Skiathos is an island of the Sporades in the Aegean Sea. Ιt has the same name since prehistoric times. An emblematic personality who gave birth to this island is Alexandros Papadiamantis, a significant writer. Known for its amazing beaches, natural ambiance, cosmopolitan aura and vivid nightlife, this idyllic Aegean island ticks all the boxes for perfect holidays. Skiathos has over 60 beaches in total and the best ones are located on the southern part of the island. Among the most beautiful ones are Koukounaries, Lalaria and Banana, the last one is particularly popular with the young crowds, thanks to the water sports facilities and legendary beach parties. Nightlife is another reason why Skiathos is so popular, the island is transformed into a party paradise for those who want to live their best life and party with people from all over the world. Ammoudia and the town has the best bars and clubs can be found. Also hiking is famous in Skiathos due to there’s a 197 km long hiking trail network, which is the perfect way to explore the wild natural landscape of the island.

There are over 60 beaches in Skiathos, all sandy including Koukounaries rated 7th best beach in the world and best in Greece. Also Banana Beach just around the headland is the island’s only Naturist Beach and is fantastic and very sheltered. Most of the beaches are easy to get to by bus or moped as they are mostly found on the only main road on the Island. There are all types of water sports available at most of the beaches and even a diving center. As a rule, the closer you are to town the busier the beach will be.

The iconic Lalaria Beach which is accessable by excursion boat is known to lovers of Greece through the EOT posters from the seventies which used the white pebbles and turquoise waters to lure generations of tourists to Greece in the same way that Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos does now. But unlike Zakynthos there is no rusty hulk rotting on the beach, just sand and sea. You catch the boat from the harbor in Skiathos town. It can get crowded in the summer and there is no shade so bring your own. You may want to bring water too. If you come early you may have the beach to yourself but probably not for long. There are a number of private boat tours, some on sailboats, so rather than go to Lalaria and be dropped off find the tour that goes around the island with a stop there.

Walking in Skiathos is wonderful. The green and mountainous interior are worth all the effort. Check out Kounistras Monastery in the hills behind Troulos for a cooling mid day drink and simple food. A lady called Roula takes care of the place. She is very poor and lives only on what she makes from the sale of candles so give what you can. Also worth seeing are the ruins of Kastro which can be reached by excursion boats, and the Evangelistria Monastery, a haven for revolutionaries during the war for Independence against the Turks. It is said that the first Greek flag was flown here. It is located among pine and cyprus trees in a beautiful and dramatic setting and can be walked to from town if you are of reasonably good health.

Skiathos Town is the place to eat and to be seen eating. The beautiful people meet up here, have a meal in one of the harbour-side restaurants and just pass the time over wine and cocktails. Friday and Saturday nights are best after 10pm. In the words of the Lonely Planet Guide “Most people come to Skiathos for the beaches and the nightlife-if you have come for anything else you may want to depart quickly”. While this is true in late July and all of August, the warm months of May, June, September and October are fine times to visit and even in the cooler months the town is hardly deserted because of the number of foreigners living here. As for nightlife Skiathos has plenty of it especially in July and August when the island becomes the Mykonos of the Sporades. By day Skiathos has it’s share of tourist and postcard shops, travel agents, bars, motorcycle rental agencies and hotels.

Where to head next?

Keep exploring the top destinations in Greece! After Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos are must-visit spots, both easily reachable by ferry.