Skiathos: The Emerald Trails (Self-Guided)

6 Days

Duration

Apr – Oct

Availability

Moderate

Difficulty

A Journey Through Forests, Trails & Beaches

Escape on a 6-day self-guided hiking adventure to the breathtaking island of Skiathos, the emerald jewel of the Sporades islands. Famous for its lush pine forests that stretch down to golden sand beaches, Skiathos is a hiker’s paradise, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant island life.

Explore this unique blend of verdant forests, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. This self-guided hiking tour offers the perfect mix of coastal exploration, scenic trails, and historical discoveries, allowing you to experience the island in a way few travelers do.

This journey is designed for the independent traveler who loves to explore at their own pace. You will follow ancient cobblestone paths (kalderimi) to remote medieval monasteries, traverse the wild northern coastline to discover hidden coves, and relax on some of Greece’s most celebrated beaches. With seamless logistics, detailed maps, and comfortable accommodations arranged for you, all you need to do is walk, discover, and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Skiathos.

Day 1: Arrival & The Charm of Skiathos Town

Arrive at Skiathos Airport and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel
Check in and take some free time to settle in
Explore the town of Skiathos with a short hike, wander through charming alleys, visit historic churches, and enjoy a relaxed evening by the sea
- Hike: 3.2 km (2 mi) | Elevation: 30 m (100 ft) | Duration: ~1 hour
Optional visit of museums located in the town of Skiathos

Day 2: A Coastal Trail to Xanemos Beach

Begin your hike at the port of Skiathos
Walk past the tranquil Agios Georgios Lagoon and along the edge of the famous airport runway, a thrilling viewpoint for plane spotters
Arrive at the serene Xanemos Beach and enjoy a refreshing swim in the Aegean Sea
- Hike: 6.9 km (4.3 mi) | Elevation: 60 m (197 ft) | Duration: ~2 hours
Return to your hotel via a private transfer

Day 3: The Wild North & World-Famous Koukounaries

Take a short transfer to the trailhead to begin a spectacular hike along the rugged northern coastline
Traverse lush forests and discover a series of stunning, secluded beaches, including Aselinos and Mandraki
Enter the protected Koukounaries Forest, a unique pine forest that stretches all the way to the Koukounaries Wetland and the sea
End your hike at the legendary Koukounaries Beach, where you can relax on the golden sand before your transfer back
- Hike: 16 km (10 mi) | Elevation: 475 m (1,558 ft) | Duration: ~5.5 hours
Private transfer back to your hotel

Day 4: Summit Views & A Taste of Local Wine

Take a short transfer to the bakery north of Skiathos town, where this day’s trailhead is located
Follow ancient stone paths through olive groves and past historic chapels
Ascend to the island’s highest peak, Karaboukotrona, on a rewarding and challenging hike
Reach the summit for unforgettable panoramic views of Skiathos and the neighboring islands
Descend to the acclaimed Parissis Winery for a well-deserved wine-tasting experience with local delicacies
- Hike: 7.9 km (4.9 mi) | Elevation: 436 m (1,430 ft) | Duration: ~3 hours
Private transfer back to your hotel

Day 5: The Medieval Kastro & A Farewell Sail

Start your day with a transfer to the historic Evangelistria Monastery and explore its grounds
Follow the path to the dramatic, cliff-top ruins of the Kastro, the island’s medieval capital
Explore the historic site before descending to the secluded Kastro Beach for a final swim
- Hike: 7.3 km (4.5 mi) | Elevation: 349 m ascent (1145 ft) / 513 m (1683 ft) descent | Duration: ~3 hours
Board a private boat for a scenic trip back to the port of Skiathos, offering a stunning coastal perspective of the island

Day 6: Farewell to Skiathos

Private transfer to Skiathos airport
End of tour

Highlights

⭐ Walk Through an Emerald Paradise: Hike through lush pine forests and ancient olive groves that define the island’s landscape.

⭐ Discover Legendary Beaches: From the world-renowned Koukounaries to the secluded coves of the north coast.

⭐ Journey Through History: Explore the historic Evangelistria Monastery and the dramatic, cliff-top ruins of the medieval Kastro.

⭐ Taste the Island: Enjoy an authentic wine-tasting experience at a celebrated local winery.

⭐ Private boat: boat transfer after the last hike, providing a special perspective to the island that you have thoroughly hiked the last 5 days.

What’s Included

✅ 5 nights’ accommodation

✅ Daily breakfast and lunchbox

✅ Private airport transfers on arrival and departure

✅ All necessary transfers to/from the trailheads as mentioned in the itinerary

✅ Wine tasting experience at Parissis Winery

✅ Private boat from Kastro beach to Skiathos town

✅ Detailed hiking maps and guides

✅ Restaurant suggestions

✅ Tips for the hikes

Not Included

❌ Flights to/from Skiathos

❌ Lunches, dinners, and drinks.

❌ Travel insurance.

❌ Entrance fees to any museums, archaeological sites or monasteries.

❌ Transfers that are not mentioned.

Best Time to Visit

April – October: Enjoy mild temperatures, blooming forests in spring, and warm waters in late summer. Skiathos being a forested island is significantly cooler, but never underestimate the hotter days of the summer months. Avoid high temperatures and exposure to the sun.