Travel Blissful

Beaches on Skiathos

by Erica Johansson on 22/09/07 at 2:14 pm

Lalaria Beach

My favourite beach so far is Lalaria Beach on Skiathos in the Greek Sporades Island. Lalaria consists of white pebbles and limestone and is only approachable by boat because of the high cliffs on both sides of the beach. A rock to the west of the bay forms a natural bridge between the sea and the beach.

Another peaceful beach is Agios Elenis located on the southern part of the island. Paraskevi and Kolios are shallow and suitable for children. The busiest beaches are Vromolimnos beach, 8 km from Skiathos town, and Koukounaries, once rated the 7th best beach in the world. A five minutes walk south from bus stop 26 leads to Koukounaries. But make sure to check the signs. We were about to take the wrong path leading to Little Banana Beach, west of Koukounaries, a popular beach among naturists from all over Europe.

What I love about Skiathos is the island’s terrific coast. With 66 different beaches everyone can find something in their taste, whether it’s a secluded romantic beach or a crowded tourist spot with a water sports centre offering water skiing, wakeboarding and parachute after boat. The best beach in terms of water sports is Megali Ammos, the longest beach on Skiathos located 1 km from Skiathos town below the street leading to Koukounaries, by bus stop 4 or 5. Megali Ammos Watersports offers water skiing, wakeboard, parachute, flyfish, banana, kneeboard, family rings and extreme rings where you lie down on your stomach. My sister and I opted for the normal rings and couldn’t stop laughing as the driver Thanasis drove us in high speed. Halfway through the ride when Thanasis made a few quick turns, we clasped to the handles to avoid falling off as the rings bounced on the waves. The couple who went before us were not as lucky. Both of them fell off during a set of higher waves.

Aside from boasting some of the best beaches in Greece, Skiathos is known for its great nightlife. You will never risk getting bored here. In Skiathos town, try BBC if you fancy techno, Arena for Greek music or Roof Top Bar for a romantic evening. Avoid the restaurants (tourist traps) along the harbour and the main street Papadiamantis where they charge excessive prices for mediocre food. Instead, head to the old part of the town where you will find real Greek food in cozy taverns.