Greek Islands Guide
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Skiathos is the most popular and touristy Greek island in the Sporades. With the island covered by a thick pine forest and boasting some of the best beaches in Greece, plus its own airport, it is not surprising that it lacks some of that famous “Greek atmosphere”, but if it’s a beach holiday you are looking for, there are few Greek islands that can match the quality and quantity of the beaches on Skiathos.
Skiathos town located in a wind protected bay on the south eastern tip of the island, is the only town on the Island. Built in the mid 1800's on top of an original settlement dating back to 800 B.C.
The small peninsula of Bourtzi that splits the town port into two, is linked to the town by a short narrow causeway. Once the site of a fort, it is nowadays a recreation area. There is a small cafe for refreshments, and it is the venue for a number of special events and concerts throughout the year.
Houses in Skiathos town are small and simple, mostly built on two floors, amphitheatrically one next to the other. The streets are narrow and winding without the benefit of any organised planning. The main shopping street is named Papadiamandis street after its famous son, writer Alexandros Papadiamandis 1851-
Skiathos town boasts an exuberant nightlife with many tavernas, music bars, and a number of night clubs, that party on until the early hours of the morning. If you would prefer to spend you evenings a little quieter, then you will not be disappointed as there are still many tavernas where you can spend your whole evening over a quiet meal.
Troulos, located along the main road that runs between Skiathos Town and koukounaries, is a holiday village made up of hotels, apartment blocks and ample bars and tavernas to make your stay enjoyable. The beach, that sits within a small cove, like many of the beaches on Skiathos, is simply superb. Troulos is named after the small nearby islet of Troulonissia. Busses run along the full route from Skiathos Town to koukounaries and back,at regular intervals, stopping at all the main resorts along the way.
The beach at Koukounaries, also known as Chrisi Ammos or Golden Sand, due to its extremely fine sand, is located on the south western tip of Skiathos. Sheltered in a horseshoe shaped cove, It is considered to be one of the best beaches in Greece. Koukounaries offers visitors deep blue, crystal clear waters, backed with shade from the trees behind. Tucked away behind the beach is the Strofylia lagoon, which, with the surrounding forest, is a protected nature reserve. Close by, but not too close, and set back on the road that stretches along the back of the beach, are a good number of holiday apartment blocks, hotels, tavernas and bars. As would be expected on such a large and popular beach, water sports are readily available.
The main road ends at Koukounaries, but if you continuing on along the small road that branches off to the right, you will reach a sandy cove known as Banana beach. This lovely beach once had the reputation as being the islands naturist beach, but those looking for an all over tan may be a little disappointed as this is no longer the case, but carry on along the pathway that runs behind the beach and you come to another fine beach that is often referred to as Little Banana. This has become the most established beach on Skiathos where you can sunbathe nude.
Skiathos
