Five amazing things to do in Skiathos
Skiathos is all about kicking back and enjoying the slow pace of life in the sunshine, so don’t plan an action packed week – prepare to chill out and take in the island’s beauty. But there is still plenty to keep you interested so here are my five recommendations, in no particular order!
1. Take a boat trip
Many of the islands beaches, including the famous Lalaria, can only be accessed by boat, so it’s well worth hopping on one of the many boat trips that run out of Skiathos Town. There are loads that will give you a tour of the whole island, and there are others that will take you further afield to see some of the other Sporades islands. If you’re lucky you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins! Read my article on my favourite boat trip, the Skiathos Sailing catamaran trip.
2. Visit the Evangelistria Monastery
To my shame despite my many visits to Skiathos I’ve never actually hired a car and taken the short trip into the centre of the island to see this 250 year old monastery, but I’m told it’s fascinating and beautiful. Much of it is ruins but a lot is still in tact with views of the island all the way down to the sea. It’s definitely one of my priorities for my next visit!
3. Beach hop
For such a small island, Skiathos has a surprisingly high number of beaches – all of them beautiful. With a bus service running all day along the south side of the island from Skiathos Town to Koukanaries and so many boat trips, it’s easy to hop around and enjoy them! My favourite is the beach on the offshore island of Tsougria which you can get a ferry to from Skiathos Town. Read my article on my top 10 beaches for some more ideas!
4. Paraglide
I love watersports, and they’re great anywhere to be fair! But Skiathos is even more beautiful from the air than it is from land. Hanging from your parachute you can really soak in the gorgeous scenery and appreciate just how clear and blue the sea is. If you’re gonna paraglide anywhere, do it here! We did it from Kanapitsa beach.
5. Drink in “Europe’s best bar”
Okay so the Rock ‘n’ Roll bar in Skiathos Town won this title yonks ago in 2004… but they’re hilariously very proud of it so don’t scoff okay! Skiathos Town is good fun on a night, there are loads of bars and if you stick to the more back street places it’s pretty cheap. In peak season (July & August) there are also some decent clubs in the New Harbour. But one of the nicest places to have enjoy a drink (topped with an umbrella and Greek flag of course) is on the Old Harbour. Cocktails at the Rock ‘n’ Roll bar are a bit pricey to be honest, but it has the wonderful novelty of a seated area consisting of pillows spread out on the steps outside the bar surrounded by candles and lanters. It’s chilled, quirky and definitely worth a visit!
