5 Days in Skiathos Itinerary: Epic Things To Do In Skiathos

In late August, I chose to soak up the last days of summer with a last minute getaway to Skiathos. My partner and I flew to this stunning Greek island to celebrate our anniversary, courtesy of Jet2Holidays.

What took me by surprise was the sheer beauty of Skiathos. What a place!

Though I’d visited Milos, Kos, Rhodes, and many other Greek islands before, Skiathos had somehow slipped under my radar. After just one day experiencing its laid-back charm and enchanting island vibe, it became clear that Skiathos was the perfect destination to say goodbye to summer.

I had an incredible time in Skiathos, balancing lots of relaxation with seeing some sights, blending tours with beach days. So if that’s the kind of trip you’re after, read on for my 5-day Skiathos itinerary – with a whole lot of local vibes and time to relax!

Epic Things To Do In Skiathos: Skiathos Travel Guide

What is Skiathos known for?

Skiathos is a Greek island gem near Skopelos and Alonissos.

You might know Skiathos as the ‘Mamma Mia‘ island, famous for its stunning movie backdrops to the iconic musical movie starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried.

Whether you’re after relaxation or adventure, Skiathos has it all. You can swim in crystal-clear waters, wander charming villages, and dive into the island’s history.

Skiathos is ideal for a taste of Greek island life – and if you’re into sailing, its many coves and bays make it the perfect playground.

There are plenty of options for last minute holidays with Jet2holidays – we flew off to Skiathos within one week of booking our trip!  I’d never been to Skiathos before, and I hadn’t planned anything in advance, which is very unlike me, but my summer has been so busy with client work and filming, that I’d barely had time to do any research before heading off!

There was nothing to worry about. The island was so easy to navigate. I loved meeting Skiathos locals, learning more about their heritage and history, and seeing the sights by sea.

Where to stay in Skiathos

We stayed at the gorgeous Oniro Skiathos, sat atop a hill overlooking the bay of Skiathos.

There are so many great hotels in Skiathos, but we picked Oniro Skiathos because it looked peaceful, had a great restaurant, and was recently renovated (in 2024).

I’d argue that Oniro Skiathos is the perfect hotel for a 5-day getaway: secluded, elevated, excellent food, exceptional views.

Plus it’s adults only. And anything you need is a simple ask away at reception!

As a travel blogger and photographer, I usually go for a more independent travel style — booking my own accommodation, tours and transfers separately.

I loved the way Jet2 removed the headache of organising transport and bookings from the equation. We didn’t need to leave the hotel or pick up the phone to make inquiries. Everything we needed, from rental cars to boat excursions, was easily booked within minutes at reception. A luxury, really!

How to get around Skiathos

The best way to get around Skiathos is either by public bus, car or quad.

Public buses come regularly and cost about €2.00 per trip, but I generally prefer to drive myself around so I can see more and cover more ground.

We rented a car from the front desk of our hotel, which is nestled up on a very steep hill, where the public bus doesn’t drive to. You need to be fit as a fiddle to walk up to it!

There are rental companies all over the island, though we hired a cute Suzuki Jimny through our hotel, who were partnered with Aegean Cars Greece. Our car rental cost €70.00 per day (not inclusive of petrol, which was around €20.00 for a third of a tank of petrol).

What are the best things to do in Skiathos?

Skiathos is known for quite a few gems –  here some of the most popular things to do in Skiathos:

1. Koukounaries Beach – Kick back and relax on one of Skiathos’ top-rated spots, with its soft golden sand and turquoise waters.
2. Lalaria Beach – Check out the unique rock formations and stunning blue water caves, but remember, it’s an adventure only accessible by boat!
3. Island Hopping Boat Tour – Hop on a tour around Skiathos and Skopelos for an unforgettable experience exploring the islands. Opt for a Private Sailing Cruise if you can – set sail and discover the island’s serene beauty from the water.
4. Panagia Evangelistria Monastery – Take a stroll around this historic monastery and soak in its beautiful Byzantine architecture.
5. Traditional Greek Food and Seafood – Enjoy the rich flavours of authentic Greek cuisine and fresh seafood by Skiathos Old Port, a foodie experience!

Epic Things To Do In Skiathos: 5 Days In Skiathos Itinerary

So here’s what I did during 5 days in Skiathos to make the most of the island whilst also getting some rest and relaxation in. Let’s dive into the itinerary!

Day 1: Arrive in Skiathos – Followed by Beach or Poolside Chilling

Touchdown, and the adventure begins! Start your trip by arriving at Skiathos and settling into your accommodation.

If you arrive during the day, you can start your trip by visiting a nearby beach or hanging by the pool. Enjoy the sun, take a swim, and savour a refreshing drink to kick off your holiday. There’s nothing like that first dip to shake off the travel fatigue.

If you arrive in the evening, enjoy your complimentary check-in drink provided by the hotel, get settled in, and then head out for dinner either at the hotel or a nearby restaurant.

We took Jet2 flights from London Stansted Airport and arrived in Skiathos at night.

Within 45 minutes of landing in Skiathos, a Jet2 rep had greeted us, got us onto the right shuttle van, and checked us in at Oniro Skiathos – refreshing welcome drink in hand! After we brought our bags to our room, we changed into island-appropriate clothes and headed right out to enjoy our first Greek dinner at the hotel’s wonderful restaurant, Aesta.

I ordered shrimps in orzo, which is a delicious seafood dish tossed in a tomato-ouzo sauce. My partner ordered Kleftiko lamb, which was beautifully cooked. We had a delectable ‘Chocolate Ball’ for dessert – a very indulgent chocolate-honeycomb soufflé covered in chocolate sauce. What a start to the trip!

Need travel inspiration? 6 Best European Summer Countries: Where To Spend Summer In Europe

Day 2: Beach Day (& Water Activities) – Followed by Sunset at Agia Eleni Beach

I’m a big fan of easing into a trip – so back to the beach you go!

Find one nearby, or hop on the public bus to Koukounaries Beach – one of the biggest and top-rated beaches in Skiathos, known for its powdery golden sand and turquoise water.

Go early as possible to secure a nice spot and get used to the sun before it hits peak heat in the afternoon, around 1pm. You can have lunch at a beach café (Greek salad and calamari are my recommendations!) before having a post-lunch siesta.

I loved Small Vasilias Beach, the little sister beach of Vasilias Beach, which was the closest beach to our hotel. There was a small beach café/taverna called Pinikis Michvlis which did an AMAZING Greek salad and calamari. We also shared a club sandwich with fries, and some fanta. Perfection.

If you’re hanging out at the beach all day, I’d recommend staying for sunset before heading home. Either watch it while having dinner, or hang out to watch the sun drop behind the water.

If you have a car, take a 20-minute drive to the west coast of the island to Agia Eleni Beach. That has the best sunset we saw in Skiathos – thanks to Thomas from Octopus Beach Bar for the recommendation!

Day 3: Island Hopping Tour (or Mamma Mia Tour) – Followed by Dinner at Skiathos Old Port

Now that you’ve chilled at the beach on the first day, you’re ready for something a bit more active! My favourite way to see an island is by water – so I’d recommend doing an Island Hopping tour on your third day.

If you’re fan of Abba or the Mamma Mia musical, then do the “Mamma Mia” tour! This tour takes you to some of the stunning locations featured in the movie, as well as breathtaking spots around the islands of Skopelos and Alonissos.

After the tour, since the boat brings you back to Skiathos Old Port, choose one of the many beautiful restaurants or tavernas dotted along the seafront and have a lovely dinner. There are loads of options in the town.

We booked an all-inclusive Sailing Cruise Tour with Sailing Nireas through our hotel, and it was one of my highlights, as there were only 18 people on board. We hopped on a gorgeous yacht and made our way to various spots around Skiathos and Skopelos, including Kastani Beach (Skopelos) and Tsougrias Beach (Skiathos). Stunning!

We couldn’t get enough of the crystal-clear waters – perfect for snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, and floating around in. A true Greek summer vibe. Iced tea, soft drinks, sangria and beer flowed all day.

In the morning we were served warm pastries and coffee. Lunch was roast chicken, rice and Greek salad. We had chocolate ice creams for dessert, followed by fresh watermelon, honeydew melon, figs and grapes as our afternoon snack. The fruits were so refreshing after getting a salty mouth from snorkelling!

After a day filled with exploration and great vibes, thanks to the Sailing Nireas crew (thank you, Maria and George), we returned to Skiathos Old Port and enjoyed a delightful dinner at Marmita, a packed out local restaurant. We shared fresh fish, some sides, and a cheeky glass of wine. The perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable day!

Day 4: Relax at Achladies Beach – Followed by Dinner at Octopus Beach Bar

Start your day by soaking up the sun at Achladies Beach, the perfect spot to unwind with complimentary sunbeds and parasols—talk about a worry-free morning!

Achladies Beach ended up being our favourite beach in Skiathos (and not just because the parasols and sunbeds were free). We went back to Achladies Beach twice! The soft sands and crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming, and we didn’t wince in pain stepping on rocks to enter the water.

Achladies is a smaller beach, which gave us that lovely local feel I enjoy. While Koukounaries Beach is known for being big and beautiful, there’s something special about these quieter spots that resonate more with me.

That said, Achladies is still lively and lined with restaurants, so you have plenty of places to grab a drink or snack, and you can rent a paddleboard if you fancy being active.

Finish off your day with a few drinks and a relaxing dinner-by-sea at one of the restaurants at Achladies Beach. We stumbled across Octopus Beach Bar and Restaurant – the food is divine, the staff are lovely, and the co-owner Thomas was so kind! He took our photo (since it was our anniversary) using my camera, then I treated him to an impromptu portrait session since the light and details in his restaurant were so beautiful.

We had a fresh mackerel salad, chicken gyros, fig salad, and a seafood linguine (which featured mussels, octopus and prawns). Dining with the sound of waves in the background, with a golden hour glow making its way across the beach, is the perfect end to another incredible day in Skiathos.

Day 5: Explore Skiathos Port and Town – before Heading Home

As you prepare to say goodbye to the enchanting island of Skiathos, if your flight is in the evening, dedicate your final day to soaking up the charm of Skiathos Port and Town.

(If not, enjoy a leisurely morning by the pool or in your room before heading to the airport!)

Start your day with a stroll through Skiathos Town – at a local café, you can relish a fresh pastry and sip on a strong Greek coffee. After refuelling, take a stroll through the winding streets of Skiathos Town.

Get your ‘Greek summer photo opp’ at one of the many picturesque alleys lined with vibrant bougainvillaea and quaint souvenir shops. If you want a dose of culture and history, visit the Papadiamantis House Museum, dedicated to the famous Greek writer.

For lunch, head to the harbour and choose from one of the many restaurants overlooking the water. Order one last traditional dish, like moussaka or souvlaki. Take your time here, watching the boats come and go. You can return to the town for a gelato (we had a sensational salted caramel/pistachio ice cream at Fregio Ice Cream Skiathos) or some last-minute shopping.

I’d recommend getting some unique souvenirs like handmade pottery, local honey or a gourmet jam or olive oil to take home a piece of Skiathos with you. I bought basil olive oil, garlic olive oil, and Skiathos honey from Skiathos Airport to give to my folks!

5 Days in Skiathos: A Must-Visit Greek Island

So that was my 5 days in Skiathos itinerary, and recommended things to do in Skiathos!

Wrapping up this guide to Skiathos, it genuinely was an amazing island escape.

Having everything organised for us by Jet2Holidays was also a luxury I really appreciated. We booked our flights to Skiathos just a week before leaving from London Stansted—talk about last-minute planning! The convenience of the packaged holiday let us focus purely on enjoying our trip instead of logistics.

So if you’re thinking about going to Skiathos, I second that vote – it’s an unpretentious, laid-back Greek island destination worth exploring with its beautiful landscapes, tasty cuisine, and wonderful people.

I hope you have the best time in Skiathos. Please note that this trip was sponsored by Jet2Holidays, however, as always, all opinions remain honest and my own.

If you’re exploring more of Europe, check out these posts: