Skiathos
Skiathos Town and some of the best beaches in Greece
Skiathos forms part of the Sporades Chain of islands (with Sporades meaning ‘scattered’) At just 46 sq km the island can offer over 60 sandy beaches which are considered to be some of the best in Greece. Other well known neighbours include Andros and Scopelos to the East and Evia to the South.
Getting there
Its proximity to mainland Greece makes it very accessible from the coastal towns of Volos and Agios Contantinos to the West and by charter flight from many European destinations and by scheduled flights from Athens.
The more adventurous can travel by the scheduled bus service from Syntagma Square in Athens to Agios Constantinos where ferry links are available.
Skiathos can claim one of the shortest runways available at the Alexandroupolis International Airport with just 1610 meters of blacktop available to land on before arriving at the pleasant but noisy Xanemos beach. The Southern end of the runway almost toutches the main harbour town of Skiathos. There are many videos available on the web showing the landings at Skiathos and its one of the few places where it’s possible to stand directly under the flight path as the planes pass a few meters overhead. It’s certainly an impressive sight and watching the planes begin the take of procedure is an experience not to be missed. Larger planes have also been known to move the odd quad bike from its parking position.
Skiathos Town is the only major settlement on the island (this being previously at Kastro) The first of the two harbours (the old harbour) is fringed with waterside tavernas and lounge bars which continue up onto the acropolis where there are plenty of dining opportunities to be found amongst the narrow streets which lead down to the main thoroughfare of Papadiamantis Street, named after the Author and son of Skiathos. His books have been translated into many languages and the town has a museum dedicated to him, just off the main street. This is also the main shopping street and leads down past the open air cinema to the new harbour where the ferries now dock. The taxi rank is located here and car hire is also available to explore the island.
Around the Island
You have a number of options available when heading out to explore the sights and the sixty plus beaches available on the island. Cars, quads and scooters are all available on the new port road but if it’s just one of the many South coast beaches you’re looking for, try the bus. Skiathos has a very efficient bus route which runs from the bus terminal at the end of the New port road in town, all the way down to the end of the island. The stops are known more by the number than the location and start at one at the terminal all the way to 26 at Koukounaries where the bus turns around and heads back to town. Either way, Skiathos can provide a different beach for each day of your vacation.
Read on for some suggested areas to visit. All can be visited by renting a 4x4, car or bike, and some can be reached by just using the bus service.
Heading out
Megali Ammos
Either by bus, car or by using your legs, the first main beach you will come to is Megali Ammos, located just over the hill at the end of Papadiamentis Street. This is a popular place to stay, due to its proximity to the main town with its shopping and the available night life. The pleasant low rise apartment blocks are all located close to the sea and the bus route south
Accommodation idea
The Villa Chara is located on the main road close to bus stop number 6 and straight across the road from the beach. The rooms are spacious and pleasant and it makes a great base due to its location.
The Nicholas Studios & Apartments are located further up the hill but just 200 meters away from the beach. The Nicholas has a free form pool, pool bar and great views to the sea.
The Ekatrini Studios are located on the beach road, around 100 m from the beach and just a short walk from the main town. The Ektrini also has a pool and gardens to relax in when it gets too hot on the beach!
See the Skiathos Hotels page for videos of these properties
Vassilias
Heading south, the road clings to the coast line until you will see the impressive Kassandra Bay hotel. Jump off the bus at bus stop number 8 and a short walk down the hill to Vassilias Beach. The beach was awarded a Blue Flag recently and there’s a Taverna located behind the beach for lunch. Parking is limited here, with just a few places behind the taverna and nothing available on the road.
Achliades
The Hotel Espirides dominates most of the bay here. One of Skiathos’s oldest hotels, the Espirides is located right on the beach. A path to the right of the hotel gives access to the sandy beach which can be crowded in the height of summer. As the hotel attracts a lot of families, kids can be abundant!
Tzaneria
Far quieter are the small group of beaches in the Kanapitsa area. Sklithri, Tzaneria and Kanapitsa beaches can offer more of what you would expect from the island. Jump off at bus stop 11 or 12. Sklithri & Tzaneria are located close to the road and Kanapitsa is signposted.
Agia Pereskavi & Kolios
Just beyond the peninsula, the two south facing beaches of Kolios & Ag Pereskavi can be found by stop number 15 and 16. Kolios is a sheltered bay and located away from the main tourist beach list. It’s not refined, but it’s peaceful and quiet. By contract, its larger neighbor, Ag Pereskavi provides a large sweep of south facing sand and the up-market Skiathos Princess Hotel. Both a located in the Platanias Bay and away from any aircraft noise.
Troulos
Further west the coast road enters Troulos where the road splits. Troulos is home to a pleasant beach and a few bars and Tavenas (mostly located in the village rather than the beach) and the more adventurous may wish to head north to two of the more remote beaches.
Asselinos & Mikros Asselinos
Taking the right hand fork in the road, you drive out of Troulos into the forest. The road meanders through the countryside until you come to a further fork in the road. Taking the left hand road will take you a short way to Asselinos beach. Beyond the two tavernas, a vast stretch of sand stretches between the headlands, overlooked by the Kounista Mountain. Asselininos is just one of the many more secluded beaches to be found on the north coast of the island. It’s also the most accessible and drivable on blacktop roads.
Asselinos’s smaller sister, Mikros Asselinois is located further to the east. Instead of going left at the junction, follow the signs to the Mostestry of Panagia Kounistrias, located further up the mountain. Animal lovers may want to also stop at the adjacent Skiathos Dog Shelter which is located next door. Here, the road continues but is un-surfaced so take care. Around ten minutes drive will bring you to a small entrance which leads to a choice of paths which lead down to the beach. Mikros Asselinos may be remote, but a beach bar is located here and it provides an alternative to the dusty road which serves the other beaches located further west along the northern shoreline.
Back on the main coastal road, you are now heading for the southern tip of the island and possibly some of Skiathos’ more famous beaches
.
Maratha
Located more or less in front of the Skiathos Palace Hotel, Maratha is accessed by steep steps so some care is needed. The beach is pleasant though and uncrowded with fine sand.
Koukounaries
By far the most famous of the islands beaches and therefore crowded during the peak summer months. Koukounaries offers a crescent of fine white sand and is considered of the best in the Mediterranean and water sports and sun beds are abundant. The bus terminates here at stop 26, adjacent to the car park. Here you can gain access to the beach and also to the lake area which sits behind the beach. This is a protected nature reserve which runs all the way to the other end of the beach, where is runs out into the sea. There’s also a parking area here at the small harbour and boats can be hired here.
Accommodation idea
The Sunset Studios are located on the beach road in Koukounaries, close to Tavernas and Supermarkets. The Sunset is set in extensive gardens and has the benefit of a large pool and terrace with sunbeds, together with a pool side bar and taverna.
Banana Beach
Back at the main car park, a small road next to the kiosk will take you over the small hill to Banana beach. Increasingly being promoted as the islands ‘party’ beach, Banana is generally a pleasant place to spend the day with little noise out of the main season.
Agia Eleni.
The islands sunset beach and a favorite stop off for excursion boats. Eleni can be accessed by turning up the road at the junction where bus stop 25 is located. You can either walk or drive to Eleni as there’s a car park behind the beach. The Taverna stays open until sunset and its reputed to be the best place on Skiathos to obtain those sunset memories.
The Mandraki Forest Beaches
Heading north from Ahia Eleni, you are now entering the Mandraki forest which dominates the western end of the island. By turning right at the t junction on the Agia Eleni road, you are now on the dirt road which runs up past the of the beaches on the north side of the island
Mandraki
Follow the road along the coast line for around 15 minutes and you will pick up the sign for Mandraki. The road meanderes through the pine forest before turning left, down the hill to the beach. The road is quite steep down to the car park so unless you have a 4x4, you may wish to leave the car further up the road. Mandraki is a crescent of golden sand served by a beach bar and some make shift toilet facilities. Naturists seem to favor the most westerly end of the beach so it’s probably best to turn right at the car park if it’s not to your liking.
Follow the road along the coast line for around 15 minutes and you will pick up the sign for Mandraki. The road meanderes through the pine forest before turning left, down the hill to the beach. The road is quite steep down to the car park so unless you have a 4x4, you may wish to leave the car further up the road. Mandraki is a crescent of golden sand served by a beach bar and some make shift toilet facilities. Naturists seem to favor the most westerly end of the beach so it’s probably best to turn right at the car park if it’s not to your liking.
Elias Beach
Another 5 minutes drive will bring you to the signs for Elias Beach where you turn left, through the forest until you come to the small car park. A five minute walk will bring you to the beach shack which serves cold drinks and snacks. Go either left or right here for the fine golden sand of Elias beach. Although popular, the location of the beach means there is always plenty of space.
Agistros
The head land which separates Elias from Agistros also serves as a car park. Looking in either direction with provide great views, either over Elias or looking straight down onto Agistros so it’s well worth the drive, if just for the picture!
With over 60 beaches, there’s more than enough to provide you with a different experience each day. Either by car, bike or bus, this guide should provide you with more than enough options for a week or two in Skiathos
For more Hotel and Destination videos, please go to http://www.primeguides.net
Copyright- Paul Walters 2016 no part of this transcript may be reproduced without permission
