The most cosmopolitan island of Sporades, Skiathos is a haven of lush pine forests, turquoise waters and whitish coasts that bursts with life all summer long.

Counting more than 60 beaches, the island is not only a beach-fun destination but also a land of immense natural beauty, graphic settings and a super-vibrant nightlife.

Starting from its relatively new capital, Skiathos Town, which is a natural harbour where yachts and sailing boats find shelter all year long, stroll around its paved alleys and get lost among hundreds of traditional houses with colourful gardens to have a glimpse of the traditional way of living. Skiathos Town sits at the exact location of an ancient town and, as such, it features numerous sites that connect it to the island’s history. Head to the town’s Castle where views are breathtaking and don’t miss visiting the Bourtzi, a small peninsula featuring a lush pine forest, where the ruins of an ancient fortress are found, and succumb in its romantic ambience especially during sunset. The town also features various museums among which the former house of the popular Greek author, Alexandros Papadiamantis.

Another aspect of Skiathos, apart from its vibrant beach and nightlife is the hiking options it offers.

Heading on to explore the summer living, let’s dive into some of Skiathos’ most beautiful coasts.

Koukounaries, sitting on the southwestern part of the island, is not only a long and wide sandy coast with emerald waters nestled within a lush pine forest but also the spot where one of the area’s most important wetlands, Strofilia, is found. Ideal for families with children and, in general, those who want a convenient, fully organized coast, this is the island’s most popular beach. Changing the scenery, we head to Lalaria, one of the most photographed beaches of Skiathos, with its landmark bridge-like rock on one side of the coast. A pristine beach with crystalline waters and an impeccable ambience, Lalaria is only reached by boat from Skiathos Town. When visiting Lalaria mind to arrange for a tour to the area’s two large caves, Skotini (Dark) and Galazia (Blue) cave and admire nature’s work creating some awe-inspiring marvels. Another must visit coast is Banana, a popular sandy coast filled with watersports options and a vibrant feel, with its adjacent small Banana beach, ideal for those who want tranquillity away from crowds. The beaches on the western part of the island, such as Mandraki, Small and Big Aselinos, Agkistros and Elia, are ideal for seclusion and nature-loving as they are not preferred by crowds.

Photo by Bartłomiej Rozwałka on Unsplash

Another aspect of Skiathos, apart from its vibrant beach and nightlife is the hiking options it offers. A remarkably long hiking trail of almost 200km that traverses numerous pristine parts of the island, that will be cherished by nature-lovers as it boasts places that cannot be seen in any other way, all drenched in amazing sea views.

Being a destination that has been fully developed, Skiathos offers numerous accommodation options for all needs and budgets. In order, though, to enjoy the island in utmost comfort, you should best choose one of the stunning villas in Skiathos that are, undoubtedly among of the top villas in Greece.

Starting with Skiathos Town and Villa Saturn that boasts some exhilarating views both to the Aegean Sea and the dense pine forests of the island’s hills. A contemporary home that features all modern conveniences and will host 10 guests in its exquisite ambience, just a few minutes away from the hustle n’ bustle of Skiathos capital.

For those who wish to be close to town but also enjoy a more tranquil setting, Villa Juno is found at Achladies, right at the rim a hilltop with sweeping views to the sea and direct access to the beach. A traditionally designed home nestled within a vast verdant plot, Juno is one of Skiathos villas that offers most privacy to its guests as it features a main house, a pool house and two independent guest houses.

Nest stop is Kanapitsa with the sublime Villa Earth embraced by a lush pine forest enjoying utter seclusion and privacy. Featuring an exquisite interior and exterior design, the villa boasts a large infinity pool lined with Parian marble, an exterior movie projection area, uninterrupted sea views and a private beach with sunbeds and umbrellas. Minimal design, vast spaces, cement surfaces and natural materials compose the ambience of the villa letting the beauty that surrounds it overwhelm every part of it.

Moving towards Koukounaries and there you’ll find Villa Jupiter which constitutes an architectural masterpiece. At first thought, its austere straight lines, cement surfaces and glass doors seem to contrast completely the natural environs and the island’s style. But thing again; this masterfully designed home perfectly blends in its natural setting letting the beauty of the surrounding nature invade all its spaces. Just a drop away from Koukounaries with unobstructed views to the Aegean Sea, this will be the enviable summer home for 12 guests.

And if you think that those are not enough, contact The Greek Villas’ team who will browse through our portfolio of luxury villas in Skiathos and find your perfect match for the most memorable holiday!