WHY IONIAN ISLAND HOLIDAYS?

EXPERT ADVICE
Our team of experienced and knowledgeable advisers are here to make your holiday to the Greek islands memorable - and for the right reasons!ERROR
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SKIATHOS VILLA HOLIDAYS
There is however much more to the island than its sixty eight famous magnificent sandy beaches, fantastic watersports and resorts offering a cosmopolitan and sophisticated nightlife.
The west coast, for instance is spectacular and almost undeveloped. It appeals to those who enjoy wild and lonely landscapes with hidden valleys, wooded hillsides and cliff top paths. The air is filled with the scent of aromatic herbs and the only sounds are the waves breaking far below or bells sounding from a tiny village church.
The interior is rural with olive groves, pine woods and hillsides that few explore. Small, traditional houses can be found whose architecture blends in with the classical mansions in graceful Venetian styles.
Skiathos Town itself is littered with church towers and paved alleys. During the day it is busy with the hustle and bustle of the locals, their fishing boats and the arrival of numerous ferries. At night the whole area is transformed into an array of waterfront restaurants and cafes welcoming locals and visitors alike.
The history of Skiathos is also fascinating. The Cretans were amongst the earliest settlers here and its present name may be derived from the Cretan “Skiathos” or Dionysis. The Ionians came here in the 8th century BC and must have been pleased to discover an island as green and fertile as their own!
Over the following centuries up until the birth of Christ, the island allied itself at different times with Sparta and Athens. It was during this period that Skiathos became famous for the quality of its ships, shipwrights and sailors, using timber from the magnificent pine forests that covered the island.
This tradition continued into the Byzantine era, but unfortunately the island’s reputation for the quality of its timber and boat building, as well as its natural produce, became a magnet for the pirates that terrorised the Aegean. In fact, the islanders invited the Venetians to take possession of the island and the first major fortress at Bourtzi was built by two Italian brothers. The site is now a popular and interesting cultural centre that is well worth a visit. The island changed hands regularly over the next three centuries according to the fortunes of the Ottoman and Venetian Empires.
In 1807, the first Greek Flag was designed, woven, blessed and raised at the Monastery of The Annunciation on Skiathos, the island became a special place in the history of the Greek struggle for independence.
Modern Skiathos is very much like its larger Ionian counterpart, Corfu. It has magnificent beaches, bustling resorts with a cosmopolitan and sophisticated nightlife on the one hand, but also quiet, secret valleys, wooded hillsides and cliff top paths the air filled with waves breaking far or a bell sounding the hours from a tiny village church. An island of contrast with something for everyone.
- Visit Skiathos Town for its waterfront tavernas and bars as well as for shopping and the narrow streets of the old town
- Enjoy any of the islands 68 beaches including 4 Blue Flag beaches
- Visit the beautiful frescoes of the monasteries Evangelista & Kousitra and the church of Agios Nikolaos
- The Bourtzi, a small peninsula and fort that separates Skiathos Port in two, hosting concerts and events
- ‘Kastro’ (Castle) ancient fortress in the north of Skiathos, fantastic views and surrounding natural beauty
- Papdiamanti’s House, Skiathos’ only museum, home of the famous Greek monk, poet and writer
- Join in the celebrations of the Assumption of the Virgin on the 15th August
- Take a day trip to Skopelos, Alonissos and the Marine Park
Flights for this season
Friday departures for direct flights from London Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham

FROM | TO | OUTBOUND FLIGHT |
INBOUND FLIGHT |
FLIGHT DETAILS |
DEPARTURE TERMINAL |
DEPARTURE DATES |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
London Gatwick | Skiathos | Dep: 09:45hrs Arr: 15:05hrs |
Dep: 17:00hrs Arr: 18:30hrs |
Enter Air ENT 443/4 |
South Terminal | From: 26th May To: 6th Oct |
Manchester | Skiathos | Dep: 07:55hrs Arr: 13:40hrs |
Dep: 14:40hrs Arr: 16:30hrs |
Jet2 Airlines LS 1739/40 |
Terminal 1 | From: 5th May To: 6th Oct |
Bristol | Skiathos | Dep: 06:35hrs Arr: 12:00hrs |
Dep: 13:00hrs Arr: 14:40hrs |
Thomson Airlines TOM 6558/9 |
Main Terminal | From: 5th May To: 29th Sep |
Birmingham | Skiathos | Dep: 07:10hrs Arr: 12:40hrs |
Dep: 13:40hrs Arr: 15:20hrs |
Thomson Airlines TOM 7534/5 |
Main Terminal | From: 5th May To: 29th Sep |
Flights for 2024
Friday departures for direct flights from London Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham

FROM | TO | OUTBOUND FLIGHT |
INBOUND FLIGHT |
FLIGHT DETAILS |
DEPARTURE TERMINAL |
DEPARTURE DATES |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
London Gatwick | Skiathos | Dep: 12:25hrs Arr: 17:45hrs |
Dep: 18:45hrs Arr: 20:20hrs |
Thomson Airlines TOM 4558/9 |
North Terminal | From: 3rd May To: 17th May |
London Gatwick | Skiathos | Dep: 09:45hrs Arr: 15:05hrs |
Dep: 17:00hrs Arr: 18:30hrs |
Enter Air ENT 443/4 |
South Terminal | From: 24th May To: 4th Oct |
Manchester | Skiathos | Dep: 07:55hrs Arr: 13:40hrs |
Dep: 14:40hrs Arr: 16:30hrs |
Jet2 Airlines LS 1739/40 |
Terminal 1 | From: 3rd May To: 4th Oct |
Bristol | Skiathos | Dep: 06:35hrs Arr: 12:00hrs |
Dep: 13:00hrs Arr: 14:40hrs |
Thomson Airlines TOM 6558/9 |
Main Terminal | From: 3rd May To: 27th Sep |
Birmingham | Skiathos | Dep: 07:10hrs Arr: 12:40hrs |
Dep: 13:40hrs Arr: 15:20hrs |
Thomson Airlines TOM 7534/5 |
Main Terminal | From: 3rd May To: 27th Sep |
TRANSFERS
Hire cars will be waiting at the airport.
Approx transfer time: 10 mins to 30 mins
PRE-BOOKING YOUR AIRCRAFT SEAT
To pre book your seat please contact the airline directly quoting Ionian Island Holidays as your tour operator, your booking reference
number, flight number, date of departure and specific flight request. In some cases you will also require the airline booking reference. Payments for these seats are direct with the airline.
Please allow 24-48 hours after booking to allow your booking to be processed.
AIRLINE CONTACT DETAILS
- Enter Air: Visit Website
- Jet2 Airlines: Visit Website (You will need your Ionian booking reference and surname) If there is an existing 6 digit reference next to your flight details these seats have been bought directly from Jet2 and you will need to visit their direct web site here
- Thomson Airlines: Pre-seating now available by calling TUI on 0203 636 1309 for seats together, not available for extra leg room seats or extra space seats this as part of our group allocations can only be done at the time of check - in
LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE
Please check your e-ticket for the luggage allowance that is included on your flights as this represents the actual confirmed allowance you are entitled to.
Most of our flights have checked baggage allowance of 20kg & 5kg hand baggage included.
In some cases, certain airlines may have different allowances but again, please check your e-ticket:
- Enter Air: 20kg hold & 5kg hand baggage (max 55 x 40 x 20cm)
- Jet2 Airlines: 22kg hold & 10kg hand baggage (max 56cm x 45cm x 25cm)
- Thomson Airlines: 20kg hold & 10kg hand baggage (max 55 x 40 x 20cm)
FLIGHT ONLY
We are able to offer a limited number of flights direct to Kefalonia, Preveza and Corfu. Contact out UK office for further details on 020 8459 0777.
AIRPORT ASSISTANCE
Please also fully inform us of any disability or walking difficulty you may have, so we can provide assistance at the airport. This must be made at least 7 days before departure.













