Skiathos
Beach-hopping by boat, the old town lanes, Koukounaries lagoon and the monastery of Evangelistria.
Skiathos is tiny — 12km long — but packs in 60 beaches, dense pine forest running to the water's edge, and the liveliest nightlife in the Sporades. Koukounaries is one of the finest sandy beaches in Greece. The old town is genuinely attractive. Planes land metres above the beach at the runway — a spectacle in itself. Come here for beaches and nightlife, not culture.
Getting there
International airport with summer charters from Europe. No Piraeus ferry — reach Skiathos from Volos or Agios Konstantinos (mainland, ~3h drive from Athens). Frequent ferries.
Read full route
Tip: Direct charter from London/Manchester is the fastest option — skip Athens.
When to Visit
Skiathos has 60 beaches and an international airport — which means cheap flights from northern Europe and matching crowds. The pine forests come right down to the sand. Best May-October; June and September are sweet spots. Mid-July through August is package-tourism peak; Koukounaries beach is a battle.
3-day itinerary for Skiathos
Day 1: Skiathos Town & the East
- 09:00 · Skiathos Town
The most attractive town in the Sporades — two hills, a Venetian castle, pine-shaded lanes and a bustling harbour. Walk the Papadiamantis Street and have breakfast at the old port. - 10:00 · Bourtzi Fortress
Small Venetian fortress on a pine-wooded islet in the harbour mouth. Walk across the causeway for views over the town and the channel. - 11:00 · Evangelistria Monastery
18th-century monastery in the pine forest above the town — the first Greek flag was raised here in 1807. Beautiful setting, small museum, excellent views. - 14:30 · Koukounaries Beach
One of the finest beaches in Greece — 1.2km of golden sand framed by a dense pine forest and a protected lagoon behind it. Arrive by 14:00 for a sunbed. The lagoon behind is a protected wetland. - 20:00 · Return to Skiathos Town
Drive back along the south coast road from Koukounaries to Skiathos Town (about 25 minutes). The harbour at twilight is the social heart of the island — find a table at one of the seafront tavernas, or wander the narrow lanes above Bourtzi.
Day 2: Beach Boat Tour
- 09:30 · Old Port — Boat Departure
Full-day boat tour around the island — the only way to reach the best beaches on the north coast. Boats depart from the old port daily in summer. - 11:00 · Lalaria Beach
The most dramatic beach in the Sporades — white oval pebbles under sheer white limestone cliffs with a natural rock arch. Accessible only by boat. Crystal clear water. - 12:30 · Blue Cave (Skotini Spilia)
Sea cave on the north coast where the water glows blue from the sunlight refraction. Swim in from the boat. - 14:00 · Kastro (Abandoned Town)
The abandoned medieval capital of Skiathos on a sea cliff — the entire population moved to the current town in 1829. Ruins of 300 houses and 22 churches. Boat stop with a short hike up. - 18:30 · Return to Skiathos Town
Boat returns to the Old Port in late afternoon (about 90 min from the Kastro side). Cocktails at one of the harbour bars are the natural end to a full day on the water — the seafront restaurants here are good for early dinners.
Day 3: West Beaches & Departure
- 09:30 · Banana Beach
Two beaches side by side west of Koukounaries — Big Banana (organised, lively) and Little Banana (clothing-optional, quieter). Both have clear, shallow water. - 12:00 · Agia Eleni Beach
Wild, sandy north-coast beach accessible via a path through pine forest. Far quieter than the south coast beaches, excellent water. - 16:00 · Skiathos Town — Departure
Ferry to Volos, Thessaloniki or the other Sporades. The runway is right next to the town port — watch planes land metres overhead from the waterfront.
Top beaches of Skiathos
Koukounaries Beach
Consistently ranked one of the best beaches in Greece — fine golden sand framed by dense umbrella pine forest, with a crystal-clear lagoon behind it. Arrive early for a sunbed. The pine trees provide natural shade that no other Cycladic beach can offer.
- Type
- Fine golden sand
- Length
- 1.2 km
- Depth
- Shallow — very gradual, safe for children
- Wind protection
- South-facing — sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); calm in summer, exposed only to rare southern winds
- Facilities
- Fully organised: sunbeds, beach bars, water sports, tavernas. Protected lagoon behind.
Lalaria Beach
The most spectacular beach in the Sporades — white oval pebbles beneath sheer white limestone cliffs with a natural arch. The boat journey along the dramatic north coast is half the experience. Unmissable.
- Type
- White oval pebbles
- Length
- 400 m
- Depth
- Deep — crystal clear, cold water
- Wind protection
- North-facing — fully exposed to the meltemi (the dominant summer N/NE wind); often choppy June–September
- Facilities
- None — boat access only from Skiathos Town (45 min).
Banana Beach
Two contrasting beaches side by side — lively and organised on one side, quiet and naturist on the other. Both have good clear water. The pine forest backdrop makes them more attractive than the typical resort beach.
- Type
- Fine sand
- Length
- 600 m (two beaches)
- Depth
- Shallow — calm water
- Wind protection
- South-facing — sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); calm in summer, exposed only to rare southern winds
- Facilities
- Big Banana: fully organised. Little Banana: basic, clothing-optional.