Greek island dubbed ‘Mykonos of the Sporades' is a gem that's 26C in September

Metro

2 days ago

If you love Mykonos, but don't love crowds or extortionate prices, we've got just the dupe for you.
Skiathos, a Greek island in the Sporades archipelago, has showstopper beaches, azure waters and nightlife that rivals its iconic Cyclades counterpart.
Summer stretches well into September, with temperatures hovering between 21°C and 26°C.
And, with easyJet flights from £66 one-way — Metro found a direct route on Thursday, September 18 from London Gatwick — getting there won't break the bank.
If you can't make it this year, Jet2 is also launching a new route from London Luton in summer 2026.
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Skiathos's claim to fame is the 2008 Hollywood blockbuster, Mamma Mia! Part of the movie, inspired by the songs of ABBA, was filmed here.
The rest was filmed on Skopelos, a craggy island an hour's ferry ride away. Metro's Sophie-May Williams spent a week exploring the island in July last year, and loved it for its exceptional natural beauty, friendly locals, and delicious food. You can read her guide to Skopelos here.
But back to Skiathos. While Skopelos feels a bit like the land that time forgot, this island is fizzing with life.
Pop culture lovers can immerse themselves in the world of film on the highly-rated Mammia Mia! tour. For £44, you can spend six hours visiting all the major filming locations.
Skiathos also has stunning spots to sunbathe and swim. Lalaria is the perfect choice for a secluded experience. Located in the north of the island, expect crystal-clear waters, towering cliffs and white pebble beaches.
Koukounaries in the southwest is popular for watersports. It boasts a long stretch of sandy beach, turquoise waters, and a pine forest backdrop.
After a lively atmosphere? It's all about Banana Beach. Comprised of two beaches — Big Banana and Little Banana — these spots offer sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars.
Word of warning: Little Banana is a nudist beach.
Skiathos' beauty isn't confined to the coast. There are heaps of inland hiking trails that take you through verdant greenery and across streams.
Koukounaries Beach Loop is one of the most popular, winding through wetlands, pine forests, and the Koukounaries Lagoon.
The Olive Path is a longer, more challenging route. It starts in Skiathos Town, winds through olive groves and rural landscapes, and ends at Nikotsara beach on the northern shore.
The capital 'city' (home to a permanent population of under 5,000) boasts shops, bars, and traditional tavernas on every corner.
Spend an afternoon weaving through the maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses and bougainvillea-draped balconies. You'll pass locals selling homemade crafts, from seaweed soap to geometric pottery.
For a romantic sunset, head to the Bourtzi peninsula. It's a former Venetian fortress in the old port of Skiathos, connected to the main island by a small bridge.
Finish the day with a short stroll back to the harbour for dinner and drinks, which in true Greek style, can last all night.
Expect waiters to ply you with a complimentary shot of Raki — a strong aniseed aperitif — when paying the bill.
During my trip to Skopelos last year, I spent a few days exploring Skiathos.
The descent into the airport was one of the most breathtaking I've ever experienced: the cluster of Sporades islands broke up the cobalt waters, as boats bobbed up and down in the Aegean Sea.
At one point, we were so close we could see people popping champagne on deck.
The taxi from the airport to our accommodation — a rustic boutique hotel called BONSAI — took just eight minutes and cost €10 (£8.65). Rooms start from £50 per night.
The hotel manager was always on hand to help: her recommendations of the best 'hidden gems' on the island led us to a tiny unnamed cove five minutes from our room. Complete with cerulean waters and golden sands, there wasn't another tourist in sight. It was a true local spot.
From there, we strolled six minutes further inland and stumbled upon a classic Greek taverna called Marmita.
Because the restaurant is away from the harbour, the experience felt a lot more authentic. Menus weren't littered with pictures, and the prices were a lot cheaper than the touristy joints.
The lamb cooked in fennel leaves and served with potatoes and green vegetables was exquisite, and only cost €16.50 (£14.27). A glass of house red wine was €4 (£3.89).
Skiathos enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year, thanks to its trusty Mediterranean climate. This means summers are hot and dry, and winters are wet and mild.
The summer months — June, July, and August — are the hottest, averaging between 27°C and 29°C. The shoulder seasons of May, June, and September, which command fewer crowds, peak around 23°C to 26°C.
The best time to visit is early in the shoulder season, as during autumn and winter, the island winds down for the year.
To backtrack, Mykonos introduced a 'sustainable tourism fee' for cruise passengers in July. More Trending
Passengers disembarking are now required to pay a €20 (£17.29) high-season fee as part of Greece's initiative to manage tourism and its impact.
While Skiathos has a high volume of tourists — approximately half a million each year — Mayor Thodoris Tzoumas has launched a sustainable tourism initiative to control the influx.
During a recent visit to the island, he briefed Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on the €25 million programme. It includes investments in infrastructure and the development of marine projects designed to improve visitor experience and support long-term growth.
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