Getting around on Skiathos

Skiathos is probably the island in the archipelago that is easiest to get around. Partly this is because the island is so small and the road network is not that big (about 20 km). But that's not the only reason, it's also about well-ordered local bus traffic. On Skiathos it is hard, if not impossible, to get off at the wrong bus stop, as long as you can count to 26.

Bus stop 26 at Koukounaries beach is the final station for the bus.

BY BICYCLES, SCOOTERS AND CARS

With your own vehicle, you can get to basically all the beaches on the island and to some of the most interesting sights, such as the Monastery of Evangelistria and the former capital of Skiathos, Kastro. The road network is small, but for that reason the traffic is not insignificant.

An easy way to rent a car is to book the car from home and pick it up at the airport after you have landed on Skiathos.

Book a rental car on Skiathos here »

In the past, you could ride a horse-drawn carriage along the port promenade in Skiathos town.

The main road between Skiathos Town and Koukounaries is well-trafficked to say the least and you have to be on your guard. There is little traffic on other roads. Cars, scooters and bicycles are available for rent in Skiathos Town and in all major tourist resorts. Competition in Skiathos Town is fierce so it pays to ask around. Several outlets are located at the beginning of the harbour promenade.

The bus map which is numbered from 1 - 26.

BY BUS

Two to four times an hour (depending on the season) the local bus runs from Skiathos Town to Koukounaries beach. The bus stops at almost all beaches along the way. The stops are numbered from 1 to 26. The main bus stop (near the marina) in Skiathos Town is number 1 and the end stop in Koukounaries is number 26.

Buses also runs to the Monastery of Evangelistria and to Xanemos beach near the airport. Note that the buses to the beaches is usually packed with people during the summer. Bus timetables are at all stops.

BY TAXI

The taxi rank is located in the port. If there is no taxi at the rank, you can stop one on the street or call 24270-24461. Taxis are also available at the airport.

Taxi boats go to some of the beaches and some hotels.

BY BEACH BOAT

Beach boats to the small island of Tsougria south of Skiathos Town depart every morning in good weather from the old port in Skiathos Town. You can also do a tour around Skiathos, the tour includes several stops for swimming, usually at Lalaria and Kastro in the north, Megalos Aselinos in the west and to Tsougria island. These boats also departs in the morning from the old port in Skiathos Town.

Excursion boats go to Lalaria and Kastro, among others.

Beach boat at Troulos beach.

BY EXCURSION BOAT

If you are up for a longer boat trip, I can recommend a day trip to Skopelos and Alonissos. You can go independently or on an organized tour. The most enjoyable is probably the organized boat trip, then you get to see a bit of both Skopelos and Alonissos on the same day. The first stop is Skopelos, where you have time to stroll around the island's beautiful capital. At Alonissos there is time to see the harbour town of Patitiri or possibly take a taxi to beautiful Chora - the old capital of Alonissos which was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1965. During the boat trip you pass several smaller uninhabited islands. With a little luck, you will see dolphins.

Beach and excursion boats in the small port in Skiathos town.

The small port from another angle.

In the marina in Skiathos town there are sailboats that you can go on a day trip with.

Boat trips to "Mamma Mia Island" Skopelos are also available. The tour includes stops at some of the beaches where the film was shot. Lunch is usually eaten in Panormos, which is a small tourist resort on Skopelos.

Excursion boat to Skopelos with Mamma-Mia theme.

HIKING ON SKIATHOS

If you enjoy hiking, you will surely like Skiathos.

Read about hiking on Skiathos here »

READ MORE ABOUT SKIATHOS