Skiathos, a fantastic Greek island within the Sporades, has turn into well-known for being one of many filming places for the film ‘Mamma Mia.’
This attractive, verdant island could also be small however it’s blessed with a picturesque previous city, loads of unspoilt nature and a number of the finest seashores in Europe.
There’s sufficient issues to do in Skiathos, Greece, to maintain you content for a two week vacation or extra, even if you happen to’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 stunning white sandy seashores and clear turquoise shallow waters.
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The Sporades encompass 24 islands however solely 4, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros and Alonnisos, are completely inhabited.
Skiathos is essentially the most developed and most visited island of the Sporades and is the best to entry resulting from its worldwide airport.
Skiathos can 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 perfect seashores in Greece
At solely 12 km lengthy and 6 km huge, Skiathos could also be a small island, however there are over 60 beautiful sandy seashores to discover and loads of issues to do and causes to go to Skiathos, Greece.
Skiathos’s sandy seashores are thought to be a number of the best possible in all of Greece. The South of the island is extra developed and the seashores supply golden sand, solar loungers, seaside bars, water sports activities and altering amenities.
Whereas the North is extra wild, rugged and undeveloped, lined with pine bushes as a substitute of lodges and with hidden coves and lengthy stretches of uncrowded seashores like Aselinos and Mandraki that you just may even have all to your self.
But hasn’t misplaced it’s conventional Greek appeal
Skiathos Town is a reasonably, conventional, Greek previous city with blue and white buildings, historic cobbled slim streets, trendy 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 gorgeous island however Skiathos island nonetheless doesn’t really feel too over-developed and hasn’t misplaced its genuine Greek appeal.
The island is loads much less crowded and extra inexpensive than extra well-known Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos and Crete however nonetheless presents loads of issues to do and every little thing you may ever want for a stunning vacation.
The locals and different vacationers are pleasant and communicate good English and Skiathos has turn into often known as the Boomerang island as folks fall in love and return yr after yr.
The Best Things to do in Skiathos, Greece
Relax on the Best Beaches in Skiathos
Boasting a number of the finest sandy seashores in Europe, it is smart that stress-free on the seaside is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in Skiathos.
With over 60 stunning sandy seashores there’s a seaside 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 loosen up immersed in nature.
So selecting the perfect of the numerous seashores in Skiathos is actually right down to your choice. I can’t point out each seaside in Skiathos on this fast information, however right here’s a few of my favourites.
Koukounaries Beach
The best possible seaside in Skiathos is Koukounaries Beach. A stunning sandy seaside with tender white sands and calm, clear waters backed by a pine forest, lake and nature reserve make for the right seaside day.
There are a couple of low key seaside 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, bogs, showers and altering amenities can be found.
More Beaches close to Koukounaries
There’s fairly a couple of incredible seashores with strolling distance of Koukournaries like Agia Eleni Beach, Banana Beach and Little Banana Beach.
Agia Eleni Beach is a small sandy seaside near Koukounaries seaside that can be very stunning and fashionable. Agia Eleni can be my favorite spot for sundown.
You also can stroll from Koukounaries Beach over the hill and thru the luxurious Elivi Resort to the crescent formed Banana Beach and head over the rocks to Little Banana Beach – an official nudist seaside.
Where to remain and the 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 number of lodges that make for a calming keep.
The Elivi Resort
The new 5 star Elivi Resort is undoubtedly essentially the most gorgeous lodge in Koukounaries, and probably 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.
Check out costs and opinions right here.
Lalaria Beach
My absolute favorite seaside in Skiathos was Lalaria Beach. 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 Beach is a singular and unbelievably stunning seaside 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 gorgeous seaside all to ourselves, it was like discovering a abandoned island, till a ship tour group confirmed up. There’s no seaside bar or amenities right here so deliver a picnic!
Another of essentially the most stunning seashores is Vourvoulomis Beach, a naturally stunning golden sandy seaside nestled within the pine forest 8 km from Skiathos city with a youthful and livelier vibe from the seaside bars.
If you’re fortunate it’s possible you’ll even see swans on the seaside and within the ocean. We noticed them at Troulos and Vourvoulomis.
Beaches Close to Skiathos Town
Some of the principle seashores in Skiathos embody Megali Ammos Beach, the closest seaside to the city however can get fairly crowded, and Agios Georgios Beach.
Other seashores to take a look at embody Vassilias Beach, Achilades and Agia Paraskevi Beach. These are additionally energetic and fashionable seashores busy with bars and water sports activities.
You can entry many of the important seashores within the South by bus, however essentially the most enjoyable method is to make use of a water taxi switch which run from the previous port in Skiathos Town to the preferred seashores like Koukounaries, Agia Paraskevi, Achilades and Vassilias
Wander the Streets of Skiathos Town
Exploring the previous city, the center of the island, was one other of my favorite issues to do in Skiathos, Greece.
Just by wandering by 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, fascinating boutiques, artwork galleries and cafes by which to take in the relaxed island life ambiance.
The previous port is the leaping off level for the numerous boat excursions that discover the neighbouring islands and in addition a stunning place to loosen up in one of many waterfront cafes.
Also be sure that to discover the tiny Bourtzi Peninsula, a former Venetian fortress which lies between the brand new and previous ports with beautiful views, shady pine bushes and an ideal café.
Visit Agios Nikolaos Church and The Papadiamantis House Museum
Climb up the winding steps by the previous city to go to Agios Nikolaos Church and Clock Tower and take within the views over the city and the harbour.
Another factor to do within the city is to go to The Papadiamantis House Museum, the birthplace and residential of Alexandros Papadiamantis, the famend Greek novelist thought-about to be the daddy of recent Greek literature.
Enjoy Skiathos’s Nightlife
Skiathos Town can be the island’s nightlife hub with many bars, eating places, cafes and retailers located on Papadiamantis Street, the principle pedestalised avenue,
Start the night at one of many glorious water entrance seafood eating places on Paraliakos Street, watching the yachts and native fishermen earlier than partying the night time away in one of many nightclubs on the identical avenue.
One of essentially the most scenic locations to eat can be situated excessive above the city. The historic Windmill Restaurant is without doubt one of the oldest buildings on the island and presents stunning views over Skiathos, particularly at sundown.
If you’re on a funds seize a gyros from one of many stalls on Papadiamantis Street for under a few Euros and reap the benefits of the joyful hour cocktail presents within the harbour entrance bars. My favorite locations for cocktails had been the bars on the steps of the streets heading up from the harbour.
See the Mamma Mia Filming Locations
I’ve to be sincere, watching the film actually reignited my want to go to a Greek island. So after I came upon that ‘Kalokairi’ was really Skiathos and Skopelos I began planning my very own journey!
If you additionally appreciated the movie then undoubtedly among the best issues to do in Skiathos is to go to the filming places!
Even although a variety of the movie, particularly the interiors of the lodge, had been really filmed in Pinewood Studios in London, followers are certain to recognise some components 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 in the beginning of the movie.
If you need to watch the film once more it’s proven day by day within the outside cinema on Papadiamantis Street. Watching the film underneath the celebs and singing alongside is a enjoyable approach 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.
Some of the filming places had 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 Trip 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 Beach and Skopelos Town.
Climbing as much as the church is sort of difficult nevertheless it’s a enjoyable time out and you may sing alongside to the soundtrack on the boat. The places you go to are stunning and positively among the best issues to do in Skiathos, even if you happen to’re not a fan of the film.
Check out this text for extra about the place in Greece Mamma Mia was filmed.
More Things to do in Skiathos
Go on a ship journey or island hopping
One of the 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 numerous 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 can take a ship tour to discover the shoreline of Skiathos stopping off at Koukounaries and Lalaria, seeing the ocean caves and kastro (fortress) in addition to visiting the tiny uninhabited islands and nature reserves of Arkos and Tsougkrias. Check out the totally different crusing journeys and e-book 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 lease your individual boat for a day!
If you like the liberty of exploring the island’s hidden gems independently then you’ll be able to even lease 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 lease the smaller motor boats.
We rented a ship from GR Boat Rental and after a fast coaching session had the perfect day exploring the entire island, stopping off wherever we wished, having a picnic on the boat and even seeing dolphins!
Experience Plane Spotting at Skiathos Airport
You won’t count on to see tiny Skiathos Airport on an inventory of the perfect 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 would be able to 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 highway. 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 climbing
Skiathos’s unspoilt nature and 197km lengthy climbing path community make it a preferred place for climbing – the right approach to discover the wild pure panorama of the island.
You can hike to uncrowded seashores, like Mandraki Beach on the rugged North aspect of the island or as much as the island’s peaks for wonderful views throughout the Mediterranean.
One of essentially the most rewarding hikes is to the traditional ruins of Skiathos Castle, recognized regionally because the kastro. This medieval fortress 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 fortress now however the views are nonetheless spectacular.
There’s additionally the choice for guided horseback driving excursions for a singular approach to discover the island.
Visit the Evangelistria monastery
Built in 1794 by a bunch of monks the serene and delightful Evangelistria Monastery is without doubt one of the most historic locations to go to in Skiathos.
Situated on a hill surrounded by pine forests the monastery has a brilliant peaceable setting and a particular vitality. You can take the bus, drive up and even hike to the Monastery.
An fascinating 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.
Where to Stay in Skiathos
The most handy place to remain on the island is in Skiathos Town itself, however there are additionally lodges and resorts on all the principle seashores and I loved the expertise of staying at each Koukounaries seaside and within the city.
By staying on the town you’ll be able to simply wander the charming streets of the previous city, take a ship tour from the previous port, and benefit from the largest number of lodging, eating, purchasing and nightlife.
Megali Ammos, the closest important seaside to Skiathos Town, is lower than 10 minutes away by bus and you may discover a distinct seaside day by day by utilizing the helpful bus that runs alongside the coast.
Skiathos Luxury Living
We stayed at Skiathos Luxury Living and beloved our spacious mezzanine condominium suite. I couldn’t get sufficient of the gorgeous views over the previous city and the ocean from the balcony and pool and beloved watching the ferries and planes.
The location was unbeatable, just some minutes stroll to the harbour or important city but nonetheless peaceable sufficient to make sure a quiet nights sleep. Check costs, availability and opinions right here.
How to get to Skiathos
Getting 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.
The finest approach to attain 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 e-book it right here.
Skiathos can 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, nevertheless it’s restricted to the extra developed South of the island. You also can lease 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. Anything I’ve missed out? Let me know within the feedback.
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