Most Skiathos visitors say that the most attractive feature of the island are its beaches and none are more beautiful than Koukounaries. This enchanting beach is backed by lush pine forest and has powdery soft sand lapped by crystal clear waters.
There’s a good selection of accommodation in this area from the simple but clean rooms at Angeliki Beach Hotel to bigger villa suites like GoldiLocks.
1. Kolios Beach
A stunning little area that stretches in-land around a cute little village with winding streets and traditional houses, Kolios Beach is one of the most idyllic places to stay on Skiathos. Away from the crowds of bigger hotels and louder nightclubs it’s the perfect place for a family holiday or for anyone who likes to relax away from the noise. With a great choice of informal tavernas and small bars it’s also easy to find somewhere to enjoy a delicious Greek meal, from a sharing meze platter to a delicious plate of stuffed figs.
This quiet part of the island is free from huge hotel resorts and instead is dotted with smaller family-run accommodations. There are plenty of great villas to choose from, but one of the best options in Kolios is the lovely Villa Larios, which is a superb summer house just 100m from the stunning Kolios Beach and with a number of other famous beaches nearby too. The villa is well-equipped with all the amenities you could need and has a large garden, making it ideal for families and groups.
Alternatively, you can try staying in the charming beachfront apartments at the Seaview Studios, which are located right on Kolios Beach. These apartments offer everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing holiday including air conditioning, a TV and DVD player, a private bathroom, free WiFi and a furnished terrace. There is also a shared BBQ on site, which is ideal for cooking up a delicious meal and enjoying it in the warm evening sunshine.
For something a bit more lively, Skiathos Town is only about 10 kilometres away so it’s a short bus ride or taxi drive to where you can find a fantastic selection of bars and clubs. There are also a few tavernas in the village itself for those who want to stay closer to home and enjoy a quieter night.
The whole of Skiathos is a paradise, but some areas are quieter than others at different times of the year and the Kalamaki Peninsula and Kanapitsa beach are a good example. They’re a bit off the beaten track so they don’t attract the same younger crowd that you will find on other parts of the island.
2. Kalamaki Peninsula
In the north of the island, Kalamaki Peninsula is a tranquil area with gorgeous beaches and a few taverns. It’s a good option for families who want a quiet retreat but are still within a short distance of Skiathos Town. There are a number of hotels and apartments in the area, from budget options to luxury ones.
Another great choice for families is the long beach of Megali Ammos. This is a great beach for young children and elderly people because it doesn’t get too windy. It also has a selection of water sports and plenty of sunbeds. There are also a number of restaurants and snack-shacks located along the beach, making it a great place for those who want to combine relaxation with some action.
The other major beach on the coast of the peninsula is Vassilias, which has a much more lively atmosphere and is popular with younger holidaymakers who want to stay close to the liveliest bars in Skiathos. It’s also a nice option for those who are looking to avoid the crowds of Megali Ammos.
This is a beautiful area with some gorgeous beaches and lots of taverns to choose from. It’s not as busy as Megali Ammos, although it does get pretty crowded during the high season. The only drawback is that it’s a little out of the way from the main town, but there are buses that run regularly.
There are some good hotels in the area, including the Four Seasons Hotel which has lovely rooms with large balconies and sea views. Another great option is the Villas Kiki, which has stylish and contemporary villas with private pools and amazing views.
There are also a few great boutique hotels in the area, including the Bourtzi Boutique Hotel in Skiathos Town. This hotel has 38 simple, contemporary rooms that are perfect for couples who want to enjoy the nightlife in the town and have easy access to a fantastic beach. If you want a little more luxury, try the Aegean Suites which has 5-star suites with stunning views and a private hot tub.
3. Skiathos Town
Despite only covering a small area of the island, Skiathos Town packs in an impressive array of attractions and places to stay. This charming warren of cobbled streets is home to quaint restaurants serving up Greek and international fare, boutique shops selling locally produced goods, chic cocktail bars, and live music venues. For history buffs, there is also a fascinating museum dedicated to the writer Alexandros Papadiamantis that’s worth visiting.
The hub of the town is centered around the busy Papadiamanti Street, which is lined with souvenir shops, retail stores, outdoor cinemas, cafes, and restaurants. This street gets particularly lively at night as it’s where many of the liveliest bars and clubs in Skiathos are located.
For those looking for a more relaxing holiday, there are plenty of quieter areas where you can stay in Skiathos. These include the secluded beaches of Bourtzi Peninsula and Kanapitsa, which are perfect for nature lovers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the main town.
Another good choice is Vassilias Beach, which is popular with families and offers a selection of hotels that are ideal for those looking for more luxury. For those who want to stay further out on the island, there’s also Troulos Beach and Agia Paraskevi.
Many of the best places to stay in Skiathos are found close to the capital as it offers the most varied selection of activities, restaurants, and bars. This is especially true during the height of the summer season, when the town is at its busiest.
However, there are also a few quieter spots where you can stay on the island including Vromolimnos and Koukounaries. These areas are ideal for those who want to experience the beauty of the natural environment as they’re full of lush forests, gorgeous sea views, and beautiful beaches. In addition, they’re also home to a number of local villages and towns that are great for exploring on foot or by car.
4. Koukounaries
With its gorgeous beaches, luscious greenery, and vibrant nightlife, Skiathos is a holiday hotspot that attracts all kinds of visitors. From young families to party animals, there is a wide choice of accommodation on offer, from lively beach hotels and villas to town center apartments and cottages.
The best place to stay in Skiathos depends on your individual preferences and budget. Those who want to be in the heart of the action should consider staying in Skiathos Town, as this is where most of the bars, clubs, and restaurants are located. For those who prefer a quieter location, the Kalamaki Peninsula and Kanapitsa beach area may appeal. These areas tend to be less busy than the busier parts of the island, and there is a wider selection of accommodation in the form of family-run hotels and studio apartments.
Troulos Beach and Resort, which is a little further away from the main town of Skiathos, is another good option for those looking for a relaxed and peaceful break. Here you will find beautiful beaches, a lovely range of casual restaurants, and a few bars. The area is also home to the National Park, which means you can enjoy nature walks and stunning views.
If you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious, there are many luxury hotels to choose from in the area around Skiathos. Some of the most popular include the La Piscine Art Hotel and The Rock, both of which feature fabulous outdoor pools. The Rock is particularly popular with couples and honeymooners, while La Piscine is adults-only and offers an Olympic-sized pool.
As the filming locations for the hit movie ‘Mama Mia’ were located on Skiathos, the island has become more popular with fans of the movie. While this is great for the economy, it can lead to some crowded areas, especially during peak season. It’s still worth considering, however, as the island is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled in the Sporades Islands. It’s no wonder so many people keep returning year after year to enjoy the spectacular scenery and relaxed lifestyle.