5 things I love about Skiathos
1. Koukounaries beach
This beach is regularly listed as being among the best in Greece/Europe/the world, and with good reason (see the beaches section above). Aside from the sand and the pine trees, the gentle slope of the sea bed makes the beach perfect for swimming. According to accounts, the pine trees once hung right over the beach, providing it with natural shade. It is a shame that they have now been cut back and that the beach is now so heavily developed. Nonetheless, not even 5 rows of end to end sun beds can disguise Koukounaries’ incredible natural beauty.
Koukounaries beach
2. Amfiliki restaurant
A cut above the other restaurants in Skiathos town in every sense of the word, Amfiliki is a little off the main tourist beat but those in the know head here for delicious home cooked food and great views (see restaurants section). Said to be a favourite of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn (who spend every summer on Skiathos), space is limited so reservations may be necessary.
3. The views
The scenery on Skiathos is stunning and it would be a hard job to list all the places where you can find amazing views: of the island itself, of neighbouring Skopelos, Tsougria, Arkos and Evvia, and of the Pelion peninsula on the mainland. Around Skiathos Town many of the waterfront cafes, bars and tavernas provide excellent panoramas (particularly the Bourtzi and the higher places up the steps from the old port). Also take the steps up to St. Nicholas’ church in town, and walk or drive along the dirt road on the north coast.
4. The water
The sea all over the Aegean is warm and crystal clear, but few places provide as many places to enjoy it as Skiathos. It really is as blue as it appears in the tourist brochures, and whether swimming in it, driving or walking beside it, or just relaxing next to it, it is what being on a small island is all about. If you’re accustomed to the cold, polluted seas of northern Europe or elsewhere then you will be amazed by both the warmth and the underwater visibility: snorkelling or diving is strongly recommended (see activities below).
5. The people
The permanent population of Skiathos is just 6,000 but in August the number of people in the island rockets to 80,000. With this number of tourists, you might expect the strain to show sometimes – but remarkably, it hardly ever does. It’s partly because Skiathos has had the time to develop a well-oiled tourism infrastructure, but also a testament to the friendly and laid back nature of the people that live and work here. The mood transmits to visitors with the result that irritations of any kind are a rare event.