Sporades · Cosmopolitan paradise
Skiathos
Skiathos is the most cosmopolitan of the Sporades, a paradise of thick pine forests and green-blue water that is remarkably easy to reach from the mainland. We design private Skiathos itineraries that balance its buzzing town with boat-only beaches and quiet monasteries.
Skiathos is a paradise for every traveller, thanks to its combination of uniquely thick forests and green-blue water, and the sheer variety of experiences it offers for all ages and tastes.
How the Sporades got their name
Local legend tells of a quarrel between Titan gods that grew into a war, in which they scooped up huge pieces of land and hurled them at each other. Some of those chunks scattered across the sea in an erratic, sporadic pattern, which is how the island group came to be known as the Northern Sporades. Skiathos is one of the few Greek islands to have kept its ancient name: neighbouring Skopelos was once Peparithos, and Alonnisos was once Ikos. One theory holds that Skiathos combines skia, meaning shadow, with Athos, because the island lies in the shadow of Mount Athos.
Explore Skiathos
What sets Skiathos apart from the rest of the Sporades is that it is by far the most cosmopolitan island of the group, and extremely easy to reach from the mainland. It was home to one of Greece’s finest authors, Alexandros Papadiamantis, and like his books, the island will absorb you and reveal a surprise on every page.
Lalaria Beach
Catch a boat from Skiathos Town to reach secluded Lalaria on the island’s northeastern tip. Accessible only by sea, it rewards the savvy few with rugged rock formations, isolated sea caves, turquoise water and white pebbles: an extraordinarily photogenic escape from the crowds.
Chora
The pine-clad promontory of Bourtzi juts into the bay in front of Skiathos Chora and divides the port in two: the modern harbour where ferries dock to the north, the more attractive old port for fishing boats to the west. The town is a lovely maze of alleyways to get lost in before ducking into an authentic taverna for pan-fried prawns, lamb chops or suckling pig.
Monastery of Evangelistria
The most famous of the island’s many churches and monasteries, nestled among ancient vineyards and olive groves about three miles north of town. Dating to the 18th century, it sheltered refugees during the Greek War of Independence, and in 1807 the official Greek flag was raised here for the very first time.
Pairing Skiathos
Skiathos is the natural gateway to the Sporades: Skopelos and its Mamma Mia landmarks are a short ferry hop away, and quiet Alonnisos and its marine park lie just beyond.
Known first-hand
Our best picks on Skiathos
- Best Local Specialty Traditional pies and sweets
Beyond the fresh seafood, sweet tooths must track down xamalia, a triangular pastry fried in local olive oil and filled with honey and walnut, amigdalota almond sweets kneaded with sugar and flower water, and aspro, a jam of white almond, syrup and lemon.
- Best Bar Danny and Zoe's Blind Dog
On the famous pillow street, where cocktail bars cover the steps with cushions, this one stands out: Danny and Zoe rock their own stage with music of every era, and yes, the house mascot really is a blind dog.
- Best Dining Karnayo and Marmita
Two hidden gems serving traditional Greek cuisine with a modern twist. Karnayo is the place for fish lovers; Marmita for grazing across many flavours, topped with a great sweet plate at the end.
- Best Beach Koukounaries
Golden sand, blue sea and pine forest reaching right down to the water, widely considered one of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean, though it pays for its fame in high season. Nearby Banana Beach brings the beach-party scene.
- Best Daytrip Captain Theo's boat trips
Daily sailing excursions around the most beautiful spots of Skiathos and Skopelos, including the islet of Dasia with its seal cave, the beach of Tsougria, and Kastani beach of Mamma Mia fame. Many Sporades beaches can only be reached by boat.
- Best After Dark The Mamma Mia movie night
The open-air cinema screens new releases under the stars, and several times a week it embraces the movie that put Skiathos on the map. Not exactly an authentic Greek experience, but a fun, raucous night where audience participation is positively encouraged.
Skiathos has its own airport (JSI) with seasonal flights from many European cities, plus regular ferries from Volos and Agios Konstantinos on the mainland.
Design
Design your experience
Tell us the occasion, the season and who is coming. One of our Epicureans will come back with a first sketch of Skiathos, and will tell you if another island suits your dates better.