Things to Do in Skiathos, Greece

Things to Do – Skiathos

Visiting the island of Skiathos offers a number of fantastic possibilities for vacation fun. Between the water activities and places to explore on land, you’ll find plenty to do to keep you busy.

Cruise Around the Island

If you want to get a nice overview of Skiathos, take a cruise around the island. A number of boats down in the harbor offer excursions; the trips are pretty comparable and tend to stop at the same places. It’s a great way to see all the beaches on the island and you’ll also get to see places that can only be reached by boat or foot. Additionally, this trip also provides the chance to see some of the small islands just outside Skiathos Town. You’ll see beautiful deserted beaches such as pristine and remote Lalaria and the historic Kastro (look for the ancient ruins and Blue Caves here). Additionally, some of the excursions are not for people who cannot do climbing. Check with your tour company so you can choose the right outing. Be aware, the usual routes could be dependent on the weather.

Enjoy the Beaches

If you’re looking to enjoy time lounging on the beach, there are several on Skiathos.

Koukounaries – The most popular and family-friendly beach, it is horseshoe shaped and has a pretty bay backed by deep green pine trees. Behind the forest is a lake. There are some tavernas here too. This one gets crowded here in the summers. Great for water sports!

Banana Beach – This beach is a bit windier than Koukounaries but is a lovely beach with sunbeds, umbrellas and a couple of tavernas/kiosks.

Small Banana Beach – Enjoy nude sunbathing? Then Small Banana Beach is for you.

Vromolimnos Beach – With its sandy bay, this beach is also good for paragliding and other water sports.

Other beaches on the northern coast to see are Mikros Aselinos, Nikotsara and Ligharies. If you want to have a bay virtually to yourself, then take a drive to visit one of these – absolutely stunning. A drive around the headland of Kanapitsa Bay will give you stunning scenery.

Other Places to See

Skiathos Town is a delightful place with narrow streets alleyways fronted by Greek tavernas and a small harbor. Visit the Papadiamantis House, the only museum of Skiathos.

While a bit of a journey to get there, the ancient monasteries at Meteora are a must-see. Miss your pup back home? Spend some time at the Skiathos Dog Shelter and take a dog for a walk. The shelter runs on tourist donations. Or go horseback riding at the local school in Koukanouries; they cater for all levels of skill, even the little ones. More skilled riders can go on excursions by horseback.

Want to experience some local flavor? Get up early (5:30 to 7 a.m.) and see the fishermen arrive with their daily catches. See the restaurant owners rush down to the port and fight over the best catch.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Skiathos.