16 Best Beaches on Skiathos Island: Your Local’s Guide for 2024

Looking for the best beaches on Skiathos island? Look no further. 

You are probably curious to know which areas in this gorgeous Sporades island boast the best stretches of coastline, beaches, and hidden coves. After all, a large part of the appeal of travelling to Skiathos in the first place is found in having the opportunity to relax and unwind by the sea. 

Skiathos Greece sits in the Sporades archipelago in the northwest Aegean sea, off the east coast of Greece. The island is only small (It is 12 kilometers long and 6 kilometers wide!). 

However, within that small area, there are more than 60 beaches! There is something for everyone here – whether you are looking for quiet beaches in Skiathos and secluded coves where you can escape the crowds, or you are looking for serviced areas with local tavernas and all the amenities. 

This article on the best beaches on Skiathos island has been written by a British Travel Writer based in Greece (me!) It will run through some of the top beaches in Skiathos, as well as some lesser-known hidden gems. 

16 Best Beaches on Skiathos Island to Visit in 2024 

Skiathos beaches

It can be overwhelming to decide which of the best beaches on Skiathos island to prioritise. If you are visiting Skiathos for the first time, it is definitely worthwhile visiting some of the most popular and famous beaches.

(You should see the beaches of Koukounaries and Lalaria at least once!) Meanwhile, If you are looking for more peaceful spots that exude desert island vibes, consider stopping by Diamandis beach and Katharina beach. 

Another critical thing to consider is the time of year that you are traveling. Skiathos is the most popular island in the Sporades archipelago and it sees more and more tourists with every passing year. 

It is known as “the boomerang Island” on account of the fact that so many people visit Skiathos, fall completely in love with it, and return again and again each following year.

That is understandable as Skiathos is beautiful. However, visiting the best beaches on Skiathos between late June and early September often means that some places are very crowded. 

Sometimes, you may have to set out early in the morning in order to secure the best sunbed or patch of sand on some of the most crowded beaches. If your schedule allows, you may want to consider traveling to Skiathos slightly out of season. 

For example, in May or in late September/early October. At this time, the temperatures are still warm and sunny and perfect for swimming and snorkeling. 

However, you see a fraction of the crowds. The other benefits of traveling at this time are that flights, excursions, car rentals, and accommodation prices are often cheaper. 

You may even find the shoulder season temperatures preferable. Greece does get very hot during the summer months. (Think temperatures of 35°C and up).

Diamandis beach 

Diamandis beach, Skiathos

Diamandis beach is a stunning stretch of coastline that is situated in the Kanapitsa region, on Skiathos island’s west coast. This intimate, secluded beach can only be accessed by following a narrow footpath that leads through the surrounding woodland. 

During the summer months, one of the beach bars in Skiathos operates here and taxi boats run to the area from Skiathos town port. It is possible to rent a sunbed and an umbrella at Diamandis beach for just €10. 

Diamandis is not the most easily accessible beach on the island and few people are aware of the woodland trail that leads you to it from the road. As such, it is often overlooked by a lot of visitors to Skiathos.

Out of season, you can come here and have the entire place to yourself. The beach is encompassed by dense pine forests and dramatic cliffs. 

Vromolimnos beach

Skiathos beaches: Vromolimnos beach
Skiathos beaches: Vromolimnos beach

Lovely Vromolimnos beach is situated in the southern part of Skiathos, some 8km away from the town. You can access the beach via a short, pleasant woodland walk from Kanapitsa, or from the nearby resort of Kolios. 

This is perhaps one of the most naturally stunning beaches in Skiathos. Vromolimnos sits within a calm bay, backed by a pine forest. The clear, tranquil waters are perfect for swimming. The sand is fine and golden.

Vromolimnos is popular among the young and beautiful in Skiathos. During the summer months, the beach bars here serve an array of cocktails, snacks, and refreshments, and play out bass-thumping music. 

Katharina beach

Best beaches in Skiathos: Katharina beach, Maratha
Best beaches in Skiathos: Katharina beach, Maratha

Katharina beach is a lesser-known area that is tucked away from view in the “Maratha” area of southwestern Skiathos. To reach it, you need to follow an overgrown woodland trail that veers off from the section of Skiathos ring road that connects Troulos and Koukounaries. 

This little beach exudes real desert island paradise vibes – particularly if you travel before the peak summer months when it is completely empty. The cove is encompassed by dense woodland and unique rock formations. 

The shallow waters here are clear, and shimmer beneath the sun in gorgeous shades of blue and green. Katharina beach is a little tricky to get to as the path is overgrown and not very easy to spot from the road. 

There is some amount of clambering involved, and the path that leads down to the coast is quite steep. Fortunately, some helpful person has left a rope here to make getting to the beach easier. However, you should be careful if climbing down alone. 

Kanapitsa “hidden” beach 

"Hidden" beach of Kanapitsa
“Hidden” beach of Kanapitsa

The Kanapitsa region has several gorgeous beaches that are never as crowded as some others on the island as they are a little trickier to get to. One to add to your radar is the “hidden” beach that awaits at the end of a private residential street. 

First of all, don’t let the fact that the beach sits at the end of a private road deter you. The beach is not private property and it is publicly open to all. 

Encompassed by craggy rocks and dramatic cliffs, the beach will have you feeling like Tom Hanks in Castaway! The clear turquoise waters here are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

You can swim around the coast here to a small rocky cove at Cape Kanapitsa that is inaccessible by foot. This is one of the best beaches on Skiathos if you like to escape the crowds.  

Ligaries beach

Best beaches on Skiathos
Best beaches on Skiathos

The northern part of Skiathos island is altogether more wild and rugged than the south. This area is less developed and sees fewer visitors due to its distance from the main towns and resort areas. 

Ligaries beach is a beautiful, long sandy stretch of coastline. Sunbed rentals are available here, and there is a little taverna situated on the lush green hillside where you can grab a bite to eat after a day’s swimming. 

Ligaries beach is a little tricky to reach. An ill-maintained dirt trail brings you to the coast. 

However, this is not ideal for driving along if you have a standard rental car. It is preferable to drive to the beach via quad bike or jeep or to hike here by following one of the designated Skiathos trails.   

Tsougria Island 

Tsougria is not a Skiathos beach, it is a little island nearby. However, it is worth mentioning here as it is one of the most breathtaking places in the Sporades, and a popular excursion from Skiathos town during the summer months. 

Tsougria is an uninhabited island that sits off the southern coast of Skiathos, between Skiathos and Skopelos island. You can see its lush green landscapes as you look out to see from Megali Ammos, Kanapitsa, and other parts of the island’s south coast. 

From June onwards, daily catamarans connect Skiathos with Tsougria. It is also possible to get here independently if you opt to rent your own boat. 

The waters here are more reminiscent of something that you would expect to see in the Caribbean, rather than in Europe! Boats to Tsougria drop you off in the same place. 

However, there is another beach that you can get to by walking through the woods which is well worth the effort. The quaint church of Agios Floros is a great place for photos – it is perched atop a cliff and offers stunning views over the Aegean sea.

Troulos Beach

Skiathos beaches: Troulos
Skiathos beaches: Troulos

Troulos beach is the namesake beach of Troulos resort town. This gorgeous blue flag coastal area is a convenient place to enjoy the sun and sea if you are staying close to Troulos during your time in Skiathos.

The name “Troulos” means “dome” in Greek. The beach takes its name from the uninhabited islet that can be seen from the shore which exists in the form of a church dome.

Troulos beach gets very busy between June and September. Yet the crowds do not detract from its charm.

Here you have all the amenities you need for a day at the beach. For instance, sunbed and water equipment rentals, a lifeguard on hand, and a range of excellent tavernas and bars nearby.

Lalaria Beach 

Countless guidebooks, magazines, and travel media have referred to Lalaria beach as being one of Greece’s very best beaches. It can be found on the northeastern tip of the island and is only accessible via a boat trip from Skiathos port.

Boat trips cost upwards of €10 per person.  

The unusual landscapes and rock formations here make Lalaria appear otherworldly and almost ethereal. Here, colossal white cliffs extend out from the sea forming unique shapes and a natural bridge arch. 

There are no sunbeds or facilities on Lalaria. It can get busy with boat-tripping tourists during July and August. However, it is one of the most gorgeous natural paradises on the island. 

If you choose to rent your own boat during your time on Skiathos, you can also sail out to the blue and dark caves nearby. 

Agia Paraskevi Beach

Best beaches on Skiathos island
Best beaches on Skiathos island

Agia Paraskevi beach is a stunning, crescent-moon-shaped bay that takes its name from the nearby Agia Paraskevi church. Both are very worthy of your time and attention. 

Agia Paraskevi church is a tiny little stone church hidden beneath an abundance of poplar trees. Its interiors are adorned with beautiful, vibrant frescoes. 

Churches in Greece that are named after a patron saint host celebrations on that Saint’s name day. The day of St Paraskevi takes place every year on the 27th of July. 

On this day, a huge feast is held in the churchyard. Locals and churchgoers tuck into an array of sumptuous marinated meats, local wines, and Greek pastries. Do stop by if you find yourself on the island at this time. 

The nearby church aside, Agia Paraskevi beach is one of the best beaches in Skiathos. Its waters are warm, inviting, and crystal clear. Its sands are fine, soft, and golden. 

Sun loungers and equipment rentals are available here. So too, are watersports equipment items, boats, and jet skis. 

This is an extremely popular beach during the Greek summer months and as such, it is often crowded. If you’re visiting Greek islands in October and onwards though, you will have gorgeous Agia Paraskevi almost entirely to yourself.  

Kastro beach

Kastro beach is one of the most breathtaking beaches on the north coast of Skiathos. It is approximately 8.5km north of Skiathos town, and within walking distance of the Kastro historical site.

The beach isn’t on the bus route so if you do not have access to a vehicle, you will have to take a cab from the main port. Alternatively, nature lovers will love the scenic hiking trails that weave through the woodlands and olive groves in this more rugged part of the island.

However, do note, it takes approximately 2 hours to walk from Skiathos town to Kastro on foot in each direction. (So perhaps you can consider taking a taxi there and then walking back in the late afternoon).

You also need to navigate your way down a few steep steps to get to the shore. Still, the warm waters and soft sand that greets you here make it worth the effort.

There is a traditional tavern situated right by the coastline here. Here, you can indulge in Greek food favourites, fresh squid, and sumptuous seafood dishes prepared with the day’s latest catches.

As you sit on the little colorful wooden chairs here, you have unparalleled views of the sea, and you can watch as the blue waters of the Aegean lap against the shore. Aristotelis, the owner, and his wife are very hospitable and are always happy to chat with travellers about their time on Skiathos.

Megali Ammos beach

Megali Ammos is one of the most well-known “city beaches” in Skiathos. This long, serviced sprawl is situated just over a mile away from the town and as such, it often gets very crowded in the high season.

The views out to sea from Megali Ammos are some of the best on the island. From here you can see Skopelos, Cape Kanapitsa, and the uninhabited island of Tsougria all in the distance.

Koukounaries Beach

Koukounaries beach is one of the best Skiathos beaches. However, with that, it is also one of the busiest. 

Koukounaries is characterised by fine powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and pine forests. Not only is this stretch of coastline one of the most beloved in the Sporades, it was also recently recognised as being the best natural beach in the entire Mediterranean. 

This area is very well organised. The seafront promenade is lined with tavernas and restaurants. There are also many hotels and accommodation options in the area. 

Since the beach is often crowded, it may not be what everyone is looking for, particularly if you are looking for a peaceful Greek island retreat. If you prefer a calmer environment, head to Diamandis, or schedule your Skiathos trip for May or September, rather than July and August. 

Tzaneria Beach (Sklithri) 

Tzaneria beach is the first stretch of coastline you encounter when you enter the Kanapitsa Bay area of eastern Skiathos. A water taxi connects the beach with Skiathos town

A pleasant way to spend a day is to walk along the entirety of the Kanapitsa region, stopping by each local beach as you go. Namely, starting at Tzaneria beach, walking past Kanapitsa beach to Diamandis beach, and then on to Vromolimnos, spending a little time on each. 

Tzaneria beach is set in a sheltered bay surrounded by pine trees. The waters are generally calm, clear, and perfect for swimming in. 

During the summer months, sunbeds and umbrellas line the beach and are available to rent. Tzaneria often gets crowded. 

One major draw of Tzaneria for many is its excellent fish tavernas that are right on the seafront. Their menus serve up an array of sumptuous dishes prepared with the freshest local catches. 

Mandraki Beach 

Mandraki beach can be found on Skiathos’ west coast. If you want to escape the crowds, this is a place to have on your radar. 

The sandy beach here extends for miles and miles as far as the eye can see. Even in the height of summer, it is easy to set down your towel here and have areas of coastline all to yourself. 

This is perhaps because Mandraki is not all that easy to access; It is connected to Koukounaries by a dirt trail that isn’t great for vehicles. The beach is not organised and boasts no tourist facilities. However, there is a small canteen that sells drinks and refreshments. 

Banana Beach 

Skiathos’ Banana beach is separated into two distinct parts: little banana and big banana. The unusual name has been awarded to this stretch of coastline on account of its curved shape. 

The main part of the beach is organised, lined with sunbeds and tiki-style umbrellas. During the summer months, beach parties with live DJs are often hosted at big banana beach. 

It is the place to see and be seen if you are young, attractive, and Mediterranean. Parties and events here often continue all night and well into the next morning. 

Little Banana beach offers quite a different experience. At the end of ¨big¨ Banana beach, you can follow a narrow dirt trail leading past a huge rock. 

The quiet cove with crystalline waters that awaits on the other side is the little banana beach. Little banana beach is one of the most popular naturist-friendly beaches in Skiathos. 

Achladies 

Achladies beach is a long stretch of sandy coastline just 4km away from Skiathos town. Many resorts, hotels, and tavernas can be found on the road that runs parallel to Achladies. 

Achladies may not have the same jaw-dropping natural beauty as say, Lalaria or Diamandis. However, itś a nice, peaceful stretch of sandy coast. 

The ambiance here is particularly beautiful at sunset. You can sit by the sea as you watch the sun dip behind the uninhabited island of Tsougkriaki. 

FAQs about the Best Beaches on Skiathos Island

Best beaches on Skiathos
Best beaches on Skiathos

Do you have any further questions about the best beaches on Skiathos island? The answers to some frequently asked questions on the topic are detailed below.

Hopefully, you will find the information that you are looking for there. If not, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

What is the most beautiful beach in Skiathos?

Lalaria is arguably the most beautiful beach in Skiathos. It is known for its unique rock formations and archways. 

This beach is the classic postcard image of the beach is one of the most famous images of Greece. Its shore is filled with small white pebble beaches. 

However, if you are looking for sandy Skiathos beaches, you will also find Koukounaries, Diamandis, Troulos, and Kanapitsa beaches to be among the best beaches in Skiathos. 

Does Skiathos have nice beaches?

Skiathos has many gorgeous beaches. Some are pebbled, and others boast golden sands. 

What is the best small beach in Skiathos?

Katharina beach is arguably one of the best small, lesser-known beaches in Skiathos. You can access it via a small woodland trail that veers off from the roadside near Koukounaries. 

Unless you specifically knew Katharina beach was there, you would never find it. The beach can be reached with the aid of a downhill rope. 

Kanapitsa beach and Diamandis beach are more accessible small beaches.

What beaches in Skiathos have natural shade?

Xenia beach has plenty of natural shade where you can duck beneath pine and palm trees to escape the sun’s intensity. Troulos and Maratha beaches are very shaded too. 

Not to mention, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for the day at many of the serviced beaches on the island. 

Final thoughts on the best beaches on Skiathos island

Skiathos beaches: Vromolimnos
Skiathos beaches: Vromolimnos

Do you have any additional questions about visiting Skiathos beaches? Most of the places on this list are serviced by the excellent and convenient Skiathos bus, making them very easy to get to.

I have been living in Greece since 2017 and spent three months based in Skiathos last year.

I am happy to answer any queries about planning a trip to Greece that you may have. If you are headed to Skiathos, you might also be interested in this post on Mamma Mia filming locations in the area, or this post on the best beaches in neighbouring Skopelos.

Safe travels! Geia sou, Melissa xo


highheelsandabackpack

Alice Cooper is a British Travel Writer and Blogger based in Athens, Greece. She writes for numerous high profile travel publications across the globe - including Forbes Travel Guide, Matador Network, The Times of Israel and The Huffington Post.

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