Skiathos Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards

Mobile operators Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova serve as the main providers inside Greece.

SIM Card Details

Purchase SIM cards from official stores.
A passport serves for registration when buying.
Affordable prepaid eSIMs available via Airalo.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi maintains wide availability at tourist areas.

Wi-Fi Availability

Almost all accommodations offer free Wi-Fi.
Many cafes and restaurants provide free Wi-Fi.
Good internet speed in Skiathos Town. Consider Solis Wi-Fi for portable access.

Postal Services

The Hellenic Post (ELTA) office is located in Skiathos Town.

Mail Services

Standard postal services handle postcards or parcels.
Stamps can be bought at the post office or certain kiosks.
The ELTA office operates within Skiathos Town.

Language Considerations

Greek is the official language, but English finds wide use in tourist areas.

Translation Resources

Google's Translation App is very useful; download the Hellenic offline pack.
A basic Greek phrasebook aids common phrases.
Learn Greek with Rosetta Stone.

Essential Greek Phrases

Common Greetings

Hello: Γεια σας (YAH-sas - formal), Γεια σου (yah-soo - informal)
Thank you: Ευχαριστώ (eff-khah-rees-TOH)
Yes: Ναι (neh)
No: Όχι (OH-hee)

Useful Terms

How much?: Πόσο κάνει; (PO-so KAH-nee?)
Water: Νερό (neh-ROH)
The bill, please: Λογαριασμός, παρακαλώ (lo-gah-ree-ahs-MOHS, pah-rah-kah-LOH)
Excuse me / Sorry: Συγγνώμη (see-GHNO-mee)

Travel Tip

Always carry a small notebook and pen for jotting down directions or important phrases. This proves useful if your phone battery depletes.

Business Hours & Schedules

Navigate daily operations with insight into local schedules.

Shops

Typically open 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM in tourist areas during summer. Many shops outside main tourist zones or within the off-season observe a siesta, closing early afternoon and reopening late afternoon/evening.

Restaurants & Cafes

Lunch service typically starts around 1:00 PM. Dinner service commonly begins from 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM and continues late, notably in the summer months. Cafes and bars remain open from morning until late night.

Banks & ATMs

Banks typically open Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Limited physical branches exist on Skiathos. ATMs are widely available in Skiathos Town and at major beaches.

Public Holidays

Major holidays impact service availability and transport schedules.

Dates

New Year's Day (January 1ST) & Epiphany (Jan 6).
Orthodox Easter (variable, most important religious holiday).
National Day of independence (Mar 25), Labour Day (May 1), Assumption of Mary (Aug 15), Ohi Day (Oct 28), Christmas.

Seasonal Adjustments

Most tourist-oriented businesses close outside the main season.

Off-Season Notes

Closures from late October/early November to late April/the Start of may.
Ferry schedules undergo significant reductions in winter.
Off-season visits bring a quieter experience with fewer options.

Airport Services

Lounge Access

Priority Pass grants independent airport lounge access.
Access is worldwide for frequent travelers.
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Flight Compensation

Compensair assists with flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.
A fixed commission of €5-12 for successful claims.
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Planning Insight

Always check for holiday closures, which may impact transport and business services. This advance check helps prevent unexpected disruptions.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Respect local customs for a smooth and fulfilling visit.

Social Interactions

Greeting Customs

Handshakes are common upon introduction.
Close friends and family may exchange kisses on the cheek.
Using "Yia sas" (formal "hello") or "Yia sou" (informal "hello") is always appreciated.

Appropriate Attire

Dress suitably for different settings and cultural sites.

Clothing Guide

Casual dress is common for general wear.
Beachwear holds acceptance on beaches and at seaside bars, but not in small communities or restaurants.
Shoulders and knees must remain covered when visiting churches and monasteries.

Dining Practices

Embrace the leisurely pace of Greek meals.

Dining Etiquette

Enjoy meals at a relaxed pace; rushing is not customary.
Tipping practices are generally modest; rounding up or leaving a small amount is typical.
Refer to specific sections for detailed information on dining customs.

Photography & Taboos

Respect privacy and avoid offensive gestures.

Cultural Sensitivities

Always ask permission before photographing individuals.
Do not show the open air palm of your hand towards someone ("moutza").
Avoid strong political or religious discussions with new acquaintances.

Important Cultural Notes

Specific Gestures

A slight upward nod or raising eyebrows with a tongue click often means "no."
The "moutza" (open palm) constitutes a highly offensive gesture.
Observe for "no photography" signs inside churches and monasteries.

Inclusivity & Awareness

Skiathos generally welcomes female solo travelers.
Greece generally has a progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
Public displays of affection commonly gain acceptance for all couples.

General Tips for Interaction

Engagement

Learn a few basic Greek phrases for smoother conversations.
A positive attitude truly enhances cultural exchanges.
Observe local interactions to gain cultural context.

Respect

Be mindful of noise levels, notably where people live at night.
Respect services in progress within holy sites.
Always check for "no photography" signs and adhere to them.

Helpful Reminder

Always carry a small notebook and pen. This is useful for jotting down directions or important phrases, notably if your phone battery depletes.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure Challenges

Skiathos's infrastructure has limitations for some travelers.

Mobility Considerations

The old town features cobbled streets and steps, posing challenges.
Many areas display uneven surfaces or steep inclines.
Certain recent hotels and resorts may feature better accessibility amenities.

Accessible Locations

Certain beaches offer improved access for wheelchair users.

Accessible Spots

Some larger, organized beaches may feature wooden walkways.
Walkways often extend closer to the water.
Seatrac initiatives might exist at some popular beaches; check current availability.

Transportation Access

Public transport may have limitations for mobility aids.

Getting Around

Public buses generally do not accommodate wheelchairs, as they have steps.
Taxis can transport foldable wheelchairs.
Specialized accessible taxis remain rare; arrange transport in advance if specific vehicle types are needed.

Specialized Services

Few specific services exist for visual or hearing impairments.

Assistance & Support

Limited specialized services are available on the island.
Assistance dogs may gain acceptance, but confirm with airlines and accommodations beforehand.
Ask directly properties regarding their specific amenities and policies.

Accessibility Resources

Information Sources

Look for specific Greek travel blogs focusing on accessible travel.
Seek out organizations dedicated to accessible travel within Greece.
These sources often display up-to-date and practical advice.

Planning Tips

Contact properties directly to inquire about specific amenities.
Request detailed information regarding accessible features.
Seek out firsthand accounts and specific recommendations for activities.

Practical Travel Note

Download offline maps and ferry schedules on your phone before arrival. This aids in planning on the go without an internet connection.

Skiathos Travel Tips