Skiathos

Picturesque Skiathos is the emerald gem of the Northern Sporades archipelago in Greece, attracting travelers with its magnificent beaches and cinematic landscapes. This popular island resort offers guests a combination of relaxed beach holidays and a vibrant evening atmosphere. You can reach the island in various ways: by direct flight during the season or by creating an interesting itinerary through the mainland via train, bus, or car, followed by a ferry crossing.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the island is by air. The resort is served by the international Skiathos Airport (JSI), known for its unique runway that begins right by the sea. During the summer season, numerous charter flights arrive here, connecting the island with major European cities.

If direct tickets are unavailable, you may consider flying to the nearest major city on the mainland — Volos (distance about 52 km). The airport in Volos accepts domestic and some international flights, after which travelers usually continue their journey to the island by ferry. This option allows you to combine your flight with a short sea voyage.

Since Skiathos is an island, there is no direct railway connection, and there is no train station here. However, trains remain a convenient way to reach departure ports on the mainland of Greece.

The nearest city with a developed railway connection is Volos, located approximately 52 km from the island. Tourists can comfortably travel by train to the station in Volos, enjoying views of the Greek nature, and then transfer to a ferry or a high-speed vessel to cross the sea channel.

Bus travel is an economical option to reach the coast before departing for the island. The key transit point for buses is the port city of Volos. The route from this city covers a distance of about 80 km (including the sea crossing) and takes approximately 2.6 hours, making the trip quite manageable.

Modern intercity buses in Greece are typically equipped with air conditioning and ensure a high level of comfort. Upon arriving at the Volos bus station, travelers simply need to get to the port, from where ferries regularly depart for the shores of Skiathos.

Traveling by car offers freedom of movement and the ability to plan your own travel schedule. The main route for car tourists lies through the city of Volos: the journey from there to the island covers about 83 km and takes around 2.6 hours, taking the ferry crossing into account. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the scenic roads of the mainland before the maritime part of the journey.

To cross over to Skiathos, it is necessary to use a car ferry. If you do not plan to bring a car onto the island, a taxi to the port of Volos is a convenient alternative, relieving you of worries regarding parking and ferry tickets for the vehicle.

When planning a visit to sunny Skiathos, it is worth considering several important nuances that will make your holiday as carefree and pleasant as possible.

1. Clothing and footwear. In summer, prefer light, breathable natural fabrics and be sure to bring a hat. For evening walks along the cobbled streets of the old town, comfortable flat shoes will be useful, as heels may be impractical.
2. Transport on the island. The local bus system works excellently and connects the town with the main beaches. However, for complete freedom of movement, many tourists rent scooters or quad bikes.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Cards are accepted in most restaurants and hotels, but it is better to carry small denominations of cash for buying souvenirs in small shops or paying for bus fares.
4. Sun protection. The sun here is very active, so high SPF cream, sunglasses, and drinking water should be your constant companions, especially during the midday hours.
5. Language and communication. The official language is Greek, but in tourist zones, staff speak English well. Learning a couple of words, for example, "kalimera" (good morning) or "efcharisto" (thank you), will earn you the special appreciation of the locals.
6. Water. Tap water on the island may be brackish or non-potable. For drinking and making tea, it is strongly recommended to buy bottled water in supermarkets.
7. Siesta. Remember the traditional afternoon rest. Many small shops and pharmacies may close between 14:00 and 17:00, so plan your shopping for the morning or evening.
8. Boat trips. Be sure to set aside a day for a boat excursion around the island. This is the only way to see the famous Lalaria beach with its white pebbles, accessible only from the sea.

By following these simple recommendations, you can avoid minor inconveniences and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Greek hospitality and beauty.