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Try out the old port's tavernas
The Old Port of Skiathos Town sets you up with the island’s biggest helping of eateries, with plenty of Greek flavour to be found. A tour of the tavernas serves up hearty dishes like moussaka, as well as those tasty morsels of fish, meat and cheese known as meze. Olives, figs, fresh yoghurt, and tangy feta cheese with super-sweet wild honey are other must-tries.Perched at the top of stone steps at the Old Port, this top-class Italian restaurant has quickly established a great reputation. Hosts Lorenzo and Anastasia ensure a warm welcome, and with dishes like tuna carpaccio, rich mushroom-and-truffle risotto, and creamy tiramisu – teamed up with crisp Prosecco – it’s no wonder booking is advised.
Read MorePick up a bus from either end of Skiathos Town bound for Koukounaries and in around 20 minutes you’ll land at one of the Aegean’s best golden-sand Blue Flag beaches. Here you can laze under the well-named umbrella pines, wander the surrounding parkland – known as the Biotope – or head for the watersports schools and dive centre. Tavernas and kiosks take care of the refreshments.
Read MoreAt various points throughout the summer months, the island lays on a good mix of arty events in a nod to its ancestors. The outdoor Bourtzi Cultural Centre, on a tiny island linked to Skiathos Town by a promontory at the harbour, is the hub of the action. Here, ancient Greek tragedies and comedies, folk music and dance shows are on the cards from around 9.30pm. Tickets cost around 15 euros.
Read MoreThis island’s pretty coastline is rightly its calling card. Venture inland, though, and you’ll find a rural landscape where walks take in pine forests, olive groves and crumbling churches. And just 5 kilometres from Skiathos Town you’ll find the 19th-century Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria. It’s free to visit and houses a collection of icons, ancient books and folk instruments. There’s a small shop where you can buy good wine, too.
Read MoreSkiathos Town livens up from 8pm onwards, with the action centred on a seafront strip of modern-style bars and discos that draws in a young crowd. And if you prefer the quieter life, more laid-back bars and tavernas will oblige. Drinks-wise, as well as cocktails and ouzo, you can take your pick of the produce of the island’s small crop of vineyards – the rich reds are particularly popular.
Read MorePapadiamantis, the town’s long, central street, is full of shops where you can pick up the standard souvenirs, beachwear and replica footie shirts at competitive prices. You might also spot books by the Greek author Papadiamantis, who gave the street its name. For artisan items, though, try the side streets. Here you’ll find one-off ceramics, hand-crafted silver and gold jewellery, little bronzes, and painted driftwood sculptures.
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