When Jet2holidays asked if I’d ever considered Skiathos, Greece for a holiday, I was surprised to find it was a destination I knew absolutely nothing about. After a quick search online and seeing some of the beautiful imagery pop up, I couldn’t believe I knew so little about such a gorgeous little island.
This small, green isle tucked away in the Northern Sporades is even served by dozens of direct flights on airlines such as Jet2, making Skiathos one of the easiest Greek destinations to visit.
I ended up recently spending 5 days there, exploring this lush island, with its pine forests tumbling down to its golden sand beaches, and some of the most turquoise waters in the Greek Isles. We loved our time in Skiathos – despite not even having the best of weather.
This guide covers everything you need to know for planning a trip to Skiathos, as well as the Jet2holidays experience. I’ve also written a review on the beautiful hotel we stayed at too, the stunning Kassandra Bay Resort and Spa.
Disclaimer: This was a gifted trip with Jet2holidays, however as always, my guide is entirely honest and based on my own experience.
Why Visit Skiathos?
Skiathos is the most westerly island of the Sporades, sitting in the Aegean just off the coast of mainland Greece. Unlike the whitewashed, windswept Cyclades (such as Santorini), it’s remarkably green. In fact, I learnt that around 80% of the island is covered in pine and olive trees, and as a result, everywhere is so fragrant.
The island is famous for its beaches. Apparently, there are around 65 of them, so not even with every will in the world was I going to visit all of them in 5 days. We managed to visit the much-loved beach of Koukounaries as well as Banana Beach and Kolios Beach.
Skiathos Town (known locally as Chora) is the island’s only real town, and was a super easy water taxi or bus ride from our hotel.
It was ever so charming. Its laneways are lined with whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs, colourful bougainvillea tumbled down the walls, and nosy cats sat in the blue window frames of the houses. For an island of its size, it was surprisingly buzzy and vibrant. Especially in the Old Port and along Papadiamantis Street, which is the main thoroughfare in town.
For Greeks, the island is popular due to its literary pedigree as the birthplace of Alexandros Papadiamantis, one of Greece’s most celebrated writers. And for film fans from across the world, its a popular place to visit as Skiathos was one of the filming locations for the movie Mamma Mia!, alongside its neighbour Skopelos, which is just a short boat ride away.
The Jet2 Travel Experience
What’s Included
Our package holiday with Jet2holidays meant that flights, shared transfers, and our hotel, were all included, as well as a generous checked luggage allowance (22kg per person!). Our little 9 month old came on this trip with us, and not only were bags included for us, but also a 10kg bag for him. They also permit 10kg per person as hand luggage, and two additional baby-related pieces for free, such as our travel pram. Jet2 definitely make family holidays that bit easier!
Booking
As soon as the booking email confirmation came through, I downloaded the app again to have everything on my phone. Jet2 makes everything super straightforward, with the flight bookings, hotel reservation and transfer voucher documents all saved there in one place.
At the airport and the flight
We arrived at noon for our flights from London Stansted airport. This time we were travelling with our 9 month old, so we left extra time but honestly, we didn’t really need to. Check-in was super organised and calm, and Oliver got a special VIP sticker. Security looked like it would be really busy, but it was actually very swift.
Boarding was also quick, and before we knew it, we were settled into our seats. To our surprise, we had the third seat in our row free, so we could spread out. That’s definitely a bonus when travelling with a lap infant!
It was a smooth and comfortable flight, with our little one sleeping for over 2 hours of it! And before we knew it, we were descending over Sporades Islands, landing into a twinkling Skiathos.
They aren’t joking when they say the runway is short. After touchdown, pilots have to apply the emergency breaks to ensure the planes don’t overshoot the runway! It’s quite the thrill!
Arriving in Skiathos
We were through security in about 1 minute after being given priority access to the family line, and then our suitcase was one of the first out. So swift and easy.
As we headed out into arrivals, there were numerous Jet2 staff dotted around and easily identifiable by their bright red jackets.
We were pointed in the direction of the transfer desk outside, and before we knew it, we were in our minibus transfer and being driven to our hotel. So incredibly easy, especially when travelling with an infant.
As I mentioned in my previous post, Jet2holidays definitely place importance on excellent communication. The app makes things really easy, but on arrival to the island, the Jet2 staff are just like, WhatsApp us with anything at any time! We’re here to help! It’s nice to know you’ve got that support if you need it.
At the end of the holiday
Again, communication was super clear regarding our transfer to the airport for our departing flight. We had its number plate and could track it. It came bang on time, and we were back at the airport again within 10 minutes. As on arrival, there were plenty of Jet2 staff around in red tops who can guide you to the right line etc. It was seamless.
Skiathos Island Guide: Practical Information
Getting to Skiathos
Skiathos has its own international airport, Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport (JSI), just a five-minute drive from Skiathos Town.
As noted above, it’s famous for its incredibly short runway, so planes come into land extremely low over the road at one end. We discovered that people come from all over the world to witness this unique spectacle.
Anyway, from the UK, direct flights take around 3 to 3.5 hours, and Jet2 offers Skiathos flights from London Stansted, Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford and Newcastle.
We flew in from London Stansted, and as with our previous trip with Jet2, it was an incredibly pleasant and well-organised experience.
If you’re already in Greece and looking to include Skiathos on your island-hopping itinerary, then ferries run from Volos on mainland Greece to the Old Port in Skiathos. It takes around 1.5 hours by high-speed ferry and connects well with stays in Athens or Thessaloniki.
Getting Around Skiathos
Skiathos is small. Actually, it’s tiny and unlike some of the larger islands like Corfu and Crete, getting around Skiathos really easy. A large number of the best beaches are all located along the south coast, and a regular public bus runs the main road throughout the summer. It stops at 26 numbered stops that correspond to the beaches along the way making it cheap, efficient and easy to beach-hop.
Many hotels and beaches are also connected to Skiathos Town by water taxi, all of which leave from the Old Port area. This makes it super easy and affordable to get around. In our case, this also eliminated the need for a car seat, which was handy.
For more freedom, car hire is widely available and a small car is all you need. The roads are narrow and windy! You can also opt for a quad bike or a scooters but as the roads are quite busy in the summer, you should only hire one if you’re an experienced rider.
Taxis are also available, but the island’s taxi rank in town can have long queues in peak season.
Currency & Money
Greece uses the Euro (€). Cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops, and there are plenty of ATMs in Skiathos Town. I would say it’s definitely still worth carrying some cash for water taxis, beach sunbeds and some of the smaller tavernas.
Language
Greek is the official language, but English is spoken almost everywhere in tourist areas. A few words of Greek always go down well: kaliméra (good morning), efharistó (thank you) and yamás (cheers).
Entry Requirements
UK passport holders can visit Greece visa-free for up to 90 days in an 180-day period. Your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day you arrive and valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave.
The EU’s new digital border system has been fully in operation since April 2026. On your first visit, you’ll have your fingerprints and a photo taken at passport control instead of getting a passport stamp. Allow extra time at the border, particularly in peak season.
Always double-check the latest entry requirements on the UK Government’s travel advice pages before you travel, as these can change.
When is the Best Time to Visit Skiathos
Skiathos is very much a seasonal island. In fact, most hotels, restaurants and flights run from around May to October, and outside those months the island is sleepy and many businesses close.
Best time to visit: June and September are the sweet spots. The sea is warm, the weather is reliably sunny, and the island is lively without being overwhelming. September is especially lovely — the sea has had all summer to warm up, the crowds have thinned, and flight and hotel prices start to drop.
Peak season: July and August bring the hottest temperatures (often in the 30s°C), the busiest beaches and the highest prices. It’s also when the island’s nightlife is at its liveliest. If you’re travelling during school holidays, book accommodation well ahead.
Shoulder season: May and October are quieter and cooler, and great for walking and exploring. The sea can still feel fresh in May, but October often has lovely swimming weather early in the month. In fact, in early October, we couldn’t believe how warm the water was.
The island’s green landscape does come at a price though, and Skiathos gets more rain than the Cyclades Islands, mostly in winter. On the plus side, it’s generally sheltered from the strong meltemi winds that can batter islands further south in July and August.
Where to Stay in Skiathos
Almost all of the hotels in Skiathos sit along the south coast, between Skiathos Town in the east and Koukounaries in the west. The north coast is wild and largely undeveloped. The big question is whether you want to be in town, close to the restaurants and nightlife, or on a beach. And since the transport is actually really efficient, you’ll be in a great location wherever you stay!
Skiathos Town
If it’s your first time on the island, then Skiathos Town is a great place to base yourself. You’ll have the island’s widest choice of restaurants and bars all around you, plus the ferry port, boat trips and the main bus stop all on your doorstep. Megali Ammos, the nearest proper beach, is walkable from much of town.
Megali Ammos & Vassilias
Just outside town, these two beach areas give you the best of both worlds. We stayed in Vassilias, and loved being able to take the water taxi to the Old Port. The bus was also quick, and you could also walk it if you’re feeling energetic. Make sure to read my detailed hotel review of the Kassandra Bay Resort in Vassilias here.
Agia Paraskevi & Platanias
Midway along the south coast, this is one of the best areas for families. Agia Paraskevi’s sandy, shallow beach is perfect for little ones, there are several tavernas within walking distance, and the bus stops right outside.
Troulos
A quieter, low-key base between town and Koukounaries, with a sandy beach, a handful of tavernas and small hotels. A good choice if you want peace and quiet without resort-style facilities.
Koukounaries & Banana Beach
At the far western end of the bus route, Koukounaries has one of the finest beaches in Greece. Its waters are crystal clear and the sand is silky soft. The beach is backed by pine forest and the protected Strofylia wetland, and nearby Banana Beach is home to one of the island’s most luxurious resorts.
Best Beaches in Skiathos
Beaches are the main reason most people come to Skiathos, and the choice is incredible for such a small island! The south coast beaches are sandy, sheltered and well set up with sunbeds and tavernas. These are the easiest beaches to visit. The north coast beaches are wilder, often reached by boat or dirt track.
- Koukounaries: The island’s most famous beach. It’s a gorgeous long curve of fine golden sand backed by umbrella pines, with shallow, calm water that’s ideal for families. There’s also a concrete path backing the beach, meaning walking with a stroller along the beach is super easy. Also, great for nap times! We loved our day here and enjoyed coffees and then lunch at different beach tavernas under the trees. We sat straight on the sand, but there are plenty of sections with nice sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. Prices were €20 and upwards for the day for a sunbed.
- Banana Beach (Big & Little Banana): Just over the headland from Koukounaries, Big Banana has beach bars and a lively atmosphere, while Little Banana next door is smaller and traditionally clothing-optional. You have to walk through the Elivi Estate up a steep hill to get to the beach.
- Lalaria: Skiathos’s postcard beach, with dazzling white pebbles, impossibly blue water and a natural rock arch. It can only be reached by boat, usually as part of a round-the-island trip.
- Agia Eleni: On the west coast and the best spot on the island for sunset, with views across to the mainland’s Pelion peninsula.
- Mandraki (Xerxes): A quieter, more natural beach reached via a pine-forest walking path from near Koukounaries. It’s worth the effort for fewer crowds. If you have a hire car, you can drive along a dirt track to get there.
- Megali Ammos & Vassilias: The closest good beaches to Skiathos Town, handy for a quick swim with everything you need nearby. We stayed at Kassandra Bay in Vassilias, and absolutely loved it for its location. Plus, it was a beautiful stay!
- Agia Paraskevi & Vromolimnos: There are two of the south coast’s best organised beaches with bars and watersports.
- Megalos Aselinos: A long, wild sandy beach on the north coast, backed by greenery and great on calm days.
Best Things to Do in Skiathos
Take a Boat Trip Around the Island
If you do one thing on Skiathos, make sure to join a round-the-island boat trip. Boats leave the Old Port every morning in summer and typically stop at Lalaria beach, the Skotini sea cave and the Blue Cave (Galazia Spilia), and Kastro, with time for swimming along the way. Many trips include lunch.
Or you can hire your own private boat or skipper for the day. This is perfect for couples or families wanting to find their own quiet cove. You don’t need a licence for small boats with low-powered engines.
Explore Skiathos Town
Skiathos Town is made for wandering and exploring. I recommend climbing the steps of the old quarter for views over the harbour. Hours can be spent browsing the boutiques along Papadiamantis Street, and watching the fishing boats come in at the Old Port.
Key highlights include:
- Bourtzi: A small, pine-covered peninsula between the Old Port and the New Port, with a lovely walking path, a cultural centre and great sea views.
- Papadiamantis House Museum: The former home of the island’s most famous son, the writer Alexandros Papadiamantis, now a small museum.
- Agios Nikolaos Clock Tower: Climb up to this church and its clock tower for one of the best sunset views over the town and harbour.
- Cinema Attikon: A charming open-air cinema in the centre of town, which regularly shows Mamma Mia! in summer.
Whether you visit in the morning for coffee, or for dinner and drinks in the evening, you can definitely enjoy several trips to Skiathos Town in one holiday.
Visit Kastro
Kastro is the ruined medieval capital of Skiathos. Islanders built it on a clifftop in the 16th century to hide from pirates, and lived here until the 1820s. Today only a few churches survive, but the setting is spectacular. It’s located on the rugged northern tip of the island and you can reach it by boat or by car, followed by a short walk.
Evangelistria Monastery
Set in the hills around 4km from town, this 18th-century monastery is known as the place where the first flag of modern Greece was raised in 1807. It has a small museum and a shop selling the monks’ own wine, olive oil and liqueurs. Note you have to cover your shoulders and knees.
Watch the Planes Land
Skiathos airport’s short runway means planes come in spectacularly low over the road at the southern end. It’s quite the experience and one afternoon, we joined some of the plane spotters who gather at the runway edge to watch the planes come in above. It was a very cool and exhilarating experience!
Hiking
Skiathos has a network of well-marked walking trails through its pine forests and olive groves. Some connect up with beaches and you’ll see well designed map boards by all the bus stops. Spring and autumn are the best times to hike, when the heat is less intense and the wildflowers or autumn colours are out.
Watersports
The main south coast beaches, especially Koukounaries and Vassilias, offer an array of watersports. You can try everything from paddleboarding and kayaking to jet skis and water skiing. There are also dive centres on the island offering try dives and courses.
Where to Eat & Drink in Skiathos
Skiathos Town has the best restaurant scene in the Sporades. And for a small island, there’s a serious wealth of options. At some of the beaches, like Koukounaries, we loved our lunches at tavernas under the pine trees.
What to Eat
- Fresh fish and seafood: There’s no shortage of delicious, fresh sea food. You can find grilled octopus, calamari, sardines and the catch of the day are staples, especially at the tavernas around the Old Port.
- Hortopita: A local pie filled with wild greens and herbs.
- Skopelos Cheese Pie: Don’t think about the calories on this one. But it’s a wheel of cheese and pastry and extremely tasty!
- Hamalia: Fried dough drizzled with pine honey. So delicious.
- Amygdalota: Delicate almond sweets flavoured with rosewater, often found in bakeries in town.
- The Greek classics: Moussaka, lamb kleftiko, stifado, Greek salad with local cheese, and plenty of tzatziki.
Restaurant Recommendations
Traditional tavernas: Mesogia Taverna in the old Plakes district has been serving classic Greek dishes since 1923, and is a popular choice. We loved Bakaliko for its gorgeous seaside view looking back towards Skiathos Town.
For a local favourite with a view, head up to Taverna Agnanti above the Old Port, and for fresh fish and meze where locals eat, try Kabourelias Ouzeri on the Old Port. We also ate in Artima in Skiathos Town, which had a lovely atmospheric courtyard.
Marmita is widely regarded as the island’s most creative kitchen, with a seasonal menu built around local produce. Definitely book ahead here. The Windmill, set in a converted windmill above town, is another romantic favourite with sunset views.
Most evening restaurants in town don’t open until 6.30pm.
For ice cream, go to Alaska on the Main Street. Delicious array of flavours!
Beach lunches: Mandraki Taverna or Under The Pine Tree are both very close to Koukounaries and are lovely pine-shaded lunch spots.
But you don’t always need to sit in proper restaurants. You can always grab a gyros or souvlaki from one of the grill houses in town. These are cheap, filling and perfect after a day on the beach.
Nightlife
Skiathos has the liveliest nightlife in the Sporades. Whilst we sampled absolutely none of whilst travelling with a 9 month old, it was quite clear where to go.
You can start with a sunset cocktail at one of the bars overlooking the Old Port, then move on to the bars along Papadiamantis Street. To round off the night, ‘Bar Street’ comes alive in the late evening hours.
In peak season, the beach bars at Banana and Vromolimnos host parties into the evening.
Most restaurants are open from May to October, and popular spots book up quickly in July and August, so reserve ahead where you can.
Day Trips from Skiathos
Skopelos
Skiathos’s larger, greener and more traditional island neighbour is just under an hour away by ferry, making it an easy and rewarding day trip. Skopelos Town is a beautiful collection of whitewashed houses and blue shutters rising from the harbour, dotted with more than 100 churches across the island.
Mamma Mia! fans shouldn’t miss the clifftop chapel of Agios Ioannis sto Kastri, where the wedding scene was filmed. You can climb the 100-plus steps for the view. Many organised boat trips from Skiathos combine Skopelos with swimming stops at its beaches.
Alonissos & the National Marine Park
Further east, Alonissos is the quietest of the three main Sporades islands. It sits within the National Marine Park of Alonissos and the Northern Sporades, Europe’s largest marine protected area. It’s home to the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, and full-day boat trips from Skiathos often visit the park’s islets with a chance of spotting dolphins. It’s a long day, so a private or small-group trip is well worth considering.
Skiathos Travel Tips
- Use the beach bus. The south coast bus is cheap, frequent and stops at almost every beach. Beach stops are numbered, which makes navigating very easy.
- Book a boat trip early in your visit. Round-the-island trips depend on calm seas, so I recommend booking one early, so you’ve got a back-up day if the weather changes.
- Arrive early at the popular beaches. Koukounaries and Banana fill up quickly in July and August, and there are only so many sunbeds.
- Carry some cash. Handy for sunbeds, water taxis and smaller tavernas.
- Book peak-season accommodation and restaurants early. The best hotels book out months in advance for July and August.
- Dress respectfully at monasteries. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting Evangelistria and other religious sites.
- Pack good shoes. Skiathos Town is hilly, with plenty of steps, and several beaches are reached by walking paths.
- Allow extra time at the airport. The terminal is small and gets very busy on changeover days, and EES registration can add time at passport control.
- Wait in the smaller terminal 1 if very busy at the airport. When we got to the airport, we were instructed to queue outside as there were several flights departing at once, so check-in was very busy. We wandered over to the tiny domestic terminal 1 and found a little cafe, clean toilets and a calm seating area to wait in. A very good hack on busy travel days!
Summary: Is Skiathos Worth Visiting?
Skiathos packs an incredible amount into a small island. From its beautiful beaches, lush pine forests, and a charming and lively main town, I understand why some visitors go back year after year. It’s an easy island to enjoy, and everything just works.
Plus, you’ve got easy access to Skopelos and Alonissos for beautiful day trips if you fancy a change of scenery. With Jet2’s direct flights to Skiathos from all over the UK, it’s one of the simplest Greek island escapes you can plan, and it works well for families, couples and friends. We can’t wait to get back there!
Have you been to Skiathos? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
