A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Skiathos vs. Lesbos for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Skiathos or Lesbos?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Skiathos and Lesbos can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Skiathos or Lesbos?

Skiathos

Nestled in the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, Skiathos is a small but captivating island that packs a big punch when it comes to natural beauty, pristine beaches, and vibrant nightlife. As part of the Sporades archipelago, this verdant paradise offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for all types of travelers. While Skiathos can be pricier than some other Greek islands due to its popularity, savvy travelers can still enjoy its charms without breaking the bank. To save money, eat at local restaurants, take public transportation, and find small, local hotels for accommodation.

Lesbos

Lesbos, the third-largest Greek island, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and authentic Greek culture. Visiting Lesbos doesn't have to break the bank. Budget accommodations can be found for as low as €25-40 per night in the off-season and €40-60 during peak months. For affordable meals, seek out local tavernas away from tourist hotspots. The villages of Petra and Molyvos offer authentic dining experiences at reasonable prices, and many tavernas provide daily specials ("mezedes") that are both delicious and economical.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Greece, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Greece, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Greece, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Lesbos or Skiathos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Skiathos is €412, while the average daily cost in Lesbos is €276. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Skiathos and Lesbos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Skiathos 215
    Lesbos 117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Skiathos 430
    Lesbos 234
Compare Hotels in Skiathos and Lesbos

Looking for a hotel in Skiathos or Lesbos? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Skiathos


Hotels in Lesbos


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Skiathos Hotel Prices and Lesbos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Skiathos 115
    Lesbos 61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Skiathos

Also for Skiathos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Skiathos Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Skiathos or Lesbos?

Prices for flights to both Lesbos and Skiathos change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Skiathos 129
    Lesbos 119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Skiathos 45
    Lesbos 37

Tours and Activities in Skiathos

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Skiathos.

  • Ferry Tickets Between Skiathos and Skopelos: $37
  • Skiathos Sunset Cruise Sail: $45
  • Sea and Sun day cruise from Skiathos: $57
  • Mamma Mia Cruise From Skiathos Island: $63
  • Skiathos Guided Olive Oil Tasting Experience: $65
  • Mamma Mia Island Sailing Cruise from Skiathos (Small Group): $142
  • All-Inclusive Semi-Private Sailing Cruise: $153
  • All-Inclusive Full-Day Cruise & Lunch: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Skiathos 23
    Lesbos 23


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Skiathos and Lesbos, we can see that Skiathos is more expensive. And not only is Lesbos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lesbos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lesbos and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Skiathos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Skiathos than you might in Lesbos.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Skiathos Expensive? and Is Lesbos Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Skiathos or Lesbos?

Skiathos has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lesbos. When comparing the sizes of Skiathos and Lesbos, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.