Skiathos Island: The 9 most beautiful highlights & sights

Skiathos belongs to the northern Sporades and, with its around 48 km², is one of those Greek islands that can be easily explored in a few days – without hours of driving, but with a great deal of variety.

»Rolling hills, dense pine forests, dreamlike sandy beaches and the shimmering turquoise blue of the Aegean Sea characterise the image of this surprisingly green island.«

The best months to visit the popular Sporades island are, as we heard time and again, June and September: the climate is pleasant, the island is not overcrowded, and nature is in full glory.

In June, the sea is often still a little fresh, but in September the water was ideal for us – and we were lucky: not a single rainy day. In the summer months of July and August, on the other hand, Skiathos can get quite busy.

If you want to discover Skiathos Island at your own pace, you are well advised to rent a car or scooter – even if there is a small but functioning bus network. Especially if you are staying in or near Skiathos Town, many things can even be explored on foot or by bike.

Our guest author Antonia visited Skiathos in September. She shares her best experiences on the island and her personal Skiathos highlights:

#1 Skiathos Town

Skiathos Town, also called Chora, is simply a dream. We stayed just a 10–15 minute walk from the town centre and made it our habit to pop in every evening.

Unlike many other Greek Islands, the typical blue and white architecture does not dominate here. Instead, white houses with reddish roofs characterise the townscape. The many narrow, winding streets have a charm all of their own – and sometimes you can spot a Greek family sitting relaxed in front of their house, letting the evening drift by.

The heart of the town is Papadiamanti Street, named after the well-known writer Alexandros Papadiamantis. It is the main shopping street of Skiathos Town, with one shop after another lining the way.

What I found particularly nice was that, alongside the classic tourist tat, there were genuinely many high-quality products to discover – from local specialities to jewellery, clothing and handicrafts.

Many small alleys branch off from Papadiamanti Street, where you will find yet more shops as well as numerous tavernas and bars. If you have a sweet tooth, you should definitely stop at one of the patisseries (Greek: Zacharoplasteio) – the Greeks really know a thing or two about desserts!

Walking tour of Skiathos Town

A particularly beautiful walk leads uphill from the harbour to the church of Agios Nikolaos. The path through the alleys is well signposted, and from the top you have a wonderful view over the whole town and the harbour. The small church with its bell tower is also easy to spot from the water.

If you walk back down Papadiamanti Street from the top, you will end up right at the Port of Skiathos. From here, you have two options for continuing your walk:

Turning left (northwards), you follow the harbour promenade Paraliakos to the planespotting viewpoint at the airport runway (roughly 900 m). Along the way you pass many tavernas and cafés, and in the evening there are often vendors selling handmade goods on the roadside.

Turning right (southwards), you reach the small Bourtzi Peninsula, which separates the old and new harbours from each other. Once the site of a Venetian fortress, Bourtzi is now a beautiful place to take a breath of fresh air: surrounded by pine trees, with shady benches and a sweeping view of the sea. Swimming is even possible here, as there are boarding ladders.

In summer, open-air events and concerts are held regularly in the small amphitheatre here. A stroll is definitely worthwhile – Bourtzi is like a green oasis in the middle of the town and offers wonderful photo opportunities. For a cool drink with a fantastic view, the restaurant Bourtzi Skiathos is well worth a visit.

Old port of Skiathos

The old port of Skiathos is probably the most beautiful part of town. Cosy cafés, bars and restaurants line the picturesque promenade. In the evening especially, the harbour is wonderful for a stroll – with views of the boats, the soft glow of the lanterns and the lively buzz all around.

Numerous excursion boats also depart from the old harbour (see #7) – for example to the neighbouring islands of Tsougria and Arkos, or to the famous Lalaria Beach, which can only be reached by sea and looks like something out of a picture book, with its pale stones and turquoise water.

A striking feature at the transition to the Bourtzi peninsula is the Sailors’ Monument, honouring the seafarers of Skiathos. It is a reminder of the island’s close bond with the sea, which has shaped the lives and history of its people for centuries.

If you continue south from the old port, past the Ginfish Cocktail Bar, you reach the quiet Plakes district. A stop at the Selini Restaurant is worthwhile, as behind it there is a terrace with a fantastic view over the old port and the Bourtzi peninsula.

A little further on, you reach the small Plakes Beach, a hidden spot for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. The offshore rocks are not only fun to explore but also make a great photo subject – especially when the sea is calm. You can simply lie out on the warm rocks and watch the harbour bustle from a distance.

Parking in Skiathos Town

If you are travelling by hire car, you will find good parking just outside the centre. A larger free car park is located in the north of the town near the Skiathos Sommia Hotel. In the southern part of town, near the cemetery on Agiou Fanouriou Street, there is another free parking area. Parking inside the old town itself is barely possible – so it is worth parking a little way out and exploring on foot.

Shopping in Chora

There is a good range of shops on Skiathos, so it is fair to say there is something for everyone. Some stock high-quality goods, though of course there are also many classic tourist shops. These shops stand out in particular for their original products:

Efimeris

This shop selling handmade creations is located on Papadiamanti Street. Here you will find truly beautiful, high-quality decorations, textiles and jewellery – we took home a ceramic tealight holder.

Psari

This small boutique-cum-souvenir shop has something for everyone: original bags, scarves and dresses, as well as crockery and household goods – from simple items to premium pieces, mostly handmade. The friendly owners offer attentive advice.

Olive Tree Skiathos

Also on Papadiamanti Street, you will find this olive wood shop, stocking artfully handmade accessories, natural soaps, pastes and oils. The friendly owners are happy to advise, so you can find a truly authentic Greek souvenir.

#2 Planespotting at the airport

Even the arrival on Skiathos is a real highlight. There is only one runway, which at just 1,628 metres is one of the shortest in Europe – or rather, one of the most exciting.

In the event of heavy rain, the airport may not be approachable for safety reasons, which can well lead to delays. But don’t worry – I’m not a big fan of flying myself, and I still made it through the landing just fine.

It gets really exciting, however, when you’re not on the plane yourself but watching from outside. The best spot for planespotting on Skiathos is at the southern end of the runway, directly on the road that runs alongside it. From here you can watch landing planes at very close range. The aircraft fly extremely low over the road on their approach – close enough, it feels, to touch. The area is open to the public and there are virtually no barriers.

What would be unimaginable in other countries is a real spectacle on Skiathos. The road at the end of the runway is not permanently closed; during a landing or take-off, traffic is controlled by traffic lights. As soon as an aircraft approaches or departs, no vehicles are permitted to pass.

At take-off, the spectacle is less immediate: the planes usually taxi south, turn, and then take off northwards, roaring over Xanemos Beach. If you want to experience this moment, you can also find a spot there – but the perspective is not quite as close and dramatic as watching a landing from the south.

In my case it was only a small plane, but the impression was still enormous. For my photo, I deliberately positioned myself a little away from the crowds – it was more relaxed and still spectacular. If you prefer to watch from a safe distance, the Mylos Taverna is a great option. From here you have a fine view of the runway and can enjoy the spectacle with a drink in hand.

A note on safety: Even if it is tempting to stand right on the road behind the runway, the strong engine thrust during take-off can be dangerous. Warning signs make this explicitly clear. Particularly during the take-off of larger aircraft, you should not get too close to the fence – the air pressure, swirling sand or small stones can quickly cause injury.

#3 Visiting the Monastery of Evangelistrias

Built between 1797 and 1806, the Monastery of Moni Evangelistrias is located about 5 kilometres from Skiathos Town on a wooded hill. Even though this distance sounds short, it takes a little while to get there, as the road is narrow and winding – but you will be rewarded with a beautiful view and an absolutely peaceful atmosphere.

Access to the Holy Convent of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary, as it is known in full, is marked by an imposing stone arch. Right next to it hang long skirts, which we had to put on as shorts are not permitted inside the complex – a gesture of respect for this sacred place.

As soon as you enter, you immediately feel the peace and stillness of this spiritual site. The inner courtyard is lovingly tended, with flowers and herbs growing everywhere, and the whole complex looks well cared for and harmonious.

In addition to the main church, which is well worth seeing, there is a small museum displaying liturgical vestments, old books and religious objects. Also worth a brief visit is the monastery shop, where you can buy homemade jam, honey, herbal products, monastery wine and religious souvenirs.

The only inhabited monastery on Skiathos holds enormous historical significance for all of Greece. In 1807, the Greek Independence Flag was consecrated and hoisted here for the very first time – a white cross on a blue background. The original flag is now in Athens; a copy is on display in the church museum.

Many freedom fighters are said to have gathered here and sworn their oath to the flag, including the famous Theodoros Kolokotronis. In a sense, Evangelistrias is also a place of national pride and remembrance.

• Opening hours, Skiathos Monastery: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Apr.–May) | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. & 5 p.m.–9 p.m. (Jun.–Sep.) | Museum admission: €2

💡 Monastery festival on Skiathos: On 15 August each year, a large church festival takes place at the monastery to mark the Assumption of Mary in honour of the Holy Mother of God.

Time out at the monastery café

If you want to linger a while afterwards, I recommend a short detour just above the monastery: here you will find the idyllic Athos Café. With a large lawn and plenty of seating, it offers a relaxed, tranquil atmosphere – almost like a hidden garden in the woods.

Cold and warm drinks, small dishes and homemade delicacies are on offer. On clear days, the view from here extends all the way to the holy mountain of Athos on the Greek mainland – a real highlight! The perfect place on Skiathos to simply unwind.

💡 Skiathos wine: Just 2.5 km south of the monastery is the Parissis Winery, the only commercial winery on the island. The view from the large terrace over Skiathos Town is fantastic, and a tasting of the different varieties is possible at any time. You can book a guided winery tour via GetYourGuide*: Evening with wine and views*

#4 Excursion to the Kastro of Skiathos

My absolute highlight on the island is the Kastro of Skiathos and its associated beach in the north of the island. A jeep is a good idea for the journey, although we also saw plenty of small cars and scooters making the trip.

At first you drive along a dirt track, which later becomes coarse paving. The path gets progressively steeper and narrower, which may feel a little adventurous for some.

If you feel unsure, it is better to park a little further back and walk the rest of the way – that is what we did. The lower car park also has only a few spaces, which fill up quickly when visitor numbers are high.

The ascent to the Kastro, which is only partially preserved today, is a real experience. The footpath leading up to the rock is now concreted and therefore much easier to walk than we initially expected.

Only on the site itself are the paths no longer developed – here you will sometimes find narrow trails. Sturdy shoes are therefore recommended, especially as the route involves constant ups and downs. We made the trip in the blazing midday heat – if you are sensitive to the sun, it is better to set off in the morning, as there is very little shade along the way.

In terms of location, the Kastro is simply spectacular: the former fortress was built on a rocky peninsula in the north of the island – a high, rocky outcrop that towers over the sea like a natural shield.

On three sides, the terrain drops extremely steeply into the water, so that only on the landward side were massive defensive walls with battlements – and once even cannons – constructed. Not far from the summit, an old cannon still stands as a reminder.

The original connection point to the island is still clearly visible: where a wooden drawbridge once linked the complex to the hillside, a new stone bridge with a short metal section now crosses the gorge – not a place for anyone with a fear of heights.

Once at the top, you can explore the whole area freely. There are old stone houses, restored chapels and a small spring to discover – from which, legend has it, holy water bubbles up. From the highest point of the complex, you look down over the Kastro bay and its small taverna – a true postcard view.

A little background: the Kastro of Skiathos was built in the 14th century to protect the islanders from pirate raids. At its peak, up to 1,500 people lived here. From 1360 to 1829 it served as the island’s capital. It was only in the 19th century that the Kastro was abandoned, once the threat of piracy had subsided and the population moved back down to Skiathos Town.

Kastro Beach

Down in the bay, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island awaits – at least in my opinion. While most of Skiathos’ beaches are sandy, Kastro Beach is a pebble beach, which makes the water appear even clearer and more radiant. It shimmers in the most beautiful shades of blue – simply stunning. If you enjoy snorkelling or diving, you can also discover small shoals of fish here.

Right on the beach there is a small taverna where the food is really excellent. There is no menu – you simply ask what is fresh that day. We went for calamari – delicious! The Kastro Beach Taverna is idyllically situated beside a small stream, with an outdoor shower installed nearby – a very welcome refreshment after a swim.

The bay can only be reached on foot, which makes it all the more special. On the way back, we also understood why the family running the taverna owns two donkeys – the ascent is quite demanding, particularly after a leisurely lunch. But we did as the Greeks do: Siga, siga – slowly and calmly.

When we were there it was wonderfully quiet, with very little going on. Occasionally excursion boats and water taxis do dock – but numbers remain manageable. If you want the beach to yourself, it is best to arrive early in the morning or in the late afternoon. You can book your place on the boat to the Kastro here via GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the excursion to the north coast*

Skiathos churches with a view

A fantastic view of the north coast and the Kastro can be enjoyed from the chapel of Agios Alexandros, which stands impressively on a hill above the coast. You reach this gleaming white church via a bumpy gravel road about 4 km south of the Kastro.

Just a few metres further south is the small chapel of Agios Sozon, which also offers a superb panorama – this time looking south towards the Skiathos coast. As the whole area is well wooded, it is well worth exploring on foot.

#5 Beautiful beaches on Skiathos

As mentioned, Skiathos has many beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters. Water sports are also available on most of them. We did not visit every beach by any means, but we took a closer look at the following:

Megali Ammos

As we were staying nearby, this was our most-visited beach. We liked going to Mama’s Cooking, because there you could tilt the parasols. Almost nowhere else was this the case, which meant you always had to drag your sun lounger around to find shade.

Agia Eleni Beach

This beautiful, fine sandy beach is ideal for watching a magnificent sunset. It is the last beach in the west of the island reachable via a paved road. With shallow water and two simple beach bars with sun lounger hire, it is a quiet alternative to Koukounaries.

Megalos Aselinos Beach

Located just minutes from the Dog Shelter, this beach sits on the rougher northern coast. When we visited, the waves were very high. That did not stop my boyfriend, but after being knocked off my feet I preferred to stay on dry land.

Aselinos Beach was completely deserted – we felt very much at home and spent the whole day there. There are two tavernas, though one was closed during our visit.

Kastro Beach

As mentioned above, my personal favourite – even if it is not a sandy beach. A must for anyone who loves crystal-clear water. Water shoes (buy on Amazon*) are an advantage.

Maratha Beach

Fine sand and turquoise water – that is Maratha Beach in the southwest of the island. It was also somewhat busier here.

Koukounaries Beach

You will find this beach in every travel guide, and it is extremely well known. Koukounaries Beach is located at the far end of the island. In our opinion, it is completely overrated. When we visited, there was an extraordinary amount going on – music, sports, the works…

If you enjoy a very lively atmosphere, you will feel right at home, but it was not for us. However, there is a small nature reserve directly behind it that is well worth a look.

The area is very green and shady, making it a pleasant spot for a walk even in the midday heat. Here you will also find a lagoon of sorts – Limni Strofilias – which is connected to the sea.

#6 Hiking paradise: Mandraki Forest

Although we did not visit the Mandraki Forest ourselves during our trip, it definitely deserves its own chapter – as this extensive woodland on Skiathos is one of the most unspoilt and peaceful places on the island.

The Mandraki Forest on Skiathos is characterised by a dense canopy of trees – particularly majestic pines, which sit beautifully against the sandy soil. The area is largely undeveloped, meaning there are no paved roads, only unpaved tracks that can be explored on foot, by bike or with an off-road vehicle.

If you are travelling without your own vehicle, you can take the island bus to stop 23 – Mandraki – and hike northwards into the forest from there. The numerous marked hiking routes are maintained and described on the website of the Skiathos Trails association.

An absolute highlight are the beautiful beaches bordering the forest along the coast, including Mandraki Beach, Elia Beach and Agistros Beach. All three are well signposted and uncrowded in the off-season – particularly in May and June, you can still find real peace and quiet here.

And if you need a refreshment after the hike, you are well catered for: all three beaches have a small beach bar offering cold drinks and snacks – perfect for a break with a sea view.

#7 Lalaria Beach boat tour

As on every island, there are numerous sea excursions on offer on Skiathos. Whether by sailing boat, excursion vessel or even your own small motorboat – almost anything is possible.

We opted for a tour that was supposed to take us to the famous Lalaria Beach with its well-known rock arch. However, it was so windy on the day – as often happens at Lalaria – that the route was changed.

Most boat tours depart daily from the old or new port of Skiathos Town in summer. Particularly popular are the combination tours to the small neighbouring islands of Tsougria and Arkos, both of which now have beach bars.

Tours usually continue to the dream beach of Lalaria, with a longer swimming stop. Many tours end at Kastro Beach, where you can also enjoy a snack at the small taverna.

On our tour, we first headed for Arkos – a quiet, uninhabited island with nothing but a beach, turquoise water and a real sense of deceleration. Then we continued to Tsougria Island (also: Tsougkrias). Back in 2020, the taverna there was still closed.

We moved away from the beach and set off on a short hike across the island to the Agios Floros Church. One of the most beautiful small churches I have ever seen in Greece stands here on a hillside – classic blue and white, with a fantastic view.

Further along the path we came across a former olive oil mill, today nothing more than a picturesque ruin with old equipment – but full of atmosphere and wonderfully quiet. The combination of sandy and pebbly beaches and the absolutely clear water makes Tsougria a truly special place.

• Tours to Tsougria & Lalaria: depending on provider, approx. 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. or 6 p.m.; prices from €35 per person (without meals), depending on route

If you fancy a boat trip along the Skiathos coast or a full-day sailing tour around Skiathos in a small group including food and wine, you will find various providers at the port of Skiathos Town – or you can book conveniently online via platforms such as GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the boat trip to Lalaria, Kastro and Tsougria*

➲ To the sailing trip incl. lunch*

#8 Day trip to Skopelos

MAMMA MIA! – many people associate this title immediately with the island of Skopelos, as it was there that the film Mamma Mia! was shot. For me it was a long-held wish to visit the filming locations and get to know this Sporades island as a whole.

There are two ways to get to Skopelos. Some tourists make a brief stop as part of an island tour; others take the larger ferries across. We chose the latter, leaving in the morning and returning in the evening.

Tickets can be purchased at the office at the port. We paid around €30 per person. If your hire car contract allows it, you can also take your rental car across from Skiathos. We, however, hired a car from Dreamcar at the port of Glossa Loutraki (Skopelos) for €25.

Two ports are served on Skopelos. We chose Glossa in the north because of the better ferry times – the crossing takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, a guided day tour to Skopelos can be booked via GetYourGuide*.

➲ To the Mamma Mia Tour from Skiathos*

➲ To the sailing tour to Skopelos*

Film locations of Mamma Mia!

Our tour began at the chapel of Agios Ioannis, where the wedding scene from Mamma Mia! was filmed. Even without the film connection, this setting with its many steps is simply breathtaking. Worth knowing: the interior shots were not filmed there – the chapel is far too small for that.

We then moved on to Skopelos Town. Like Skiathos, the town impresses with its charming architecture and narrow streets. One important note: lunch is the order of the day there. When we visited, many shops were closed. Sweets were still available at The Skopelitissa, where everything is made in-house.

On the way back we stopped at Kastani Beach, which also served as a film location for Mamma Mia! The well-kept beach with the iconic Kastani Beach Bar is definitely worth a swimming stop.

Shortly before the harbour we made a small detour to the olive oil producer Antoniou – olive oil of this quality is not available on Skiathos and we were keen to take some regional oil home with us. You can see everything in the factory on site and of course taste and buy the excellent olive oil.

At around 6 p.m. the ferry headed back and we experienced a fantastic sunset on deck. If you want to explore Skopelos for longer, there is plenty of accommodation on the island. From there it is even possible to travel on to Alonissos.

Personally, I can say that even a day trip to Skopelos is worthwhile – there is plenty to see and you can explore at a relaxed pace. The most beautiful sights on Skopelos can be found here: Skopelos Highlights

Looking for a Sporades island hopping? Skiathos is an ideal base for extensive island hopping in Greece. In addition to Skiathos, the Sporades archipelago includes Skopelos, Skyros and Alonissos. More information can be found in our article: Island hopping Greece

 

#9 Animal welfare in Skiathos

Animal welfare is a topic close to our hearts – no matter where we are, we are always on the lookout for organisations working in this area. On Skiathos, these are the Skiathos Dog Shelter and the Skiathos Cats Welfare Association.

Skiathos Cats Welfare Association

This organisation takes care of cats across the entire island of Skiathos. You can contact them at any time if you find cats in need, and a visit to the facility is also possible.

In addition, there is a small house on the road into Skiathos Town on foot, where food for the cats is left at the bottom and donations can be dropped in at the top.

In the evening you sometimes meet volunteers there, and there are always cats around who are happy to be stroked. By the way: if a cat has a clipped ear, it means it has already been neutered. You can find more information on animal welfare in Greece here: Stray animals in Greece

Skiathos Dog Shelter

The Dog Shelter on Skiathos is located in the northwest of the island and is easily accessible. You can walk the dogs there and of course also offer yourself as a flight sponsor.

We did just that, and it was really great fun to be out and about with the dogs. It was particularly nice to see that so many holidaymakers were interested in visiting.

The shelter also sells a few souvenirs in exchange for donations, which is quite a nice idea. It is best to stop by in the morning so that the dogs do not have to go out in the heat. You can book a guided tour to the Dog Shelter followed by lunch here:

➲ To visit the Dog Shelter and lunch*

More Skiathos information for your holiday

To make your trip to the Sporades island an unforgettable experience, we have put together some helpful links for you. Want to find out more about travel, car hire, weather and accommodation on Skiathos? This article has everything at a glance: Skiathos Travel Tips

→ Accommodation on Skiathos: To Booking.com*

→ Ferries to Skiathos: To Ferryhopper*

→ Car hire on Skiathos: To Discover Cars*

→ Cheap Skiathos holiday packages: To Check24*

About the author:

Our guest author and architecture student Antonia lives with her boyfriend and her dog in beautiful Hesse. The two experienced their first holiday in Greece in 2017 on Kos, where they also spent their holidays in the following two years. Above all, they associate Greece with hospitality, wonderful weather and great food. In the coming years, the two are planning to visit even more Greek destinations as independent travellers. Above all, Antonia dreams of a road trip from Germany all the way to Hellas.

✐ More impressions can be found on Antonia’s Instagram account: @architektonia

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