Is Skiathos expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Skiathos is moderately priced for a Greek island: cheaper than Mykonos or Santorini, but busier and pricier in July and August, when charter flights fill the resorts. A budget traveller needs about €70 a day, mid-range about €155 and comfort about €400 per person. Rooms, boat trips and scooter or car hire take most of the money.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €30 | €65 | €200 |
| Food & drink | €25 | €45 | €90 |
| Sights & tickets | €10 | €30 | €70 |
| Local transport | €5 | €15 | €40 |
| Per person, per day | €70 | €155 | €400 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Skiathos day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Freddo espresso | €3–4 |
| Gyros pita | €3.50–4.50 |
| Grilled fish or kleftiko in a taverna | €14–22 |
| Glass of local wine or a beer | €4–6 |
| Beach bus along the south coast | a few euros (about €2–3) |
| Round-the-island boat trip to Lalaria and the caves | about €25–40 |
| Scooter hire, per day in summer | about €25–40 |
| Mid-range double in Skiathos Town | €90–170 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the biggest cost, from rooms in Skiathos Town at €50–90 a double to beach resorts at Koukounaries at €250–600, plus the per-room climate resilience fee. Boat trips to Lalaria, the caves and neighbouring Skopelos are popular extras, and sunbeds on organised beaches often cost €10–20 a set. Eating out is fair value away from the harbour front and Papadiamantis Street.
When it is cheaper
May, June and late September to October are noticeably cheaper than mid-July to August, often by a quarter or more for rooms. From November to April most hotels and tavernas close.
How to spend less
- Stay in Skiathos Town for cheaper rooms and the beach bus to every south-coast beach.
- Use the beach bus instead of renting a car for the south coast.
- Compare boat trips at the Old Port; smaller caiques can be cheaper than big excursion boats.
- Swim at the free ends of beaches and bring your own umbrella.
- Eat in the back streets of town rather than on the harbour.
- Visit Skopelos on a regular ferry instead of an organised cruise.
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Common questions
Is Skiathos expensive?
Moderately: about €70 a day on a budget and €155 mid-range, cheaper than Mykonos or Santorini.
How much is a boat trip to Lalaria?
About €25–40 for a round-the-island trip including Lalaria and the sea caves.
Do I need a car in Skiathos?
Not for the south coast, which the beach bus covers. A scooter or car helps for the north and Kastro.