Pine-edged beaches and pretty harbour towns
If you are looking for a small, secluded paradise with stunning beaches, pine-forested scenery, pretty harbours, and a cosmopolitan capital, then Skiathos is your ideal holiday hotspot. Nestled in the north-west Aegean, it’s the perfect place for families looking to spend special beach time together, or couples looking for a tranquil and romantic getaway in the sun. Clear blue waves border the spectacular beaches offering the ideal ingredients for swimming, snorkelling, and an array of watersports.
Koukounaries is a popular beach on the island, backed by an aromatic pine forest while Lalaria is a hidden treasure accessible only by boat where gleaming white pebbles are bordered by clear, azure waters. History buffs will enjoy a visit to Kounistras Monastery, as well as the abandoned medieval town of Kastro, where you can enjoy an insight into the island’s inspiring history.
Shopaholics will find everything they need in Skiathos Town with chic boutiques nestled alongside tourist shops full of souvenirs and gift ideas. Grilled sardines and lamb kleftiko are popular dishes at the waterside eateries and authentic tavernas on the island, and are perfect washed down with a glass of ouzo or locally produced wine.
Megali Ammos provides a slice of authentic Greek island life, offering a sweeping bay and a few traditional Greek tavernas. Skiathos Town, the island capital, features white washed buildings and two swanky harbours full of priceless yachts, in addition to designer shopping and gourmet eateries serving fresh seafood and traditional Skiathos meze. Sample the town’s historic delights, including the castle remains, and the swanky clubs and bars before sitting by the waterside with a cocktail and watching the mesmerising Skiathos sunset.
Seaside villages, like Agia Paraskevi are sprinkled along the south coast of Skiathos, offering private coves and small resorts, while the north coast offers more rugged and less developed resorts, just right for escaping and getting away from it all.
Enjoy horse riding through the countryside or take a drive around the island and admire quaint churches and monasteries dotted throughout the picturesque villages. Experience life away from the crowds and visit Vasilias Beach, which is covered by pine forests and olive trees to allow you to experience all the nature Skiathos has to offer.
I love the island because it’s quite small and very easy to get around – you can travel from one end to the other on the local bus and this would only take 20-30 minutes. You could also hire a 4x4 and explore some of the tracks leading off from the main road, where you’ll find some unspoilt beaches, little churches and monasteries (the views are breathtaking, too).
Every one of our hotels is handpicked and personally visited by our team
The flight to Skiathos is around 3 hours 30 minutes from the UK.
Skiathos enjoys long, hot summers with reliable sunshine from May all the way to September or October. The spring and autumn months are warm enough for beach days, but July and August is when temperatures soar, regularly hitting 30°C.
Currently visas are not required for UK citizens travelling to Greece.
In Greece, a service charge will be included in the bill at restaurants and bars. Much like the UK, an additional tip is not required, although is appreciated for particularly good service. It is common to round off the amount when paying cash, particularly with wait staff and taxi drivers.
The official language of Greece is Greek. English is widely spoken, too, so getting by is easy.
We've been finding people their own slice of paradise for 50 years, and like to think we're pretty good at it.
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