The Island
Skiathos Town
Skiathos may be small, only 12km long in fact, but boasts more than 50 sun-kissed sandy beaches, serves up big doses of scenery, chic nightlife and wonderful restaurants.
Regardless of where you stay you’re unlikely be more than 30 minutes from the main town and the resorts are well connected by road with frequent local bus service and taxis or via water taxis.
Skiathos town is built on the south-eastern tip of the island in a windless bay, full of simple white houses with tiled roofs and narrow streets.
Because it’s very cosmopolitan, it has plenty of restaurants – both Greek and international cuisine. It has a bank, cash machines, boutiques, grocery shops, cafes, and cocktail bars which offer all kinds of music and atmospheres.
There’s a large variety of accommodation available in the town. There is easy access to transport and trips around the island or to neighbouring islands.
The new port is separated from the old one by the little peninsula of Bourtzi, which is covered with pine trees. On this peninsula is the Museum of Naval and Cultural Tradition of Skiathos, as well as a wonderful restaurant with views across the bay.
The harbour is picturesque with the old port filled with fishing and trip boats and the new port a station for privately owned yachts and individual charter vessels.
Megali Ammos
Nestled just around the bay from Skiathos Town, about 1 km outside of the town, Megali Ammos is perfectly placed for relaxing.
This teeny village is home to a handful of tavernas, bars, shops and a well stocked mini-market. Steep hills that border the area protect the fine sand and light shingle beach from the strong northerly winds offering a calm beach resort.
Whilst the beach is narrow, it stretches for nearly 2 kilometres and there are water sports available. The waters are clear and shallow and there’s loungers on the sands. And if you want to find a secluded spot, head east along the sands and walk around the rocks.
Tavernas line the beachfront, so you can easily pop for a lazy Greek lunch. Megali Ammos can get busy during high season since it’s popular with travellers who like the prospect of being able to walk into Skiathos Town.
Vasilias
Conveniently located, Vasilias is a mere 2km from the bustling center of Skiathos, making it easily accessible for those who want to experience both tranquility and the lively atmosphere of the main town.
Hike to elevated points in Vassilias for breathtaking panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and Skiathos town.
Vasilias beach has umbrellas and sunbeds, and the more adventurous will also find plenty of water sports facilities. Within close distance from the beach, there are also taverns, beach bars and accommodation options. There are some larger hotels here for those who prefer a fancier stay! Thanks to its proximity to the main town, the resort is easily reachable by bus, car and taxi.
Achladies
Not far down the coast from Skiathos Town, you’ll find the dinky resort of Achladies.
This quiet and picturesque area, is nestled in a small bay, sheltered by trees. This peaceful coastal patch is perfect for beach bums and if you like hiking there are surrounding scenic nature trails.
Achladies sweeping sandy bay is fringed by dense greenery and lapped by the twinkling Aegean. Think traditional waterside tavernas, heavenly family-run bakeries and water sports.
It’s easy to take a local bus to Skiathos town, or head to the beach to pick up a water-taxi. If you want to explore further south on the island hop on the bus and travel down towards Kolios, Platanias, Troulos or Koukounaries.
Kanapitsa
Step off the beaten track and discover an authentic Greek gem. You’ll find Kanapitsa on the east side of the Kalamaki peninsular, approximately midway along the island’s south coast.
This peaceful resort offers relaxation, oodles of sunshine and seafront accomodation. Kanapitsa is all picturesque scenery, clear waters, soft sands and secluded coves.
It’s a laid-back spot with a bit a bit of class, with beautiful rustic tavernas and the pine-carpeted hills. Everything seems to happen along the waterside, with both shops and restaurants offering views across the azure waters. There’s a water taxi here too!
If you’re feeling up to it you can walk around the peninsular towards Vromolimnos beach and Kolios village taking in the wonderful island scenery.
Vromolimnos
Vromolimnos is located on the west side of the Kalamaki peninsula, staying here you’ll be rewarded with a long ribbon of soft sand, shimmering sea and spellbinding sunset views. Rock up with a towel or claim one of the sun loungers lining the shore. There’s a beach bar if you want cocktails on tap – sunset is spectacular here!
A traditional taverna can be found down at the waterfront with more in neighbouring Kolios. Fancy a change of scenery? There are many other beaches just a short journey away.
Skiathos Town’s pretty harbour is still within easy access with its charming old town chock-full of quaint churches, whitewashed alleys and stylish boutiques.
Kolios
Similar to Kanapitsa, this is a small and quiet resort. It has a couple of shops and tavernas as well as a handful of accomodation, so you’ve got everything you need for a relaxed stay. Kolios is a place to pick for unwinding and enjoying a sun-shimmered beachfront.
Kolios beach is a beautiful place, with rustic parasols, and beach taverna too. The sand slopes gradually into clear shallow water, so it’s safe for small children to paddle safely, ideal for young families who will find sun loungers and a range of watersport options.
It’s an easy walk into the next village Platanias where you’ll find another beach and more tavernas. If this is your idea of bliss, Kolios is a good spot for you.
Platanias
In a peaceful spot on Skiathos’ south coast, and the ultimate choice for go-slow Greek getaways. Platanias is an ideal choice for visitors, with the long sandy Paraskevi beach moments away. Nightlife is very relaxed with a selection of good tavernas. Ideal for those who wish to relax on a superb beach in the day and enjoy good food and drinks in an evening.
The beach here is long and sandy, with the option of a kiosk for snacks and drinks or a short walk either along the beach or up to the main road to tavernas or mini market for those who fancy more options!
Its rustic feel gives it more of an authentic edge than many of the island’s other resorts and the locals couldn’t be friendlier! Plus, you’re still only 7km away from Skiathos Town.
Staying in Platanias, you’re in a prime spot for exploring. What better way to admire the island’s beauty than on an hike or quad-bike adventure! Why not head up to the remote Kechria beach through the Platanias Valley and have a delicious lunch at the beautiful beach side taverna. From Platanias you’re within walking distance to Kolios or Troulous.
Troulos
At just a 15-20 minute drive from Skiathos Town, you’re well placed to explore both the island and its’ main town from laid-back Troulos. With traditional tavernas lining the Blue Flag beach, it’s the perfect place to unwind in the sun. There’s a handy mini market at the top of the road leading to the beach too.
The island’s national park, Dasi Nisou Skiathou Magnisias, entices hikers to the area with two 15km round-trips through the dense pine forest that leave from Troulos and are not too difficult. Wild flowers perfume the route and the sandy Mandraki Bay is a welcome break where you can cool off before the return journey.
Troulos has both waterfront and village tavernas which are the place to tuck into a range of local dishes. Sample freshly-caught seafood, dig into a hearty moussaka or indulge in an ouzo tipple as you relax. There are watersports at Troulos beach too.
Skiathos’ Dog Shelter is also situated in the pine-covered hills not too far away, where visitors can walk, cuddle or even rehome a furry friend!
Koukounaries
Koukounaries is the furthest resort from Skiathos Town along the southern coastal road. There are tavernas, and a mini market here.
It’s a popular beach resort with a kilometre-and-a-half sweep of golden sand backed by pine trees and a picturesque lagoon called Strofiliait. Since it’s a popular beach the area can get busy. The bay’s water is clean and the water stays shallow for quite a way out. Loungers and umbrellas are lined up so bear in mind space can get a bit limited.
There are bars, lots of watersports and often music played on the beach. Should you want even more of a party vibe, Banana Beach, is an easy 1-kilometre walk along a woodland path often with DJs on bar duty right through to sunset.
Be careful not to stray too far since there’s a nudist beach a short distance further!
That’s all well and good, but how do we get around?!
Don’t panic! It’s super easy to get around the island and because we were bored and hadn’t quite finished our bottle of wine, we wrote all about it, just for you!