Skiathos, an attractive Greek island within the Sporades, has develop into well-known for being one of many filming places for the film ‘Mamma Mia.’
This beautiful, verdant island could also be small however it’s blessed with a picturesque outdated city, loads of unspoilt nature and a number of the greatest seashores in Europe.
There’s sufficient issues to do in Skiathos, Greece, to maintain you content for a two week vacation or extra, even in the event you’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 attraction, unspoilt nature and pine forests tumbling down the hills to satisfy 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 probably the most developed and most visited island of the Sporades and is the simplest to entry attributable to its worldwide airport.
Skiathos can also be the best gateway to exploring the remainder of these idyllic Greek islands with straightforward every day boat journeys to the neighboring islands.
Why I Love Skiathos
It’s house to one of the best seashores in Greece
At solely 12 km lengthy and 6 km vast, Skiathos could also be a small island, however there are over 60 pretty 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 in all of Greece. The South of the island is extra developed and the seashores supply golden sand, solar loungers, seashore bars, water sports activities and altering services.
Whereas the North is extra wild, rugged and undeveloped, lined with pine timber as an alternative of accommodations and with hidden coves and lengthy stretches of uncrowded seashores like Aselinos and Mandraki that you simply may even have all to your self.
However hasn’t misplaced it’s conventional Greek attraction
Skiathos City is a reasonably, conventional, Greek outdated city with blue and white buildings, historic cobbled slim streets, trendy boutiques, an open air cinema with nightly showings of the Mamma Mia film and harbour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 attractive island however Skiathos island nonetheless doesn’t really feel too over-developed and hasn’t misplaced its genuine Greek attraction.
The island is lots much less crowded and extra reasonably priced than extra well-known Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos and Crete however nonetheless gives 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 converse good English and Skiathos has develop into often known as the Boomerang island as folks fall in love and return 12 months after 12 months.
The Greatest Issues to do in Skiathos, Greece
Chill out on the Greatest Seashores in Skiathos
Boasting a number of the greatest sandy seashores in Europe, it is smart that stress-free on the seashore is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in Skiathos.
With over 60 stunning sandy seashores there’s a seashore 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 calm down immersed in nature.
So choosing one of the best of the numerous seashores in Skiathos is de facto all the way down to your desire. I can’t point out each seashore in Skiathos on this fast information, however right here’s a few of my favourites.
Koukounaries Seaside
The perfect seashore in Skiathos is Koukounaries Seaside. A stunning sandy seashore with smooth white sands and calm, clear waters backed by a pine forest, lake and nature reserve make for the proper seashore day.
There are a couple of low key seashore bars alongside the sand and we loved a Greek salad, carafe of Greek wine with our ft within the sand proper on the ocean entrance. Umbrellas, solar beds, bogs, showers and altering services can be found.
Extra Seashores close to Koukounaries
There’s fairly a couple of incredible seashores with strolling distance of Koukournaries like Agia Eleni Seaside, Banana Seaside and Little Banana Seaside.
Agia Eleni Seaside is a small sandy seashore near Koukounaries seashore that can also be very stunning and well-liked. Agia Eleni can also be my favorite spot for sundown.
You may as well stroll from Koukounaries Seaside over the hill and thru the luxurious Elivi Resort to the crescent formed Banana Seaside and head over the rocks to Little Banana Seaside – an official nudist seashore.
The place to remain and how you can 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 collection of accommodations that make for a soothing keep.
The Elivi Resort
The brand new 5 star Elivi Resort is undoubtedly probably the most beautiful resort in Koukounaries, and presumably 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 non-public pool suites.
Take a look at costs and opinions right here.
Lalaria Seaside
My absolute favorite seashore in Skiathos was Lalaria Seaside. The clear turquoise color of the water was in contrast to 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 Seaside
Lalaria Seaside is a singular and unbelievably stunning seashore and it’s solely accessible by boat which makes it much more particular and uncrowded. There are additionally some sea caves positioned simply earlier than Lalaria.
We rented a ship and had this beautiful seashore all to ourselves, it was like discovering a abandoned island, till a ship tour group confirmed up. There’s no seashore bar or services right here so carry a picnic!
Vourvoulomis Seaside
One other of probably the most stunning seashores is Vourvoulomis Seaside, a naturally stunning golden sandy seashore nestled within the pine forest 8 km from Skiathos city with a youthful and livelier vibe from the seashore bars.
Should you’re fortunate chances are you’ll even see swans on the seashore and within the ocean. We noticed them at Troulos and Vourvoulomis.
Seashores Near Skiathos City
Among the primary seashores in Skiathos embody Megali Ammos Seaside, the closest seashore to the city however can get fairly crowded, and Agios Georgios Seaside.
Megali Ammos Seaside
Different seashores to take a look at embody Vassilias Seaside, Achilades and Agia Paraskevi Seaside. These are additionally energetic and well-liked seashores busy with bars and water sports activities.
You’ll be able to entry a lot of the primary seashores within the South by bus, however probably the most enjoyable means is to make use of a water taxi switch which run from the outdated port in Skiathos City to the preferred seashores like Koukounaries, Agia Paraskevi, Achilades and Vassilias
Wander the Streets of Skiathos City
Exploring the outdated city, the guts of the island, was one other of my favorite issues to do in Skiathos, Greece.
Simply by wandering by way of the outdated 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, attention-grabbing boutiques, artwork galleries and cafes through which to take in the relaxed island life ambiance.
The outdated port is the leaping off level for the numerous boat excursions that discover the neighbouring islands and in addition a stunning place to calm down in one of many waterfront cafes.
Additionally make certain to discover the tiny Bourtzi Peninsula, a former Venetian fortress which lies between the brand new and outdated ports with pretty views, shady pine timber and an excellent café.
Go to Agios Nikolaos Church and The Papadiamantis Home Museum
Climb up the winding steps by way of the outdated city to go to Agios Nikolaos Church and Clock Tower and take within the views over the city and the harbour.
One other factor to do within the city is to go to The Papadiamantis Home Museum, the birthplace and residential of Alexandros Papadiamantis, the famend Greek novelist thought of to be the daddy of contemporary Greek literature.
Take pleasure in Skiathos’s Nightlife
Skiathos City can also be the island’s nightlife hub with many bars, eating places, cafes and retailers located on Papadiamantis Avenue, the principle pedestalised avenue,
Begin the night at one of many wonderful water entrance seafood eating places on Paraliakos Avenue, watching the yachts and native fishermen earlier than partying the night time away in one of many nightclubs on the identical avenue.
One of the vital scenic locations to eat can also be positioned excessive above the city. The historic Windmill Restaurant is without doubt one of the oldest buildings on the island and gives stunning views over Skiathos, particularly at sundown.
Should you’re on a finances seize a gyros from one of many stalls on Papadiamantis Avenue for under a few Euros and make the most of the pleased hour cocktail gives within the harbour entrance bars. My favorite locations for cocktails have been the bars on the steps of the streets heading up from the harbour.
See the Mamma Mia Filming Areas
I’ve to be trustworthy, watching the film actually reignited my want to go to a Greek island. So after I discovered that ‘Kalokairi’ was truly Skiathos and Skopelos I began planning my very own journey!
Should you additionally appreciated the movie then undoubtedly among the finest issues to do in Skiathos is to go to the filming places!
Although loads of the movie, particularly the interiors of the resort, have been truly filmed in Pinewood Studios in London, followers are certain to recognise some components of the city from the film, particularly the outdated port and the steps as much as Agios Nikolaos church and the clock tower the place Sophie despatched the letters off initially of the movie.
If you wish to watch the film once more it’s proven every day within the out of doors cinema on Papadiamantis Avenue. Watching the film below the celebrities and singing alongside is a enjoyable strategy 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.
Among the filming places have 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 Journey 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 wedding ceremony, Kastani Seaside and Skopelos City.
Climbing as much as the church is sort of difficult however 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 undoubtedly among the finest issues to do in Skiathos, even in the event you’re not a fan of the film.
Take a look at this text for extra about the place in Greece Mamma Mia was filmed.
Extra Issues to do in Skiathos
Go on a ship journey or island hopping
One of many highlights of a go to to Skiathos is the vary of boat journeys from the outdated port that may whisk you off for a enjoyable time out to discover the numerous islands close by, absorb the views from the boat and revel in snorkelling and swimming within the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea – it’s like a mini island hopping journey!
You’ll be able to take a ship tour to discover the shoreline of Skiathos stopping off at Koukounaries and Lalaria, seeing the ocean caves and kastro (fort) in addition to visiting the tiny uninhabited islands and nature reserves of Arkos and Tsougkrias. Take a look at the completely different crusing journeys and guide 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!
Should you want 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 straightforward 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 one of the best day exploring the entire island, stopping off wherever we needed, having a picnic on the boat and even seeing dolphins!
Expertise Airplane Recognizing at Skiathos Airport
You won’t anticipate to see tiny Skiathos Airport on an inventory of one of the best issues to do in Skiathos however aircraft recognizing has develop into a serious attraction in Skiathos.
The airport is strolling distance from the city and gives a singular alternative for aircraft spotters to get tremendous near the airplanes as they take off and land – one thing that you could solely expertise in Skiathos and Saint Martin within the Caribbean.
It’s unimaginable, and a bit of 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 mountaineering
Skiathos’s unspoilt nature and 197km lengthy mountaineering path community make it a well-liked place for mountaineering – the proper strategy to discover the wild pure panorama of the island.
You’ll be able to hike to uncrowded seashores, like Mandraki Seaside on the rugged North aspect of the island or as much as the island’s peaks for superb views throughout the Mediterranean.
One of the vital rewarding hikes is to the traditional ruins of Skiathos Fort, identified domestically because the kastro. This medieval fort 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 fort now however the views are nonetheless spectacular.
There’s additionally the choice for guided horseback driving excursions for a singular strategy to discover the island.
Go to the Evangelistria monastery
In-built 1794 by a gaggle of monks the serene and delightful Evangelistria Monastery is without doubt one of the most historic locations to go to in Skiathos.
Located on a hill surrounded by pine forests the monastery has a brilliant peaceable setting and a particular power. You’ll be able to take the bus, drive up and even hike to the Monastery.
An attention-grabbing reality 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 number of produce made by the monks.
The place to Keep in Skiathos
Probably the most handy place to remain on the island is in Skiathos City itself, however there are additionally accommodations and resorts on all the principle seashores and I loved the expertise of staying at each Koukounaries seashore and within the city.
By staying on the town you’ll be able to simply wander the charming streets of the outdated city, take a ship tour from the outdated port, and benefit from the greatest collection of lodging, eating, buying and nightlife.
Megali Ammos, the closest primary seashore to Skiathos City, is lower than 10 minutes away by bus and you may discover a distinct seashore every single day by utilizing the useful bus that runs alongside the coast.
Skiathos Luxurious Dwelling
We stayed at Skiathos Luxurious Dwelling and cherished our spacious mezzanine condominium suite. I couldn’t get sufficient of the beautiful views over the outdated city and the ocean from the balcony and pool and cherished watching the ferries and planes.
The situation was unbeatable, only a few minutes stroll to the harbour or primary city but nonetheless peaceable sufficient to make sure a quiet nights sleep. Test costs, availability and opinions right here.
Find out how to get to Skiathos
Attending to Skiathos, Greece is straightforward and enjoyable whether or not you arrive by air or by boat.
The island has a small airport which makes visiting Skiathos straightforward. Skiathos Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport (JSI) receives every day flights from Athens in addition to worldwide flights from different locations in Europe just like the UK, Germany and Scandinavia.
One of the best ways to succeed in 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 guide it right here.
Skiathos can also be related by ferry to Athens (Piraeus), Thessaloniki, Agios Konstantinos, Evia and different islands of the Sporades.
Getting round Skiathos is made straightforward with the island’s bus route, however it’s restricted to the extra developed South of the island. You may as well lease scooters, quad bikes or a automobile to discover the entire island independently.
I hope you discovered my strategies for issues to do in Skiathos helpful. Something I’ve missed out? Let me know within the feedback.
