With beautiful beaches and a thriving nightlife, Skiathos is popular with local Greek and European tourists. If you are wondering what its like to visit Skiathos, keep reading to see all the things to do in Skiathos, Greece.
Located in the northwest Aegean Sea, Skiathos feels like what Crete or Santorini would have been 20 years ago. It is an island that has the same lovely whitewashed houses, sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters as the other popular Greek islands but when visiting on shoulder season
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The Best Things to Do in Skiathos, Greece
It’s easy to reach by ferry from Pelion or Thessaloniki and once you arrive, you feel worlds away from the mainland. So sit back and enjoy the best things to do in Skiathos, Greece. Get your interactive map of Skiathos, to drive to any of the places listed on our things to do in Skiathos
Where to Stay in Skiathos – We stayed at La Piscine Art Hotel. It was very central to everything. Getting around Skiathos is best with a car you can compare car rental prices at RentalCars.com. You may also want to read: Is Greece Expensive, a complete guide to costs for travel in Greece.
1. Evangelistria Monastery
The Evangelistria Monastery was 1794 by a group of Kollyvades monks. You can hike to the Monastery from Skiathos Town or you can drive up. The monastery is set on a hill in a picturesque setting surrounded by a pine forest.
It has seen quite a history over the centuries and a very cool fact is that the very first Greek Flag was woven and blessed at Evangelistria Monastery. But it was all the cute cats that caught our eye when visiting the monastery.
2. Skiathos Old Town
Skiathos town is the main heart of the island with every amenity you could hope for. Get lost in the maze of stairways and back streets and be sure to stop for a sparkling glass of wine along the harborfront.
There are shops and boutiques and plenty of places to relax and take in the island vibes.
3. Church of Agios Nikolaos
For one of the best views in Skiathos, the Agios Nikolaos Church and clock tower. Located on a hill above Skiathos City, it offers beautiful views of the old town of ksiathos, Bourtzi Peninsula dividing the Old and New Ports of Skiathos.
The Best way to see the beaches and views of Skiathos is on a sailing trip. Book this full day tour of the beautiful island of Skiathos.
4. Church of Three Bishops
Located in Skiathos Town, The Church of the Three Bishops houses the icon of Panagia Kounistra, the saint protector of Skiathos. Constructed in 1846, it’s a picturesque building with a tall clock tower.
5. Dine at the Windmill Restaurant
While walking through the Old Town, we stumbled upon the best place to eat in Skiathos, the Windmill Restaurant. Located high above the old town, it offers beautiful views of Skiathos. The windmill dates back to in 1880 and is one of the oldest buildings on Skiathos. Enjoy a sunset dinner hear overlooking The Aegean Sea.
6. Catch a Showing of Mama Mia
Mama Mia was filmed on the neighboring island of Skopelos, Greece, and on the mainland of Pelion. A fun thing to do in Skiathos to enjoy the atmosphere of the island is to catch a showing of the hit movie in the open-air cinema. There is nothing more fun than sitting outside while watching a movie. Add singing and dancing to ABBA and you’ve fulfilled your Mama Mia dreams!
7. Kastro – Medievel Castle
Greece is such an ancient country, and there are so many ancient ruins throughout the Greek Islands. The Skiathos Castle, located on the North of the Island is a medieval castle dating back to the 14th century. Skiathos has been ruled by the Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans throughout the centuries. The ruins stand on high sea cliffs with a beautiful beach below.
8. Papadiamantis House Museum
If you want to visit a museum in Skiathos, make sure to visit the Papadiamantis House Museum. It was the birthplace of the Greek novelist Alexandros Papadiamantis who was considered the father of modern Greek literature. The home showcased books, photos, and paintings depicting the author’s life and work.
9. Take a Boat to Lalaria Beach
Lalaria Beach is the most beautiful location in Skiathos and it is the beach that makes Skiathos famous, but it can only be reached by boat. With a striking sea arch, clear azure waters, and giant white seacliffs, it will give you that picture-perfect postcard shot that you’ve been looking for in Greece.
There are two boats daily, so be prepared to spend the day. If you are getting dropped off at the beach, bring water, food and anything else that you may need. Water shoes are also recommended.
10. Walk Hand in Hand on Koukounaries
Koukounaries Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Skiathos. It’s a beautiful long stretch of sand filled with watersports, beach bars, and rows of beach chairs with sun umbrellas.
11. Tour to Tsougrias Beach
Tsorgrias Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Skiathos but its not located on Skiathos. Located Tsougrias Island. It has a lovely sandy beach and crystal clear waters.
You can hire boat trips to enjoy the serenity of Tsougrias Island. Rumour has it that The Beatles wanted to buy the island at one point to build a recording studio but their request was denied. Can you imagine?
12. Take a dip in Banana Beach
Banana Beach is an beach on Skiathos that looks like, you guessed it, a banana. Located near Koukounaries it is a good alternative to the busier Koukounaries Beach. There are watersports happening on this beach and its a good beach for swimming in its calm warm waters.
13. Escape to Little Banana Beach
If you are up for it, Little Banana Beach is located just south of Banana Beach and you can toss your clothes and prance around nude if you like. It is a good beach for swimming with its soft sandy bottom.
14. Hike to Mandraki Beach
Mandraki Bay is located on the West Coast of Skiathos and it is beautiful. We highly suggest renting a car for your trip to this beach located 15 km from Skiathos City. You can hike there through a pine forest, we stumbled upon it while driving around the island.
There aren’t a lot of facilities but you can hire a lounge chair and sun umbrella. So pack a picnic lunch and enjoy this less crowded beach option on Skiathos.
15. Vromolimnos Beach
Another poplular beach on Skiathos is Vromolimnos Beach. Located just outside Kolios and about 8km from Skiathos town, there are good facilities along this beach with chair rentals, beach bars and watersports.
16. Agia Eleni Beach
A great place for sunset on Skiathos is at Agia Eleni Beach. It is located near Koukounaries Beach, so it is a great places to escape the crowds. There are still beach amenities here and sun umbrellas and there are watersport and boat rentals as well.
Getting Around Skiathos
There are buses that will take you to beaches in Skiathos, but we recommend renting a car and driving around the island. We loved having the freedom to find hidden pockets and quiet beaches.
How to Get to Skiathos
Ferries depart daily from Volos and Agios Konstantinos. You can take your car, (like we did) on the ferries and it is a great way to get around the island to explore its hidden beaches and beautiful villages.
- Where to Stay in Skiathos – We stayed at La Piscine Art Hotel. It was very central to everything.
Read More About Travel in Greece
Having visited Skiathos for 12 yrs you have captured the island perfectly.
While at “The Church of Agios Nikolaos” watching nightfall, you will find The best restaurant to eat at, it’s called The Final Step. The steps are worth it. The food is special and the views just perfect.
Book ahead.
The Mylos is just perfect for watching planes come in and spending days drinking frappes.
The menu is vast and the food is my favourite for greek originality and egg and bacon baguettes.
I’d also recommend both Panarama and platanos for views.
They call Skiathos “Boomerang Island”
Amazing places. After Covid, I’ll visit Greece to enjoy these splendid places. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.