Last Minute Holidays to Skiathos

This pint-sized island is well set up for spontaneity

In three and a half hours from UK airports, you’ll step off the plane within half an hour of your resort – wherever you’re staying. The island’s miniature size means you can be anywhere in no time at all, so exploring a whole host of beaches is effortless.

Along the Blue Flag certified sands of Troulous beach you’ll have ample opportunity to sample local cuisine and have a few drinks in the sunshine, and – like many places on the island – you’re only a 10-minute drive or bus ride from the busier resort of Skiathos Town. Buses or water taxis run regularly from Troulos, Koukounaries and Aghia Paraskevi, and connect you with bouncing nightlife venues and market shopping.

In scenic Koukounaries, choose between the shallow waters of family-friendly Koukounaries Beach or stroll a little further up the coast to Banana Beach for cocktail bars and live music. Aghia Paraskevi‘s beaches house everything from jet skis to paddleboarding, but for the best day out on the water, take a boat trip here to discover the beaches and caves of smaller islands, set away from Skiathos’ shores. The town’s hillside setting also offers opportunities for scenic walks through olive groves and pine forests if you prefer to stay on land.

The best time of year to book your last minute holiday

You’ll find the best deals on last minute Skiathos holidays in the eight weeks prior to departure date, so it’s definitely worth holding out for those almost-time-to-go savings. Peak season is at the height of summer from June to August, but even during these times you’ll still find wallet-friendly holidays available if you don’t mind waiting until the last minute to book. For a combination of the most affordable pricing and warm, sunny days, travel just outside of peak time in May and September.

Other popular holidays in Greece

If you’re still deciding where to head, it’s worth looking at some other last minute Greek options, too. Skiathos plays host to serene beaches and tranquil hills, but for livelier holidays try the party-focussed Mykonos or Zante. Alternatively, for other scenic spots, Santorini’s famous vistas might do the trick. If you already know that Skiathos is the one for you, check out our handy travel guide and see our pick of some of the best places to stay for a last minute Skiathos holiday below.

Myrtia Aparthotel

The staff at this aparthotel in Koukounaries sure know how to help you have a good time. Visit in the summer months and you’ll be treated to nights of traditional Greek dancing in the venue’s taverna, though whatever time of year you choose to visit rest assured there’ll be plenty to do. If lounging by the pool doesn’t take your fancy, get active on the multisports court or take a short, 600-metre stroll to the beach. Children get lowered prices and access to their own section of pool and playground, and all rooms come with a balcony or terrace for admiring the pine-clad hills that surround this great location.

Prekas Studios and Bungalows

The walk to the beach from your accommodation here is an easy 10-minute amble past plenty of enticing local bars and restaurants. That said, the Prekas Studios and Bungalows have a truly away-from-it-all feel, hidden down a country lane in the luscious Skiathos landscape but within a few minutes’ walk of Aghia Paraskevi. If you don’t fancy using your kitchenette to cook up a storm, there’s an on-site restaurant dishing up home cooked meals. And when you’re not at the beach or exploring the town, there’s plenty of room to hang out by the pool. The nearest beach is a great spot for snorkelling and spur-of-the-moment boat trips, so be sure to pack your sun cream.