Skiathos is the main island of the Sporades. The island is accessible by ferry or by air and has plenty to offer – good beaches, lots of restaurants and shops, beautiful monasteries and a very pretty old town.

Skiathos

Mandraki Beach

One of the best ways to see the island is to hire a car. We hired a little Suzuki car (A$35/day) from Hellenic Rentals to explore the island. Over two days we saw:

  • Kolios beach – pretty beach on a wide bay, parking at the beach.
  • Koukounaries – this was recommended to us as a beautiful beach however it was absolutely crowded with sun lounges on our visit in early June.
  • Agia Eleni beach – lovely small beach with two beach bars renting sun lounges. Very small parking area under the trees right at the beach.
  • We took the drive along a gravel road high above some beautiful beaches – Mandraki, Elia and Agistros – however you do have to walk down to those beaches and walk back up!
  • Platanos Restaurant – high above Skiathos town with a panoramic views
  • Parissis Winery – a modern winery with spectacular views
  • Evaggelistrias Monastery – calm, serene, beautiful. There is a little museum, monastery products shop and a café.

Skiathos town highlights:

  • Wander the little streets of the old town – charming restaurants and smart boutiques, traditional, white-washed buildings.
  • See the Mamma Mia movie at the outdoor cinema in Skiathos town – not just an ordinary night at the movies!
  • Enjoy a meal at Bakaliko restaurant by the water. This end of the waterfront has very good restaurants.

Skiathos Old Town

Lalaria is the most famous beach on Skiathos for its clear blue water and rock formations. Only accessible by boat – this is a must see that we missed unfortunately!

Many boat trips are available from the old port of Skiathos town. You can book directly with the boat operators at the port or through one of the many travel agents in town. There are also boat trips to Skopelos for the day.

Accommodation
We stayed in beautiful Despina’s House, very well located within a 10-minute walk from the centre of Skiathos town.

Skiathos island is a popular island for holidaymakers and well worth a visit.

From Skiathos we took a ferry to Thessaloniki (which took just over 3 hours) where we rented a car and drove to Meteora.

For more photos, take a look at our Greek itinerary slideshow.

6-9 June 2023
Best Month of Your Life