Stayed in Skiathos about 5 years ago the Island is very small very good bus service so we did'nt bother with a car. found all the beaches to be sandy they were beautiful but we are not beach people but did visit quite a few just to have a look they were all very clean.
As we went late in the year October the last week before everywhere closed down there was'nt a lot of boat trips, did Alonysos but having stayed there for two weeks in 1998 did not particully like the Island but loved the boat with the dolphins swimming along side for quite a while, also did a trip to Scopalos which was nice.
Hope you enjoy your holiday sorry can't help out with some of your questions, and in 5 years who knows things could have changed.
pojo

Hi Currymonster

The island is so small that almost all of it is reachable by bus which runs regularly along it's length.

If you are not a big walker, then I would definitely say it is worth hiring a 4x4 for two days maximum to get to the Kastro and the beaches that run along what would be called the north or north/west coast (well in my head anyway). There are all walkable apparently but by fitter, stronger, younger people than I - we found the 4x4 did the trick beautifully.

There are some good pebble beaches but they tend to be small and not necessarily signposted so hard to explain.

I would hire a small speedboat for at least a day and set of by yourself to find pebble coves and good snorkelling.

If you visit the Skiathos website you will be overwhenlmed by the amount of helpful advice you get.

Maddi

Explore the island with a 4x4 for a few days. The northern beaches are quite difficult to get to but if you drive up and over the views are breathtaking.
Take a boat trip and as mentioned earlier and you will probably see dolphins between Skopolos town and Allonisos, or on the north west coast of Skiathos if you go round the island.
There are small pebbly beaches on the north and Llaria which has white marble stones and sparkling clear water.

Went to Skiathos last September mostly beautiful sandy beaches, long white pebble beach at Kastro to which there are regular boat trips from Skiathos Town. The bus service which is very good only runs the across the southern part of the island. Be warned the weather wasn't the best.

Many thanks for all the replies guys, would you say I could reach all parts of the island by 4x4 without being in too much danger from bad roads.

Also will it be nice and warm at begining of September, and is it like Thassos, sometimes swarming with wasp's

Sorry about all the questions

Cheers

Cuzza

Hi

Yes you can reach those harder parts without being in any particular danger in a 4x4 - they are just hard work to walk and too rough for the sumps on normal cars.

September is normally fine weather wise and fo course the sea is perfect at that time - prolonged snorkelling an absolute joy.

Maddi

Hello, we stayed on Skiathos island at the resort of Troulos last year (early October), there is an excellent bus service and as the island is so small I would just hop on and hop off the bus and explore, I don't think it's worth hiring a vehicle, the beaches we went to were sandy but as we went in October we found everything to be shutting up and we only had one day of sun and for three days we had rain although it was still warm and as everything was shutting up, all we could do was stay in the hotel room, shame really as what we saw of Skiathos it's a beautiful island, if we did return we would go in July and then you'd be guaranteed the weather.

Wasps, I think most Greek islands suffer from them, there were huge things flying around last year that set me into panic mode, I don't know what they were and don't want to find out either !

Currymonster

Transport is easy on the south as the bus us excellent (Allthough not to everyones taste as it can get rather busy) But you will need a 4x4 vehicle if you explore the north coast or some good walking boots. 90% of the visitors just stay in their resorts or just venture in to town.
If you get to the north coast you will find deserted beaches, small cantinas and the chance to see stunning views of the pelion. Its a rugged coast and you need to venture down the paths to see whats there. There will be a new road in the next year - and the area will become more accessible - Go now ...
Wasps - there were plenty in the wooded areas, I was stung on the leg by one and believe me it hurt for two weeks !

Many thanks again to all who replied....answered my questions to a tee.

Must admit I like the independance of a car when on hols, and if there are loads of places off the beaten track to explore I guess I will pay for a 4 x 4

Thanks again

Cuzza

Like Naughty I strongly advocate getting a 4x4 as I have already said to see the north. It is stunning in parts and it would be tragic (overegged a tad there perhaps) to miss out.

But to take Mirage's point, there is a superb bus route covering the south of the island which is easy to hop on and off and see everything.

So in honesty what I would say it would be both expensive and unnecessary to hire a vehicle for the whole of your stay and two days with a 4x4 would ensure you get to see everywhere.

Only problem then is that you will fall in love with Llaria or Mandraki and want to go there every day - for which you need that 4x4 or those very sturdy walking boots.

Naughty - Mandraki is possible in a normal car isn't it?

Maddi

Maddilewis

Yes Mandraki by normal car should be OK, but if you have a jeep there are plenty of places to explore - off the beaten track., and away from everyone else ...

Naughty

Hiya

Thought I would join your discussion. I am also looking to travel to Skiathos in July 2006.

Could anyone tell me what sort of age range Skiathos attracts?

Are there some lively bars, clubs? My partner and I like to relax in the day, have excellent food in the evening followed by chilling in a busy bar or a night in lively bars/club. - We are both 30+ so its one night on, one night off!

Appreciate any feedback

Dear Carlagamble,
Clubs I don't know about, but there are many lively bars, try the rock and roll in Skiathos Town. The Island attracts all ages, however you will not find the 18-30 bar crawlers and lager louts. In May there are families with young children 1-5 who can take there children away and not have to take them out of school. The weather in May can be variable so younger couples tend to go in June/July when the weather is hot. At the End of July to the beginning of September, families with older children and couples who are not put off by children go but the Island is very busy, the bus service which is excellent is overun, and the main road like the M25. The weather is normally alright in September but can be changeable. If you haven't been to Skiathos before you will enjoy it, the only downside is that for Greece it is one of the more expensive Islands. My recommendation is Koukounaries....nice and quiet to return to, 20 minutes on the bus (1Euro 40cents/person) to the more livelySkiathos Town.

carlajgamble

You will have a great time, Rhombus has given you very good info, I agree with Koukonaries as it is beautiful, has easy access to great beaches and a variety of good standard accomodation and you are just a 20 minute bus ride away from town.

The club strip is a five minute walk towards the airport, from the town bus terminus. Lively music bars and discos which operate during the peak season only, (Ends Aug 15th) and the town winds down from then.

Expect to meet lots of italians on the beach at Koukounaries, they arrive by boat, There are lots of good chill out places in town but some can be pricey. R & Roll will be good as is the Portobello in Papadamatis street. Bar street has lots of english syle pubs if thats your thing

I have been going to skiathos since the ripe old age of 31 and went on a recomendation - its my kind of place...