Skiathos is a great option for families and singles alike, offering a wide range of entertainment, great food and a cosmopolitan vibe. The island is famed for its coastline for good reason – there are more than 65 beaches to choose from. The verdant interior offers gorgeous hiking paths for on-foot exploration. Sea-lovers can charter a sail-boat for an excursion around the spectacularly beautiful marine park of Alonissos and the neighbouring islets.
Best beaches in Skiathos
Abelakia Xenia Abelakia Xenia is, in essence, an extension of Koukounaries, separated by the famous beach by a few rocks. The sandy beach boasts crystal blue waters and is backed by a lush pine-tree forest that offers plenty of natural shade.
Big and Little Banana Big Banana is a beautiful sandy bay with crystal clear waters surrounded by greenery. The beach is organised and offers loungers, bars and an array of water-sports. A few steps further along, the nudist beach of Little Banana is dotted with loungers and embraced by lush hillsides.
Kanapitsa An organised beach with golden sand and glorious waters, about 7km away from the town of Skiathos. This beach is famed for its sunset views.
Kastro An exotic beach at the foot of the island’s old castle. The lush, fine-sand bay is accessible by sea or, if you’re in a hiking mood, via a gorgeous pebbled path that connects the beach to the castle.
Koukounaries This is the island’s most popular beach and perhaps the most beautiful too. Its spectacular scenery of fine golden sand, shallow turquoise waters, rolling hills dotted with pine-trees and the lake of Strofilia creates a picture-perfect setting that captures tourists and locals alike.
Lalaria Accessible only by boat, the dramatic setting of Lalaria is not to be missed. Protected by imposing white cliffs, the pebble-beach boasts dazzling turquoise waters that rank this beach among the best of the island.
Mandraki The area of Mandraki contains three exquisite beaches, the Port of Xerxis, a fine-sand stretch with turquoise waters, Elia and Agistros.
Mikri Aselinos A fine-sand beach at the northern part of the island that remains relatively quiet even during peak season. The waters are crystal clear, yet when there are northern winds the sea can get a little rough.
Vromolimnos A sandy stretch with calm, crystal clear waters tucked into a lush bay. The beach offers loungers, water sports, beach bars and tavernas and attracts mainly young crowds.
