Everything, at maximum. And maximum is the operative word. Every taverna, beach bar, dive centre and boat operation is trading, the bus runs every 15 minutes from roughly 07:00 to midnight, and charter routes are at full stretch.
15 August is the date to plan around. Dekapentavgoustos, the Dormition of the Virgin, is a national public holiday and ranks among the three most celebrated in Greece. Banks and government offices close and large shops often do too, though restaurants, cafes and hotels keep serving.
The part that affects you is the migration. Greeks return to their home islands, which makes the surrounding period the busiest weekend of the Greek summer. Ferries sell out, roads jam and timetables shift. On Skiathos that stacks domestic demand on top of international charter demand, and the fortnight leading up to 15 August becomes the single busiest and most expensive stretch of the year. Book accommodation and ferries months ahead, or avoid the window.
The meltemi is at its strongest in July and August. On a windy day, go south.
Crowds: Busiest of the year. Prices: Peak of peak.
