What is Skiathos like?
Skiathos is a green, wooded island in the northern Sporades, with more than 60 beaches according to the Greek National Tourism Organisation. The main town wraps around a large natural harbour, with lanes, restaurants and nightlife. The Greek writer Alexandros Papadiamantis was born and lived here, and his books portray island life.
When is the best time to visit Skiathos?
June and September: warm sea and fewer crowds. July and August are very busy. Off season (November to April) most tourist services close.
How to get to Skiathos
By ferry: there is no direct ferry from the Athens ports to Skiathos. The main gateway is Volos: according to Ferryhopper, the route runs all year and takes from about 1¼ hours to nearly 3 hours depending on the vessel. There are also routes from Agios Konstantinos, Mantoudi on Evia and Thessaloniki, and links to Skopelos and Alonissos.
By air: Skiathos airport has flights from Athens and seasonal flights from Europe. We found no direct Tel Aviv–Skiathos flight confirmed for 2026 on airline or airport websites. You can fly to Athens or Thessaloniki and continue by car and ferry. Check current fares from Tel Aviv on Yavanet's flights page, updated every morning. Seasonal summer routes sometimes open, so check close to your dates.
Top things to do in Skiathos
- Koukounaries beach: golden sand and pine forest, one of Greece's best known.
- A round-the-island boat trip to Lalaria beach (white pebbles and a rock arch) and the north-coast sea caves.
- The Kastro: ruins of the fortified town in the north where islanders hid from pirates.
- Papadiamantis House: the writer's home in town, now a small museum.
- Bourtzi: the small pine-covered peninsula between the two harbours, a sunset viewpoint.
- Evangelistria Monastery in the hills above town.
- The old town: lanes, churches and steps, plus the nightlife street.
- A day cruise to neighbouring Skopelos.
- Hiking the island's old footpaths.
Best beaches in Skiathos
- Koukounaries: golden sand, shallow water and a pine forest behind.
- Banana: a popular beach, with music on part of it.
- Agia Eleni: a west-facing sunset beach.
- Lalaria: by boat only, white pebbles and cliffs.
- Achladies and Vromolimnos: near town, family-friendly.
Where to stay in Skiathos
Skiathos Town: easiest without a car, with restaurants, nightlife and the port.
The south coast (between town and Koukounaries): beachfront hotels linked by the coastal bus.
Koukounaries: for a relaxed beach holiday.
Getting around Skiathos
A bus runs along the south coast between town and Koukounaries, stopping near the beaches. For the north-coast beaches and the monastery, rent a car or scooter, or take a boat trip. More in our guide to renting a car in Greece.
What to eat in Skiathos
Fish and seafood, local pies, and honey and plums from the Sporades. The town has a wide choice of restaurants.
Shabbat & kosher in Skiathos
We have not verified a Chabad house, active synagogue or kosher restaurant in Skiathos. Our Shabbat times & kosher in Greece page lists candle-lighting times and the kosher places we have verified around Greece. You can order kosher groceries and meals in advance from Chabad's e-kosher.gr, which delivers across Greece, including the islands. Order a few days before you arrive, especially ahead of Shabbat.
