Skiathos (Greek: Σκιάθος, Skiáthos) is the entry point and main island of the Sporades Islands. Although it is neither the biggest nor the most attractive of the Sporades islands, because it is the first port of call for most ferries and possesses the sole airport, most tourists don't venture beyond Skiathos. For most, why would they want to? There are great beaches, good accommodation on offer, and decent public transport.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Public buses operate on one line that runs from the port to Koukouniares along the southern side of the island. The port station is 200m to the right of the port. Tickets are bought on the bus from the conductor, only in cash. Stops are marked with a sign and a number. Taxis are easy to get from the port to anywhere on the island. It is not worth the hassle to bring your own car to the island, although it is in theory possible. You can rent a car or a motor scooter. Asphalt roads run across the south of the island. Roads in the interior turn out to be little more than dirt paths. Motorbikes and mopeds are popular alternatives to cars.
1 Alexandros Papadiamantis House Museum, Papadiamanti Street (Skiathos main street) (after 100 m at a small alley on your right), ☏ +30 24270-22240. Tu-Su 09:00-13:00, 17:00-20:00. Alexandros Papadiamantis (1851-1911) is one of the greatest ever Greek authors. He wrote over 100 novels mostly based on island life. His house has been turned into a museum. 2 Kastro. Site of the medieval center of the island. Abandoned in the 19th century (1829). There are well maintained three churches and a house, the other buildings are dilapidated. 3 Evangelistria Monastery (Ιερά Μονή Ευαγγελίστριας, also known as Monastery of the Annunciation, Ιερά Μονή Ευαγγελισμού της Θεοτόκου) (some 4 km north).
Most people come to Skiathos for the beaches. Let's face it, there is not much else to do on the island. However, there is a large, forested interior that can be explored. Yachting. Skiathos has a large port from where one can charter yachts either for day trips or longer periods to explore the surrounding islands. There is a good variety of beaches on Skiathos with over 60 in total. The south side of the island has sandy beaches with calm waters. Beaches on the north are less crowded. The wind mostly comes in from the north and also the sea tends to be somewhat rougher to the north. 1 Koukounaries Beach. Covered with umbrella pines is the most famous beach on the island.
Besides the following listings, there are numerous Souvlaki (Greek kebab sellers) dotted around the island, and frozen yoghurt is increasingly available on Papadiamanti St. En Plo, Skiathos Town (200 m from the port to the airport.), ☏ +30 24270 24433, fax: +30 24270 24433, info@enploskiathos.com. 17:30 - 00:30. Seafood. Marmita, Evagelistrias 30, ☏ +30 24270-21701, marmitaskiathos@gmail.com. Greek food (albeit not typical tourist fare) in a lovely courtyard setting. Off the beaten track, so fewer tourists and more Greeks. €15-20pp. Medousa, Old port. Italian restaurant, with wood-fire oven. Olive land (Elaias gi), Katsarou. Traditional Greek food, lots of nice vines, friendly staff.
The tap water is not drinkable (and even ice in restaurants is provided via special procedure from companies) and restaurants will serve glasses of ice water upon request. Local drinks include beer and Ouzo. There are various hot club locations, though most famous clubs are located north-east of the port at around 300 m, by the seashore. Kahlua. Club. Maraccas. Club. BBC. Club. Ginfish Cocktail Bar
Skiathos is a generally safe destination. As with all Greek islands, the summer sun is very strong all day. You should not take the risk of dehydration, sunburns or even heat strokes lightly. Wear appropriate clothes, a hat and sunglasses; use sunscreen; bring enough water on excursions and know when to stop exhausting yourself and seek the shade of a tree. Greeks take it easy in the middle of the day, from 2–5, often only venturing down to the beaches in the late afternoon and early evening. Then aircraft taking-off, the engines are in full thrust, directly on you.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Skiathos typically sees ~28°C daytime highs and 1 rainy days.
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