Some of the more frequently asked questions about Skiathos:
- Are There ATMs (Cash Machines) On The Island?
- What Is Driving Like In Skiathos?
- How Long Does It Take To Get To Skiathos?
- Is The Water Safe To Drink In Skiathos?
- I'm Vegetarian, What Food Can I Expect In Skiathos?
- How Much Can I Expect To Pay For A Restaurant Meal In Skiathos?
- Will My Mobile Phone Work In Skiathos?
- Where Can I Access The Internet In Skiathos?
- What Is The Currency In Skiathos?
- Do I Need To Learn Greek?
Are There ATMs (Cash Machines) On The Island?
Yes. Cash machines are available in Skiathos Town.
What Is Driving Like In Skiathos?
As with elsewhere in Greece, vehicles in Skiathos drive on the right. There is only one main road on Skiathos. This road is metalled and runs along the south coast from Skiathos Town to Koukounaries. The roads elsewhere on the island are, with few exceptions, mostly gravel. Most roads within Skiathos Town are streetlit, however there are few, if any, other roads that are lit at night. Many of the roads are quite twisty, so care needs to be taken. The centre of Skiathos Town can become congested at peak times, as can the main road along the south coast. Out of season, most of the roads in Skiathos are usually fairly quiet.
How Long Does It Take To Get To Skiathos?
Flight time from the UK to Skiathos is typically 3¼ hours. Ferry times from the mainland vary between 90 minutes to five hours depending on the ferry and route.
Is The Water Safe To Drink In Skiathos?
The water is safe to drink, however, it has a very high mineral content and so is not very nice to the taste and will fur up a kettle very quickly. You may prefer to use bottled water for drinking, which is widely available and relatively cheap.
I'm Vegetarian, What Food Can I Expect In Skiathos?
Most main dishes in Skiathos include meat or fish though there are often a range of very good vegetable dishes on the starters menu.
Recommended dishes include Yigantes (giant butter beans); Kolo-ki-thakia (fried courgettes), Melit-zana (fried aubergines) or Melit-zana-salata (aubergine salad); Saga-naki (fried cheese); Horta (wild 'greens') and many more.
The easiest way to ask for vegetarian food is by saying 'horas kreas' which literally means 'without meat' or 'horto-fagos' which translates as 'vegetable-eater'.
How Much Can I Expect To Pay For A Restaurant Meal In Skiathos?
Restaurant and Taverna meal prices in Skiathos vary, just as they do anywhere else in the world. Typically, menu prices are a similar amount in Euros that you would expect to pay in UK Pounds.
Fish dishes can seem expensive, though keep in mind the fact that many places price fish per kilo, not per portion. Local wines are good value, whilst imported labels can be expensive.
Will My Mobile Phone Work In Skiathos?
Most, if not all, of the UK mobile phone networks have arrangements with one or more of the Greek networks, so your mobile should work OK. Keep in mind, however, that the cost of making and receiving a call with a British mobile whilst abroad can be ridiculously expensive. Reception in the more remote parts of the island may be patchy at best, though, in the main resorts, reception should be OK.
Most supermarkets and mini-markets sell phone cards for use with the public pay phones. These can work out a lot cheaper that using your mobile. There are payphones located in most of the resorts along the south coast of the island, with most of them being open air.
Where Can I Access The Internet In Skiathos?
There are several internet cafes in Skiathos, mostly in Skiathos Town. Many of the hotels on the island have internet facilities available to guests.
What Is The Currency In Skiathos?
Skiathos, as does the rest of Greece, uses the Euro €. Check with www.xe.com for the latest currency conversion rates.
Do I Need To Learn Greek?
No, though if you make the effort to at least attempt to speak some Greek, it will be greatly appreciated. Most restaurants, tavernas, shops, banks and post offices will have staff that speak English - usually to a high standard.