Summary
Situated just off the Pelion Peninsula in the northwest Aegean, Skiathos is a small island rich in natural beauty, characterized by its verdant pine forests and stunning beaches.
The island’s west and south coasts are adorned with a succession of picturesque bays, separated by rugged cliffs and framed by a protected, lush landscape.
In recent years, Skiathos has attracted a youthful demographic, contributing a lively atmosphere to many of its beaches; however, tranquility can still be found in secluded spots.
Made famous by the ABBA musical Mamma Mia!, Skiathos is relatively compact, allowing for convenient travel via a single bus route connecting Skiathos Town (Chora) to all major beaches, with clearly numbered bus stops.
Let us explore the top activities in Skiathos:
1. Evangelistria Monastery
The significance of this monastery to Greek national identity cannot be overstated.
Founded by a group of monks from Mount Athos in 1794, the Evangelistria Monastery swiftly became a sanctuary for Greek revolutionaries during the final days of Ottoman dominance.
In 1807, notable freedom fighters, including Theodoros Kolokotronis, Thymios Vlachavas, and Andreas Miaoulis, convened here to pledge an Oath of Freedom using a precursor to the modern Greek national flag, which features a white cross on a blue field.
Inside the Katholikon (main church), visitors can find icons dating back to the 1600s and 1700s, as well as a museum showcasing religious vestments, manuscripts, and both silver and wooden crosses.
Notably, the loom used to weave the first Greek flag can also be viewed here.
2. Kastro
In the 14th century, amid ongoing pirate incursions, the capital of Skiathos was relocated to this now desolate promontory at the northernmost point of the island.
Accessing this location requires either a 4×4 vehicle to navigate the unpaved road through a nature reserve or a boat ride from the harbor in Skiathos Town, which leads to the charming beach beneath the promontory.
The subsequent hike to the castle that is undergoing restoration is adventurous and offers a glimpse into history.
Following Greek independence from the Ottomans in the 1830s, the capital was moved back to its current site.
On this scenic promontory, visitors can observe the remains of the grandiose gate and drawbridge, along with ancient streets and buildings.
The site also features a mosque and three churches; the most prominent, Agios Nikolaos, is accessible for visiting, while the mosque is currently closed to the public.
3. Skiathos Old Town
Allocate an hour or two to enjoy a walking tour of the old town in Chora, as it is replete with attractions.
Your journey can commence at the Bourtzi Fortress, constructed by the Venetians on an islet on the eastern side of the harbor. It offers breathtaking views of the old port from its shaded pine terraces.
The waterfront promenade is equally delightful, lined with restaurants and cafés set along the quay adjacent to crystal-clear waters.
Moreover, the labyrinth of narrow alleys and stairways in the old town warrants exploration.
These paths are paved with dark marble and lined with unique shops, galleries, and a diverse range of restaurants that feature outdoor seating under blooming bougainvillea.
On Papadiamantis Street, an outdoor cinema regularly screens Mamma Mia!, among other films.
4. Lalaria Beach
Accessible solely by boat, Lalaria Beach can be visited while circumnavigating the island on excursions that also include Kastro a few kilometers to the west.
This beach is a marvel, bordered by towering cliffs that feature a natural arch and caves on the eastern side.
With a pebbly surface, it is advisable to bring swim shoes, as well as a hat and bottled water, given the absence of beach bars.
The surf is moderate, and the waves stir up the white sediment in the water, creating a translucent glow in the sunlight.
Even during peak summer when boats deposit sunbathers every few minutes, there remains ample space on Lalaria Beach for all.
5. Mandraki
Nestled within a nature reserve of low hills adorned with stone and Aleppo pines, Mandraki is an undeveloped coastal area featuring three beaches located in bays on either side of a cape.
These include Xerxi to the west, Elias in the center, and the smaller Agistri to the east.
The most frequented is Elias, which also happens to be the largest, and like Xerxi, it has a beach bar where sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented.
Elias offers private spots at both ends, which are sought after by naturists.
All three beaches boast golden sands, with Elias framed by low dunes and Xerxi bordered by cliffs.
Access to Mandraki is possible via bus, disembarking at stop 23 and walking through the fragrant pine forest.
6. Tsougria
The uninhabited island of Tsougria, visible from the clock tower in Skiathos Town, can be reached via a short boat ride.
Departing early in the morning allows visitors to enjoy a leisurely day lounging on its four beaches or hiking up the island’s rocky ridge for panoramic views of Skiathos and nearby Skopelos.
While Tsougria remains uninhabited, a beach bar operates during the summer on the stunning public beach on the northwest coast.
Relaxing here provides an opportunity to observe motorboats ferrying travelers back and forth to Skiathos Town, and to swim in the clear, light blue sea.
7. Koukounaries Beach
Stretching for a kilometer, Koukounaries Beach is located in a bay on the southwest coast and is situated within a natural park; yet, it is noticeably more vibrant than the previously mentioned beaches and is arguably the most frequented on the island.
Koukounaries Beach serves as a docking point for boat excursions and tends to attract crowds, which can be enjoyable for those who prefer a more social environment.
Beach bars offering music and rental sun loungers and umbrellas at €8 per day can be found at various intervals along the shore.
In addition, ample space is available for visitors wishing to relax on the sand under the pine trees.
The beach’s sparkling, shallow waters are also safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
8. Agios Nikolaos Church and Clock Tower
In the evening, this monument illuminates the rise above Chora’s old town.
While the ascent to this viewpoint may be challenging, it is worthwhile due to the panoramic vistas of the harbor, the white houses of the old town, and the mountains to the west.
Visitors often linger in the evenings to witness the sunset behind these peaks.
Both the modest church and clock tower are picturesque, with familiarity stemming from appearances in Mamma Mia! for film enthusiasts.
9. Agia Eleni Beach
Within walking distance from the more frequently visited Koukounaries Beach, Agia Eleni is a west-facing bay named after a nearby chapel.
You can reach Agia Eleni by traveling on the bus from Chora and disembarking at stop 25. This exquisite sandy beach is lined with sun loungers as well as colorful, cushioned seating, all serviced by an eclectic beach bar.
If you wish to venture beyond mere sunbathing, canoe rentals are available, and there are paths leading to scenic explorations at both ends of the beach.
To the north lies a cape offering magnificent views of the mainland, while to the south the coastline becomes rocky with caves along the water’s edge.
10. Troulos Beach
Located on the southern coast near bus stop 18, Troulos Beach is an alluring sandy bay less than ten kilometers from Skiathos Town.
This beach features some of the softest sand in Skiathos and boasts a gentle slope and crystal-clear waters that are universally enjoyed.
Shielded from the Meltemi north wind prevalent during summer, Troulos Beach is a favored spot for relaxation.
A few hundred meters offshore lies the dome-shaped islet of Troulonisi, a popular choice for paddle-boarders and kayakers when conditions permit.
For those seeking excitement, opportunities for banana boating are also available, or simply take the time to unwind beneath the shade of palm trees.
11. Banana Beach
Banana Beach, while slightly less crowded than Koukounaries, maintains a vibrant party atmosphere and is easily accessible from bus stop 26. At the end of the forest path, you will find a crescent-shaped beach, where upbeat music plays throughout the day at the Bananarama Beach Bar.
This beach is particularly popular among Greek students visiting Skiathos during the summer and offers numerous activities, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding.
To the north of the main beach lies a rocky outcropping, beyond which is the secluded Little Banana beach, known for being a naturist area, as well as a favored gay beach.
12. Papadiamantis House Museum
For a cultural diversion, consider visiting the house where the renowned poet and novelist Alexandros Papadiamantis (1851-1911) lived and passed away.
This modest two-story house, now a museum dedicated to Papadiamantis, is located within a short walking distance from the harbor in Skiathos Town and was constructed in 1860 by his father, a priest.
Visitors can view an array of memorabilia belonging to the author, including Papadiamantis’ bed, a coffer, and an ink bottle, as well as access the room where he spent his final months.
This room also contains significant examples of traditional Skiathos pottery.
13. Boat Tours
Alongside excursions to Tsougria and other remote beaches, various boat tours are available from the harbor in Skiathos Town.
A popular choice is a Mamma Mia!-themed cruise to Skopelos, a notable shooting location for the film.
This tour allows participants to disembark and explore the picturesque Agios Ioannis Kastri Church, perched atop a rocky outcrop.
For those interested in marine life without the need for scuba gear, full-day snorkeling safaris can be enjoyed either with a diving center or on a crewed yacht.
At locations such as Kalamaki, Tsougriaki, and Arco, guided snorkeling adventures provide encounters with starfish, octopuses, moray eels, and more.
14. Diving
The waters surrounding Skiathos present an ideal environment for diving, with visibility extending over 30 meters and temperatures reaching 26°C between July and September.
Skiathos is home to two diving centers: Skiathos Diving Center and Octopus Diving Centre, both located in Chora.
For those already certified, excursions to explore reefs, caves, and wreck sites are organized, and specialized night dives are also available.
Refresher courses cater to those re-entering the diving scene, while beginners can participate in introductory courses or pursue PADI certification over a week-long commitment.
15. ATV/Quad Bike Hire
On an island where the primary means of transport among visitors is the bus and tour boats, renting a quad bike allows for greater independence.
Given the prevalence of dirt tracks across the island, quad bikes offer a distinct advantage over cars, enabling access to remote locations such as Mandraki that are less reachable via traditional vehicles.
The coast features pristine coves like Nikotsala Limani, which are generally overlooked by tour boats.
Rental rates for quad bikes vary with the season; a low-powered quad typically costs around €45 for a single day in August, decreasing to €30 during the off-peak period, with discounts available for extended rentals.
