Skiathos: My Happy Place in the Sporades
I am lucky enough to talk about beautiful places every day. Even so, Skiathos has a very special place in my heart. I have been twice now and it has quickly become one of my favourite Greek islands: small, characterful and full of the sort of memories you replay on grey winter days back home.
First Impressions: A Tiny Runway and Big Smiles
Your introduction to Skiathos is unforgettable. The short
runway makes for a thrilling arrival, with the island’s pine-clad hills and
bright blue sea coming into view just as you land. It feels immediately
intimate and laid-back, more like you are arriving into a friendly village than
a big resort destination.
Achladies & Our Favourite Hideaway
On both of my visits, we have stayed in Achladies at the Filokalia Apartments, which really does feel like a hidden gem. It is a simple, family-run property: not luxury in the glossy-brochure sense, but rich in warmth, authenticity and those little touches that make you feel truly welcomed.
There is a lovely pool area with a fantastic pool bar and very comfy sunbeds. Our days often fall into a blissful rhythm here: lazy mornings by the pool, a good book in hand, kids in and out of the water, and a cold drink from the bar never too far away.
From Achladies, the beach taxi is just a five-minute walk away, which makes it incredibly easy to hop into Skiathos Town without needing to drive or navigate buses.
Days of Simple Adventures
One of our favourite things to do on Skiathos is to hire a jeep for the day and head off exploring. Once you leave the main road, the island reveals its wilder, more rugged side: dusty trails through pine forests, hidden viewpoints and quiet stretches of coastline where it is just you, the sea and the cicadas.
A highlight for us has been visiting the local dog sanctuary, which is a really heartwarming experience, especially with children. It adds a lovely feel-good element to the holiday and gives a different perspective on island life.
From there, we love to make our way to Mandraki Elias Beach. It is the sort of place you think about for months afterwards: soft sand, clear water, a relaxed, unspoilt feel and a simple taverna right on the beach. We will often spend a few hours just swimming, snoozing and lingering over lunch in the taverna.
Life on the Water: Mamma Mia Moments & Your Own Boat
Skiathos is, of course, known for its Mamma Mia connections, and a Mamma Mia boat tour is always fun. You get to see the island from the water, stop at beautiful bays and soak up that movie-magic scenery.
On our last visit in May 2026, we decided to do something a little different and hired our own boat with friends. This has been one of our favourite Skiathos experiences. We spent the day anchoring up in quiet bays, swimming straight from the boat, and watching the kids leap into the sea with huge smiles on their faces.
A real highlight was stopping at Tsougrias, a gorgeous little island just off Skiathos, and eating at the taverna on Tsougrias Beach, which is only accessible by sea. It feels like a secret world, with turquoise water, sandy shore and that quintessential Greek island atmosphere.
Evenings in Skiathos Town
Skiathos Town comes into its own in the evening. It is lively without feeling overwhelming, with a lovely mix of bars, tavernas and little shops tucked into its narrow streets.
We love wandering along the harbour, people-watching over a cocktail, then choosing a taverna for dinner. There is always a sense of buzz and enjoyment in the air. The town is big enough to keep you entertained across several evenings, yet small enough to feel friendly and familiar.
Why I Recommend Skiathos So Often
I book Skiathos a lot for my customers and it is always a winner. The island has a good choice of accommodation from simple 2-star properties right up to 5-star hotels, so it works well for a range of budgets and styles.
Personally, I have a soft spot for the more authentic properties like Filokalia Apartments in Achladies: family run, full of character and perfectly suited to relaxed, real Greek island holidays.
Skiathos also works beautifully as part of a wider adventure. I have created Greek island-hopping itineraries that combine Skiathos with Skopelos and Alonissos, which is a fantastic way to experience the Northern Sporades and enjoy three very different but complementary islands in one trip.
Counting Down Until I Go Back
Every time I leave Skiathos, I know it will not be for long. Between the warm welcome, the relaxed beaches, days out on the water and those simple, sun-drenched moments as a family, it is one of those places I cannot wait to return to again and again.
If Skiathos sounds like your kind of Greek escape, I would love to help you plan your own trip there, whether as a standalone holiday or part of a Greek island-hopping adventure.
