Skiathos: What to Do and See from Your Sailing Boat

Skiathos is the most visited island of the Northern Sporades — understandably so. With 62 beaches along a coastline of barely 46 kilometres, a lively harbour full of restaurants and excellent connections, it has everything a holidaymaker looks for. But those who arrive by sailing boat see a different Skiathos. Quieter, more authentic, with access to places that remain beyond reach for the average tourist.

Lalaria: the most spectacular beach

Lalaria lies on the northern coast of Skiathos and is accessible only by water. The white-grey pebble shore is surrounded by imposing rock walls and three spectacular blue sea caves. The water is clearer than elsewhere on the island — you can see the seabed at 8 metres depth. If you arrive before 9am, you will have it almost entirely to yourself. Later in the day, excursion boats arrive from Skiathos harbour. Your dinghy is your access pass.

Kastro: the abandoned medieval city

On the northeast coast lies Kastro, high on a cliff above the sea. In the medieval period this was the island's capital, built on a strategically inaccessible rock to resist pirate and Ottoman raids. In the 19th century, residents abandoned it for the current Skiathos town. The ruins of churches, walls and towers can be reached via a walking path (45 minutes) or — more dramatically — by boat and then climbing a narrow staircase cut into the rock.

Koukounaries: the idyllic sandy beach

On Skiathos' western coast lies Koukounaries, considered by many to be the finest beach in Greece. An 800-metre arc of fine white sand, surrounded by a protected pine forest, with water that shifts from turquoise to deep blue. The beach is reachable by bus (line 1 from Skiathos town) but by dinghy from your anchorage nearby is undeniably better. Arrive before 10am or after 5pm for the best experience.

Skiathos town: evening at the harbour

Skiathos harbour buzzes with life in the evenings. A long row of restaurants and tavernas along the waterfront, yachts gently bobbing, the smell of grilled fish. The main street (Papadiamanti) runs from the harbour upward through the higher neighbourhoods and becomes a strolling promenade in the evenings. Mooring in the marina costs something (€30–€50 per night in peak season) but the location and atmosphere more than compensate.

Kanapitsa and Tzaneria: quiet bays for the boat

South of Skiathos town lie Kanapitsa and Tzaneria — quiet bays with clear water reachable by dinghy. Less well-known than Koukounaries, but more pleasant in peak season. Good sheltered anchorages as well.

Eating and drinking on Skiathos

Skiathos has excellent restaurants at all price points. At the harbour: classic tavernas with fresh fish, grilled octopus and Greek salads. Slightly more expensive but the views are worth it. Further into town: smaller eateries with local cooking. Koukounaries beach: tavernas along the sand for an informal lunch.

Local tip: order the loukoumades — small fried dough balls with honey and cinnamon. Greek street food at its finest.

Practical notes

Best season: May–June and September. In July–August it is very busy but also at its most vibrant. The meltemi wind can build strongly from the northeast in summer — bays on the southern coast provide good shelter. From Skiathos to Skopelos is 18 nautical miles, 2–3 hours sailing depending on conditions.