With its glimmering turquoise waters and pine lined beach Koukounaries is one of the most famous beaches on Skiathos. It’s also one of the busiest and there are lots of sunbeds, watersports and bars here.
Nearby is Krassas – better known as Banana Beach – a popular sandy beach with shallow azure waters and a bar. It’s an extra walk from the car park through the woods and can get very busy.
Koukounaries Beach
Located near the homonymous village, this stunning beach is renowned for its fine soft golden sand and pine forest backdrop. The crystal clear waters are a paradise for water sports fans and you can enjoy snorkelling, diving and a range of other activities. Behind the beach there is a wetland reserve offering protection to many rare species of birds.
Koukounaries is one of the most popular beaches in Skiathos and is usually very busy during peak season. However, if you head to the northern section of the beach away from the main sunbed area you can relax in peace and enjoy the lovely views and calm sea. The beach is also home to a number of restaurants and taverns.
Further north along the coast from Agia Eleni and Mandraki is Krifi Ammos, a small half moon cove of pure golden sand and pristine water. This beach isn’t very organized and there are no sunbeds to rent but it is a real gem for those looking for a more tranquil beach experience without losing the amazing sea views and easy access to all of the other amenities of Skiathos.
For a more commercialized beach there is Achladies, the largest of all of the beaches in Skiathos with long expanses of deep golden sand and an assortment of restaurants, all day bars and water sports on offer. There is also a number of watersports schools at the northern end of the beach where you can hire equipment if needed.
Mandraki Beach
The name of this beach means ‘narrow sands’, which is exactly what you will find – it is small and only suitable for sun loungers at the side of the shoreline. Despite its size, it is still one of the best beaches in Skiathos due to its shallow, crystal clear waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. A taverna sits on the clifftop above offering gorgeous views and a spot to eat when you get hungry.
The sand/shingle mix beach at Plakes is the closest beach to Skiathos town and is a popular spot for those who want to swim and relax before or after exploring the island’s historic heart. It has a few facilities – a cantina opens in the summer and there are a few sunbeds to rent if you don’t have your own. This isn’t on the bus route and it is a very steep walk from the main port so a taxi or car hire is recommended.
A little further west from Koukounaries and tucked beneath craggy rocks, Mandraki is a calm beach that rarely gets busy. It is a stunningly beautiful spot that has to be seen to be believed. The water is warm and inviting and the sands are fine, soft, and golden. Sun loungers are available to rent along the shoreline and there is also a taverna.
Kechria Beach
Kechria Beach takes its name from the nearby church dedicated to St. Paraskevi, and the stunning sheltered sandy bay is an excellent choice for snorkelling on calm days. A taverna offers sun beds for rent and the area is surrounded by lush green pine trees. It is a popular beach during the summer months, especially among plane spotters who enjoy watching the planes taking off and landing at Skiathos airport on clear days.
It is not a beach for swimming when north winds blow as the waves can be quite large. This is a very picturesque beach that is usually less crowded than other northern beaches.
This popular South coast beach stretches along the Kalamaki peninsula and is easily accessible by bus, car or water taxi from Skiathos town. It is lively during the height of the summer season when tavernas pump out music, plenty of sun beds line the seashore and there are many water sports on offer including jet skiing. The beach also has many hotels and apartments, including La Luna Hotel, that make the most of its gorgeous location and offer a great base for exploring the region on foot. Alternatively, you can opt for a stay at Hotel Korali instead if you prefer a more tranquil setting. Both are within a short distance of Troulos Beach and have spacious rooms with kitchenettes for families or groups of friends.
Bourtzi Beach
This is a really lovely beach which is very popular. It is a good size and has a great selection of sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars. It is backed by a fragrant pine forest and is considered one of the most unspoiled natural beaches in the Mediterranean.
It is also home to a few restaurants and a cafe where you can enjoy Greek food favourites by the beach. The water is crystal clear and there are lots of small pebbles in the shoreline. It is a real oasis of tranquillity compared to some of the more noisy and busy beaches on Skiathos.
Another very nice beach is Kanapitsa which is a large serviced beach in the south area of the island and it takes its name from the nearby little church. It is a pretty beach with a mix of golden and soft grey sand, it has a number of water sports facilities and there are plenty of local tavernas on the beach as well.
It can get very crowded during the peak season so try and visit this beach slightly out of season if possible. It is really beautiful though and worth a visit, it has all the ingredients for a great day at the beach including lovely soft sand and clean crystal clear water.