Are you dreaming of a spontaneous getaway to a picturesque Greek island? Look no further than Skiathos! I had the pleasure of exploring this beautiful island with a friend, and it turned out to be a last-minute decision we'll never forget.
A Perfect Start: Accommodation and Arrival
We booked our stay through Hotels.com and snagged the last available room at the delightful Skiathos Avaton Hotel for under 200 euros for three nights. This charming hotel complex features cozy rooms, a refreshing swimming pool, a bar/restaurant, and it’s just a five-minute away from the beach. Highly recommended!
We arrived on a Friday night and took a quick 10-minute taxi ride to the hotel, costing around 10 euros. After checking in, we headed straight for the beach in search of dinner. There, we found Taverna Thessaloniki, one of the island's best restaurants (in my opinion). The food was delicious and affordable, with our meal, including drinks, costing around 30 euros. Don’t miss out on trying the local beer, Mythos. To top off the night, we were treated to the enchanting sight of a super moon rising over the sea – pure magic!
Exploring Without a Map: Discovering the Island’s Charm
Saturday was all about exploration. We decided to wander around without relying on Google Maps, and it turned out to be the best way to discover the island’s hidden gems. The town of Skiathos is incredibly charming, with its white and blue buildings, clean streets, and vibrant flowers. A leisurely 30-minute walk brought us to the picturesque port, surrounded by delightful restaurants with outdoor seating.
Although the island's terrain can be hilly, the scenic views and pleasant weather made our exploration enjoyable. We spent the day wandering, sipping drinks, and soaking in the island's beauty before heading back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner. Another lovely meal in the town concluded our day.
Sun, Sea, and Relaxation: The Perfect Sunday
Sunday was all about relaxation. We spent the morning lounging on the beach, where sunbeds were available for less than 10 euros for the day. Lunch was at our favourite beachfront restaurant, and the lazy afternoon continued in the same fashion. Although our dinner plans didn’t quite meet our expectations, the complimentary mini ice cream for dessert was a sweet surprise.
Farewell with a Unique Experience
Monday marked the end of our trip, but we made the most of our last morning. After a lazy breakfast and checkout, we decided to walk to the airport, 50-minute journey along the sea and through the port. A must-do experience on the island is Skiathos Plane Spotting. The airport is so small that arriving and departing planes fly incredibly close – a thrilling sight! Just a word of caution: stay safe during take-offs, as the jet blast can be quite powerful, we almost saw a man flying away.
Tips for Future Travelers
Our adventure in Skiathos was spontaneous, and while we thoroughly enjoyed our time, here are a few things we’d recommend for future visitors:
- Rent a Car: The island is small and easy to navigate, making a car rental perfect for exploring its numerous beaches.
- Boat Trips and Activities: Consider hiring a boat or trying scuba diving and other water activities.
- Nightlife: The port area is lively with bars and discos, offering a great nightlife scene that we didn’t get to experience but looked promising.
- Payment: You can pay with a card almost everywhere, but it's wise to carry some cash (euro) just in case. In general it's not expensive.
We visited at the end of May, and the weather was ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Skiathos is a perfect destination for a spontaneous, memorable getaway filled with beautiful sights, delicious food, and plenty of relaxation. Happy travels!
