The Greek Hidden Gem Skiathos

Skiathos is not one of the well-known Greek vacation destinations. However, this small island offers you not just incredible nature but also some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. What else awaits you here, you can read in the following article.

Skiathos, together with several small, uninhabited islands, forms a municipality in the region of Thessaly in Greece and belongs to the Northern Sporades. With a length of eleven kilometers and a width of five kilometers, Skiathos is the fourth largest yet also the smallest inhabited island of this group. Although it is significantly smaller than well-known destinations like Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu, you will not be bored for even a second during your vacation - promise.

Skiathos is divided into the north and south. While the north is almost completely uninhabited, the south is bustling with activity. From spring to late autumn, everything is geared towards the tourists who arrive in droves and temporarily inhabit the island. In the south, you will also find the majority of accommodations, catering to every taste. Whether you want to stay luxuriously in a 5-star hotel, have a lovely villa all to yourselves, or rent a simple place with a view of the harbor - everyone can find their dream home on Skiathos.

I am particularly fond of the many small vacation apartments you can rent. Many offer a wonderful view over the rooftops and the harbor of the town or the picturesque bays in nature. Also, many listings attract with stunning, typically Greek decor and loving details. You'd wish you never had to leave Skiathos!

The heart of the island is the town of Skiathos, which has enchanted many a traveler with its beautiful harbor. Here, small sailboats and yachts anchor gently in the shallow waves all summer long. During your stay, simply stroll along the promenade, breathe in the fresh, salty sea air, and enjoy the postcard-worthy view.

From this harbor, ferries regularly depart to neighboring islands like Skopelos, Alonissos, and cities on the mainland such as Volos and Thessaloniki. These destinations are reachable in a short time; for instance, the island of Skopelos is located about eight kilometers to the east. So it's worth leaving Skiathos every now and then to discover new places. For fans of Mamma Mia, the harbor has another highlight - some scenes were actually filmed right here, and there are even tours that will take you to the filming locations.

Skiathos is known for its lively nightlife and is therefore a popular vacation spot, especially among young people. Particularly in summer, events often take place on the beach under the open sky, where you can experience the hospitality and openness of the locals as well as the party mood of the Greeks up close.

The most famous meeting point on the island to start the long summer nights is Papadiamanti Street, where dozens of bars, cafes, tavernas, and boutiques line up, attracting you with their offerings. Another great place to kick off your nightlife is the Venue Bar at the old harbor. In addition to tasty cocktails, you can expect a fabulous view of the glowing harbor basin and the yachts anchored there. A truly perfect atmosphere, don't you think?

By day, as you stroll through the narrow streets of the town, the real vacation feeling sets in. The small streets are paved with flat stone slabs and together with the bright, one to two-story, white houses with their characteristically blue doors and shutters, they look dreamy.

If the architecture of the island also captivates you, you should visit the house of Papadiamantis. It wonderfully embodies the typical style of the island and also gives you a glimpse into the former life on Skiathos. If you are enchanted by a cozy, Mediterranean atmosphere and get hungry, then you should pay a visit to the Restaurant Marmita. In a small courtyard between trees and lovely decorations, delicious Greek dishes are served. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

The island consists of a mountain range that rises up to 433 meters, covered with dense forests where wine and olives are grown. Don't forget to try the local products; they will surely impress you. Personally, I was immediately captivated by the ever-green nature of the island, as especially from the beach, the green hills create a very idyllic picture. Now, let's find out what nature has in store for you here.

Skiathos is particularly famous for over 60 different sandy beaches, all beautifully stunning. Scattered everywhere, the small coves lure with their white or golden sandy beaches and strikingly clear waters that invite you for a refreshing swim.

The beaches in the north of the island are often relatively difficult to reach over land, which is why it usually remains very quiet here even during the high season. However, you can easily rent a small boat in town and access the secluded bays to spend a peaceful day there. On the south coast, on the other hand, you will find many beaches dotted with accommodations, bars, and restaurants. Even water sports fans among you will be well catered for here with a wide range of activities. Doesn't that sound like the perfect beach vacation?

If you want to do more than just lie on the beach and want to dive as well, you should take advantage of the large offering of diving schools and experience the colorful underwater diversity up close. Off the coast of the island, over 300 different fish species can be found, including large swordfish and tuna. Perhaps you'll even encounter playful dolphins or discover rare red corals on the seabed.

Due to the multitude of beaches on Skiathos, I can't introduce all of them in this article, but most of them have one thing in common: they offer a vast array of water sports, a wide selection of taverns, and many young people gather there at all hours of the day.

But the island also has true gems that even rank among the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece. Two in particular, each stunning in their own way, are so beautiful that I can't even choose a favorite:

Lalaria beach is one of the most spectacular beaches on the island and definitely also ranks among the most beautiful in all of Greece for me. The view strongly resembles that of a postcard: steep, bright cliffs dropping into the crystal-clear sea, where dozens of boats and yachts anchor and sway lightly in the gentle waves. The small, white pebbles sparkle in the sun and create a lovely contrast to the inviting blue water. Just looking at this beach makes you want to dive right in!

Koukounaries beach is the second legendary beach on the island, which has attracted and delighted many visitors from around the world. It is known not only for its fine golden sand but also as one of the most natural beaches in the entire Mediterranean. The beach is surrounded by a lush green pine forest, behind which lies a wetland with the Strofylia lake, inviting a salt-free bathing experience. Nature lovers may be lucky enough to observe rare bird species that call the lake their home. If you spend your day at this beach, be sure to stay until sunset! It is truly spectacular and a must-see during a stay on Skiathos.

Adventurers find just as many opportunities on Skiathos as those seeking relaxation. The mountainous terrain, with some good routes, is perfectly suited for extensive hiking tours. Thanks to the dense pine forests, you can also walk comfortably across the island in summer without being exposed to the blazing sun.

If you feel more drawn to the water, the wild beaches on the northern side entice you with their waves. Especially the sport of paragliding has many enthusiasts here. Prefer to relax on vacation? Then head to the north and enjoy the beautiful wide views from the hills of the island. In the harbor bars, you can make yourself comfortable and watch the sun as it slowly sinks toward the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Bourtzi peninsula.

Bourtzi is a small peninsula that, in addition to old ruins, is home to dozens of tall, mature pines. It divides the harbor of Skiathos into two halves: the old and the new harbor. The former castle was built by the Gizi brothers in the 13th century and today captivates visitors to the island with its ruins. You can make yourself comfortable in a small café on the peninsula, from which you can enjoy the view of the harbor basin, sheltered from the shade of the trees.

In summer, this picturesque setting also hosts some great events such as theater performances, concerts, and art exhibitions. I particularly enjoyed the outdoor movie screenings. Be sure to get informed upon your arrival so you don't miss any of the highlights.

The former Kastro of the island is located in the north. Since the drive via land is quite adventurous and you need a four-wheel drive vehicle for it, I would recommend you take a boat to the structure and enjoy the view relaxed from the water.

Several tours depart daily from the town towards the castle. Even from the water, the ruins with their enchanting appearance will captivate you. In the Kastro, you can embark on an exciting journey through the island's history while enjoying an unparalleled view of the Aegean Sea. There are also impressive artworks on display, such as ceramics and murals. Below the castle, you have the chance to relax at a charming beach, or you can take a short detour to the small Kastro Beach Taverna in the bay, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the vast sea and delicious fresh fish.

As you can see, this little island has a lot to offer you. Skiathos can be directly flown to from a few cities in Germany. Just landing on the island is a highlight in itself, as the runway is quite short and the plane glides closely over the water before landing. Many travelers take advantage of this and let themselves be wonderfully swept by the gust from the turbines right behind the runway.

As mentioned before, the island also has a regular ferry connection. If you are already staying elsewhere in Greece, the ferry is a relaxed way to reach the island. I must say, I'm now eager to hop on the next flight and head to this little paradise. Have you ever been to Skiathos yourself and perhaps even have a favorite beach on the island? I look forward to your comments!