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To visit the Skiathos picture gallery - click HERE

To see pictures of Skiathos taken in September 2003 - click HERE

I have read many comments on Skiathos and I am always surprised that they are not always complimentary. However, speak to anyone who has actually been there on holiday and they will invariably tell you that it is wonderful. But there are always exceptions! It is first and foremost somewhere you would go for a beach holiday. There is no doubt that over the years it has become very commercialised. A victim of its own popularity.

The majority of the coastal road is lined with hotels, villas and studios. However, take a little time to explore the interior and the north coast of the island and you will be richly rewarded.

We first went to Skiathos in September 1994. We were looking for somewhere with its own airport, short transfer and good beaches. Skiathos does indeed have its own airport, although as anyone who has been there will testify, that runway is very short. This makes for an exiting touch down. Consequently on the inbound flight there is a stop at Thessaloniki to top up with fuel as the plane is not able to take off with enough fuel to return to the UK. This can add up to an hour to the return flight.

We stayed at Agia Paraskevi, on the coastal road midway between Skiathos Town and the renowned Koukounaries. The journey from the airport to Agia Paraskevi was little more than 20 mins. First impressions as you circuit the Skiathos bypass or ring road could be less than favourable. It all looks a bit shabby. However, once out on the main coastal road the views improve dramatically. You start to catch glimpses of some of those wonderful beaches. There is a strong scent of pine and many varieties of herbs. This is an aspect that we always recollect about Skiathos and something of course that pictures can never convey.

On that first visit, we had 2 weeks of glorious sun, swam in the warm sea and met some wonderful people. Although leaving to come home was sad, it was certainly different. Check in and then wander over to one of the 2 tavernas outside the airport. You only go to the departure lounge once you have witnessed the plane land !! Since the new airport building was opened in 2002 arrangements have changed. You can still go to the tavernas but they no longer make the airport announcements there. Just keep your eyes peeled for that plane.

It was 2 years before we were able to return. Again it was September, one of the best times to visit. I suspect that the island is mayhem during July and August - just too many people. To our surprise, many of the people we met 2 years before were still there. We had an even better holiday. Since then we have been back a further 5 times and have many friends in Agia Paraskevi. We once went in May and although the sight of the spring flowers was a bonus unfortunately that particular year the sea was a bit chilly for swimming.

We were once sat in a taverna by the harbour, people watching, and overheard someone say that they had hired a car for 3 days ... “had seen all of the island in half a day ... waste of time” How wrong they were. It really is worth hiring some kind of vehicle. Realistically you need to hire a 4WD, motorbike or scooter, that will allow you to travel on the many dirt tracks that criss cross the island. Otherwise you miss out on so much. Even on our seventh visit we still managed to discover a new dirt track and a view. Admittedly some of the tracks can be difficult. Sometimes it is easier to navigate them on a scooter, at least you can pick out a ‘line’. Just go slow!

The local Bus is worth experiencing at least once - then get a taxi. To say the bus can get jam-packed is an understatement. If necessary the conductor will leave the bus so that he can push people from behind to squeeze them on the bus. Just when you think that they can’t possibly get any more people on, the bus will stop at the next stop. Amazingly the conductor will still manage to collect everyone’s fare. A true master of his profession.

Taxi drivers on the other hand seem to believe they are invincible. I suspect that this is a common misconception amongst Greek taxi drivers in general. However, if you are really not comfortable driving on the wrong side of the road, overtaking on blind bends etc then get the bus (but see comments on the Bus above).

Skiathos Town

The town of Skiathos is the life and soul of the island. Here you can relax and people watch. There are tavernas and restaurants to suit all tastes and pockets. As usual the prices seem to reflect location. Sitting around by the old harbour will cost. But, hey, you are on holiday. Probably best seen at night when it really comes alive. It is difficult to recommend particular establishments as there are so many but worthy of mention is the Family Restaurant up by the clock tower. Good food and wonderful views. We also enjoy the tavernas located past the old harbour and up the steps by the church square. Here you can get excellent spit roasted lamb, pork and chicken. If you continue walking in this area you will stumble across the older part of the town where most of the locals live. For something more lively the majority of the towns 'nightspots' are located out along the coastal road to the airport.

Around the Beaches

I suspect that most people come to Skiathos for the beaches. They will not be disappointed. The beaches along the south coast are all blessed with golden sand and crystal blue waters. Here is an attempt to list some of the many beaches that Skiathos is famed for. There are many other smaller, more intimate beaches, just waiting to be discovered.

The locations of the beaches can be found on the following map of Skiathos.

Megali Amos (Bus Stop 5)

The nearest beach to the town and as a result gets very busy. A narrow stretch of sand that extends some way along the coast. Plenty of places to eat nearby.

Achladias (Esperides Hotel) (Bus Stop 10)

Accessed via a path to the side of the hotel.

Tzaneria (Bus Stop 12)

Also known as Nostos. Very sheltered bay with beach taverna. This is also the start of the Kalamaki peninsular. A tour of the peninsular should ensure you see somewhere you may wish to spend the rest of your days. Numerous very desirable villas – but if you need to ask how much … you can’t afford one!

Rigas (Bus Stop 12)

Beautiful beach but access difficult.

Katsouri (Bus Stop 13)

Another beach on the Kalamaki peninsular reached via a path down from the dirt track.

Vromolimnos (Bus Stop 13)

Popular and cosmopolitan beach with a couple of lively tavernas.

Kolios (Bus Stop 14)

Mid way between Vromolimnos and Paraskevi but much quieter. A very good beach taverna. There is a campsite at the back of the beach but I have never seen anyone using it. The bay is also a favourite anchorage for some very desirable boats.

Agia Paraskevi (Bus Stop 16)

Also known as Platanias. Backed by the impressive Skiathos Princess Hotel this is one of our favourites. Lovely sweep of sand although it does shelve into the sea quite steeply. Couple of beach tavernas plus a kiosk. Full range of watersports available including boat hire.

Troulos (Bus Stops 18, 19 and 20)

Outside of the town this is the closest to any kind of settlement. Predominantly tourist accommodation but still quite pleasing on the eye. Excellent beach backed by a very good taverna. Ideal for a relaxing lunch to escape the heat of the afternoon.

Maratha (Bus Stop 22)

Near the Skiathos Palace Hotel.

Mandraki (Bus Stop 24)

Quite a long walk but well worth the effort. Unusually backed by sandstone cliffs.

Agia Eleni (Bus Stop 25)

A perfect spot to watch the sun go down over the Pelion peninsular. Couple of beach tavernas.

Hidden Beach (Bus Stop 25)

Not anymore !! Head towards Eleni and then take the signposted track up over the hill.

Banana (Krassi) (Bus Stop 26)

Actually 2 beaches - Big Banana and Little Banana, one of which is nudist. More is revealed at the Banana Beach Website. Facing west, this is another favourite spot to watch the sun set.

Koukounaries (Bus Stop 26)

Said to be one of the prettiest beaches in the whole of Greece. This unfortunately means that it can get very crowded. There is a wonderful aroma of pine from the trees that encircle the beach. The area is enhanced by the fact that all tourist development is well back from the beach.

Elias

Can be reached either by dirt track from Koukounaries or the more scenic route up from Troulos. A spectacular wide sweeping bay backed by heather and shrubs. There are sunbeds and a cantina at the western end while to the east are a number of wooden constructions used as mini shelters.

Agistros

Next to Elias and now boasting a cantina.

Aselinos (Bus Stop 18)

Reached via a good tarmac road from Troulos and also popular with the round the island boat excursions. This is a long beach with a large taverna and snack bar. As with the other north facing beaches it can be windy and the waves quite spectacular due to the predominant north wind.

Mikro Aselinos

Mikro Aselinos - up over the headland from Aselinos - now with a cantina.

Kechria

A wonderful walk across the heart of the island from Ag. Paraskevi will bring you to Kechria. This is one of those beaches, however, that looks better when viewed from a distance but the walk there is certainly worthwhile. There is a smaller beach with a cantina to the right – this is sometimes called Super Paradise.

Kastro

Frequented by round the island cruises visiting the remains of the old town. A walk around the ruins is recommended. The track across the island that leads to Kastro has to be about the worst on the whole island. Be prepared for a bumpy ride (or a long walk).

Lalaria

The magnificent Lalaria beach, on the north coast, can only be reached by boat. Well worth a visit. It is a stony beach made up of many different colour pebbles which reflect to spectacular effect in the azure blue sea.

Nikotsara

A narrow inlet with a small stony beach. Absolutely no facilities. The journey down to the beach is the fun part!

Gialos

Difficult to get to and lacks appeal, even from a distance.

Xanemo

A perfect spot to relax if you enjoy viewing aircraft at close quarters. They may land or take off directly overhead !! There is also another beach to the right of the flight path.

Tsougria

One of the small islands off the south coast. Fantastic beaches plus a small cantina serving basic food. It should be noted that all boat trips can be booked directly with the captains. If you can't find them they will find you if you walk anywhere near the old harbour at about 10 in the morning.

The beaches are definitely the main attraction of the island. There are many more, allegedly some 65 in all.

Our last visit was in September 2003. Hopefully it will not our last.

To visit the Skiathos picture gallery - click HERE

To see pictures of Skiathos taken in September 2003 - click HERE

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