Beaches on Skiathos

What I love about Skiathos in the Greek Sporades 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 center.

Places for Peace

My favorite beach so far is Lalaria Beach. 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. 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.

Water Sports

A great beach for 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 Thanasis drove us in high speed. Halfway through the ride, we clasped to the handles as he made a few quick turns and the rings bounced on the waves. During a set of higher waves, we both lost grip and flew into the water. That made us want to go again.

Port of Skiathos

After a day on the beach, Avoid the restaurants (tourist traps) along the harbor and the main street Papadiamantis. They charge excessive prices for mediocre food. Instead, head to the old part of town and seek out real Greek food in cozy taverns.

In the evening you can enjoy what Skiathos is also well known for, its great nightlife. In Skiathos town, try BBC if you like techno, Arena for Greek music, or Roof Top Bar for a romantic evening. No risk of getting bored here.

Next day, why not visiting another of the island’s 66 beaches?