Island hopping in Greece
I am not sure what the week will bring but I am excited to see the film locations from Mama Mia and I want to come back with more knowledge of Island Hopping.
The flight to Skiathos is 3 and a bit hours and landing on one of the shortest runways in the world was a bit hairy but I am told taking off again is worse! On arrival we are met by the lovely Jo, the resort Manager for Olympic in Skiathos, who will be looking after us for the next few days.
Home for the next 2 nights is the Aegean Suites a stunning 5* adult only hotel on the outskirts of Skiathos Town. All of the rooms are 1 bedroom suites with the most amazing views over the bay, the hotel has a lovely modern feel, nice pool with comfy sun loungers, a pool bar and a restaurant everything you need from a small boutique hotel, but this hotel is not for the faint hearted there are no lifts and it is built into the hillside from reception to my room 307 there are 126 steps!
I fell in love with Skiathos, it has accommodation for everyone from your Traditional small Greek property like the Paschalis Studios with 10 rooms run by the old Greek lady who speaks no English but she will give you a big hug, to the big Hotels such as the Skiathos Palace whatever your desire Skiathos will accommodate you. I met guests who had been visiting for the last 20 years staying in the same place!
Skiathos is 12km long and 5km wide with one main road running through the island from the Harbour in Skiathos town ( stop 0) to Banana Beach the other end of the island ( stop 26) buses run back and forth along this road all day and into the early hours with each journey costing 2.50 Euros it is easy to get around, each area/hotel has its bus stop number Aegean suites is stop 5 and Skiathos Palace stop 23 - you hop on pay your money and get off wherever you like.
I would recommend staying close to Skiathos Town, with its cobbled street, shops, Tavernas, Harbour views to die for and a few spots you will recognise from Mama Mia, it was my favourite resort.
Next stop Skopelos an hour on the Ferry from Skiathos Town, Skopelos despite being bigger than Skiathos has a quieter feel to it another lovely Harbour and cobbled street but not as big as Skiathos, the hotels here are more traditional in style here and I would recommend being close to Skopelos Town to be able to walk into the Harbour area in the evening.
Skopelos is the home of Mama Mia, this is where most of the filming took place if you love the film you will love Skopelos visiting the Church on the Hill where they married, the beach and more a Mama Mia excursion is a must, but if you do not want to stay on Skopelos but love the film there are day trips from Skiathos.
Next stop Alonissos which is 20 minutes on the fast cat from Skopelos Harbour or just over an hour from Skiathos. Alonissos is your small traditional Greek island it is like stepping back in time, the Harbour is full of Yachts, there are tavernas and restaurants on the harbour selling the days produce caught that morning. Home for the next few nights is Paradise Inn owned by Costa and his wife, it a traditional Greek in décor with the friendliest of people.
Alonissos it beautiful amazing scenery, relaxed chilled vibe which is why people return year after year, the accommodation on the island is all small 2* properties you will not find a big chain hotel herer but this is what people love about the place and why they return. Stay near the harbour and a visit to the old town is a must.
What are the Must Sees:
• Watch Mama Mia at the open air cinema in Skiathos Town
• Stop of coffee at the Bou ryzi is Skiathos Town and admire the view
• Visit the old town in Alonissos, amazing view and beautiful sunsets
• Take a Mama Mia Tour in/to Skopelos
What did I learn:
• Relax and enjoy the Greek hospitality; it is infectious and you will return
• Greek Ferries change times when they feel like it and if the weather is rough the ferries don’t go, I would recommend staying in Skiathos the day you arrive and the day before you fly home.
• 3 islands in 7 days is too much, savour each place and do a minimum of 4/5 days on each island
• The islands close in the winter, season starts around 6th May and end around 29th September the most popular time for repeat guests is May and September, but watch out for the weather it starts to cool down in September
With great food and infectious friendly Greek Hospitality you can see why people visit year after year and treat it like their second home. The islands are easy to get around whilst on the island and between the islands by ferry, it is a great way to experience more than one place on your next holiday.
Would I go back? Yes I would!