Skiathos might seem like a tiny blip of an island in the Aegean Sea, but its coastal towns certainly pack a lot in. The island itself is only 12 kilometres long and six kilometres wide. It’s lined with beautiful beaches, pine forests and whitewashed buildings with terracotta roofs stacked high into the hillside, all of which make it into an incredible home base for a laid-back holiday.

There are a number of bus routes running throughout the island, which means getting between the resorts and sandy beaches is easy. The vast majority of Skiathos is calm, cool and collected, with the slight exception of the bars, tavernas and shops of its capital, Skiathos Town.

Spend your Greek holidays visiting the stone walls of the 19th-century Evangelistria Monastery or window-shop along Papadiamantis Street. Cheap Skiathos holidays are truly a charm, as no matter where you go, you won’t be expected to do much more than lounge along the coast with a cool cocktail in hand.

Many beaches, many faces

Because the island is so small, you won’t ever have to choose just one beach to call home on your Skiathos holidays – ambling along one set of shores will take you quickly to another. Many of the beaches have watersports centres, and you’ll see water skis, kayaks and windsurfers gliding over the waves, as well as sunbathers stretching out on the sand. Megali Ammos Beach offers tons for adrenaline junkies with waterskiing, wakeboarding and paddle boarding being popular picks.

You’ll also have the chance to hop between towns on boat cruises – or make the short trek out to the nearby island of Skopelos, where ABBA enthusiasts swoon over the place made famous in the movie Mamma Mia!

The shores at Troulos offer more secluded coves, while Kanapitsa brings in the chic factor with not one but two Blue Flag beaches. And then there are the more party-centric shores of Koukounaries, where you can watch the sunset from waterfront bars – and then watch it rise again.

Family-run tavernas and ouzo-filled nights

Skiathos houses a series of traditional villages, so it comes as no surprise the cuisine here is delightfully Greek. That means you’ll be treated to dishes heavy on fresh seafood and oven-cooked lamb – not to mention waterfront views, as many of the island’s restaurants are located along the coast.

Greece is famous for its ouzo, which you won’t be able to avoid when visiting Skiathos, along with Mythos lager and special bottles of wine made by the monks at the Evangelistria Monastery.

When it comes to nightlife in Skiathos, most resorts dial down the energy with glasses of wine at local tavernas and traditional Greek music played live. Skiathos Town is where you’ll find a collection of trendy bars and the occasional disco, while Koukounaries’ Banana Beach plays host to waterfront parties day and night. Wherever you choose to stay on Skiathos, you’ll never be far from its many small towns, so after-hours playtime can always be on the agenda.

Exploring Skiathos

In the main community of the island, Skiathos Town, there’s a great mix of relaxation and activity. Watersports off the coast are always on the go, while a stroll around the Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria – accessible by car or foot – costs nothing yet inspires much. It also hosts plenty of local artists and musicians looking to make you smile along with local tavernas ready to dish up large servings of local hospitality and cuisine.

Not far from Skiathos Town is sunny Troulos, where natural beauty surrounds the authentic Greek tavernas and villas. You won’t spend a penny seeing the majestic sights of the woods and shores, and when the evening comes, lazy drinks by the sea cost next to nothing. What’s more, for foodies on a budget, check out Koukounaries on the west coast of the island, where family run restaurants and traditional tavernas ply you with rich meats and fine wine. Whether holidaying with the family, or taking a trip just the two of you, you can expect luxury all round. Make the most of our cheap Skiathos holidays – after all, a good deal on the hotel, means more money for delicious treats, excursions and adventures.