Skiathos has grown to accommodate its thriving tourist trade, without losing its Greek charm! The island’s outstanding natural beauty is protected by extensive limitations on building, pollution and overcrowding, but still attracts its fair share of party-goers. The bustling bars in the metropolitan Skiathos town, keep the island’s nightlife competitive with some of its rowdier Mediterranean neighbours. Skiathos appeals to both beach bums and adrenaline junkies who’ll love the abundance of water sports centres.
The undoubted star attractions are the island’s 60 beaches, which rival any in the world for sparkling sands and warm turquoise waters. Many of the island’s best beaches are only accessible by boat and are a great place for a secluded picnic or a spot of quiet sunbathing. Our favourite is the beautiful Lalária in the northeast of the island, with its iconic ‘hollow rock’ that juts out into the bay.
Skiathos packs a lot in for such a small island, serving up beaches, culture and a decent nightlife. History buffs can visit the magnificent ruins of the fortified town of Kastro, and those in search of a party should head to the ‘bar street’ to the east of the harbour in Skiathos town, where you’ll find everything from laid back tavernas and shisha bars to raucous clubs. It’s good to remember that Greeks are notoriously laid back when it comes to kicking off the evening’s entertainment and that most clubs won’t even open until midnight!
Skiathos has a great reputation for fine dining, so much so you may want to stay in B&B or self catering accommodation. There is such a large array of restaurants and cafés that it is possible to eat out for every meal! It’s a good idea to go ‘local spotting’ and make a note of which restaurants attract residents. Skiathos is a great place to sample traditional Greek cuisine such as kebabs, salads and stuffed vine leaves.
Koukonaries is well-known as the location of the most beautiful beach in Skiathos, and has a quiet, rural feel that makes it popular with families and nature lovers.
READ MORESkiathos Town has two strikingly different sides to explore – the whitewashed houses and winding streets of the old town and the bustling marina and bars of the new town.
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