Yes, I went to Skiathos like almost a month ago. Yes, it’s taken me a month to write this (I’ve been busy, ok??!). So Skiathos is one of the most beautiful places I’ve holidayed (is that even a verb?). If you’re looking for something fairly inexpensive, authentically Greek and NOT full of stag and hen dos, Skiathos is a great choice.
Stay as close to Skiathos Town as you can. The island itself is only 20 miles or so big, so you’re never very far away from anything – but it would be tricky to get into the town at night when the island bus stops running. Skiathos Town itself is a treasure trove of lively little bars and shops spilling out onto streets, and tiny cobbled passages and back ways to explore. Like any Mediterranean city, it wakes up at dusk, offering amazing food, cocktails and gelato until late.
I’m not going to go through every dish we ate but I had some personal highlights below – excuse the photography quality, most of these meals were a bit dimly lit!
The Crazy Cow
This was one of the top-rated restaurants on the island and it was in our hotel so we obviously had to give it a go. I ordered the slow roasted lamb shank which was beautiful falling off the bone lamb, but was unfortunately quite over salted. Gary had a creamy chicken and pork stroganoff – type dish which was really tasty.
What really blew us away about this meal was the setting and the service, we sat by the beautiful candle-lit pool and were waited on hand and foot. We had complimentary liqueurs afterwards (Ouzo and something strawberry) which was a really nice touch. If you’re looking for a classy meal in Skiathos, this is definitely worth a try, though it was one of the most expensive meals we had there.
Taverna Folia
Nestled in a bustling street was Taverna Folia, we had eaten here on our first trip to Skiathos and it was our favourite meal, so we were eager to return. The restaurant is centred around an old twisting tree, decorated with fairy lights, with the island’s cats frequenting for scraps.
This is the definition of a family run-restaurant, with (I presume!) dad in the kitchen and mums and sons waiting the tables. The food is honest, no-frills Greek food that tastes fantastic. We visited twice and I had the moussaka and a beef stifado, with Gary ordered the lamb kleftiko both times, it was that good!
Here is the lamb kleftiko and the stifado, and one of the lovely cats that watched us eat (we gave her some scraps)!
Maria’s Pizza
This Italian restaurant is one of the most eclectic on the island – decorated with the most random things, with kind of a Tim Burton theme about it.
The menus are lovingly hand-written in exercise books, decorated with magazine clippings. It’s a truly brilliantly-mad experience, with friendly waiting staff and tasty food. We ordered the garlic bread stuffed with feta to begin with which really did not disappoint. Super garlicky, super cheesy. YUM.
Then we both had the salmon, asparagus and cream tagliatelle which was just delightful, but absolutely HUGE portions. Oh my god. I couldn’t finish mine – but the pasta was incredible, very fresh and the perfect vehicle for the rich salmon and cream. Highly recommended, just maybe don’t have a starter first!
If you’re in two minds about visiting this island I hope I’ve convinced you with some of the food! If you’ve already visited, I’d love to hear about the restaurants you’ve been to there.
