EmJust so you know: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I may also earn a small commission if you book a tour, hotel, or buy something else through these links. It helps me keep this blog running and full of travel tips. Thanks for your support!
Looking for the best things to do in Skiathos? This sun-soaked Greek island in the Aegean Sea offers the perfect mix of stunning beaches, rich history, and laid-back island charm. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller exploring the Sporades, Skiathos has something for everyone—from boat trips and historic monasteries to vibrant seaside dining. In this guide, I’ll take you through the absolute best things to do in Skiathos, based on my personal experience visiting in 2024. Get ready to plan an unforgettable island escape!
All photos featured on this blog are from my personal travel experiences.
🛎️ Quick Booking Links for Your Skiathos Trip
- 🏨 Browse top-rated hotels in Skiathos → Book here
- 🍷 Book a wine tour at Parissis Winery → Reserve now
- ⛴️ Reserve a boat trip to Lalaria → Book your tour
- 🏝️ Plan a day trip to Skopelos or Alonissos → Book now
Is Skiathos worth visiting?
Skiathos, a beautiful Greek island in the Sporades island group, is definitely worth visiting. It doesn’t have the party reputation of some Greek islands, which makes it a haven of peace and tranquillity. Your holiday will be about exploring the best things to do on Skiathos at a relaxed pace, taking in the beaches, history and incredible food. I’ve been to several Greek islands (Rhodes, Corfu, Crete, Kos and Kefalonia on big trips, and day trips to Paxos and Antipaxos), and when I visited in May 2024 it rapidly became one of my favourites – not least because unlike many Greek islands, the regular bus service makes it really easy to explore without a car.
Having said that, one of the best things to do on Skiathos is leave Skiathos for a day trip – it’s the gateway to the even smaller and more peaceful Skopelos (of Mamma Mia fame) and Alonissos. It can be hard to get to these smaller islands for a full holiday – neither has their own airport – so take advantage of their proximity to Skiathos to visit two Greek islands that are even more off the beaten path.
👉 Want to visit Mamma Mia’s Skopelos and peaceful Alonissos? Book this highly-rated island-hopping tour!
How do you get to Skiathos?
Skiathos is easy to get to from many destinations across Europe. Most people arrive via Skiathos airport from the UK or another European airport. There is regular bus from the airport to Skiathos Town – check the bus timetable here.
You can also get ferries to the island. This is most likely if you are coming from another island nearby – like Alonissos or Skopelos – as part of an island hopping tour. But there are also regular ferries from Thessaloniki, Volos or other ports on the Greek mainland.
If you travel by ferry, these come into the main port in Skiathos town. From there, it’s easy to hop on the local bus or to find a taxi to your hotel or apartment. If you’re staying in Skiathos town, you might even be able to walk. There are also rental companies on the seafront near the port, including Enterprise and local options.
Where should you stay in Skiathos
Skiathos has an abundance of hotels, apartments and other accommodation options. I stayed at a hotel near Kolios Beach, and highly recommend this area. It was about half way along the island between Skiathos Town and Koukinaries Beach (the end of the bus line). The area was quiet, but had enough restaurants and bars for variety, and was close to a beautiful beach.
Browse hotels in Kolios Beach here:
If you want to stay more centrally, consider Skiathos Town – you’ll have easy access to a range of bars and hotels, and the excellent local buses will ensure you can still get to Skiathos’ beautiful beaches.
From Coastline to Culture: The Best Things to Do in Skiathos
1. Enjoy the stunning beaches found across Skiathos
There are so many beautiful beaches in Skiathos. The majority are sandy and have good services, including tavernas with toilet access, so spending the day is one of the best things to do on Skiathos. These tavernas usually own the loungers outside and charge a set amount for the day.
I stayed near Kolios beach, a lovely little strip of golden sand with two good restaurants. I loved spending the day here – it’s relatively quiet, the water is crystal clear and the food was good.
Some of the other beautiful beaches include Koukinaries, the largest and most popular, but the furthest away from Skiathos Town. Beware that a pair of sun loungers on this beach cost 50e a day in May 2024 (20e on quieter beaches like Kolios).
If you’re looking for something a bit nearer, Vromolimnos, Agia Paraskevi and Kanapitsa are on the main bus route. All have facilities including toilets and bars/restaurants.
2. Visit the famous Lalaria Beach
The most famous beach on Skiathos is Lalaria beach, known for its white stones. This beach is so beloved that there is a bin in Skiathos airport for guilty people to return the stones they’ve taken before they leave the island.
While a visit to Lalaria is one of most famous Skiathos activities, it’s not on the main tourist route – the only way to get there is by boat. Luckily, there are lots of boats in the harbours offering tours around to Lalaria so you’ll definitely find an option. For boat tours, I prefer to check out the timings offered the day before to make sure I’m not waiting around too long.
3. Enjoy the peace at Evangelistria monastery
Nestled in the centre of the island, Evangelistria Monastery is a haven of peace and quiet, and one of the best things to see on Skiathos. Built in the 18th century, it’s a traditional stone building nestled in the Greek hills. Apart from enjoying the peace and beauty of the site, there’s a small museum. There’s also a shop where the monastery sells items made on site or sourced locally such as honey and soaps.
The trip out from Skiathos town takes about 10 minutes. You can either drive yourself, or take the local bus from the stop in Skiathos port. Remember to check bus times and in high season, arrive early. To get up the mountain roads, the island can only provide a mini bus so it will get crowded at peak times. You can also walk up, with the walking time advertised as about 1 hour – beware it will be very hilly!
While the monastery is only a short trip, it’s stunningly beautiful and well worth doing, not least for the views of the island from the entrance. Definitely not to be missed!
👉 Don’t want to hike or deal with crowded minibuses? This unique evening tours takes you to Evangelistria, as well as other historic churches, with round trip transport!
4. Sip delicious wine and soak up the views at Parissis Winery
🍷 Perfect for wine lovers and foodies visiting Skiathos!
Parissis Winery, the only vineyard on Skiathos, is high up in the hills in the centre of the island. Opened in 2019, it had a rough couple of years starting up due to the pandemic, but is starting to find its feet now.
The vineyard is relatively small (or at least the area visible to the public), but if you take an organised tour you’ll be given an explanation of the types of grape they grow and why. You’ll also be taken into the winery, where they make and bottle the wines.
Finally, you’ll get to enjoy the stunning views of Skiathos Town and the island while sipping on a range of delicious wines. The climate on the island is best for whites and roses, which are the majority of your tasting.
If you take a tour, you’ll also have a cheese and charcuterie board to help line your stomach. The staff at the vineyard will explain each wine, so you can slot it into your frame of reference for more common wines, given Greek varieties aren’t well known. Finally, you’ll have a chance to buy a bottle to take home – who would turn that down!
This was one of my favourite things to do on the island! But if you can’t make it, Parissis wines are available at some restaurants on the island, including Infinity Blue (see below).
How to get to Parissis Winery
You can drive yourself up to the vineyard, which is well signposted. Be aware that parts of the road are in bad repair and are also extremely steep. You can then buy a tour from the vineyard website.
However, I recommend taking a guided tour, which is how I visited. This gives you the added bonus of not having to worry about being a designated driver on the way back.
Book your winery tour with transportation included here so you can enjoy the wine without worrying about the drive.
6. Go island hopping to Mammia Mia’s Skopelos and historic Alonissos
Like many Greek islands, Skiathos is near enough to its neighbours that it’s easy to go island hopping. The best options for island hopping from Skiathos are Skopelos and Alonissos. See my post on the best day trips from Skiathos for more details.
- Skopelos is smaller than Skiathos. It’s famous for being the filming location for Mamma Mia, and also has a beautiful Old Town and a number of stunning beaches.
- Alonissos is even smaller. The historic town, high in the hills, was a famous pirate haven for centuries before being destroyed by an earthquake. It has now been rebuilt and it’s a great place to visit.
🏝️ Want to explore more Greek islands while you’re in Skiathos? This full-day cruise takes you to the laid-back islands of Skopelos and Alonissos , known for turquoise bays, charming towns, and peaceful beaches. It’s perfect for travellers who want a mix of sightseeing and chill. Book the exact island-hopping cruise I did on Viator.
🎶 Calling all Mamma Mia fans! Step into the movie magic on this Mamma Mia-themed boat tour that visits filming locations like Kastani Beach and Agios Ioannis Chapel (yes, the cliffside wedding church!). A must-do for ABBA lovers or film buffs. Check prices and availability for the Mamma Mia tour here
✨ Not sure which boat trip to choose?
- Go with the Skopelos & Alonissos cruise if you want quiet towns, swimming stops, and local charm.
- Choose the Mamma Mia tour for iconic film spots and sing-along vibes.
5. Explore atmospheric Skiathos Town
Skiathos Town is the bustling capital of the island, and it’s easily accessible by bus from your beach-based hotel around the island.
Like many Greek towns, Skiathos Town has many winding alleyways, white houses with abundant flowers and steep steps up into the hillside. However, it’s also a modern town with a busy main shopping street. This is filled with restaurants and shops that are much better than the usual souvenir-laden offerings (though those exist too).
One of the top attractions in Skiathos Town is Skiathos Castle, built around 1360. It was a Byzantine stronghold until the fall of Constantinople in 1453, when it was taken over by the Venetians. Make sure you take the walk up, because the views across the Aegean are well worth it.
On your walk you’ll also pass Agios Nikolas Church, a beautiful example of a Greek Orthodox church.
7. Eat delicious food while taking in stunning views of the Aegean
There are lots of delicious food options on Skiathos, so you’ll never go hungry. But these are my Skiathos restaurant recommendations:
- Infinity Blue is on a cliff overlooking Kolios Beach, and it’s all about the view. Set up high, it overlooks the bay in front. It also offers excellent fish and seafood, as well as a wide selection of wines – including from Parissis winery above. Check in advance whether Infinity Blue is open – times depend on the season – and book ahead, especially if you want one of the better seats. You can get there easily via the Skiathos bus, with the stop just below, as well as taking a taxi or driving.
Infinity Blue books up quickly in high season — consider staying nearby so you can enjoy dinner with a view and walk home.
👉 See hotels near Infinity Blue
- Bourtzi is a beautiful restaurant set on a small islet/peninsula overlooking Skiathos port and Skiathos Town. To get to the restaurant, follow the port until you get to the small hilly islet, and walk around until you get to the entrance. Like Infinity Blue, Bourtzi is all about the view – the food is fairly standard European fare, more suited to brunch/lunch than dinner, though it was good quality. But the setting makes up for the lack of local options, looking directly over the stunningly blue sea. There’s also steps down to a small landing where you can swim, as well as the most beautiful bathrooms I’ve ever experienced.
Want to stay in the heart of Skiathos Town and walk to dinner?”
👉 Check Skiathos Town accommodation options
- Finally, I didn’t get a chance to try Windmill, but I heard great things about this unique restaurant in Skiathos Town. Set in an old windmill, the restaurant has very limited opening hours, so book ahead. It overlooks the whole of Skiathos Town and the harbour, as well as giving you the chance to dine in a historic building.
- A special shout out goes to Crazy Rooster, on the road into the hills from Kolios beach. This little bar/restaurant had amazing food and the rudest (but excellent) cocktails I’ve ever seen. If you’re staying near Kolios, it’s definitely worth checking it out.
🧳 What to Pack for Skiathos
A few smart packing choices can make your Skiathos trip much smoother (and save you money compared to buying things on the island). Here are two items I personally used and recommend:
- 🌊 Quick-Dry Beach Towel – I love the Dock & Bay towels because they’re super compact, dry in minutes, and don’t trap sand the way regular towels do. Perfect for hopping between beaches on Skiathos without carrying a heavy, soggy towel.
- 📱 Waterproof Phone Lanyard – Whether you’re swimming at Lalaria, on a boat trip, or just worried about sand and splashes, a waterproof phone pouch with lanyard is a lifesaver. I’ve used these for years to take photos in the water without stress.
- 📖 Kindle E-Reader – If you’re a bookworm like me, a Kindle is ideal for the beach. No bulky paperbacks, no worries about sand, and you can carry an entire holiday’s worth of reading in one lightweight device. Bonus: a Kindle Unlimited subscription ensures you never run out of books!
- 🔋 Portable Charger/Power Bank – Between snapping selfies, filming boat tours, and using maps, your phone battery will drain quickly. A portable charger keeps everything powered up so you don’t miss a shot.
Optional extras you might also want:
- Reef-safe sunscreen – The sun is intense, and Greek beaches are eco-sensitive. Choose the cream – the spray is worthless if there’s even the slightest breeze.
- Reusable water bottle – To cut down on buying plastic bottles while exploring.
👉 You can find all of these on Amazon before your trip so you’re fully prepped and don’t have to waste holiday time shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Skiathos?
Skiathos is a relatively small island in the Greek Sporades island group, in the Aegean Sea. It’s significantly smaller than the bigger islands like Crete or Rhodes, making it a much easier travel destination.
It’s further north than some Greek islands you might have visited before – north of Athens and in line with the boot of Italy. Other Greek islands, such as Crete and Rhodes are much further south. This impacts the weather, making it cooler than the more southern islands.
When is the best time to visit Skiathos?
There are a few different seasons when you might consider visiting Skiathos – with spring, autumn or summer the best seasons. If you are visiting in the shoulder season months, you can expect more unsettled weather and rainfall – we had a few cool, cloudy days when I visited in May 2024.
✔ Spring: It’s definitely a little cooler than expected in Spring. Skiathos in May has temperatures on average of 23c and only 18c in April.
✔ Summer: As a Greek island, you can expect full sun in summer. Skiathos in June has temperatures around 27c, while Skiathos in July and August is around 29c.
✔ Autumn: Skiathos in September has an average of 25c.
✔ Winter: Like many Greek islands, Skiathos will mostly close down during the winter, with restaurants and hotels shutting for the low season. This isn’t the best time to visit Skiathos, unless you are looking for a true escape from people.
Does Skiathos Airport have good facilities?
Skiathos airport is small but modern. Arrivals is compact, with only a few passport control booths, so you can expect to queue for at least a short time. Departures is split into Schengen (most of Europe) and non-Schengen (including UK) areas, and once you’re through passport control you’re directed into the relevant area for you and not able to leave.
This has an impact, as in the non-Schengen area there is only one small cafe, offering coffee, snacks/sandwiches and water. Needless to say, the queue was extensive for this, so if you’re looking for snacks these are best bought before security. Unfortunately, I didn’t find anywhere to top up a water bottle, so you’ll have to brave the queue for water or wait for service on your flight.
While I was only in the non-Schengen area, we could see the Schengen side of departures, and it was clear this was bigger and had more services, including a proper bar.
Seating was very much at a premium in departures, so if you can, find a seat and keep it!
Can you take the bus in Skiathos?
Getting around Skiathos by bus is really easy, as Skiathos public transport is good. There is a regular bus that goes around the busiest parts of the island. It leaves from Skiathos Town and heading out to Koukounaries beach. Buses can leave up to every 10-15 minutes in summer, and stops at all major beaches. The bus is a modern coach with air conditioning, which makes it an excellent way to get around. It’s great for a night out, with the last bus after midnight during the summer months.
There is also a bus to Evaggelistria Monastery, which shuttles you to and from this popular tourist attraction.
Check all bus timetables here – they change depending on the season.
Can you walk in Skiathos?
You can walk around Skiathos, but like many islands in Greece there is very limited pavement on the narrow roads. Walking is fine on side roads up to hotels or bars, but a bit more risky on the main road that goes along the coast. If you do walk, be careful to follow sensible road rules such as walking towards oncoming traffic and being careful at corners.
If hiking is your thing, there are many signposted off-road hiking trails on the island. There is also a detailed guide for walks on the island.
Skiathos town is easy to walk around, with many narrow streets forcing cars to slow down, and with pavement on the main roads.
Can you hire a car to get around in Skiathos?
It’s easy to get around Skiathos by car. There are many options to find a hire car on the island. These car rentals range from the big players like Enterprise at the port and Hertz, Avis and Dollar at the airport, to small local hire shops, mostly clustered in town. You can hire motorbikes, and I also saw people who had hired ATVs.
If you are planning to hire a car and go into the centre of the island, be aware that it is extremely steep in places. Not all roads are in good condition (for example, if you are driving up to the winery, even the tour driver who does the trip multiple times a week struggled).
Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Skiathos has something for everyone. From soaking up the sun on beautiful beaches to exploring historic monasteries, this charming island offers a perfect blend of leisure and excitement. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable vacation filled with fun and adventure on the picturesque island of Skiathos! I’ve been to quite a few Greek islands by now and I can definitely say that Skiathos is one of my favourites to visit!
🧳 Plan Your Skiathos Trip Like a Pro
- 🏨 Hotels in Skiathos Town → Find your hotel
- 🏝️ Kolios Beach Stays → Check availability
- ⛴️ Day Trip to Skopelos & Alonissos → Reserve now!
- 🎶 Mamma Mia! Themed day trip → Book here!
- 🚤 Lalaria Beach Boat Tour → Sells out quickly!
- 🍷 Parissis Winery Tour → Find the best wines here!
Em is the traveller behind Em’s Globetrotting Gems, a blog where she shares honest tips and personal experiences from her journeys around the world. In 2024, she spent a week on the beautiful Greek island of Skiathos, discovering its beaches, towns, and laid-back charm. Her blog is all about helping fellow travellers plan memorable trips with practical advice and a touch of inspiration.
✅ All photos featured on this blog are from my personal travel experiences. No stock images are used.
[…] you’ve planned your city break, it’s time to think about a longer trip! Check out my guide to Skiathos for a typical summer break, or find out Everything you need to know about visiting Montenegro, one […]
[…] To find out more, check out my post “Discover Skiathos – The best things to do in Skiathos“. […]
Oh! This looks so inviting and charming! I would love to have an adventure exploring here!
Thank you so much for your insight! I have yet to visit the Greek Islands, but I know when I do visit I’d like to go to the lesser visited islands. You always hear about the same ones and they seemed to be packed to the max and outrageously priced in the high season. I am so excited to learn about Skiathos, as this is the first I’m hearing about it from you!
Skiathos looks amazing. We have been lucky enough to sail around many islands in Greece, but this has not been one of them. I would love to visit and do that winery tour. So many restaurants with beautiful views… it would be hard to ever leave.
Skiathos looks wonderful and look forward to exploring the Evengelistria monastery and the beautiful beaches in this quiet gem of an island.