Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, Skiathos is one of Greece’s most beloved islands, famed for its lush landscapes, golden beaches, and vibrant culture. Though relatively small, Skiathos boasts a rich history dating back to ancient times. The island played a significant role during the Greek War of Independence and has long been a strategic maritime hub due to its natural harbor and proximity to mainland Greece.

First things first: how to get there.

By plane – the easiest way

Skiathos is located in the Sporades , bordered by Evia island in the south, Thessalia (central Greece) in the west, North Aegean islands in the east and Halkidiki Peninsula in the north. In clear days, Holy Mount Athos can be seen from Skiathos. The name of the archipelago literally means “the scattered ones” and only four are permanently inhabited: Skiathos, Skopelos (or Mamma Mia! island), Alonissos and Skyros. Keep in mind that Skyros is also a military base (both marine and airforce) and access to some parts of the island might be prohibited.

Skiathos is the only island with an international airport, famous for its plane spotting area, actually the only one in Europe where you can literally sit a couple of meters behind a plane that takes off. I have detailed that in my previous post, when I went there and back in a day. The airport is just 15 mins walk from Skiathos town center.

By ferry

You can take a ferry from Volos, especially when you travel by your own car. This service runs on a daily schedule all year round, in the summer months even multiple times a day.

Another ferry service is from Thessaloniki – longer and more expensive, operated only in the summer months – starting from mid-May to mid-September or from Halkidiki – Nea Moudania (Kassandra) and Neos Marmaras (Sithonia)

Where to book accommodation?

Accommodation can be found mainly in the south-east side, in Skiathos town – the nearest beach is just 15 mins walk or in popular tourist villages such as Achladias, Kanapisa, Kolios, Platanias and Koukounaries. All these villages are connected by the public transport that runs every 30 minutes from Skiathos town to Koukounaries beach. You can find accommodation for every budget, from simple rooms or studios in the old town to a four stars hotel overlooking Koukounaries beach. Keep in mind that the airport is just a short walk from Skiathos town and yes, you will hear all the noise from the planes.

Public transportation

As on all Greek islands, public transport is provided only by bus. The main hub is the Port station, or Limani. The price of one way journey from Airport to Koukounaries (the longest route) is 3 euros while shorter routes cost 2 euros. The tickets can be purchased from the ticket office at the airport, port, Akropoli (bus stop 4) and Koukounaries by card and cash, or directly in the bus (cash only). Taxi service is available, main stations being at the airport and in port. There is no uber/bolt service.

Driving and car rental

If you arrive by plane, there are plenty of options where you can rent a car from. You can choose directly from the airport for your entire stay or you can rent only for a couple of days from the port. The roads are in good conditions but narrow, so I strongly recommend a small car. Keep in mind that parking spaces are limited ans Skiathos town center is pedestrians only. If you are familiar with and drove one before, a scooter is the best way to explore the island

Where and what to eat

Skiathos cuisine is mostly based on the traditional Greek food, such as horiatiki (Greek salad), souvlaki, gyros, fish and seafood. In Skiathos town, especially in the port, there are a lot of tavernas where you can choose from, covering all international foods. You can enjoy a pizza or pasta, Greek meze, delicious octopus or kalamari, brunch, asian cuisine, etc.

However, if I would make any recommendations, it would be the following:

• Trelo Koutali (Crazy Spoon) for Greek food, especially the octopus. This is a family owned restaurant by a lovely lady from Cluj, Romania and the food and service are top! Also you have the view over the harbour and see planes landing or taking off.
• Giardino Segreto – a cozy atmosphere and good food
• Avli – good food and service

If you would like a fancier place, Bourtzi restaurant would be a good option. Just make sure you make a reservation before going there, as it is always busy.

Good to know before you go:

• It is a very green island so mosquitos and wasps can be an issue
• All island is NO-FLY zone for drones! Check https://dagr.hasp.gov.gr/#map_page for all areas in Greece
• Most hotels and tavernas close around early-mid October
• It has more than 60 sandy beaches, suitable for small children
• You can see lillies on the beaches. Please don’t pick them, they are an endangered species

• Is full of cats! I have seen here more cats than in all Crete (and that is the biggest island). You will see posters from locals asking you not to feed them.
• Card payment is widely accepted
• As Skyros is a Greek Airforce and military base, it is very common to hear fighter jets and see military ships
• You can take a taxi boat to Koukounaries and Katigiorgis (Pelion peninsula)
• Skiathos town center is pedestrian. Only specific cars are allowed, usually early in the morning, for supply
• Rain is common in spring and autumn, so be careful as the streets are slippery
• If you can, choose A, B or C seats for the best views when landing and taking off

I will detail in a later post the things you can do here. See ya!