With natural beauty, colourful traditions, whitewashed houses and a heavenly coastline, the gentle pace of Skiathos attracts a loyal band of holidaymakers year on year, enraptured by its unspoilt resorts and friendly atmosphere. Its pine-covered hills and olive groves give visitors a true taste of traditional Greece, but there are many stretches that spark to life with a party atmosphere beneath the terracotta-tiled rooftops. Temperatures commonly surpass 30°C in July and August and you can fly to the island from several UK airports during the summer months with journeys taking about three and a half hours.
| the emphasis is firmly placed on escapism and relaxation.... |
Best for...
Families and young couples love Skiathos' superb sandy beaches and welcoming atmosphere...
Of all the Greek islands, Skiathos is the best suited for families and couples looking to relax. With many pretty settings, superb sandy beaches and a welcoming ambience there is a real family feel with a variety of watersports to keep children active. There are many charming tavernas and restaurants for the romantics, while young couples and those seeking more fun and excitement can capitalise on the lively Skiathos Town, which is a popular holiday playground. There's something for everyone in Skiathos, but the emphasis is firmly placed on escapism and relaxation.
What to do...
The liveliest area of Skiathos is Skiathos Town, which has all you would expect from a popular resort. The pretty harbour's golden sands are regularly lined with luxurious yachts. There are many beaches within the area that act as a perfect backdrop to the bars, shops and restaurants that make the old town so popular. The restaurants vary widely with plenty serving international cuisine, along with fish restaurants and tavernas, while shoppers enjoy picking up olive oil, locally produced wine, jewellery and designer goods from the local shops.
Skiathos Town is also the centre of the island's nightlife, particularly on Papadiamanti and Polytechniou streets, which have a wide selection of clubs and bars. The cobbled street that stretches from the old harbour is famous as a chill out area with beanbags acting as chairs around the candlelit tables.
Just ten minutes from the airport is the unblemished area of Achladies with its long sandy beaches and clear waters. The nightlife is laid-back and most holidaymakers take advantage of the bus service into more energetic towns, while Achladies is much more a peaceful retreat.
There are more than sixty beaches in Skiathos including Agia Eleni, Mandraki, Vromolimnos and Nostas that are renowned for their diving and windsurfing, but none are more acclaimed than Koukounaries, which, with its lagoon, spectacular pine backdrop and honey-coloured sands, is considered one of the best in Greece.
Troulos and Aghia Paraskevi are two of the most relaxed areas for those wanting to unwind and soak up the sun. The latter has a picturesque setting in a wooded area while Troulos has safe, shallow waters ideal for family bathing.
The ruins and spectacular views on the island will not disappoint the culturally driven. Moni Evangelistrias is an 18th Century monastery, while Kastro is a ruined medieval town on the north of the island. It's also well worth catching a show in Bourtzi, where there is a summer theatre or taking one of the many boat trips around the island to the more remote beaches and caves.
