How not to get lost in skiathos

How Not To Get Lost In Skiathos And The Sporades Islands Of Greece

ByAlex Chivers

How Not To Get Lost In Skiathos And The Sporades Islands? So…, after another one of my Overseas Incidents I thought this would be a great title for this blog post. Which is quite funny actually as Skiathos is not really somewhere you can get lost in REALLY (for very long) but anyway…

Here We Go Again! For anyone curious this is quite a funny question because YES I got lost In Skiathos (kind of). You can add this to the list of;

  • Prague,
  • Malta,
  • Budapest,
  • Mallorca,
    and Cape Verde….

where in each place I have found myself in desperate situations – although I will admit this time wasn’t as bad as some of the others.

I mean it could have been – I was very fortunate in this case but STILL I think this could be an entertaining story to tell before I actually tell you about Skiathos and what it is actually like to visit, as well as its neighbouring Islands.

So, what happened? Well, let me tell you…

How Not To Get Lost In Skiathos And The Sporades

View from my Hotel in Skiathos Island Greece

Now, I didn’t drink on this trip, I haven’t drunk alcohol now for just over 9 months – including on my last 2 holidays to Malta and Lanzarote but typically (as I do) I still managed to get myself in a situation. I guess people would say perhaps “it isn’t just the alcohol with me” lol but still, staying sober on holiday it is a different experience and it isn’t as boring as some people will think it is.

So, Skiathos – you can’t really get lost here – it’s pretty easy to navigate your way around. If I hadn’t left the actual Island I’d have been alright, and I’m sure if you ever come here on holiday you will see what I mean.

Just make sure to remember the bus stop number that your staying by! Basically, there is one main road that goes round the Island in a circle and all the bus stops are numbered from 1 to 20.

You can easily get around the Island by following the numbers of the bus stops – up and down the road. The bus is only 2 euros as well and they run typically from 7AM until midnight.

It’s that easy, but anyway – the reason I got lost (kind of) is because I left the Island on a boat tour from Skiathos which should have took me back to Skiathos later on. This was pretty daft of me because rather than ending up back in Skiathos after my tour finished at 9pm at night I found myself stuck in mainland Greece.

The crew on the boat were laughing when I told them. I was not really surprised really. I think I would have laughed as well if the shoe was on the other foot but jokes aside – It was a nightmare for me – the sort of thing you just can’t make up. I just wanted to cry thinking about how badly this could have gone but I will say I was alright in the end which is the main thing really.

So, let me tell you about this…

How I Got Lost In Skiathos And The Sporades

skiathos and the sporades map

As it happened, my dilemma was that I ended up in Mainland Greece at Amalipollis Port near Volos after getting on the wrong boat during my 2nd boat tour of the holiday. My first cruise was on the same boat (I think) – definitely the same cruise line (Elizabeth Cruises) and I’m pretty sure the same captain was on both tours.

But here was the thing – this boat tour I ended up on by mistake wasn’t an English speaking tour (French I think it was). They have different cruises for different tourists (I think) one where they speak English and others where they don’t.

So anyway, I knew after the boat had left Lalaria Beach on Skiathos that I wasn’t supposed to get on here. My friend who was also on Holiday in Skiathos said to me that “I must have done this on purpose”.

I really want to be honest as possible here about this – I was joking on Facebook about the boat I was on before. It looked like it had seen better days, and as I was typing about this it left the beach and I thought it had just dropped us off.

It must have came back to pick the rest of the tour group after I left. I don’t think I was the only one confused about this but I am pretty certain that I was the only one that boarded the Elizabeth Cruises boat that was docked on the beach at the same time.

So What Actually Happened?

In my head I thought “maybe they was dropping us all off for us to board the other boat” but really I wasn’t 100% sure about this and really it was more of a case of me thinking “”what the hell – if it’s not my boat I’ll just get on and hope for the best”.

Very silly, it didn’t take me long to realise what I’d done – the first stop was Skopelos after this, and really I should have maybe stayed here and found my way back via one of the sea taxis or something – but I thought I would save my money and get back on the cruise boat and hope it goes back to Skiathos..

View from ship in Amalipollis Port near Volos mainland Greece

I kind of had to just sit there and hope no one spoke to me because I’m sure if they realised I was English they would have realized I was on the wrong boat.

I was talking to my friend on Facebook before the boats last stop. I was going to meet up with him to watch the football. On FB messenger I wrote “I’m almost back according to Google Maps”.

At one point I was about 20 minutes away from Skiathos but then the boat just kept going, and going further away.

It just got worse from that point onwards – it then dawned on me that I couldn’t top up my Caxton travel card and I had no other cards on me to transfer any money.

It would have basically meant that I’d have been stuck in Greece with only 40 euros, a phone that was about to die and a flight to catch the next day from Skiathos back to England.

So, It would have been a disaster if I didn’t get back on this boat. Of course I had to tell them what happened. I really did not feel like I had any other option. The ferries I see where about 67 euros and I don’t think any where leaving till the morning. It was a horrible predicament to be in so I really just felt I had to be honest with them.

My main concern was that no one would speak English on the cruise ship (as it wasn’t an English speaking tour) but to my relief they did and they was surprisingly very understanding of my situation – I am guessing I am NOT the first person this has happened to. Or maybe I am? Who knows?

So, I spoke to the captain and he said “stay on the boat tonight, we are going to Skiathos on the first stop of tomorrows tour”.

He was very nice and if it wasn’t for him I would have been in a lot of trouble. So I am very thankful for what he did and the staff on the ship for their help as well.

They didn’t have to do this. They could have left me to try and sort this out on my own but they see I was in trouble and did the right thing. They give me a blanket, and a pillow to sleep, offered me a towel to take a shower and even give me a free Coffee and chocolate croissant in the morning.

And not just this – I was even offered a drink at the bar also. They said I could help myself, but I never did. I probably could have gotten very drunk if I really wanted to but I already felt like I was pushing my luck so I never even got myself a drink of water.

I slept OK as uncomfortable as it was. The mosquitos must have had a right treat because I was bitten from head to toe but definitely this was the best place I could have been so I can’t complain really.

Visiting Volos in Greece

Volos is somewhere, I’d like to go back to one day and to meet the captain again hopefully. I bet he would have a right laugh about this, and another good thing was I got to see the wild dolphins in the sea.

It was pretty funny because I never see any Dolphins on my first tour which I took 2 days before this, or on the way here – I never see any either, but on the trip back to Skiathos in the morning I finally got to see them.

It was an amazing experience, I’ve only seen dolphins at marine parks. Never in the wild it was quite amazing. The boat trip back was full of people. I’m sure they had absolutely no idea how long I had been on this boat for but I was acting quite normal. I even joined in to sing the La La La song – This is quite funny because they say if you sing it you get free drinks and if you don’t they throw you off the boat lol. There was no way I was risking that.

I will share the song below…

Now, so I thought I would share this post to tell my story. This is pretty much it but this was only one day I was in Skiathos for.

My holiday was actually for a week so let me tell you about what else happened whilst I was here, and a little bit about the Island in general.

What Is It Like In Skiathos, Greece?

Skiathos Island in the Sporades Greece

So, I ended up in Skiathos kind of just by chance. It is not like my typical vacation where I go to the zoo and all these different tours. You have the boat tours here to visit the other Islands but besides this Skiathos to me seems more like somewhere you go to admire the natural beauty of the surroundings and to eat, drink and party – lot’s of bars and restaurants. I would go back but I think there are other places that Interest me more.

I would recommend it here. It is somewhere you can definitely come to relax, and I’d say the same about the other 3 inhabited islands in the Sporades – Skopelos, Alonissis and Skyros. I visited 2 of the 3 and I think the vibe seems to be quite similar.

Also, you shouldn’t have to much trouble with finding your way around any of these Islands – I don’t think. They are small enough NOT to have this problem (in my opinion) but honestly, I can only really say this about Skiathos, as it’s the only one I have stayed on for more than a few hours. Each seem just as good to stay on though.

Skopelos and Alonississ

Skopelos and Alonissis I stopped off at on my first cruise 2 days before. They are very similar with the kind of shops, restaurants and culture. Like Skiathos these other Islands are mostly mountains with buildings going all the way up. Some of the views when you go up on these Islands are absolutely amazing and for just sight seeing alone each Island is worth a visit.

View from up high on Skopelos Island in Greece

I was kind of a bit over cautious really on these visits, I would have liked to have stayed for longer on these Islands to explore with more time on my hands. Especially, Alonissis as this has a nature reserve. I am not really too sure what you can find here but this I’m sure would be right up my alley.

The Island hopping tour with Elizabeth Cruises on Viator is the one I booked. This is good for just visiting and getting to have a quick look around. Although, what I think is probably the best way is to travel between these Islands by water taxi for I think 20 euros each way.

I didn’t use the water taxis for the whole time I was here – I think I would definitely have to if I come back again. I’d probably like to maybe spend 5 days in the Sporades and then head to mainland Greece maybe.

It is all good getting return flights but the best way to travel I think is to get a one way flight and then book a flight when you’ve actually got to go to everywhere you want to see.
I would like to go to so many places really just like this but besides the point…

Why YOU Might Want To Come To Skiathos?

The Sporades are a stunning group of islands in the Aegean Sea, known for their natural beauty, lush greenery, and clear blue waters. Among the 4 Sporades Islands, Skiathos stands out as one of the most popular destination, attracting visitors from all over the world for its picturesque beaches, vibrant nightlife, and charming towns.

Skiathos is likened to a Caribbean Island. I’ve never been to the Caribbean before but this is what many travel agents will tell you that for a European Island it is in a way similar.

View from bar overlooking beach in Skiathos Island Greece

Skiathos: The Jewel of the Sporades

Skiathos is the westernmost island of the Sporades and the closest to mainland Greece, making it a convenient and accessible holiday destination. For any tourists that do decide to book a stay here – these are the main attractions…

  1. Beaches: With over 60 beaches, Skiathos is a beach lover’s paradise. The famous Koukounaries Beach is considered one of the best in all of Greece, offering golden sand, calm waters, and a backdrop of pine forests.
  2. Nightlife and Dining: Skiathos Town is a lively hub with plenty of bars, restaurants, and tavernas. Its old port is lined with vibrant nightlife spots, offering a mix of traditional and modern experiences, from Greek cuisine to trendy cocktails.
  3. Nature and Hiking: Despite its party vibe, Skiathos offers peaceful nature escapes. Hiking trails across the island take you through pine forests, to secluded beaches, and historic monasteries like the Monastery of Evangelistria – a hidden gem in the island’s hills.

    the Monastery of Evangelistria
    4. Getting Around: Skiathos is small enough to explore by bus, taxi, or even on foot. For more secluded beaches or hidden spots, renting a a Quad Bike or Moped can easily get you around the Island from top to bottom.

Booking boat tours is something else certainly worth a mention. I will typically recommend Viator for any holiday destination but even without this – all you literally need to do is go to Skiathos Town and there are boats everywhere that you can hire for their tours.

Tourism is a massive Industry in Skiathos but it really depends on what you want to do.

The Other Sporades Islands

While Skiathos is the most popular, the other islands of the Sporades also have much to offer:

Skopelos was the 2nd Island I got to visit, and it is famous for being the filming location of the movie Mamma Mia!, Skopelos boasts scenic villages with whitewashed houses, charming churches, and equally stunning beaches. It’s a quieter, more laid-back alternative to Skiathos.

Alonissos. I really would have liked to explore this Island more. It is known for its pristine nature and as part of a marine park, Alonissos is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity.

It’s great for snorkeling, diving, and wildlife watching, especially for the Mediterranean monk seal.

Photo of a Mediterranean Monk Seal under the water

Skyros was the one Island I didn’t visit. It’s the southernmost and largest island of the Sporades, and it has a more traditional and rugged vibe.

It’s known for its folklore, Including the legend that it was the hiding place of the Greek Hero Achilles. Plus another thing it is famous for is the handicrafts that are made here, and of course its unspoiled landscapes.

Where To Stay on Skiathos Island


During my 7 days In Skiathos I stayed in Koukanaries at Cabana Studios / Apartments. This was a Jet2 Holiday package. I got lucky because my friend booked to come here but he could not come in the end due to work so he let me buy his holiday for cheap.

The price Including flights and transfers for him was £1100. The room I didn’t think was anything special really but I was quite happy with this.

I do usually gravitate to hostels and airbnb most the time – whatever I can find is more budget friendly but in this case I did think it was worth it.

It was nice NOT to have the usual hassle of hostels and public transport etc.

Although, I think for my friends this deal was more of a last minute thing. The others who came to Skiathos stayed in the hotel across from me and it was much more luxurious from what I could tell and they paid the same price.

I think that you can actually book here much cheaper but to do so you have to book many months in advance. This is the best way I think – I know it is annoying waiting but perhaps you could find a cheap city break somewhere else in the meantime.

It is worth the wait I think though. I can see that for 1 year in the future on Jet2 Holidays that you can get a package deal to Skiathos for around £650 per person. Still not really my Idea of cheap but I think it is worth it.

 

The Best Skiathos and Sporades Tours

When visiting Skiathos and the Sporades, there are several amazing tours that highlight the beauty, history, and natural charm of these islands. Some of the best tours to book are…

1. Boat Tours Around the Sporades

  • Island-Hopping Tours: A full-day boat tour that takes you to neighboring islands like Skopelos and Alonissos. These tours allow you to explore hidden beaches, picturesque villages, and swim in the clear waters.
  • Mamma Mia Tour: Since parts of the movie Mamma Mia! were filmed in Skopelos and Skiathos, this tour takes you to iconic filming locations, including the famous Agios Ioannis chapel.
  • Skiathos Coastline Cruise: This relaxing tour typically stops at the stunning Lalaria Beach, accessible only by boat, as well as the iconic Kastro fortress. You’ll have opportunities to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

2. Snorkeling and Diving Tours

  • Marine Park of Alonissos: Explore Greece’s first marine park, which is a haven for wildlife including the Mediterranean monk seal. Many tours offer snorkeling and diving excursions where you can see vibrant marine life and underwater caves.
  • Shipwreck Diving: Some dive tours offer the chance to explore wrecks and underwater ruins, ideal for diving enthusiasts.

3. Sailing and Yachting Excursions

  • Private Yacht Charters: For a luxurious experience, charter a private yacht for a day trip around Skiathos and the neighboring islands. These tours can be customized to your preferences and include gourmet meals, snorkeling, and secluded beach stops.
  • Sunset Sailing Tours: Enjoy a romantic evening sail around Skiathos and witness the stunning sunset from the sea. These tours often include drinks and snacks on board.

4. Hiking and Nature Tours

  • Skiathos Hiking Tour: Discover the island’s natural beauty on foot, including trails that lead to historical monasteries such as Evangelistria Monastery, and viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramas of the Aegean Sea.
  • Mount Palouki Trek in Skopelos: This guided hike takes you through Skopelos’ lush forests and hills, ending with panoramic views from the summit of Mount Palouki.

5. Cultural and Historical Tours

  • Skiathos Town Walking Tour: Explore the charming streets of Skiathos Town with a local guide, learning about its history, visiting Bourtzi Fortress, and stopping by cultural landmarks like the Papadiamantis House.
  • Historical Tour of Skopelos: Visit monasteries, chapels, and ancient sites on Skopelos, including the Folklore Museum and the old Venetian Castle.

6. Wine Tasting and Culinary Tours

  • Skiathos Wine Tasting Tour: Discover local Greek wines through vineyard tours and tastings. Some tours also include traditional mezes, offering a chance to taste local flavors.
  • Cooking Classes: Join a hands-on cooking class in Skiathos or Skopelos and learn to make traditional Greek dishes using local ingredients.

7. Kayaking and Paddleboarding

  • Guided Kayak Tours: Explore the coastlines of Skiathos or Alonissos on a guided kayak tour, paddling through sea caves and stopping at secluded beaches. Some tours also offer paddleboarding for a more active experience.

8. Skiathos Off-Road Safari

  • 4×4 Adventure: For an adventurous day, join an off-road safari tour that takes you through the rugged interior of Skiathos. You’ll visit remote beaches, ancient monasteries, and less accessible parts of the island, providing a unique view of its landscapes.

Booking these tours is typically easy via local travel agencies, online platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator, or through your hotel in Skiathos.

 

In Conclusion

After getting back from Malta I missed it so much – I really was thinking how great it would have been to just get back home, take care of business and get straight back on the plane to get back out there. If only this was a bit more doable I would have loved to do this and I suppose this opportunity to come to Skiathos was very good timing.

It was just over a month after I got back from Malta and before I found out my friend was selling this holiday I was thinking about going to Corfu. I had Greece on my mind so this really was a no brainer for me.

It was just like I was kind of coming up with whatever excuse I could not to go SO when I found out this holiday I wanted to go on this so much.

It was actually somebody I knew was getting married out here. I was not invited to this wedding but it meant there were people out here I knew as well. But I mostly was just here for the cheap holiday and what a great week it was.

It was a beautiful place to come to – it was unfortunately raining for a few days. There was even a big thunderstorm. The Greek God Zeus was out in full force I joked! I’m not sure if this is typical weather for September but it wouldn’t stop me from coming here again.

I thought it was a great place to visit and yes I would recommend it – if anyone is after sun, sea and scenery Skiathos is a great place to come to. A few people I met out here said they come back every year. They must have a good income but I think I would come here again if the right opportunity presented itself.

I shall finish this article up here anyway but if you would like to continue this discussion leave a comment below and I will look to respond ASAP! Also, if you would like to buy Teddy a Coffee you can find my KOFI link HERE<<

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