Koukounaries
Koukounaries beach is the epitome of natural beauty on Skiathos: golden sand, crystal clear sea, lush pine forest and a lively atmosphere.
For years it has been rumoured that Skiathos has the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean, and every year thousands of tourists flock to the island driven by the desire for an unforgettable beach holiday.
They are never disappointed: the beaches of Skiathos, both sandy and rocky, are always immersed in a natural setting of incredible beauty and bathed by a crystal-clear sea of splendid colours, ranging from emerald green to deep blue.
Remote and wild or equipped beaches that are easy to reach, the island’s beaches cater for all types of travellers: families, groups of friends, young singles, couples… But which is the right one for you? Choose from among the most beautiful beaches on Skiathos that we offer you.
The most famous beach of Skiathos is undoubtedly Koukounaries. Despite its popularity, it manages to retain its enchanting natural appearance, thanks to the extraordinary emerald sea that washes it and the dense pine forest behind it, which includes a large protected area or biotope.
Its extraordinary beauty has made it very famous, and this has led to numerous hotels being built in the area and the beach being equipped with numerous facilities, including several water sports centres.
Of course, in the past it was even wilder and more beautiful, but Koukounaries remains a little piece of paradise that has nothing to envy from more exotic beaches; over a kilometre long, it is ideal for those who enjoy strolling along the shore.
There are also three excellent tavernas on the beach where you can sample typical Greek dishes and excellent fresh fish.
On the left side of Koukounaries is the small, but exceptional, beach of Maratha.
Location: 16 kilometres from Skiathos Town
The bus stop to Koukounaries beach is number 22 or, if you want to walk a little further through the pine forest, number 23.
If Koukounaries is too noisy for you or if you simply don’t like well-equipped beaches, move to the nearby, little-known beach of Abelakia. Here too you will find fine sand, clean sea and pine trees, but no crowds, no umbrellas and no tavernas.
Basically, it is a continuation of Koukounaries beach, from which only a few rocks separate it and which you can reach on foot if you wish. Just above the beach you notice the Xenia Hotel, a former publicly owned hotel that has been in a state of disrepair for years and has now become something of a feature of the landscape.
A crescent-shaped bay (or banana, as the name suggests) surrounded by greenery, comprising two beaches divided by a group of rocks: this is Banana Beach, one of the most popular locations for young people on holiday in Skiathos. Both beaches have fine sand and are washed by a calm, clear sea.
Big Banana is the largest and if in the seventies it was a destination for nudists looking for a picturesque spot where they could sunbathe or sleep under the stars, today it is a hangout for the very young who come to play water sports or have a drink on the beach. The two most popular beach bars on the beach are called – needless to say – Bananarama and Bananistas and offer live music and DJ sets.
Small Banana is not only smaller but also quieter, and still occasionally frequented by a few naturists.
The beaches are easily accessible by car (12 km from Skiathos Town) or by bicycle and the road will take you directly to the beach. There is ample parking space under the trees.
Considered one of the most elegant beaches on Skiathos, Vromolimnos Beach is located along the southern coast of the island, almost halfway between Skiathos Town and Koukounaries Beach, near the coastal resort of Kolios.
The beach, easily reached by getting off at the number 13 bus stop, takes its name from a small lake surrounded by reeds that lies a short distance away.
Almost always protected from northerly winds by the wooded knolls that encircle it on both sides, the long beach of Vromolimnos has fine golden sand and offers every kind of service from beach bars and taverns to water sports agencies.
Vromolimnos is the second most popular beach on the island after Koukounaries. Here you can also admire beautiful sunsets and take part in beach parties.
In Vromolimnos you can find different types of accommodation, from rented flats to luxury hotels, cafés and restaurants, making it a wonderful option for a stay.
Troulos beach is located along the south-western coast of Skiathos, near Koukounaries beach, and can be reached from stop number 18 of the island’s only bus.
The beach is named after the small, rounded island of Troulonisi, which is only 350 metres from the shore.
Troulos is a beautiful beach of fine golden sand, equipped, quiet and ideal for families as the sea slopes gently. There are also smaller, secluded beaches in the vicinity that are difficult to access. You can rent a boat right on Troulos beach to reach them and enjoy more tranquillity.
It is possible to taste Greek cuisine in the small restaurants on the beach or directly in the centre of the village of Troulos, which is also ideal for a stay and has a decent nightlife.
From Troulos, you can then walk to the beaches of the Mandraki peninsula. For hikers, there is a nice path that leads to the beach of Aselinos in about an hour and to the monastery of Kounistria.
Leaving the village of Troulos in the direction of Skiathos Town after 4 kilometres you will find, in a beautiful location, a small monastery with a very impressive chapel. It is open all year round from 8am to 8pm.
Mandraki, also called the Port of Xerxes, is the largest of the three beaches overlooking the bay of the same name and can be reached by a pleasant walk through a dense pine forest from Koukounaries Bay or easily by car. It is a quieter area than the well-known beach resorts on the south coast, and perhaps for this reason many tourists find it more attractive.
Set against a scenic natural backdrop, Mandraki is a golden sandy beach bathed by a calm, shallow sea with a beautiful turquoise colour. It is equipped with some essential services such as umbrella rental and a small taverna.
Mandraki Elias (or more simply Elias) is perhaps the most beautiful of the three beaches in Mandraki Bay. Over a kilometre long, this beach is also equipped but the greater distance between one umbrella and another provides some privacy.
Angistro is the smallest and most intimate of the three beaches and can be reached on foot from Mandraki Elias. Almost unknown to mass tourism, it is perfect for those who want absolute tranquillity.
Aselinos Beach, one of the most beautiful and enchanting bays on Skiathos, is located along the north coast of the island 13 kilometres from the town.
It is a quiet beach, except for the times when day-trip boats arrive, pouring groups of tourists armed with cameras onto its shores. Get there before them and enjoy this beautiful beach of coarse sand and small pebbles set in a rugged but fascinating natural environment.
The sea is a beautiful blue colour and invites you for a refreshing swim… if it is not too rough, in which case sit on the shore and let yourself be caressed by the sound of the thunderous waves breaking on the shoreline.
Just a little further east is another small beach, Mikros Aselinos, which is very pretty and has a taverna where you can eat typical Greek food. It is a little more difficult to reach but worth it as it is more unspoilt and completely different from what you might expect.
Lalaria competes with Koukoumaries for the title of most beautiful beach on Skiathos. It is hard to say who the winner is, but certainly this small beach of light grey colo-marble pebbles, dominated by an imposing mountain that seems to plunge straight into the sea, is not to be missed.
The most fascinating element of Lalaria, which makes it unique compared to other beaches on the island, is the natural arch carved by the sea into the rocks: this natural wonder is probably the most photographed attraction on Skiathos.
Lalaria can only be reached by boat. If you do not have your own boat, you can join one of the many excursions that stop here. Perhaps you could also add a visit to the nearby sea caves of Skopili and Galatia. However, if you do have your own boat, visit in the late afternoon: you could be the only one on the beach and have a wonderful and evocative time!
Lalaria is not equipped and there is no shade.
Just two kilometres from the town of Skiathos and easily accessible by public transport, Megali Ammos is a pretty, well-equipped beach popular with those who want a comfortable holiday.
Its long golden sandy shore, shallow crystal-clear sea, numerous facilities and typical tavernas attract both families with small children and young people who want to enjoy water sports. If you want to sunbathe undisturbed, just move to the north or south end of the beach, generally less crowded areas.
Megali Ammos is also an ideal place to stay in Skiathos and offers many excellent facilities, from luxury hotels to small family-run guesthouses.
Megali Ammos is easily reached by bus – you can get off at bus stop 5, 6 or 7 – or on foot.
The closest beach to the centre of Skiathos is Xaneno, a bay of grey sand that can be reached by a walk of about 30 minutes.
From here, again on foot, you can walk to the beaches of Kalivia and Megali Ammos, but you probably won’t want to, so great will be the pleasure of sunbathing in this cove generally snubbed by mass tourism.
Tsougria is one of the three islands opposite the town of Skiathos, which can be visited on a day trip by boat. The beaches are exotic.
Just opposite Skiathos Town, a few miles away, is a group of small uninhabited islands with exotic charm, ideal for a boat trip.
The island of Tsougria is the largest of the three and lies south of Skiathos. Its beaches of fine golden sand are enchanting, quiet and with incredibly turquoise waters that slope gently, making them suitable even for children.
On the island of Tsougria, on the opposite side from the beaches, there is a taverna where one can refresh oneself: its food is so good that some people do not come to the islet for the sea but for the food!
To the right of Tsougria is the island of Tsougriaki. Small and rocky, it has no notable beaches but is a very beautiful nature reserve.
The third island in the group is Arkos, the closest to the coast of Skiathos, and there is an excellent taverna waiting for you.
Other recommended beaches on Skiathos are no less beautiful than the more famous Koukounaries or Lalaria. You will be fascinated by the sandy shores and nature!
A beautiful cove with a small, fine sandy beach along the east coast of Skiathos from where you can admire a beautiful sunset. Agia Eleni is a popular beach for surfers.
Location: Near Koukounariés
Nearest place: Xenia
Kastro is a beautiful little grey pebble beach at the foot of the ancient town of Skiathos, in the northernmost part of the island.
Location: a 1.30-hour walk from Skiathos, reached by boat
Nearest resort: Kastro
A semi-deserted beach as it is little known to tourists. Aligaria can be reached by following a path shaded by olive trees that starts in the vicinity of the monastery of Kounistra. once past it, the road is unpaved but is very scenic and passes through valleys, pine forests and creeks.
Location: 6 kilometres after the Kounistra monastery
Closest place: Skiathos town
The large bay of Elias, along the north-west coast of the island of Skiathos, is divided into two large, clean, golden sandy beaches, which are not very crowded, also because they can only be reached on foot from some rocks. The larger one is Ghournes beach while the smaller one is Agistros. To reach the beaches you will walk along a beaten sandy path surrounded by pine trees. The walk is about one hour. Ghournes is equipped.
Location: shortly after the monastery of Kounistra coming from Skiathos town
Closest place: Skiathos town 11-07
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