Skiathos, Greece is where you should be vacationing!

There’s this little known place that some are worried about traveling to, so much history and beauty here. Greece! Many have “seen” this place on a couple scenes from Mama Mia! Skiathos, Greece! We had the pleasure of vacationing here back in Summer 2013 and boy do I miss it. – I did share photos from our trip back in 2013 but sadly looking back at the posts, none of the pictures are showing up?! 🙁 I’m here to share some of those photos again and why you should add Skiathos to your travel bucket list.

First the island is very beautiful, big tourism area, a lot of people speak English, both affordable and more fancier places to eat and shop, easy to get around the island, isn’t too big, arrive by ferry or plane, very friendly tourists, residents and staff, lots of beaches, tons to do outdoors and so much more. If I could afford to vacation there each summer, I very much would!! We went the middle of June and it was perfect timing, the rainy season had literally ended the day before we arrived, the weather was perfect and the day we were leaving was the peak of tourism season. The island is a celebrity favorite vacation spot, while we were on vacation; the Prime Minister of Qadar yacht was anchored at the island, which we got to see. And just so happens Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell and Kate Hudson were there at the same time also, and vacation there every single year.

Facts, Fun and Advice:

•Getting to the island. I strongly suggest flying to Athens and then taking another plane over to Skiathos airport. Will save you time and end up being the same price as to drive/ferry, and the headache unless you speak perfect Greek and your gps works.
•Getting around the island. No need to rent a car. Rent an ATV, that is what most people will be doing. It’s pretty cheap. Makes it easy to get around the town, around the island and beaches. You will find dirt roads, some still bricks, and the ATV is just so much easier to get around. There is also taxis and WATER taxis, water taxis were pretty cheap and an awesome way to travel too. Tip; while driving, it is curiosity slower drivers drive on the shoulder but it’s not as scary as some say it is. Only thing, watch out for taxi drivers they speed and park anywhere and locals on mopeds!
•There is many things to do; beautiful beaches(over 50 beaches), shopping, eating, inexpensive wine, water sports, monasteries, medieval castle. One of my favorite things to do, simply take a drive on the ATV in the country side, with the windy blowing, the sounds and smells and happening upon an old monastery.
•Can’t drink the tap water. They have plenty of water bottles for sale and not too pricey, so it really isn’t bad.
•No T.P. in the toilets. This one was a bit of a shocker, but in Greece you are not supposed to flush toilet paper down. We got used to it and they are constantly emptying the garbage. Warning though, while walking down the streets watch out for the sewer lids, they have a mat they place on top but if it gets moved and it’s a hot day, don’t say I didn’t warn you!! The lovely smelling flowers help!
•Stray animals. A ton of stray cats. More cats than dogs.
•It seemed to be a pretty safe vacation spot, not much crime. I think that was mainly because it’s a huge tourism spot. And there aren’t many locals, the workers ride the ferry over from the mainland just to work the whole summer. I literally mean work the whole summer, we were talking with the staff at our hotel and they work 7 days a week the whole summer.
•Tipping (gratitude) is not done in Greece.
•You must try the Freddo coffee! I still dream of it!
•Many different kinds of food and price ranges
•Family friendly vacation island! Not only will adults love the island, kids will too!

 

Would I travel to the island again? MOST DEFINITELY, I’ve loved to leave right now 🙂