Skiathos, Greece: 14 Best Things to Do and See

Mamma Mia! Haven’t heard of the charming Greek island of Skiathos? Even if you haven’t visited, you’ve likely seen its beauty in scenes from the famous musical movie Mamma Mia!.

Though one of the smallest Greek islands, at just 47 km², Skiathos packs a lot of charm and adventure in the northwestern Aegean Sea.

Stroll through the quaint streets of Skiathos Town, lined with iconic white and blue houses, or relax on endless sandy beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters. For nature lovers, the island’s mountainous hills offer a glimpse of Greece’s stunning landscapes.

And don’t forget, all of this can be enjoyed with the sounds of ABBA playing in your mind! 😊

Best Time to Visit Greek island of Skiathos

You’re sure to enjoy a perfect summer holiday in Skiathos, with daytime temperatures around 30°C and pleasant nights at around 20°C. If you prefer a quieter getaway without the usual beach and swimming crowds, consider visiting in spring, when temperatures are milder, ranging from 16°C to 20°C—ideal for exploring the island.

However, I’d advise against visiting Skiathos from October to December due to heavy rainfall during that period.

How to Get from the Airport to Skiathos

As mentioned, Skiathos is a small island, and its airport is conveniently located just 2 km from the town center. Many backpackers, myself included, simply walk from the airport. The distance isn’t far, and the road is pleasant with sidewalks, so no worries about dodging any wild scooter drivers. 😄

Alternatively, you can catch a bus that runs directly from the terminal to the port, though it only operates twice a day. A ticket from the airport costs 3 euros, and you can check the timetable on the official website.

TIP: The same bus can also take you to various beaches. Skiathos has essentially one main road with bus stops numbered 1 to 26, starting from the main town and stopping at many beaches along the way. The fare is also 3 euros.

If you have a lot of luggage or miss the bus, you can opt for a taxi or car rental. Taxis are available right outside the terminal, and the trip to town will cost between 7 and 10 euros.

For those who want to explore the island with more freedom, I recommend renting a car or scooter—assuming you have a confident driver among you (sadly, I’m not one of them 😄). It’s the best way to enjoy Skiathos at your own pace without relying on bus schedules.

Best Hotels in Skiathos

As mentioned, Skiathos is a very small island, so no matter where you stay, you’ll find it easy to get around quickly.

If you’re looking for accommodation near the airport, Skiathos Holiday Resort is a great option. For a more budget-friendly stay, consider Alkmene Studios. And if you’re seeking something more luxurious, treat yourself to Mystery Skiathos Luxury Residence.

14 Best Things to Do and See in Skiathos

Skiathos instantly captured my heart, and its fame as a filming location for Mamma Mia only adds to its charm and popularity. So, let’s dive into 14 Best Things to Do and See on this beautiful island.

Fun fact: Skiathos is one hour ahead of the time in the Czech Republic!

Take a tour of the town of Chora

The island’s capital, Chora, sits on the southeastern tip of Skiathos. It’s a charming town filled with the iconic white and blue houses typical of the Greek islands. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, shops, and hotels to explore.

In the heart of the town, you’ll come across the ruins of the Venetian fortress of Bourtzi, which once divided the town. Take a leisurely stroll through the winding streets until you reach the Agios Nicolau Church and its clock tower. From there, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the town and the endless blue of the Aegean Sea.

Walk through the Scenic Skiathos Harbour

The harbour is just a short walk from the town, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Papadiamanti promenade by the sea. As you walk, you’ll admire the boats and luxurious yachts anchored there, along with cruise ships and ferries departing for nearby islands.

Fun fact: The harbour’s pier was featured in the filming of Mamma Mia! It’s the iconic spot where all three “fathers,” played by Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgård, meet for the first time.

Explore the Stunning Beaches of Skiathos

Skiathos is home to over 60 stunning beaches, offering something for everyone. You’ll find urban beaches close to the town center, easily accessible on foot, as well as more secluded, picturesque beaches that require a bit more effort to reach by bus, scooter, or car. Both options are well worth exploring!

The most beautiful beaches on Skiathos include:

• Koukounaries beach,
• Krifi Ammos beach,
• Agia Eleni beach,
• Lalaria beach,
• Achladies beach,
• Castro Beach,
• Banana Beach,
• Achladies beach,
• beach canapist,
• Vassilias beach,
• Xanemos beach (beware, this beach is nudist).

Rent a boat and visit Lalaria beach

Lalaria Beach is one of the most breathtaking beaches on Skiathos, and part of its allure is that it can only be reached by boat. You have two options: you can either rent a boat (for smaller boats, all you need is a European driving license) or book a boat trip to the beach.

Most tour companies offer two sailings a day, and a round-trip ticket typically costs around 20 euros. You can also browse and book a variety of boat trips on GetYourGuide.

Lalaria Beach is a stunning pebble beach, framed by towering cliffs and highlighted by its famous rock arch. Legend has it that if you swim through the arch three times, you’ll stay forever young and beautiful!

Because of its remote location, there are no amenities or restaurants, so be sure to bring snacks and water. The water’s entrance is steep, but it’s perfect for snorkeling. Keep in mind that there’s limited shade, so pack plenty of SPF for sun protection.

Nearby, you’ll also find caves with beautiful turquoise walls, and many boat tours include stops to explore these magical spots.

There are also caves with turquoise walls around Lalaria. You can book a boat trip to these caves.

Visit the nearby island of Skopelos

If I’m highlighting Skiathos for its Mamma Mia fame, I can’t leave out the nearby island of Skopelos, another key filming location for the movie. Skopelos offers a similar experience to Skiathos, with charming towns, beautiful beaches, stunning nature, delicious restaurants, and, of course, Mamma Mia backdrops.

You can easily reach Skopelos by ferry, making it perfect for a day trip or an extended stay. Alternatively, you can opt for a boat tour, which I’ll cover in more detail below.

Mamma Mia trip

If you’re not already humming an ABBA song while reading this, I must be doing something wrong! 😄 I highly recommend booking the Mamma Mia boat trip, which is offered by nearly every local company. You can also easily book it through GetYourGuide for a seamless experience.

Take a walk along the Papadiamanti promenade, and you’ll easily spot the various excursion stands offering tours. Most Mamma Mia boat trips are quite similar in both itinerary and price. However, keep in mind that the schedule can change due to weather or rough seas (which I experienced firsthand).

I booked a day trip that included a visit to the town of Skopelos, Lalaria Beach, the nearby turquoise caves, and the famous Agios Iannis Church, where the wedding scene from Mamma Mia was filmed. Unfortunately, due to high winds, we couldn’t visit Lalaria or the caves, which was a big disappointment (but hey, if I don’t get to see them, I guess I’ll just have to fly back again! 😄).

On the bright side, I got to explore Kastani Beach, where the duet between Sophie and Skye was filmed, ending with that amazing dance scene featuring a lot of musclemen in snorkels. 😍 I can also confirm that the cliff with the Agios Iannis Church is an absolutely stunning spot!

Spotting aircraft

Skiathos Airport is often called the European Sint Maarten due to its short runway and the thrilling experience of watching planes take off and land just overhead. The planes fly so close, it feels like they’re right above you!

TIP: Before heading out for some aircraft watching, check the flight schedules on Flightradar24 to time it perfectly.

Shopping in local shops

Skiathos is brimming with charming shops offering a variety of local products, including jewelry, spices, handbags, shoes, clothes, belts, and other souvenirs. Whether you’re just browsing or planning to shop (depending on how much room you have in your backpack 😊), it’s a great way to take home a piece of the island!

Go to the summer cinema screening

If you haven’t had your fill of Mamma Mia yet (though, is that even possible? 😄), you can visit the popular summer cinema to watch the movie with a lively dance performance. Occasionally, they show other films as well.

You can check the cinema’s schedule on their Instagram or Facebook, and tickets are available at the door.

Visit the house of a Greek writer

The renowned Greek writer Alexandros Papadiamantis once lived in Skiathos, and his former home has been transformed into a museum dedicated to his life and work.

Monastery of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary

Another must-see on the island is the Monastery of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, one of Skiathos’ most visited landmarks. Nestled in the mountains, this monastery is a stunning example of Greek architecture, with its interior adorned by beautiful Greek art frescoes.

Ruins of Kastro Castle

At the northernmost tip of the island, you’ll find the Kastro Castle, dating back to the 14th century—or at least what remains of it. The surviving structures include the Gennisi tou Christou and Agios Nikolaos churches, as well as the original entrance gate.

Trekking through virgin landscapes

If you’re a fan of active holidays, Skiathos won’t disappoint. The island is filled with well-marked hiking trails that take you through beautiful landscapes, including vineyards, olive groves, and pine forests. It’s the perfect destination for nature lovers looking to explore on foot.

Get a tattoo

If you’re looking for a lasting memory of your visit to Skiathos, consider stopping by the island’s only tattoo studio, Inkspiration Tattoo. Just make sure to go on the last day of your holiday so you can enjoy swimming in the sea beforehand! 😄

What to taste

Greek cuisine needs no introduction, and Skiathos offers plenty of opportunities to savor its traditional dishes:

• Gyros: Grilled meat served with pita and tzatziki. Perfect after a night of dancing at the local clubs.
  TIP: You can find excellent gyros at Taverna Folia in the town center.
• Moussaka: A layered dish made with potatoes and minced meat, similar to lasagna.
• Souvlaki: Grilled pieces of meat served on a skewer.
• Greek Salad: A fresh mix of tomatoes, cucumber, onion, feta cheese, and olives, topped with salt, oregano, and olive oil.

The town is full of great restaurants, so don’t hesitate to sit down and enjoy a meal. I personally recommend Taverna Folia, Primavera, and Bourtzi for an authentic dining experience.

Important Note: Be sure to drink only bottled water on the island, as tap water is not recommended.

Best Places for Nightlife in Skiathos

You’ll find plenty of bars along Papadiamanti Street, many of which offer daily happy hours with discounted drinks.

Keep in mind that Greeks tend to follow a different schedule, with the nightlife really kicking off after 2 a.m. 😴

Some of the most popular clubs in Skiathos include:

• Pure
• Jaguar
• Borzoi
• Bad Boys Club
• Apotheke Club
• De Facto
• Totem

I also recommend trying the party boats, which sail out at sunset once a week (usually Saturdays) during the summer. These boats feature a bar, dance floor, and a DJ for a night of fun on the open sea.

Frequently asked questions: