Skiathos is a small island with a big reputation: pine forests that run all the way down to the sea, more than sixty beaches on barely twelve kilometers of length, and a lively little town around the old port. It is also wonderfully simple to reach, since the direct charter from Belgrade lands you there before breakfast is over. Here is how the package to Skiathos works in practice, from the flight schedule to the places we recommend you sleep.
Morning flights that give you a full first day
Charters operate on Tuesdays and Fridays with Air Serbia, flights JU9140 and JU9142. Departure from Belgrade is at 06:00 with landing on Skiathos at 08:20 local time, and the return leg leaves at 09:05 arriving in Belgrade at 09:25. The timetable is preliminary and confirmed before each departure, so check the exact times 24 hours before flying. The early start takes some discipline, you need to be at the airport around 03:30, but the reward is real: you are checked in or at least at your resort by mid morning, with the whole first day on the beach. Two flight days allow stays of 7, 10 or 11 nights. One honest note: this program requires a minimum of 120 passengers to operate, which in high season is not an issue.
What the price includes
The package covers the return flight Belgrade to Skiathos and back, airport taxes of around 51 euros per person at the time of publishing (subject to change), the YQ fuel surcharge, group transfers airport to hotel and back, confirmed accommodation with your chosen board, and the support of the local partner and representative. Distances on Skiathos are tiny, the airport sits practically next to the town, so transfers rarely take more than half an hour even to the far side of the island.
Luggage, children, paperwork
Each passenger checks in up to 23 kilograms and carries 8 kilograms on board. If an infant turns two during the trip, a seat must be issued both ways at the child fare. Travel documents arrive electronically no later than 24 hours before departure, and passports must remain valid for six months after you return. The Greek tourist tax is paid at the reception: 2 euros per room per night for one and two star properties, 5 for three stars, 10 for four and 15 for five stars. Health and cancellation insurance are not included and are worth every euro.
Where to stay, from five stars to friendly studios
Skiathos Palace is the island's grand dame, set in a pine forest on a rise overlooking Koukounaries, one of the most famous beaches in Europe, just 250 meters away, with Maratha beach at the same distance. A hotel shuttle runs to the beaches until 18:00 and the public bus stops right below the hotel. From 2301 euros for two people.
Esperides Beach sits directly on the sandy Achladies beach surrounded by greenery, 4 kilometers from Skiathos Town. Besides the regular bus, a taxi boat leaves from the beach in front of the hotel straight to town, which guests love. Standard rooms have a side sea view and space for a third bed. From 2239 euros for two people.
Vila Drosia is the budget pick: garden studios with a kitchenette, 250 meters from Agia Paraskevi beach and 50 meters from the main road with a market, a couple of tavernas and the bus stop connecting town with Koukounaries. From 930 euros for two people, hard to beat on this island.
Vila Fantasia suits travelers who want the town at their doorstep: a quiet street 200 meters from the pedestrian zone and 500 from the port, with Megali Amos beach 400 meters away. Studios come with a kitchenette, and the bus on the main road takes you to a different beach every day. From 1258 euros for two people.
Final advice
Check in is after 15:00, check out by 10:00, and for the return transfer be at the reception 15 minutes early. Booking confirmation arrives within two working days of the deposit, otherwise the full advance is refunded. If you cannot decide between a hotel on the beach and a studio near town, think about how you like your evenings: quiet dinners at the resort or strolls along the old port. Skiathos does both very well.
