Skiathos enjoys hot, dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures in July and August range from 82ºF (28ºC) during the day to 72ºF (22ºC) at night. Rainfall is unlikely in summer but showers can be expected between September and May. All of the northern Sporadic Islands are subject to a strong wind blowing from the north, as a result most of the beaches on these islands are found on the sheltered southern sides.

There are charter flights to Skiathos from most major cities in Europe; alternatively, fly to Athens and take a local flight from there. Hydrofoil services also run between Athens and Skiathos, and there is a car ferry departing from Volos. Car and moped rentals are available on Skiathos, and the local bus services are reliable but somewhat limited.

The nice sandy beach of Troulos slopes gently into the sea, making it ideal for children; the water sports school and snack bar are an added bonus. All the swimming pools in the bay are open to the public, provided something is purchased from their kiosk, another plus for families. Koukounaries is another popular beach on the island, its boardwalk giving easy access for buggies and the shallow water making it safe for kids. There are also banana-boat rides available and the Skiathos Riding Centre is nearby, offering donkey rides for kids. Bourtzi has an open air theatre where children can enjoy entertaining puppet shows.

Greek is the national language, but English is widely spoken.

The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, divided into 100 cents. Banks and bureaux de change are widely available and travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining euros.

Skiathos nightlife is both vibrant and cosmopolitan, with its selection of bars, clubs and restaurants second to none. Enjoy a pint at a typical Brit pub, or go local at a traditional bouzouki bar. There are also classy jazz bars and blues to visit. On the waterfront of the old harbour try the Psaradika ouzeri, or head for the outdoor café on the Bourtzi peninsula. There are outdoor theatre performances of Greek tragedies, music and dance at Bourtzi, and the Paradiso outdoor cinema is another must. Just off Papadiamantis there are music bars and nightclubs. Borzoi, the oldest club on the island, features a old olive press in its garden, and Greek music is best enjoyed at the Apothiki Music Hall or Stones. You can see traditional theatre, concerts and dance at the Bourtzi Cultural Centre, or enjoy open-air cinema at the Attikon.

Shopping in Skiathos offers a vast selection of goods, including designer labels, jewellery, antiques and leather goods. There are a number of shops selling ceramic, pictures and embroideries, as well as local crafts and folk art. Colourful seashells are a common sight in shops, but most are actually imported from other places. Archipelago is a shop adjacent to the Papadiamandis House, and has some beautiful sculptures for sale, and nearby Gallery Seraina has some unique glass lamp shades. Galerie Varsakis, in Trion Ierarchon Square, sells high-quality folk antiques, embroidered linens and gorgeous rugs from around the world. The tourist shops are generally open daily from 9am to 10pm.

Possibly the most popular of the Sporades islands, Skiathos boasts more than 60 beautiful beaches and was the setting of the popular film, Mamma Mia. Aside from the stunning coastlive, Skiathos attractions include the ruins of a 12th century Venetian fortress, and a visit to the deserted medieval town of Kastro is a sightseeing must.

There are also a number of monasteries to visit, including the 17th century Moni Evangelistria (the Monastery of Annunciation) and the Monastery of Agios Charalampos, where the local writer of short stories, Alexander Moraitidis, spent the remaining years of his life. Other interesting buildings include Bourtzi Fortress, and churches like Ayios Nikolaos and Trion Ierarchon.