7 Best Things to Do on Skiathos: Top Activities, Beaches & Hidden Gems

Are you ready to experience the best things to do on Skiathos? It’s the ultimate island getaway filled with sun, sand, and adventure? This charming little gem in the Aegean Sea is bursting with activities that will have you feeling like a true explorer in no time. From pristine beaches to delicious food, Skiathos has something for everyone. So grab your sunscreen and sense of adventure as we dive into the best things to do on Skiathos, a beautiful island paradise.

Is Skiathos worth visiting? 

Skiathos is a beautiful Greek island in the Sporades island group. It doesn’t have the party reputation of some Greek islands and it’s definitely one of the quieter choices you can make for your holiday. Your holiday will be about relaxation and exploring the best things to do on Skiathos – both on the island and across its neighbours. I visited in May 2024 and absolutely loved my time on the island.

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 and Alonissos.

How to get to Skiathos?

Skiathos is easy to get to from many destinations across Europe. You can fly into Skiathos Airport, or take a ferry from one of the local islands or the Greek islands. See my post ‘Everything you need to know about Skiathos’ for more details.

Where to stay in Skiathos? 

Skiathos has an abundance of hotels, apartments and other accommodation options. Check out my post ‘Everything you need to know about Skiathos‘ to find out more.

The best things to do on Skiathos

1. Enjoy the beaches

There are so many beautiful beaches in Skiathos. The majority are sandy and have good services, including tavernas, 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.
 

Some of the other beautiful beaches include Koukinaries, the largest and most popular. Beware that a pair of sunloungers on this beach can cost 50e a day (20e on quieter beaches like Kolios). Koukinaries is one of the beaches furthest away from Skiathos Town, at the very end of the bus route. 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 the best things to do on Skiathos, 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. Visit Evangelistria monastery

Nestled in the centre of the island, Evangelistria Monastery is a haven of peace and quiet, and it’s definitely one of the best things to do 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!

4. Visit Parissis Winery

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.

How to get there

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.

A better way to visit is to take a tour bus up. This gives you the added bonus of being able to drink as much wine as you’d like! Many hotels will offer this, or trips are available on Musement Tours.

The Experience

The vineyard itself is relatively small (or at least the area visible to the public). If you take a 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. This helps you to 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!

While I think a visit to the vineyard is one of the best things to do on Skiathos, if you can’t make it, Parissis wines are available at some restaurants on the island. This includes Infinity Blue (see below).

6. Go island hopping

6. Go island hopping

Like many Greek islands, Skiathos is near enough to its neighbours that it’s easy to go island hopping. The two most common destinations are Skopelos and Alonissos.

• Skopelos is smaller than Skiathos. It’s famous for being the filming location for Mamma Mia. It 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.

See my post on the best day trips from Skiathos for more details.

5. Explore Skiathos town

Skiathos Town is the bustling capital of the island. Your plane or ferry will arrive into the town. It’s easily accessible by bus from 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 best things to do in Skiathos Town is visiting Skiathos Castle, built around 1360 and originally Byzantine until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. The Venetians then took it over. Make sure you take the walk up, because the views are well worth it. You’ll also pass Agios Nikolas Church, a beautiful example of a Greek Orthodox church, and clock tower

7. Eat delicious food

There are lots of delicious food options on Skiathos, but three really stood out for me.

• The first was Infinity Blue, on a cliff overlooking Kolios Beach. Infinity Blue is 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.

• My second recommendation is Bourtzi. This beautiful restaurant is 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. 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 best bathrooms I’ve ever experienced.

• Finally, I didn’t get a chance to try Windmill restaurant, but I heard great things about this unique spot 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.

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!