Skiathos

Skiathos is the gateway to the Sporades, a small, green island whose reputation far outweighs its size. Ferries from the mainland ports of Volos and, in summer, Agios Konstantinos arrive right in Skiathos Town, where the little Bourtzi islet splits the waterfront in two. The island earned worldwide fame as a filming location for Mamma Mia, a claim it shares with neighbouring Skopelos, but its real stars are the beaches: dozens of them, crowned by Koukounaries with its protected pine forest and by Lalaria, a marble-pebble cove that can only be reached by boat. Add an international airport famous among plane-spotters for its dramatically close landings, and Skiathos becomes one of the easiest and most rewarding Greek islands to visit.

Highlights

Koukounaries beach, backed by a protected pine forest
Lalaria beach with its white pebbles, reachable only by boat
The Bourtzi islet dividing the old harbour of Skiathos Town
Evangelistria Monastery in the island's green interior
Filming locations from Mamma Mia, shared with neighbouring Skopelos

Travel Information

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early autumn is the sweet spot for Skiathos. June and September offer warm seas, open tavernas and quieter beaches, while July and August bring the liveliest atmosphere and the fullest ferry schedules, including the seasonal sailings from Agios Konstantinos. May is ideal for walking to Evangelistria Monastery through blooming countryside, and the swimming season comfortably stretches into October.

Port Information

Ferries dock in the heart of Skiathos Town, so you step off the ship and straight into the island's cafes, shops and old-town lanes. Boats arrive from Volos year-round and from Agios Konstantinos in the summer season, and the harbourfront by the Bourtzi islet doubles as the departure point for excursion boats to Lalaria and the island's south-coast beaches.

Transport Tips

A single main road runs along the south coast, served by a frequent local bus that links Skiathos Town with Koukounaries and stops near most beaches along the way. Taxis wait by the port, and hiring a small car or scooter is easy in town. For Lalaria and the sea caves, join one of the round-the-island excursion boats from the old harbour.