The Greek island of Skiathos is a true beach paradise: turquoise blue waters, golden fine sand and shady pine forests that stretch close to the sea await you here. The numerous small and large bays and beaches on Skiathos make the Sporades island an ideal destination for a beach holiday in Greece.
“For decades, the beaches of Skiathos have been a magnet for sun worshippers from England, who leave gloomy London and beyond behind and trade it all in for a beach lounger on the sun-drenched Sporades island for weeks at a time.”
Since Skiathos is really small, most holidaymakers concentrate on the island’s beaches, which are easy to reach. So it’s not always easy to find a secluded spot. In one week we discovered almost all the Skiathos beaches and we’re taking you on a journey along the diverse coastline – from Koukounaries in the south to Lalaria in the north.
There really is something for every type of beach lover on Skiathos: from the lively party beach to the family-friendly bathing spot to the nudist bay. We hope you enjoy exploring the most beautiful beaches of Skiathos:
Skiathos Map: This map includes all Skiathos Highlights, 32 places to visit & Secrets, 19 Beaches & Bays, as well as personal recommendations for 25 restaurants & cafes. Ideal for holiday planning and getting around on the island. Compatible with smartphone, tablet and PC/Mac. Click here and start using it right away: To the Skiathos Map
Skiathos beaches in the south
#1 Koukounaries Beach
Koukounaries is the most famous beach on Skiathos – there’s no doubt about that. The stretch of fine sandy beach runs for over a kilometre along a beautiful bay and is surrounded by dense pine forests. The water is crystal clear, and we found the shallow entrance perfect for families with young children.
Unfortunately, numerous beach bars (around six or seven) are lined up along Koukounaries Beach. None of them particularly stand out – quality ranges from okay to average – but they’re still good enough for a cold drink. In between, there are always free sections for towels and picnic blankets.
Beach loungers cost around €20 per couple and there are several free toilets available. Behind the beach lies Lake Strofilia, a wetland biotope home to ducks, swans, herons and songbirds, which is ideal for a short walk through the shady pine forest. Picnic tables and shaded paths make it especially pleasant during the midday heat.
Our tip for Koukounaries: Take advantage of the free car park on the east side of the beach and bring snacks for a picnic by the lake. Access is via a small bridge, which leads directly to the quieter part of Koukounaries Beach. Do note that there is a small harbour nearby, so motorboats occasionally pass through.
→ Hotel tips near Koukounaries Beach (links to Booking.com*):
#2 Maratha Beach
A little further east of Koukounaries, many small beaches are hidden below the main road. There is hardly any parking and these beach gems are quite difficult to access. On Maratha Beach, unfortunately, commerce has already found its way in. In summer, sun loungers are spread all over the beach and a new bar is being built.
On Katharina Beach, on the other hand, you’ll still find pure idyll. Via a beaten path you reach the tiny beach, which is perfect for a day by the sea away from the crowds. So even on Skiathos you can still find your own quiet spot. Thanks to individual rocky reefs along the shoreline, the coast is also ideal for snorkeling.
→ Find out what to discover on Skiathos Island in our separate article: Skiathos Highlights
#3 Troulos Beach
The Paralia Troulos is a fine, bright sandy beach with a shallow entry into the water and a beautiful view of the offshore rocky island of Troulonisi. On the beach, everything is functional but unspectacular: two hotels, a beach bar and two simple taverns share the area, and numerous loungers are packed close together. A few trees provide shade.
You can park in a small gravel parking lot located about 80 metres from Troulos Beach – it’s straightforward and free of charge. If you want to eat well, take a few steps towards the village and stop in at the Nectar & Ambrosia (closed during siesta) – the detour is really worth it.
→ hotel tips at Troulos Beach (links to Booking.com*):
#4 Agia Paraskevi Beach (Platanias)
Agia Paraskevi Beach (also Platanias Beach) also offers golden sand, ranging in grain from fine to coarse. Parking is available directly behind the beach, and fortunately the construction boom has not yet reached this stretch of coast. The beach looks well-kept and the water is crystal clear. However, the seabed slopes quite steeply, which is not ideal for younger children.
On the western section of Platanias Beach, an organized beach club awaits you. There is still plenty of free space in the middle area. A river flows into the sea here, though it looks more like a pond. To the east there is another smaller complex with loungers and a beach bar. Hidden in the grove above is a chapel with a resting place.
→ Hotel tips for Platanias (links to Booking.com*):
#5 Vromolimnos Beach
Vromolimnos Beach is one of our favorite beaches in the south of Skiathos – not least because our hotel was right on this beach. The Skiathos Holidays Suites & Villas are located directly by the sea and turned out to be a real stroke of luck. The beautiful stretch of coast scores with fine sand, calm water and a very relaxed atmosphere.
Behind the beach is the eponymous small freshwater lake, which is heavily overgrown with reeds. In the northern area, the Porto Paradiso Bar serves sun worshippers with drinks and snacks at inflated prices.
Our tip for Vromolimnos: The beach is especially lovely in the late afternoon, when most vacationers have left. In the evening, a truly magical sunset spot awaits you here! Just pack a drink, put your feet in the sand and enjoy the sea — and maybe a swan will stop by for the perfect photo. 🙂
→ Hotel tip for Vromolimnos Beach (links to Booking.com*):
Skiathos beaches in the west
#6 Banana Beach
Banana Beach was once a real beach paradise on Skiathos, but not much of that remains today. The Elivi Hotels, which now occupy a large part of the beach and the hinterland, have stripped it of its original character. Access to the sea is monitored by security, but non-hotel guests can still make their way through via a barrier.
Two picturesque bays with turquoise blue water nestle around a rocky headland, behind which stretches a lush coniferous forest. The two beaches (Mikri and Megali Banana) are wide and spacious, with plenty of room for holidaymakers. Loud music plays by the sea, the loungers are pricey, and the exclusive atmosphere tends to disappoint many visitors.
#7 Agia Eleni Beach
Paralia Agia Eleni is located just a few metres north of Mikri Banana Beach and is at least directly accessible. Parking is available at the northern edge or along the road, which can get busy in summer. The sand is fine, the water is calm and pleasantly warm. The pine trees seem to float over the beach like a natural sunshade.
Agia Eleni is well organised and has two beach bars that rent out sunbeds and umbrellas. However, the food quality is poor and the drink prices are steep. Away from the bars, there is still plenty of space to spread out. To explore the western beaches further, you’ll need a rental vehicle, as the last bus stop is at the Elivi Resort.
Our tip for Agia Eleni Beach: Make sure to stay until the evening – those in the know say it offers the most beautiful sunsets on Skiathos. When the red fireball sinks behind the Pelion peninsula, dreamlike colours await you – guaranteed!
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#8 Mandraki Beach
From Agia Eleni beach, a dusty track leads into the small nature reserve Mandraki Forest. Check in advance whether off-road driving with your rental vehicle is allowed. Right at the beginning you pass the small Krifi Ammos Beach, whose bay shimmers in seductive shades of blue. Unfortunately, there was a lot of seaweed on the beach during our visit.
Continue through the forest and follow the signs to Mandraki Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the west of Skiathos. Be careful, as the path from the junction to the beach is quite bumpy. The bay, which is around 300 metres long, has a gentle curve and fine sand, but is interspersed with seagrass in places.
Nevertheless, this Skiathos beach has managed to retain its natural charm, even if a few huts have been built along it. The local restaurant is more of a snack bar and has received only mixed reviews from guests. The rust-coloured rocks at the northern end are spectacular and well worth a walk to the end of the beach.
#9 Elia Beach
Elia Beach is the neighbouring beach of Mandraki. A wide dune landscape and almost untouched surroundings await you. The parking spaces are located about 150 metres from the sea in the forest, and from there you head down a long wooden walkway. The water is clear, shallow and shimmers in a beautiful turquoise – you’ll want to jump in immediately.
There are two simple beach bars on site, providing holidaymakers seeking peace and quiet with cool drinks and typical Greek snacks. The sunbeds on Elia Beach cost from €15 per couple. Fortunately, most of this almost 500 m long Skiathos beach remains natural. In the eastern section, wild camping is often practised in summer.
Agistros Beach is separated from Elia Beach by a rocky outcrop and is well worth a visit. From the parking lot, you can descend several steps to the sea. The water sparkles milky blue, the sand is beige and behind it stretches the Mandraki forest. At the family-run Agistros Snack Bar, simple dishes and cool drinks are served in a relaxed atmosphere.
#10 Aselinos Beach
The further north we went, the worse the road became, and the overall beach quality also decreased for us personally. Megalos Aselinos Beach is nearly 500 m long, almost completely undeveloped and framed by two densely overgrown hills.
Once there, the disappointment set in: the water gets deep quickly, high waves are common, there is a lot of debris washed up due to the open sea, and the beach itself looked visibly unkempt. The simple beach tavern was still being set up when we visited in May. The only highlight was the donkeys roaming freely in the area.
Mikros Aselinos Beach further east consists of coarse sand, but has its charm. We walked down the steep path to the beach with our four-year-old daughter, hoping the bar would be open. Not a chance! The owner was there, but was inattentive and didn’t even offer us anything to drink. So at 32 degrees we had to scramble back up — not a great experience!
Beaches in the north of Skiathos
#11 Kastro Beach
Kastro Beach on Skiathos is located on the northern tip of the island, just below the historic settlement of the same name. It can only be reached on foot or by boat and is spectacularly set along a grey rocky coastline. Like most northern beaches, it consists of grey gravel, but the view of the fortress ruins of old Skiathos Kastro more than makes up for it.
In summer, there are almost daily excursion boats to Kastro Beach from Skiathos Town, which also stop at Lalaria for a swim, among other places. If you’re travelling by rental car, we recommend combining a hike to Kastro with a visit to the beach. You can explore the medieval ruins first and take in the view down to the beach from the highest point.
From the lower parking lot, it’s about a 10-minute walk (300m) along the trail. At Kastro Beach you’ll find the rustic Restaurant Kastro Beach. There is no menu — everything is somewhat improvised, but authentic and makes for lasting memories. Bathing shoes for entering the sea are recommended: Search on Amazon*
#12 Lalaria Beach
The Lalaria Coast with its striking stone arch, dazzling white pebble beach and the sea shimmering in aquamarine and cyan is the landmark of Skiathos. Everything looks like something straight out of a picture book. Lalaria beach is only accessible by boat — you cannot reach it by land!
Most organised tours to Lalaria start from the port of Skiathos town. You also have the option of getting there by rented motorboat (25 hp, no licence required).
By the way, it is forbidden to take pebbles from Lalaria Beach. Please help preserve this natural wonder by leaving the stones where they are. Apart from a few caves near the famous rock arch at Lalaria, there is hardly any shade or infrastructure — so bring everything you need.
→ For trips to Lalaria you can check our partner GetYourGuide*:
#13 Xanemos Beach
The Xanemos Beach is probably the craziest beach in Skiathos, if not in all of Greece. It is located directly on the approach path of Skiathos airport. For us — and of course our little daughter — it was an exciting adventure to see the aircraft up close during take-off or landing approach. Fascinating!
The beach at Skiathos Airport itself consists of pebbles and grey sand, the water is clear, but usually also very choppy, and it gets quite deep. On windless days, the sea sparkles in the most beautiful blue. From the hill above the beach you can take great photos. Xanemos Beach is quite interesting for a short stop, but the aircraft noise in summer makes it hard to stay for long.
→ Hotel tips at Xanemos Beach (links to Booking.com*):
#14 Paralia Psarochoma
The wild beach with grey sand and pebbles is located east of the airport. You can park above the beach in a field. Paralia Psarochoma has no operator and is mostly used by locals on weekends, who bring umbrellas, blankets and picnic baskets. The entry into the sea is quite gradual, the beach is relatively clean, and the view of the neighbouring island of Skopelos is fantastic.
→ Find out what to discover on Skopelos Island in our separate article: Skopelos Highlights
Beaches near Skiathos Town
#15 Paralia Plakes
Plakes Beach is less a beach than a bathing spot near Skiathos Town. It is located at the top of the town, at the entrance to the old port. From the rocky platforms you can jump directly into the crystal-clear water or use the large stone slabs for sunbathing — which is exactly what the locals do here every day.
The spot is great in the evening for sunsets and ideal during the day for a quick dip in the sea after a stroll through town. You should definitely stop here for a photo opportunity. The view of Skiathos Town is stunning! Afterwards, you can visit one of the cafés or tavernas in the Plakes district of the same name.
→ Hotel tips at Plakes Beach (links to Booking.com*):
#16 Vasilias Beach
The most popular beach near Skiathos Town is Megali Ammos Beach. However, we simply can’t recommend it in good conscience, unless your hotel is right above it. It has become extremely touristy — countless beach bars compete for the attention of holidaymakers, and the loungers are packed together like sardines in a tin.
An alternative is Paralia Vasilias, which connects to it to the south. You can park along the wide roadside or at the beach restaurants Pinikis Michvlis or Sorokos. The water is shallow and there are plenty of trees providing shade. The only downside is the coarse sand, which is not as appealing as the sand on the western beaches.
→ Hotel tips at Vasilias Beach (links to Booking.com*):
→ Everything you need to know about getting there, getting around and many other useful Skiathos information can be found in our separate article: Skiathos Travel Tips
#17 Tzaneria Beach
Just five minutes further south, you’ll find the golden sand typical of Skiathos beaches once again. We recommend the peaceful Tzaneria Beach, as well as Paralia Achladies. Buses stop on the main road near both beaches. There are beach bars on site (tip: Mojo Bar), and the sea entry is shallow, making them ideal for families.
→ Hotel tips in Achladies (links to Booking.com*):
#18 Tsougria Island
If you want a relaxing day at the beach, you can take a boat from Skiathos Town to the island of Tsougria. There are no cars or noise here. The first trips to the uninhabited islet start in May. From June, taxi boats run there and back several times a day. The trip to Tsougria costs from €12 each way (15 min). The Sunset Tsougrias Beach Bar serves cool drinks and snacks.
Excursions and tours to Skiathos beaches
Discover the beautiful coast of Skiathos with its numerous beaches and bays by boat. From Skiathos Town you can also book excursions to Lalaria and sailing trips around the island. Tours to Skopelos are also popular, offering plenty of swimming opportunities. More information is available from our partner GetYourGuide*:
➲ To the excursion to Skopelos*
➲ To the sailing trip around the island*
➲ To the tour to Lalaria & Kastro*
➝ More Sporades travel tips and lots of inspiration about the archipelago can be found here: Sporades Blog
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