Skiathos, a lovely Greek island within the Sporades, has turn into well-known for being one of many filming places for the film ‘Mamma Mia.’
This beautiful, verdant island could also be small however it’s blessed with a picturesque previous city, loads of unspoilt nature and a few of the greatest seashores in Europe.
There’s sufficient issues to do in Skiathos, Greece, to maintain you cheerful for a two week vacation or extra, even when you’re not a fan of the film.
Skiathos – The Jewel of the Sporades
Like glowing emerald jewels within the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades are Greece’s most verdant and inexperienced islands with genuine Greek appeal, unspoilt nature and pine forests tumbling down the hills to fulfill lovely white sandy seashores and clear turquoise shallow waters.
Pin Me! 😉
The Sporades encompass 24 islands however solely 4, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros and Alonnisos, are completely inhabited.
Skiathos is probably the most developed and most visited island of the Sporades and is the simplest to entry on account of its worldwide airport.
Skiathos can also be the best gateway to exploring the remainder of these idyllic Greek islands with simple day by day boat journeys to the neighboring islands.
Why I Love Skiathos
It’s dwelling to the most effective seashores in Greece
At solely 12 km lengthy and 6 km broad, Skiathos could also be a small island, however there are over 60 pretty sandy seashores to discover and loads of issues to do and causes to go to Skiathos, Greece.
Skiathos’s sandy seashores are considered a few of the absolute best in all of Greece. The South of the island is extra developed and the seashores supply golden sand, solar loungers, seashore bars, water sports activities and altering amenities.
Whereas the North is extra wild, rugged and undeveloped, coated with pine bushes as a substitute of lodges and with hidden coves and lengthy stretches of uncrowded seashores like Aselinos and Mandraki that you simply may even have all to your self.
However hasn’t misplaced it’s conventional Greek appeal
Skiathos City is a reasonably, conventional, Greek previous city with blue and white buildings, historic cobbled slim streets, fashionable boutiques, an open air cinema with nightly showings of the Mamma Mia film and harbour entrance cafes.
There’s loads of lodging and eating choices on the attractive island however Skiathos island nonetheless doesn’t really feel too over-developed and hasn’t misplaced its genuine Greek appeal.
The island is rather a lot much less crowded and extra reasonably priced than extra well-known Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos and Crete however nonetheless presents loads of issues to do and all the pieces you may ever want for a beautiful vacation.
The locals and different vacationers are pleasant and converse good English and Skiathos has turn into generally known as the Boomerang island as folks fall in love and return 12 months after 12 months.
The Finest Issues to do in Skiathos, Greece
Calm down on the Finest Seashores in Skiathos
Boasting a few of the greatest sandy seashores in Europe, it is smart that stress-free on the seashore is likely one of the hottest issues to do in Skiathos.
With over 60 lovely sandy seashores there’s a seashore to go well with everybody in Skiathos whether or not you want your seashores buzzing with bars and water sports activities or whether or not you want to flee from all of it and simply calm down immersed in nature.
So choosing the most effective of the various seashores in Skiathos is basically right down to your desire. I can’t point out each seashore in Skiathos on this fast information, however right here’s a few of my favourites.
Koukounaries Seashore
The easiest seashore in Skiathos is Koukounaries Seashore. A stunning sandy seashore with delicate white sands and calm, clear waters backed by a pine forest, lake and nature reserve make for the proper seashore day.
There are a couple of low key seashore bars alongside the sand and we loved a Greek salad, carafe of Greek wine with our toes within the sand proper on the ocean entrance. Umbrellas, solar beds, bathrooms, showers and altering amenities can be found.
Extra Seashores close to Koukounaries
There’s fairly a couple of improbable seashores with strolling distance of Koukournaries like Agia Eleni Seashore, Banana Seashore and Little Banana Seashore.
Agia Eleni Seashore is a small sandy seashore near Koukounaries seashore that can also be very lovely and standard. Agia Eleni can also be my favorite spot for sundown.
You too can stroll from Koukounaries Seashore over the hill and thru the luxurious Elivi Resort to the crescent formed Banana Seashore and head over the rocks to Little Banana Seashore – an official nudist seashore.
The place to remain and the right way to get to Koukounaries
Koukounaries is located on the South West finish of the island 13 km from Skiathos city. It’s simply accessible by bus in about half-hour from the city and there’s a collection of lodges that make for a soothing keep.
The Elivi Resort
The brand new 5 star Elivi Resort is undoubtedly probably the most beautiful resort in Koukounaries, and presumably the entire of Skiathos. This sprawling new luxurious resort sits on the hillside overlooking 4 sandy seashores with excessive class eating places, scenic gardens, sundown and sea view rooms and even personal pool suites.
Take a look at costs and opinions right here.
Lalaria Seashore
My absolute favorite seashore in Skiathos was Lalaria Seashore. The clear turquoise color of the water was not like something I’ve seen earlier than and the glowing white pebbles, dramatic cliffs and the spectacular pure arch rising above the crystal clear sea actually blew me away.
Lalaria Seashore
Lalaria Seashore is a singular and unbelievably lovely seashore and it’s solely accessible by boat which makes it much more particular and uncrowded. There are additionally some sea caves situated simply earlier than Lalaria.
We rented a ship and had this beautiful seashore all to ourselves, it was like discovering a abandoned island, till a ship tour group confirmed up. There’s no seashore bar or amenities right here so carry a picnic!
Vourvoulomis Seashore
One other of probably the most lovely seashores is Vourvoulomis Seashore, a naturally lovely golden sandy seashore nestled within the pine forest 8 km from Skiathos city with a youthful and livelier vibe from the seashore bars.
In case you’re fortunate you could even see swans on the seashore and within the ocean. We noticed them at Troulos and Vourvoulomis.
Seashores Near Skiathos City
Among the foremost seashores in Skiathos embody Megali Ammos Seashore, the closest seashore to the city however can get fairly crowded, and Agios Georgios Seashore.
Megali Ammos Seashore
Different seashores to take a look at embody Vassilias Seashore, Achilades and Agia Paraskevi Seashore. These are additionally vigorous and standard seashores busy with bars and water sports activities.
You may entry a lot of the foremost seashores within the South by bus, however probably the most enjoyable method is to make use of a water taxi switch which run from the previous port in Skiathos City to the preferred seashores like Koukounaries, Agia Paraskevi, Achilades and Vassilias
Wander the Streets of Skiathos City
Exploring the previous city, the guts of the island, was one other of my favorite issues to do in Skiathos, Greece.
Simply by wandering by way of the previous city and getting misplaced within the maze of stairways and slim again streets you’ll uncover many pleasant and picturesque blue and white buildings, lanes that overflow with vibrant flowers, attention-grabbing boutiques, artwork galleries and cafes through which to take in the relaxed island life environment.
The previous port is the leaping off level for the various boat excursions that discover the neighbouring islands and in addition a beautiful place to calm down in one of many waterfront cafes.
Additionally ensure that to discover the tiny Bourtzi Peninsula, a former Venetian fortress which lies between the brand new and previous ports with pretty views, shady pine bushes and a terrific café.
Go to Agios Nikolaos Church and The Papadiamantis Home Museum
Climb up the winding steps by way of the previous city to go to Agios Nikolaos Church and Clock Tower and take within the views over the city and the harbour.
One other factor to do within the city is to go to The Papadiamantis Home Museum, the birthplace and residential of Alexandros Papadiamantis, the famend Greek novelist thought-about to be the daddy of recent Greek literature.
Get pleasure from Skiathos’s Nightlife
Skiathos City can also be the island’s nightlife hub with many bars, eating places, cafes and outlets located on Papadiamantis Avenue, the principle pedestalised avenue,
Begin the night at one of many glorious water entrance seafood eating places on Paraliakos Avenue, watching the yachts and native fishermen earlier than partying the evening away in one of many nightclubs on the identical avenue.
Some of the scenic locations to eat can also be situated excessive above the city. The historic Windmill Restaurant is likely one of the oldest buildings on the island and presents lovely views over Skiathos, particularly at sundown.
In case you’re on a funds seize a gyros from one of many stalls on Papadiamantis Avenue for less than a few Euros and benefit from the joyful hour cocktail presents within the harbour entrance bars. My favorite locations for cocktails have been the bars on the steps of the streets heading up from the harbour.
See the Mamma Mia Filming Places
I’ve to be sincere, watching the film actually reignited my need to go to a Greek island. So once I came upon that ‘Kalokairi’ was truly Skiathos and Skopelos I began planning my very own journey!
In case you additionally favored the movie then undoubtedly probably the greatest issues to do in Skiathos is to go to the filming places!
Regardless that lots of the movie, particularly the interiors of the resort, have been truly filmed in Pinewood Studios in London, followers are positive to recognise some elements of the city from the film, particularly the previous port and the steps as much as Agios Nikolaos church and the clock tower the place Sophie despatched the letters off at the start of the movie.
If you wish to watch the film once more it’s proven day by day within the outside cinema on Papadiamantis Avenue. Watching the film beneath the celebs and singing alongside is a enjoyable solution to spend a night.
There’s additionally a couple of bakeries and ice cream parlours named after the film, however fortunately the island hasn’t gotten too cheesy by over capitalising on its reference to the movie.
Among the filming places have been on the neighboring island of Skopelos however fortunately there are a few particular Mamma Mia boat excursions to take you there for a enjoyable day journey.
Take the Mamma Mia Boat Journey Tour
After studying this text I select the Posideon Mamma Mia Cruise because it takes you proper to Agios Ioannis, the picturesque clifftop chapel from Sophie’s marriage ceremony, Kastani Seashore and Skopelos City.
Climbing as much as the church is sort of difficult but it surely’s a enjoyable time out and you may sing alongside to the soundtrack on the boat. The places you go to are lovely and positively probably the greatest issues to do in Skiathos, even when you’re not a fan of the film.
Take a look at this text for extra about the place in Greece Mamma Mia was filmed.
Extra Issues to do in Skiathos
Go on a ship journey or island hopping
One of many highlights of a go to to Skiathos is the vary of boat journeys from the previous port that may whisk you off for a enjoyable time out to discover the various islands close by, take in the views from the boat and luxuriate in snorkelling and swimming within the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea – it’s like a mini island hopping journey!
You may take a ship tour to discover the shoreline of Skiathos stopping off at Koukounaries and Lalaria, seeing the ocean caves and kastro (citadel) in addition to visiting the tiny uninhabited islands and nature reserves of Arkos and Tsougkrias. Take a look at the completely different crusing journeys and guide on-line right here
There are additionally boats and ferries departing from the port to the neighbouring islands of Skopelos and Alonnisos and the Greek mainland.
Or hire your personal boat for a day!
In case you want the liberty of exploring the island’s hidden gems independently then you possibly can even hire a ship and be a captain for the day! It’s simple and enjoyable to drive the boat and also you don’t even want a ship license to hire the smaller motor boats.
We rented a ship from GR Boat Rental and after a fast coaching session had the most effective day exploring the entire island, stopping off wherever we wished, having a picnic on the boat and even seeing dolphins!
Expertise Airplane Recognizing at Skiathos Airport
You won’t count on to see tiny Skiathos Airport on an inventory of the most effective issues to do in Skiathos however aircraft recognizing has turn into a serious attraction in Skiathos.
The airport is strolling distance from the city and presents a singular alternative for aircraft spotters to get tremendous near the airplanes as they take off and land – one thing that you may solely expertise in Skiathos and Saint Martin within the Caribbean.
It’s unbelievable, and a bit scary, how shut the planes get to the onlookers and the street. There’s solely a few flights as day so verify the flight schedule earlier than you go to the watching space on the city finish of the runway. There’s even a café arrange for aircraft spotters with a flight board.
Go mountain climbing
Skiathos’s unspoilt nature and 197km lengthy mountain climbing path community make it a well-liked place for mountain climbing – the proper solution to discover the wild pure panorama of the island.
You may hike to uncrowded seashores, like Mandraki Seashore on the rugged North aspect of the island or as much as the island’s peaks for superb views throughout the Mediterranean.
Some of the rewarding hikes is to the traditional ruins of Skiathos Citadel, recognized domestically because the kastro. This medieval citadel is perched excessive up on a cliff aspect on the Northern tip of the island and dates again to the 14th century when it was constructed to guard the island from pirates and invading forces. There’s not a lot left of the citadel now however the views are nonetheless spectacular.
There’s additionally the choice for guided horseback driving excursions for a singular solution to discover the island.
Go to the Evangelistria monastery
Inbuilt 1794 by a gaggle of monks the serene and exquisite Evangelistria Monastery is likely one of the most historic locations to go to in Skiathos.
Located on a hill surrounded by pine forests the monastery has an excellent peaceable setting and a particular power. You may take the bus, drive up and even hike to the Monastery.
An attention-grabbing truth about Evangelistria Monastery is that the very first Greek Flag was woven and blessed right here! There’s additionally a cute store and café with a lot of produce made by the monks.
The place to Keep in Skiathos
Essentially the most handy place to remain on the island is in Skiathos City itself, however there are additionally lodges and resorts on all the principle seashores and I loved the expertise of staying at each Koukounaries seashore and within the city.
By staying on the town you possibly can simply wander the charming streets of the previous city, take a ship tour from the previous port, and benefit from the largest collection of lodging, eating, purchasing and nightlife.
Megali Ammos, the closest foremost seashore to Skiathos City, is lower than 10 minutes away by bus and you may discover a unique seashore daily through the use of the useful bus that runs alongside the coast.
Skiathos Luxurious Dwelling
We stayed at Skiathos Luxurious Dwelling and beloved our spacious mezzanine condominium suite. I couldn’t get sufficient of the beautiful views over the previous city and the ocean from the balcony and pool and beloved watching the ferries and planes.
The situation was unbeatable, only a few minutes stroll to the harbour or foremost city but nonetheless peaceable sufficient to make sure a quiet nights sleep. Verify costs, availability and opinions right here.
Tips on how to get to Skiathos
Attending to Skiathos, Greece is simple and enjoyable whether or not you arrive by air or by boat.
The island has a small airport which makes visiting Skiathos simple. Skiathos Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport (JSI) receives day by day flights from Athens in addition to worldwide flights from different locations in Europe just like the UK, Germany and Scandinavia.
One of the simplest ways to achieve Skiathos by ferry is from mainland Greece is from the port of Volos in Thessaly. The ferry takes 1.5 – 3 hours and you may guide it right here.
Skiathos can also be related by ferry to Athens (Piraeus), Thessaloniki, Agios Konstantinos, Evia and different islands of the Sporades.
Getting round Skiathos is made simple with the island’s bus route, but it surely’s restricted to the extra developed South of the island. You too can hire scooters, quad bikes or a automotive to discover the entire island independently.
I hope you discovered my options for issues to do in Skiathos helpful. Something I’ve missed out? Let me know within the feedback.
