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Skiathos bus
stops |
Getting Around Skiathos
Skiathos public
transport system is efficient and moving around by car, taxis or buses may
be a fun and inexpensive way of catching the sights. Main road between
Skiathos town and Koukounaries beach is good. Minor roads can be
unsurfaced, narrow, and winding. International traffic signs are used and
are located on the right side of the road. Petrol costs about 1.15 per liter. The use of seatbelts in cars is required by law, as are helmets for
motorcyclists. Often the police clamp down and on the spot fines are
imposed. Also, when looking for a parking space, check if there is a No
Parking area, as this can be the most common fine. Parking and speeding
tickets must be paid at the local police station.
By car
If you want to have the freedom to explore at your own leisure, renting a
car or jeep is the choice for you. Most major international and local car
rental companies offer a good choice of packages and competitive prices.
The minimum legal age to rent a car is 18 years old and there is no
maximum age restriction. The only other requirement in this regard is that
you've held your valid driving license for at least a year.
Whoever you rent from, be sure to check the insurance being offered. Full
coverage is strongly recommended. So, arm yourself with a valid
international license and a reliable road map and set out for the
adventure of your life. Remember that traffic in Greece travels on the
right side of the road.
By motorbike
Motorbikes are widely available in Skiathos. Make sure that the vehicle is
in good condition and that the price includes proper insurance. Always
wear a helmet! Some roads are tricky, hilly and slippery.
Be aware of sharp, unexpected corners.
Taxis
It is easy to find a taxi in Skiathos. Ranks are found at airports and
harbours. When getting a cab at either of these outlets arrange the fare
before you set off. This can often avoid an unpleasant surprise later. By
law there must be a board at these sites showing the taxi fare to the most
popular destinations.
Phoning the taxi station incurs an extra charge of 2.00
. A local cab number to note is 24270 24461. There is a cab rank in front
of Skiathos harbour.
You will often find yourself sharing a taxi with strangers. This does not
mean the fare will be shared. Some drivers ask your permission to do this
and you may say no. As this is common practice you can of course hail a
cab with occupants and join in the very often short journey to town.
By bus-(Skiathos
bus stops)
Skiathos has a very good bus connection and fares are very reasonable
(Skiathos - Koukounaries 1.50 or Skiathos - Aghia Paraskeui 1.10 per
journey). There are frequent services connecting Skiathos town with
Koukounaries beach, Ksanemos beach and the monastery of Annunciation. You
pay on the bus not when you enter it. The municipal info kiosk in front of
Skiathos harbour can provide you with free photocopies of the timetables.
Even during the low season there are buses approximately every hour, until
about midnight.
By water taxi
Another mean of transport you should try is the water taxi. It leaves the
old harbour every hour to Achladies bay, Kanapitsa beach and other popular beaches of the
island. Costing only 2.00 it is worth the effort. The last one departs
from Skiathos old harbour at 11.45 p.m. to hotel Esperides (Achlaidies
bay).
By boat or yacht charter
Hiring a boat enables you to reach a lot of otherwise inaccessible corners
of the island. You can rent a boat from the Skiathos marinas or a ski
school. Prices vary from 60 to 90 . Another exotic way to do island
hopping is chartering a yacht. It is much more expensive, although renting
with a group of friends can save you a lot. Depending on your nautical
qualifications, you can either take the helm yourself or let the crew do
so.
Cycling
Hiring a bike in a small island like Skiathos is the way to go. Bicycles
are available for rental at many of rent a car centres. Renting a bike
gives you the freedom to spin around town and the countryside, exploring
the island at your own speed.
Keep fit and enjoy the breathtaking scenery! |
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