Skiathos: All the Things to Do and Must See
I'M SURE YOU ARE ASKING YOURSELF BY NOW WHAT ARE THE THINGS I MUST SEE AND DO IN SKIATHOS
Skiathos is known for its sunny beaches, warm Aegean Sea, delightful Greek cuisine, and its connection to the Mamma Mia movie. To make the most of your trip, a bit of pre-planning goes a long way. There are numerous online resources with reviews and feedback from other travellers, including Google Reviews, Tripadvisor, and Facebook Groups that you can consult to plan your trip. At Villa Athena, we can offer you our own first-hand experiences and suggestions of what to do and see in Skiathos based on your personal preferences. Karen will sit down with you on arrival and discuss your needs and expectations of your Skiathos trip and then make suggestions based on what you would like to see and do. Skiathos has so many things to do and see - we can keep you busy for weeks with outings.
Beaches:
With over 60 beaches on the island, you could spend weeks exploring them all. Only about half is accessible by car, scooter, bus or on foot - and the balance only accessible by boat. We personally visited most of the beaches on the island and can recommend the best ones based on your preference. They range from the lively, vibey and trendy beaches to quiet more romantic and secluded spots. We will discuss the beach options with you upon your arrival. Typically, there is no need to book sunbeds unless you plan to visit the most popular beaches. Renting a car is recommended to explore some of the more exclusive beaches on the northern side of the Island, many of which are less crowded. As some beaches are only accessible by boat, so be sure to inquire about boat trips and access to those beaches as well.
Here is a website with info on the different beaches in Skiathos. What we like about this link is that the beaches appear in sequence as you find the beaches on the map. Skiathos Beaches - Link
Tavernas and Restaurants:
Skiathos boasts close to 200 eateries, ranging from your traditional Greek tavernas to high-end restaurants. Most places do not require reservations, but for the highly-rated or fine dining establishments, booking a few days to a week in advance is advisable. For a special dining experience with unobstructed sea views at a special restaurant, reservations are a must. Tripadvisor and Facebook groups can be useful for researching dining options. We will also recommend restaurants on your arrival based on your preferences. Whether you're looking for authentic local cuisine or a particular ambiance be sure to ask us. For the most authentic Greek experience, ask about the restaurants frequented by locals and for that special celebration, let's give you some ideas to make it a memorable experience. Click here for more details on where to eat in Skiathos
Boat Trips:
No visit to Skiathos is complete without a boat trip around the island to visit exclusive beaches like Lalaria and the Mamma Mia beaches, explore sea caves, or visit nearby uninhabited islands. Options include joining a boat trip or water taxi from the harbour, renting a small 30hp boat (in Greece no license required), or if you have a skipper's license, renting a 140hp Rib boat. For a truly special experience, consider renting a private boat with a skipper for a day trip to Skopelos Island, the Mamma Mia Chapel, Tsougria or Arkos islands, and Lalaria beach, with lunch at a taverna on a hidden beach. During high season, private trips and boats should be booked well in advance. We can recommend you a company for boat rentals or private boat trips that we trust, if you would like to compare with others you find on the internet.
Churches and Monasteries:
Skiathos is home to over 60 churches and monasteries, each with its own history and dedicated to a saint or holy person. Some of these date from the 16th or 17th century. Many are located in secluded spots with stunning views. Visiting these sites is as simple as stopping by when you see one. If it's open you can enter them and experience the magic of the centuries old Greek Orthodox Religion.
Mamma Mia:
It's a must-do for many visitors to Skiathos, and for good reason. After all, our island and historic harbour were featured in the movie's opening scenes, with some of our locals even making appearances as extras! Various boat trips offer visits to filming locations, including the chapel where the final scenes were shot and the beach where Sophie and Sky swam.
Picture this: an evening under the stars in an open-air theatre, a glass of wine in the hand watching the iconic film and the lively, locally choreographed dance performances that truly engage the audience. Even if you're not the biggest Mamma Mia or Abba enthusiast, this experience promises an unforgettable night of entertainment for all.
Whether it's a must on your bucket list or you're just curious, don't miss out! With just a few screenings each week, tickets tend to sell out fast and in season it could be booked-out 7 to 10 days in advance. So if this is for you - then let us know in advance of your arrival, and we’ll secure you some tickets for this enchanting cinematic experience.
Skiathos Town, Papadiamantis Street, and the Port Areas:
Papadiamantis Street is the main shopping street in Skiathos Town, ideal for gift shopping or finding a special Greek shirt or dress. The port area is divided into the Old Port and New Port, each with numerous restaurants, bars, and nice spots to relax. With no cars allowed in town, it's a lovely place for a coffee, a glass of wine, lunch, or dinner, or simply to people-watch. Exploring the side streets away from the main hustle and bustle can lead you to less crowded restaurants and shops with better prices.
Island Hopping from Skiathos:
Skiathos is an excellent entry point into the Northern Sporades Island group due to its international airport and ferry connections from the mainland to the Island. The 3 main islands in the Sporades are Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonnisos. Although there are daily ferries running to and from Skiathos to Skoperlos and Alonnisos it is not really feasible to jump on a ferry, visit a neighbouring island from Skiathos and then hop back on to ferry to Skiathos as the longest stopover before returning is Skopelos’ Glossa harbour is about 3hrs. Our suggestion would be to take the ferry to one of the neighbouring island and stay for a number of nights and then take the ferry back or onwards to the next island. High season accommodation for a night or 2 on short stay might also be problematics as is ferry tickets – which could be booked out days in advance. Island hopping definitely possible and lots of our guests combine Skiathos with either of the 2 islands, but it needs more advance planning and possibly a 3 to 4 days min stay on an island at a time to make it worth you while.
Should I Rent a Car, Quad or Scooter ?
We highly recommend considering a rental car, quad, or scooter to make the most of your time in Skiathos and to fully explore our beautiful island. While we are conveniently located just 400 meters from Megali Ammos Beach and a short 10-15 minute walk from town, having a vehicle will allow you to discover so much more beyond these immediate surroundings. Our villa sits atop a steep hill overlooking the bay, and while walking is an option, having a vehicle will make navigating the hill much easier.
With so many beaches to visit, numerous small churches and monasteries to explore and many traditional tavernas to dine at, there is so much more to see and do on Skiathos beyond what is accessible on foot or with the regular bus service. The northern side of the island is wild and special at the same time and if you looking to explore remote spots, secluded beaches or want to climb Mitikas, the highest peak in Skiathos – you require a vehicle, scooter or a quad to reach those. The southern beaches and their tavernas are easily accessible by a small car or even a scooter, and there's also a regular bus service available for these.
To avoid disappointment, it is essential that you book well in advance as rental vehicles are in high demand during the summer months on Skiathos. We can assist you with options that will bring a vehicle to the villa or airport for your convenience.
Plane Spotting Anyone ?
Skiathos airport is renowned amongst plane spotters for its thrilling low level aircraft landings and the full force of jet blasts of its take-offs. With planes taking-off and landing over the sea just a few steps away from the runway, visitors can witness the planes so closely that it feels like you could almost reach out and touch them. This unique vantage point provides an exhilarating view of aircraft operations, making it a must-visit spot for aviation enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Go and capture stunning photos and the best low level landing videos as the planes soar overhead from either ends of the runway or book a table at one of the restaurants anywhere on the airport approach and dine within full view of the planes taking off and landing.
Visit the Winery:
Parissis Winery is a hidden treasure nestled high in the scenic hills of Skiathos Island. Easily accessible by car, scooter, or taxi, this charming winery offers guided tours of its vineyards, winemaking facilities, and bottling installations. The experience concludes with a delightful wine tasting session on a deck that boasts stunning views of Skiathos Port and the surrounding islets. Guests can also enjoy platters paired with the wines and purchase bottles to take home. A visit to Parissis Winery is a must for wine enthusiasts and anyone seeking a memorable experience in one of the island’s most picturesque settings.
Visit the Ruins of Kastro Town:
Founded on a rocky outcrop in 1360 due to pirate attacks, Kastro served as a fortified refuge for Skiathos residents until it was abandoned in 1830, following Greece's independence. The 1,500 inhabitants relocated to the current site of Skiathos town, taking not only their belongings but also salvaging reusable materials from Kastro, leaving it dismantled and in ruins. Today, it offers a fascinating day trip to explore the rich 500 year old history and ruins that goes with it. Follow it up by a hike down to Kastro Beach for a swim and a lovely Greek meal at the traditional taverna, where daily supplies are still brought down the hill by donkeys.
Walking and Hiking in Skiathos:
Discover the beauty of Skiathos through its many walking and hiking trails, offering a perfect way to explore the island’s lush pine forests and untouched landscapes. From our Villla or from Skiathos Town, enjoy scenic walks to northern beaches or venture up the hills for panoramic views of the mainland and nearby islands.
For a gentler, flat hike, explore the scenic trails around the Kalamaki Peninsula. The peaceful path is perfect for a relaxing walk or an invigorating jog, offering stunning coastal views along the way.
Don’t miss Mitikas, the island’s highest point, where breathtaking 360-degree views await. You can drive up to within 300 meters of the summit and take a short walk to the top. For an unforgettable experience, bring drinks and snacks for a sunset visit or rise early for a magical sunrise moment with someone special—truly a memory to cherish.
Visit the Skiathos Dog shelter:
A visit to the Skiathos Dog Shelter offers a heartwarming experience for animal lovers and families alike. Nestled in the island’s lush hills, the shelter is home to dozens of rescued dogs waiting for care and companionship. Visitors can take friendly pups for scenic walks to nearby beaches or simply enjoy playtime surrounded by beautiful nature. The shelter’s dedicated volunteers are eager to share stories about their rescue efforts and how you can support their cause. It’s a rewarding activity that showcases Skiathos’ compassionate community spirit.
Horseback Riding:
Embark on a unique adventure with horseback riding in Skiathos, where you can explore the island's stunning landscapes in a memorable way. The Skiathos Riding Centre and other local stables offer guided tours suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. You can choose from gentle rides through pine forests to more exhilarating treks ending at the serene Ligaries Beach, where you can even take a swim with your horse.
Whether it's a one-hour journey or a more extended exploration, horseback riding here is not just an activity but an experience that encapsulates the beauty and tranquility of Skiathos.
Water-sports in Skiathos for the whole family:
Skiathos is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, boasting a plethora of activities for thrill-seekers and families alike. Numerous beaches, especially on the southern coast like Koukounaries, Vassilias, Kolios, Troulos and Agia Paraskevi, are equipped with well-organised water sports centers. Here, you can engage in adrenaline-pumping activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing, or opt for more tranquil pursuits like stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and canoeing. Stefanos Ski School at Vassilias beach just below Villa Athena offer lessons for beginners in waterskiing and wakeboarding, with experienced instructors ensuring safety and fun.