Skiathos Island: Frequently Asked Traveller Questions (Part 2 of 2)

With so many Greek Islands from which to choose there’s a tendency to want to spread out your options. However, you’d probably enjoy the trip a great deal more and come away feeling way more relaxed if you select one that’s conveniently situated. Rather than living out of a rumpled suitcase stay put and do some daily island hopping instead. Skiathos, part of the Northern Sporades group, is perfectly positioned to allow for mainland day trips and visits to nearby Skopelos, Alonissos and even Skyros.

When to visit

Everyone has their own take on the best time to visit Skiathos and much depends on your personal preference. While it is exceedingly beautiful all year roundthere is that small determinant called weather, which will impact on the quality of your beach time, shopping, sightseeing and dining options. Regardless, summer is undoubtedly the best time for warm weather and calm sea.

What of the weather?

With an average temperature of 26°C (78.8°F), July is the hottest month. If you like warmer seas, the best time to swim in the ocean is in August when the average sea temperature is 25°C (77°F).

Where to stay

It all depends on your expectations. As with any trip don’t be mislead by the hazy images in websites and the spa music in the background. Options range from self-catering to villas/guest houses and hotels in close proximity to the beach, around town and in the mountains. Be sure to do your homework first.

 Night fever

Visitors start arriving late April or early May. June, July and August are exceptionally busy but also fun if you enjoy a lively nightlife scene. Skiathos town is known for its fabulous nightclubs, cafés, lively tavernas, and more intimate bars. Movie devotees can enjoy open-air viewings at Attikon on the popular Papadiamantis strip or at Cinema Paradiso on the “ring road”. Both cinemas screen two shows nightly. You can’t possibly go home without having seen an open air, starry night screening of Mama Mia. From late August, numbers start to dwindle and by end September the island ambience becomes fairly remote. It practically shuts down between October and April.

Read part 1 of 2