SkiathosSporades Islands · Greece

All About Skiathos

Situated in the westernmost part of the Sporades islands, Skiathos is widely known as being the most cosmopolitan and popular island in the group. Boasting a wonderful natural landscape filled with pine trees and blessed with over 60 breathtaking beaches offering crystal-clear azure waters, Skiathos is the ideal destination for every nature lover. Booking ferry tickets to Skiathos is really easy, just use Ferryscanner to find out the best companies and routes that match your preferences.

Skiathos town is the biggest and most popular settlement on the island, filled with traditional taverns, projecting a cosmopolitan aura mainly loved by young visitors. The town also offers many other interesting cultural sites, such as the Bourtzi, the Venetian fortress, and the houses of notable Greeks. Whether you are a lover of vibrant nightlife or you enjoy calm vacations with your family, Skiathos is surely the destination for you.
 

Routes and Ferries to Skiathos

Skiathos is well connected with the port of Volos and the nearby islands of Alonissos, Glossa, and Skopelos. If you want to reach the island from mainland Greece, just board a ferry by Hellenic Seaways from Volos and reach your destination in two and a half hours.

You can also use Hellenic Seaways to reach the nearby islands from Skiathos. In two hours and fifteen minutes, you will be at the port of Alonissos, in one and a half hours you can reach Skopelos, while you only need half an hour to reach Glossa. Use Ferryscanner to compare prices and easily book your ferry tickets to Skiathos.

The airport of Skiathos, also known as Skiathos Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport, named after the famous Greek novelist and native of the island, receives flights from Athens International Airport ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’ several times per week, with the duration of the trip lasting about 45 minutes. The island’s airport is located 2 km away from the main town.
 

Ports of Skiathos

The main port of the island is Skiathos Harbor, situated in the Town of Skiathos. This is a modern port equipped with all the necessary facilities for the safe anchoring of any boat and providing excellent shelter for passengers.

Many yachts, fishing boats, and other water vehicles are parked here, while the harbor receives regular traffic from the nearby islands and it is also connected with Thessaloniki. The port is also filled with seaside taverns, where you can relax and enjoy fresh fish.

Besides Skiathos Harbor, there are also some other smaller anchorages on the island, such as Vasilias, Kanapitsa, and Koukounaries. Don’t forget to use the search and booking engine on the Ferryscanner website to book your ferry tickets to Skiathos.
 

Capital & Villages

The only real traditional Greek village, in any meaningful sense of the world, is Skiathos Town. The other settlements are just tourist resorts with many holiday apartments, taverns, and organized beaches since the rest of the island is barely inhabited.

Skiathos Town

Skiathos Town is the heart and capital of the island and is built amphitheatrically on the southeastern tip of the island in a windless bay. The population of the settlement is around 5000, but during the summer months, this number increases significantly when people who have moved to bigger cities for work return to their hometown to spend the summer.

The architecture is considered a beautiful combination of different styles influenced both by the typical architecture of the islands and the region of Mount Pelion, which dominates the closest mainland city, Volos. The houses are small, simple, and white, with tiled roofs and narrow streets.

The history of the island is closely associated with World War II since it was continuously bombarded and seriously destroyed by the Germans. Nevertheless, the fighting spirit of the people of Skiathos managed to survive and rebuilt the settlement from scratch.

Here you also find a large number of restaurants, bars, shops and other facilities that can make you stay as comfortable as possible. The Town is also famous for its vibrant lifestyle since lots of young people arrive on the island from all over Greece to have fun and enjoy themselves after graduating.

Some of the most important landmarks in the area that are worth a visit are the Bourtzi fortress, the old castle built by the Gizi brothers during the Venetian period, and the house of famous writer Alexandros Papadiamantis, which now operates as a museum. The old port is also quite picturesque and offers a pleasant place for a walk, while the whole settlement projects a romantic and charming atmosphere.

Furthermore, all major events and activities take place here in Skiathos Town. You can also attend some of the various cultural events that take place during the summer months. These festivals are ideal for true lovers of culture who want to get better acquainted with the Greek literary, musical, and cultural traditions.

Overall, the cosmopolitan character of the island is wonderfully combined with Greek tradition, offering an unforgettable experience to every visitor. With ferry tickets to Skiathos in hand, get ready to explore.
 

Best Beaches

Skiathos offers more than 60 breathtaking beaches with crystal clear waters, suitable for people of every age.

Kokounaries Beach

Koukounaries Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Greece, and the most visited one in Skiathos.  Famous for its extremely fine sand and crystal-clear deep blue waters, the beach takes its name from the fragrant pine trees forest nearby.

Koukounaries Beach has been voted one of the most unspoiled beaches of the Mediterranean, and it is well-organized, offering many water sports, sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars. The beach is connected to the town by a 30-minute bus ride, as well as with water taxis and small excursion boats.

Lalaria Beach

Situated at the northeastern tip of the island, Lalaria beach is definitely one of the most impressive beaches in Greece. The landscape here is really dream-like, with huge white cliffs standing out of the crystal clear waters.

The rocks also form the magnificent Blue and Dark caves that are definitely worth a visit. You can reach Lalaria Beach only by boat from the port of the capital.

Banana Beach

Banana Beach is an organized beach situated on the west coast of Skiathos. This sandy cove takes its name from its shape and it is actually divided into two parts. The large offers a vibrant atmosphere with music and a young crowd, while the other is more relaxed and quiet, and also a nudist beach.

There are sunbeds to hire in both parts of the beach, which offers crystalline waters, fine sand, and a wide range of water sports. Hop on one of the regular buses from Skiathos Town to Banana Beach, and take the short but steep walk to the shore.

Agia Paraskevi Beach

The beach of Agia Paraskevi is located in the south area of the island, 7km from Skiathos Town. It is a beautiful beach with blue waters and golden sand that takes its name after the nearby chapel of Agia Paraskevi.

This is a large beach that offers many facilities and opportunities from water sports, such as water skiing and jet skiing. There also many accommodation options in the area, such as nice villas and many luxury hotels. The beach of Agia Paraskevi can be easily accessed by bus from Skiathos Town.
 

Transportation Around Skiathos

Without a doubt, Skiathos is a wonderful and aesthetically pleasing island, full of scenic views and splendid landscapes. Thankfully, many transportation options are offered to visitors. Public transportation is an affordable and quick way to explore the whole region, with the central bus station located in Chora.

If you prefer a more private and luxurious mode of transportation you can take a taxi, or even a water taxi, if you prefer traveling by sea. Alternatively, you can rent a car or a motorbike for a more adventurous ride, and easily reach even the most isolated areas of the island. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Skiathos.