Skiathos is the most commercialized of the islands in the Sporades group, so if you are looking for a place to stay that oozes Greek atmosphere, this is probably not going to be your first choice.  But if a beach holiday mixed with the more laid back way of life that is slightly but not too Greek is what you are looking for then Skiathos could well be just the place for you, because if there is one thing that this island has in abundance, it is superb sandy beaches.

Skiathos town with the small islet that houses the Bourtzi fortress joined to the town by a short causeway. To the side lies the small harbor with its various forms of pleasure craft.

The waterside is home for many of the towns tavernas and bars. Being such a touristy island, the prices here are not particularly cheap, but there are quite a number of fast food outlets, which means that if you are on a tight budget, there is no need to go hungry.

If you feel like a change of scenery, there are boats on the waterfront that will take you for trips around the island to beaches not normally accessible by road. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, you can take a day trip to the nearby islands of Skopelos and Alonissos, but remember you will be visiting these islands during the heat of the day when the towns will be very quiet.

Papadiamantis street is the main shopping street of Skiathos town. Here you will find the usual mix of tourist shops, supermarkets, and fast food outlets. If you investigate some of the side roads off of this street you will come across a few shops selling more traditional items such as good quality linen and pottery, many of Skiathos's music bars are also  located around this area and so can become rather lively during the evenings.

All the main beaches are strung along the road from Skiathos town to Koukounaries, which is where the main road ends. But if you walk a little further along and up the hill, you will come to the famous Banana beach where, in theory, but not so often in practice, sun seekers bare all for that all important tan. But if it really is an all over tan you are looking for then try walking a little further on to Spartacus beach.

The airport on Skiathos has a shorter than normal runway, so even medium sized aeroplanes have difficulty taking off with a full fuel load. To get around this, it is standard practice to take a short hop over to Thessaloniki to re-fuel for the journey home.