EXPLORE SKIATHOS

Some Greek islands are about exploring from morning until night. Skiathos is about something slightly different – finding the perfect balance between doing and simply being. Small, green and effortlessly beautiful, Skiathos is an island where pine forests seem to fall directly into the Aegean Sea, hidden coves appear around every corner, and some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches are never far away.

What we love most about Skiathos is how easy it feels. You can spend the morning swimming in crystal-clear water, have a long lunch with your feet almost in the sand, return to your villa for a few quiet hours by the pool, and still be in Skiathos Town in time for sunset and dinner. And although the island is relatively small, don’t underestimate it. Skiathos has more than 60 beaches and coves, a lively and charming town, excellent restaurants and beach bars, beautiful sailing routes and enough variety to make every day feel different. For us, Skiathos is perfect for travellers who want the beauty of a Greek island without spending half their holiday in the car.

HIGHLIGHTS OF SKIATHOS

BEACHES

LALARIA BEACH

If there is one image that represents Skiathos, it is probably Lalaria.

Dramatic white cliffs rise above brilliant turquoise water, while smooth pale pebbles create a landscape that looks almost unreal.

There is no road leading to Lalaria. The beach is accessible only by sea, which is part of what makes it so special. Our favourite way to experience it is privately, by boat, preferably earlier in the day and combined with the sea caves and the northern coastline. There are no organised facilities here, so come for the extraordinary setting rather than for a full beach-club day.

BEACHES

KOUKOUNARIES BEACH

Koukounaries is Skiathos’ most famous beach — and one of those places that deserves at least one visit even if you usually prefer quieter spots. A long stretch of golden sand is backed by a protected pine forest and the Strofylia wetland, while the sea is typically clear and shallow close to shore. It is organised, easy and particularly good for families. During July and August it can become busy, so arriving earlier in the day makes a noticeable difference.

SKIATHOS TOWN

One of Skiathos’ biggest advantages is its town.

This is not simply somewhere you pass through on your way to the airport or port. It is somewhere you will probably want to return to several times during your stay.

Start around Papadiamantis Street, but don’t stay there.

Turn into the narrow side streets, walk towards the Old Port, climb the little stairways between whitewashed houses and allow yourself to get slightly lost.

The town changes after sunset. Shops remain open, tables fill the streets, boats return to the harbour and the entire place feels lively without losing its island character.

COLINARIA & WINE

Food is part of the experience here, and we prefer choosing restaurants according to the kind of evening you want rather than simply creating a list of the island’s “best”.

For a special dinner in Skiathos Town, The Windmill Restaurant is one of the island’s best-known settings, with elevated views over the town and harbour.

For something atmospheric and romantic, Basilikos is another long-standing favourite in Skiathos Town.

If what you really want is a traditional Greek meal, look beyond the most photographed tables. Some of our favourite evenings in Greece begin with a simple local taverna, dishes in the middle of the table and no reason to leave quickly.

And for lunch, we almost always choose the sea.

In Skiathos, the view is part of the menu.

CULINARY & WINE

VISIT PARISSIS WINERY

Wine is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Skiathos – which is exactly why this experience is interesting. Parissis Winery is a small local winery set high above the island near Prophet Elias, surrounded by its own vineyards and with panoramic views towards Skiathos and the Aegean.

The vineyards are planted with Greek grape varieties including Assyrtiko, Malagousia, Roditis, Xinomavro and Limnio.

Book a guided visit rather than simply stopping by.

You can walk through the vineyard, learn about wine production on a small Aegean island and finish with a tasting accompanied by small bites.

We particularly like this experience towards the end of the afternoon.

After several days built around beaches and boats, it shows you a completely different side of Skiathos.

FOLLOW THE MAMMA MIA TRAIL — BUT DO IT OUR WAY

Yes, Mamma Mia! was filmed in the Sporades.

But rather than joining a large themed excursion, we would use it as an excuse for a beautiful day at sea.

Take a private boat towards Skopelos, swim along the coastline and, if it matters to you, include some of the film locations.

The famous tiny church of Agios Ioannis Kastri, perched dramatically on a rock above the sea, is on Skopelos rather than Skiathos.

Even if you have never watched the film, the scenery makes the journey worthwhile.

WATER SPORTS –

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If you have already explored Skiathos — or simply love being on the water — use one day to discover the neighbouring Sporades. A longer private boat trip can take you towards Skopelos and Alonissos.

Skopelos is greener, quieter and more traditional than Skiathos. Stop in Skopelos Town, wander through its whitewashed streets and churches, or continue along the coastline towards one of the island’s beautiful bays.

Movie lovers will recognise parts of Skopelos from Mamma Mia!, but we wouldn’t visit just for the film locations. The island is genuinely beautiful in its own right.

With a fast enough boat and an early start, the day can continue towards Alonissos, the gateway to the National Marine Park of the Northern Sporades.

It is a much longer day than a Skiathos coastal cruise, so we wouldn’t try to squeeze it into every itinerary. For a seven-night stay, however, it is a wonderful way to understand just how different the islands of the Sporades can be.