A peaceful park with remnants of a Venetian fortress, it’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze.

• Clock Tower (Agios Nikolaos): Perched on a hill, this is arguably the best viewpoint. A short walk up offers stunning views over the town, port and across to the mainland.

The best districts

• Old Town: Wander the narrow streets of Skiathos’ Old Town to find traditional whitewashed houses, pretty churches and plenty of charming tavernas. The area around Papadiamanti Street is particularly lively, lined with shops and cafés.

• Papadiamanti Street: Named after the island's famous writer, this pedestrian street is the beating heart of Skiathos Town. It’s good for shopping and people-watching, with plenty of boutiques and ice-cream parlours.

Historical monuments

• Evangelistria Monastery: Just outside Skiathos Town, this 18th-century monastery played a key role in the Greek War of Independence. It’s a peaceful and spiritual spot with a museum showcasing its historical importance.

• Kastro: Perched on the island's northern tip, Kastro was once the island’s main town, providing protection from pirates. While much of the site is in ruins, you can still explore the remnants of fortifications, churches and homes. The panoramic views of the Aegean Sea are a bonus.

Day trips in the area

• Skopelos: A short ferry ride away, this beautiful island offers lush greenery and quiet beaches. It’s also famous as the spot where Mamma Mia was filmed.

• Tsougria Islet: A favourite for locals, Tsougria boasts two gorgeous sandy beaches, accessible by excursion boats from Skiathos Town. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing day away from the crowds.

Activities for families in Skiathos Town

Skiathos is a family-friendly destination with plenty to keep kids entertained.

• Beaches: The beaches around Skiathos Town, like Megali Ammos and Vromolimnos, are sandy and shallow, perfect for swimming and sandcastle-building.

• Open-air cinema: The Attikon open-air cinema is a treat for families. It regularly shows Mamma Mia, making it a fun experience for most ages.

• Boat trips: Take a family-friendly boat trip around the island to explore the beaches and sea caves. Many of these excursions also offer stops for swimming and snorkelling.

• Water sports: Many beaches around Skiathos Town offer activities such as pedalos, kayaking and even parasailing.

Free things to do in Skiathos Town

For those on a budget, there are plenty of enjoyable things to do in Skiathos Town – all without spending a penny.

• Explore the Old Port: Stroll along the Old Port's waterfront, soak up the atmosphere and watch the boats go by.

• Churches: Visit some of the town's historic churches, such as the Church of the Three Hierarchs or Agios Nikolaos, which also doubles as a viewpoint.

• Hiking: There are several scenic walking trails around Skiathos Town and beyond. The popular hiking trail to Kastro offers history and stunning views.

Wellness in Skiathos

• Spas: Several resorts in Skiathos Town offer luxurious spa treatments. Boutique hotels often feature spas with massage services, body treatments and beauty therapies.

• Yoga and meditation: The island offers outdoor yoga classes that take advantage of the stunning sea views, with a few local studios providing classes in Skiathos Town and on the nearby beaches.

• Holistic retreats: For a complete wellness experience, several retreats on the island combine yoga, mindfulness and healthy eating programs, providing a tranquil escape.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Skiathos offers several scenic trails, including routes to the northern beaches like Kastro or the beautiful Mandraki beach – trekking through lush forests. The island's interior is green and mountainous, with trails providing stunning views of the coastline and the Aegean Sea.

• Watersports: The beaches on the southern coast, such as Koukounaries and Vromolimnos, are popular for activities like water skiing, parasailing and paddleboarding. The warm waters and steady breeze make it ideal for beginners and seasoned water sports fans alike.

• Sailing: Skiathos Town serves as a hub for boat trips around the island or to nearby Skopelos and Alonissos. You can also hire a boat for a day of exploring secluded coves and beaches only accessible by sea.

• Snorkelling and diving: For those interested in the local marine life, the clear waters around Skiathos are perfect for snorkelling and diving, with organised trips available to some of the island's best underwater spots.

Local dishes in Skiathos Town

One of the great pleasures of holidays to Skiathos Town is experiencing the fresh and tasty Greek cuisine. From seafood delights to rich desserts, Skiathos offers a variety of culinary options that cater to all tastes.

Some typical dishes

• Gemista: A classic Greek dish of tomatoes and peppers stuffed with rice, herbs and sometimes minced meat, baked until soft and fragrant.

• Moussaka: Layers of aubergine, minced meat and béchamel sauce baked to perfection, offering a taste of traditional Greek comfort food.

• Saganaki: A delicious fried cheese appetiser, often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Grilled octopus: Fresh octopus is a local favourite, usually chargrilled and served with olive oil and lemon.

• Shrimp saganaki: A dish of shrimp cooked in a rich tomato sauce with feta cheese, offering a blend of flavours from the land and the sea.

• Kalamari: Fried or grilled squid, served crispy and tender, is a must-try on any visit to Skiathos.

Sweets and desserts

Greek desserts are often sweet, syrupy affairs. On Skiathos, you’ll find baklava – layers of filo pastry with honey and nuts – and loukoumades – bite-sized doughnuts drizzled with honey and cinnamon – perfect for a post-dinner treat.

Local drinks

• Ouzo: A traditional Greek spirit with a distinctive anise flavour, typically served over ice.

• Tsipouro: A strong local spirit, often enjoyed in small doses alongside seafood mezze.