Skiathos Villa Holidays

Skiathos is small, compact and easy — 12km long with 60 beaches, a single main town, and a summer atmosphere that is genuinely lively without tipping into excess. It's a practical choice as well as a beautiful one: direct flights from the UK, most beaches accessible by bus or water taxi along the south coast, and a nightlife scene in Skiathos Town that's one of the best in the Northern Aegean.

Where to Stay Skiathos Town is the only settlement of any size and it's the obvious base — good restaurants, bars, shops, and ferry connections to the rest of the island and to neighbouring Skopelos. Villas on the hillsides above the town or along the south coast have the best views. The north coast is quieter and wilder but less accessible.

Beaches Koukounaries at the western end of the south coast is the most famous beach — a long crescent of fine sand behind a lagoon, consistently rated among the best in Greece. Banana Beach nearby is lively with beach bars and watersports. Lalaria on the north coast is only accessible by boat — white pebbles and a natural rock arch, with extraordinary clear water.

Things to Do Take the water taxi along the south coast beach-hopping — it's the best way to see the island. Visit Kastro, the old fortified capital in the north, abandoned in the 18th century and now a ruin above the sea. Take a day trip by ferry to Skopelos and Alonissos — both beautiful and very different in character to Skiathos.

Food & Drink Skiathos Town has a solid range of restaurants for its size — good fresh fish on the harbour and several places on the backstreets doing proper Greek cooking. The local almond biscuits (amygdalota) are the island's most distinctive food product. July and August evenings on the main strip are lively and fun.

When to Go June through September. Skiathos is one of the busiest islands relative to its size in peak season. Late June and September are significantly more pleasant and the water is still warm.