Car Hire in Skiathos

About Skiathos

Skiathos is a small island in the northwestern Aegean Sea in Greece. It is part of the Sporades, a Greek archipelago in the Aegean Sea lying northeast of the island of Euboea, which also includes Skíathos, Skópelos, Skyros, and Alónnisos, as well as neighbouring islands. Despite its size, Skíathos is a very popular destination for tourists from all over the world. It is especially attractive for younger travellers, as Skiathos is also known for its crazy nightlife. There are numerous nightclubs, bars, and discos on the island, so you can have a lot of fun here if you want to.

But Skiathos is far from being just a party destination. Aside from the nightlife, Skiathos offers a wide range of activities that you can do when you are on holiday here. If you are looking for a place where you can relax on a sandy beach or in the shade of a pine tree, then this is the perfect destination for you. By the way, Skiathos has more than 60 different beaches that you can visit. The island is known for its crystal clear, azure waters. The most famous beach on the island is Koukounaries, which is also considered the third most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean. Even if you prefer a more active holiday, there are many activities you can do. You can enjoy numerous water sports on the island's many beaches, but you can also explore the island's inland. Skiathos is known as the greenest Greek island. With its beautiful nature, it is a perfect place for travellers who love hiking, jogging, or cycling in nature.

But we must not forget the rich history of this island. There are many historical sites that you can visit on the island. You can also take a boat trip to the castle of Skiathos. Besides the architecture, there are also some natural beauties that you should see. For example, the sea caves. You can rent a boat or join an organized tour and explore these extraordinary caves.

The locals here are very friendly. The best way to feel the true spirit of the island and get to know the locals well is to rent a car and take a road trip around the island. There are so many quaint villages along the way across the island. You can also visit many beautiful towns. They are all very charming and you will just fall in love with the atmosphere of the towns. The Greeks are also known for their great cuisine. This is no different here in Skiathos, where you can enjoy delicious food all over the island. There are so many great restaurants that serve local dishes. The best part is that the restaurants use local ingredients, which gives the food a special freshness.

Skiathos is also one of the most cosmopolitan islands in the Sporades. It is known to be a very popular destination with celebrities from all over the world. For example, if you walk through the port of Skiathos, you can see many luxury yachts and ships.

So Skiathos has everything that a great tourist destination has to offer. Many boutique tourist offers and also a wide range of other programs. The best way to explore the island is with a rental car and make your plan according to your preferences. Be sure to plan some extra time for the beautiful secluded beaches you will find as you drive around the island. You will enjoy these small beaches as they are just yours for a few hours.

Basic info and car hire in Skiathos

• Location: Sporades, Greece
• Population: 6,610
• Official language: Greek
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Skiathos has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Skiathos are in good condition. There are lots of dirt roads on the island.
• Car hire in Skiathos:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Skiathos is at Skiathos airport. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Skiathos!

 Driving in Skiathos

The main road network stretches along the east and south coasts of Skiathos, where most of the sandy beaches are located. The rest of the coast is rugged and mountainous, with many dirt roads leading from one place to another. The main road on Skiathos runs from Skiathos Town to Koukounaries in the southwest of the island, via a tour of all the resorts and hamlets along the south coast.

Skiathos Town is almost the only place where you may encounter heavier traffic. You will not encounter many cars in the other parts of the island. If you want to explore the island properly, you should rent a car, because you will have more freedom and you will also get around faster. You can also use public transport, but this will probably cost you more time and the buses only go to the tourist spots.

Skiathos Town is a small town and you probably will not need a car to explore it. You can easily park your car in many parking lots around the town. The only problem finding a parking space is during the high tourist season. In the summer, you'll probably have to do a few laps around the town to find a free parking spot. If you are driving outside Skiathos town, you will need to be careful on small dirt roads connecting one village to another, or on some of the island's beaches. You should be extra careful not to damage your car. Navigating the island is quite easy as there are not that many roads. So, if you are going on a little road trip around Skiathos, just follow the rules, follow the road signs, buckle up and drive safely.

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in Greece is 18 years old. The minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old and with some rental companies for people over 75 years old. Young driver surcharges may apply to those under 25 with many rental companies.
• International Driving Permit:  Visitors need a valid driving license to legally drive a car in Greece. Drivers of motorcycles up to 125cc must be at least 18 years old, while drivers of mopeds (up to 50cc) must be at least 16 years old. Driving licenses issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. With an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can legally drive in Greece and 174 other countries and must present your valid driver's license. In the US, only two organizations issue IDPs: Automobile Association of America (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), and you can order it online if there is no office near you.
• Additional papers: Identification (passport), a valid driver's license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to take out insurance with the car rental company in case your policy does not cover you when driving in Greece). 
• Additional requirements: Warning triangle (mandatory in every vehicle), headlight deflectors (for vehicles from UK. Depending on the vehicle, you may either need deflector stickers or have to manually adjust the beam), fire extinguisher (mandatory in every vehicle), first aid kit (mandatory in every vehicle), warning triangles, spare wheels are required, and hands-free devices with hearing aids if you are talking on the phone while driving. 
• Children in the car:  A suitable child seat must be fitted in the car for children under 3 years of age. Child restraint systems that comply with the ECE R44/03 standard are approved by local authorities. A suitable child seat should also be used for children between 3 and 11 years of age who are smaller than 1.35 meters. Adult seat belts are already approved for children over 12 years of age and over 1.35 meters tall. If you wish to fit a rear-facing child seat, you may do so on the condition that the front passenger airbag is deactivated.
• Driving side of the road: Right
• Lights: In poor daytime visibility, use low beam headlights. The use of high beams in cities is strictly prohibited.  
• General speed limits: Unless otherwise stated, the maximum speed on the motorway is 120 km per hour. On rural roads, you may drive 110 km/68 mi per hour. In residential areas, the speed limit is 50 km/31 mi per hour.
• Parking suggestions: Parking is prohibited in Greece: Within 5 meters (m) of intersections, within 15m of railway crossings, within 15m of bus and tram stops, within 3m of a fire hydrant, within 5m of a stop sign, or traffic light. In some streets, signs indicate which side of the street to park on. Parking fees vary from city to city, with meters usually operating between 30 minutes and two hours. In Athens, special parking areas are reserved for tourists. EU disability cards should be recognized in Greece. However, to be on the safe side, you should apply for a card from the Institute for the Rehabilitation of Disabled People in Athens or from local prefects in other provinces.

What to see in Skiathos

On the southeastern side of the island is Skiathos town. This beautiful little town is also the capital of the island. It's an easy mixture of touristic and local. there are many touristy offerings such as numerous shops, bars, cafes, etc, but you can also experience some everyday life here if you decide to explore the town further. You will find old neighbourhoods with charming terraces and beautiful views, as part of the city is located on a small hill. You can also take a walk through the port of Skiathos and have lunch here in one of the many restaurants in the commercial part of the port. Near Skiathos, you can visit an abandoned town called Kastro. This town was founded by the locals after Skiathos was attacked by pirates. Skiathos is located on a hill and its location makes it easier to defend. You can see ruins and remains of many churches and houses and even an old castle. Another beautiful place near Skiathos is Banana beach. This popular beach has everything you need. A wide range of water sports, many bars, restaurants, nightclubs, etc. But the beach consists of two parts, the bigger beach has bars, restaurants, etc, while the smaller beach is quieter and you can enjoy and relax here without a lot of noise and big crowds. So Banana Beach is one of the must-visit places on the island. Another beach worth visiting is Mandraki, which is located about 15 kilometres from Skiathos. This beautiful, quiet beach is a perfect place to relax after partying at Banana beach. Mandraki beach is smaller and much quieter and there are not many properties on the beach. If you arrive early enough, you will find a perfect spot under the pine trees and a relaxing day by the sea is guaranteed.

For those looking for a more active vacation, there is a great option of taking a kayak tour. You can join the group with the guide and explore the beautiful bay of Skiathos. By the way, you can also visit the places where the musical Mama Mia was filmed. You can also go dolphin watching. There are organized groups with boats that will take you to this amazing experience. This island is also very popular with scuba divers. There is very rich wildlife on the island, especially under the sea. You can also take scuba diving courses and classes here.

For those interested in history and architecture from the past, there is the historic Evangelistria Monastery. This beautiful stone building has a very rich history. If you visit this place, you will not regret it. Next to the monastery, there are beautiful gardens that you can also visit. From the port of Skiathos, you can take a boat to the secluded island of Tsougria. This is a perfect place to spend a quiet day. You will enjoy the clear blue waters, the pine trees, and some historical remains on the island here.

Of course, you can also enjoy delicious food here on the island. There are many different restaurants that you can visit. One of the most famous is undoubtedly the restaurant in an old windmill.

And last but not least: parties. If you are looking for a place with a great and wild nightlife, Skiathos is the place for you. When the sun goes down, the island turns into a dance floor. There are numerous nightclubs with DJs and concerts that take place throughout the summer.

Best restaurants in Skiathos:

Johnny's

Agnadio

Maistrali

Giardino Segreto Skiathos

Ricchi E Poveri

Ottimo Italian Restaurant

Agustera Cafe Bar

If you are in Skiathos because of its nightlife, here are some of the best nightclubs on the island:

Danny and Zoe's Blind Dog

La Bussola Bar Koukounaries

Bedrock Bar

The Old Port House Bar

Totem Bar

Anderssons Bar

GinFish Cocktail & Bar