Why ending your holiday on Skiathos after visiting Thessaloniki is pure bliss

There’s something incredibly special about ending your Greek holiday on an island after spending a few days exploring a vibrant city. It’s the moment everything slows down, when colours soften, and when you finally feel the full emotional spectrum that Greece is known for.

And among all Greek islands, Skiathos is the perfect landing place — a soft, sunlit finale to a trip filled with discovery.

Whether you stay a few days or a few weeks, be warned: Skiathos has a way of sneaking into your heart and refusing to leave.

Ever since Seajet increased direct ferry connections between Thessaloniki and Skiathos, the two destinations have become an ideal pairing. In many travellers’ minds, they now belong together:

➡ Thessaloniki for culture, food, energy and history

➡ Skiathos for beaches, nature, calm and pure Aegean beauty

Together, they create a picture-perfect introduction to everything Greece has to offer.

A city shaped by history and warmth

Thessaloniki blends centuries of heritage with a contemporary, Mediterranean ease. Byzantine monuments, Ottoman influences, traditional flavours and modern design all coexist in a way that feels effortless and deeply authentic.

In 2024, the city became even more accessible with direct flights from Brussels and other European hubs — making it an ideal starting point before sailing toward the Sporades islands.

A paradise for food lovers & shoppers

Much like Athens, Thessaloniki is a fantastic place to shop. Options range from:

• high-end boutiques on Tsimiski and Egnatia

• multi-brand shopping centres

• lively food markets like Modiano and Kapani

For vintage treasures and quirky finds, head to Dimitriou Gounari Street (Navarino area), where second-hand bookstores, shops and record stores line the streets.

A city that smells like dessert

Walk through the centre and you’ll catch the unmistakable aromas of syrupy pastries, baked phyllo sheets and fresh butter drifting from the traditional patisseries. Thessaloniki is famous for its sweets — and you’ll quickly understand why.

A nightlife scene that never disappoints

Thessaloniki comes alive after sunset.

Our favourite district is Ladadika, the old marketplace by the harbour, now filled with cosy tavernas, wine bars, pubs and restaurants. The atmosphere is warm, lively and unforgettable.

After all this excitement, energy and inspiration… you’ll start longing for space, sea and silence.

And that’s when Skiathos becomes irresistible.

Skiathos: the serene finale your holiday deserves

Taking the ferry from Thessaloniki to Skiathos feels like crossing into a different world — quieter, greener, brighter. The moment you arrive, everything opens up: the sea, the sky, the pine-covered hills.

An island with more than 60 beaches

This is usually when people fall in love. Skiathos has over 60 beaches, each with its own charm:

• secluded coves in the north

• wide sandy beaches in the south

• pine-framed bays

• turquoise water everywhere you look

It’s impossible not to find your favourite spot.

Nature, monasteries & hiking trails

Beyond beaches, the island offers:

• pine forests

• monasteries

• picturesque chapels

• idyllic streams

• more than 200 km of hiking trails

It’s a paradise for outdoor lovers and anyone craving a deep breath of fresh air.

Water fun for every mood

You’ll find everything from:

• jet skiing

• scuba diving

• yacht or rib cruising

• boat hire

• sunset trips

You can make your holiday as laid-back or adventurous as you like.

Skiathos town: Greek food & warm hospitality

The Greeks truly love their food — and you’ll quickly share that love. Whether it’s souvlaki, gyros, freshly caught fish by the harbour, pies, pastries or a good local wine, Skiathos has endless options.

From simple tavernas to more refined restaurants, you’ll always find a place where the atmosphere is warm, the portions generous and the flavours unmistakably Greek.

The moment everything falls into place: arriving at your OHLIVE Villa

Your trip will reach its emotional peak the moment you settle into one of our villas.

Designed to frame the horizon, the sun and the sea, they create a feeling that’s hard to describe: calm, warmth, beauty and a sense that everything is exactly where it should be.

From your terrace, you’ll watch the sky melt into shades of peach, gold and lavender as the sun gently slips behind the Aegean.

It’s the kind of quiet luxury that stays with you long after your holiday ends.

Whether you stay in:

• OHLIVE Villa I

• OHLIVE Villa II

• OHLIVE Villa V

• or OHLIVE Beach Villa

  
  

…you’ll feel the same magic in different forms — hilltop views, beachfront serenity, pine forests, green landscapes and wide-open skies.

If you’d like help planning your Thessaloniki–Skiathos combination, we’re more than happy to share advice and insider tips to make your trip flow effortlessly.

Once you arrive on the island, our holiday concierge can assist with:

• restaurant reservations

• boat trips and private cruises

• beach bar bookings

• activity suggestions tailored to your stay

Just send us an email or give us a call— we’ll gladly help you create the perfect island experience.