The Best Skiathos beaches

Skiathos (Greece) is definitely the island of many spectacular sandy beaches. That’s why, in this short guide, we will introduce you to the best Skiathos beaches. Furthermore, you will also learn which beaches are well organised and which are not, and which are protected from the Meltemi winds, so you can know when to visit them.

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Our list of the best Skiathos Beaches

Skiathos is famous for its stunning beaches, with a wide variety to suit every taste. From lively and organized to secluded and wild, here’s a rundown of some of the best and most beautiful Skiathos beaches:

Lalaria Beach – the most scenic Skiathos beach

Often considered the most beautiful and iconic beach on Skiathos, Lalaria is known for its breathtaking scenery. It’s a non-organized beach with smooth white pebbles, dramatic white cliffs, and crystal-clear, deep blue waters. Its most famous feature is a towering stone arch, a popular spot for photos.

The catch? It’s only accessible by boat from Skiathos Town.

Tip for making Instagram photos: Morning (before midday) is the ideal time to visit during peak summer (June to mid-August) for optimal lighting and vibrant sea colors. The morning sun illuminates the beach’s white cliffs and rock arching, enhancing the turquoise and deep blue hues of the water, shining photos. The best way to reach Lalaria is by a morning boat trip from Skiathos Town, as it offers the best conditions for photography.

Overall, the best Skiathos beach is Koukounaries Beach

Koukounaries Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece. It has long stretches of golden sand and is surrounded by a pine forest. This beach is famous for its beautiful sand, called Chrisi Ammos, and its clear, turquoise waters. The gentle slope of the seabed makes it great for swimming, especially for families.

Koukounaries is well-organized, offering sunbeds, watersports, and beach bars. Behind the beach, the Strofylia Lagoon is a protected area where you can enjoy nature and birdwatching. The beach is lively and popular in Skiathos, but it also has quiet spots where you can relax away from the crowds. You can easily reach it by local bus, which goes directly to the beach, or by water taxi.

Vromolimnos Beach

Vromolimnos Beach is a popular beach on Skiathos. It has beautiful golden sand and clear, calm turquoise waters. The beach is excellent for water sports and relaxation. It is located on the south coast, about 8-10 km from Skiathos Town, and you can reach it by public bus (Bus Stop #13, then a short walk). Vromolimnos Beach is known for its stunning sunsets, which are a great time to enjoy the lively evening atmosphere.

Agia Paraskevi Beach

A large, sandy, and well-organized beach that is popular with families. The water is clear, calm, and shallow, and there are many amenities, including bars, restaurants, and water sports.

Banana Beach and Little Banana

Banana Beach and Little Banana Beach (also known as Megali Banana and Mikri Banana in Greek) are popular spots on the Kalamaki peninsula near Koukounaries.

Banana Beach is lively and attracts a younger crowd with music and beach bars. It’s great for those looking to enjoy a fun day with water sports and social activities.

Little Banana Beach is quieter and nudist-friendly. It has a relaxed, bohemian vibe and welcomes the LGBT community. This beach is smaller and offers fine sand and clear water, making it perfect for those who want to relax and sunbathe.

Both beaches face west, so they are ideal for watching beautiful sunsets. If you want the best of Skiathos’ beach life, these two beaches offer both a party atmosphere and a peaceful retreat.

Tip for LGBT visitors: If you want to meet new friends away from apps like Grindr, Little Banana Beach is a great choice. Its secluded, naturist-friendly setting creates a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Troulos Beach

Troulos Beach is another popular and well-regarded option on Skiathos, particularly known for its family-friendly atmosphere and convenient amenities. It’s located on the southern coast of the island, about 7-9 kilometers from Skiathos Town, and is easily accessible by bus. While it may not have the dramatic, wild beauty of Lalaria or its famous, postcard-perfect look of Koukounaries, Troulos is an excellent choice for a comfortable, relaxing, and enjoyable beach day with all the necessary amenities at your fingertips. It’s a fantastic all-around option that combines natural beauty with convenience, particularly for families and those looking for a laid-back vibe.

Megalos Aselinos Beach (Big Aselinos) and Mikros Aselinos Beach (Small Aselinos)

Megalos Aselinos (Big Aselinos) and Mikros Aselinos (Small Aselinos) are twin beaches known for their beautiful natural surroundings. Megalos Aselinos is larger, peaceful, and less crowded. It sits near the green foothills of Mount Kounistra and has a traditional taverna. You can rent umbrellas and sunbeds, but much of the beach is free. You can reach it by a paved road from Troulos, with a short dirt road at the end.

Mikros Aselinos is smaller and more private, offering a quiet cove experience. The clear waters and rocky areas make it suitable for snorkeling. The road to get there is rougher and ends with a steep walk from the parking area, making it harder for those with mobility issues.

Tip: Check the wind direction before you go. If the wind is from the south, you will enjoy calm weather. If the north wind, called the Meltemi, is blowing, expect large waves.

In this photo, you can see Little Banana Beach (left), Tsugrias Beach, and Mandraki Beach (Xrexi),

©I Love Skiathos

Mandraki beaches

The Mandraki area on Skiathos is a peaceful place with three beaches: Mandraki (also known as Xerxi), Elia, and Agistros. These beaches are on the north/northwest side of the island and can be reached by walking or driving on a dirt road through a beautiful pine forest. Because they are less crowded than the popular southern beaches, they are perfect for relaxation.

The sandy shores are long and golden-brown, with some low dunes. Mandraki and Elia have only a few basic facilities, like a small taverna and some sunbeds and umbrellas. They have not been heavily developed so that visitors can enjoy a natural setting.

These beaches can be affected by the Meltemi wind, which makes the sea choppy and rough. This can be fun for those who love waves, but it might be difficult for swimmers. Always check the wind forecast. If the wind blows from the south, the water will be calm and clear.

Visit Mandraki to experience the quieter and more dramatic side of Skiathos, but be prepared for windy conditions. If you want calm waters, stay on the southern coast.

Does Skiathos have any party beaches?

Skiathos has lively beaches where you can enjoy a fun, social atmosphere. However, its party scene is different from Mykonos. On Skiathos, beaches like Banana Beach attract a younger crowd with beach bars and DJs, making it a good spot for dancing and watching the sunset. Vromolimnos Beach has a trendy vibe, music, and stylish seating, while Koukounaries Beach is family-friendly during the day but has beach bars that create a lively atmosphere in the summer.
If you want vibrant beach days with music and a fun crowd, Skiathos is a great choice. For an exclusive, high-energy party scene, Mykonos is the better option.

How to get to the best Skiathos beaches?

Skiathos has an effective bus system that connects Skiathos Town (stop 0) to Koukounaries Beach (stop 26) along the southern coast. This bus is the best way to reach popular beaches like Vromolimnos (stop 13) and Banana Beach. Buses run every 10 minutes during high season, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., and a one-way ticket to Koukounaries costs around €3. Services to other parts of the island, like Evangelistria Monastery or Aselinos Beach, are less frequent.

Small boats also travel from Skiathos Old Port to several beaches on the southern coast, offering a nice sea breeze and a different view. Taxis are available but can be costly for longer trips. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore remote beaches, but be ready for potential traffic and rough roads. For popular beaches, the public bus is reliable and economical.

Winds in Skiathos

The Meltemi wind is a strong, dry, and often gusty northerly wind that blows across the Aegean Sea, including the Sporades islands. This seasonal wind is most common from May to September, peaking in intensity during July and August. While the Meltemi can bring welcome cooler temperatures and lower humidity, it can also create rough seas and make some beaches disconcerting.

When the Meltemi is blowing, it is advisable to avoid the beaches on the northern coast of Skiathos, as they are fully exposed to the wind’s force. The beaches of the north are characterized by strong winds, large waves, and rough seas, making swimming difficult and unpleasant. One such beach affected is the popular Lalaria.

The best strategy is to head to the beaches on the southern coast of Skiathos, which are sheltered from the Meltemi by the island’s mountainous interior. These southern beaches typically feature calm, shallow waters, making them ideal for swimming and sunbathing, even on windy days. Additionally, the southern part of the island of Skiathos is the most developed, offering a wide range of organized beaches.

Skiathos beaches vs. Skopelos beaches

The beaches of Skiathos and Skopelos differ significantly in composition and atmosphere. Skiathos is famous for its over 60 golden sandy beaches, especially on the southern coast, where you’ll find a lively, organized atmosphere with beach bars and water sports. Popular spots like Koukounaries and Vromolimnos are easily accessible by public bus. In contrast, Skopelos features mostly pebble beaches that offer a tranquil and natural vibe, with stunning backdrops of white cliffs and greenery. While some beaches are accessible by car or bus, many secluded coves require hiking, perfect for those seeking exploration. In summary, Skiathos is ideal for vibrant beach life, while Skopelos suits those looking for peace and natural beauty.

Note: Should you like to find out more about Skopelos beaches, we recommend reading our related guide.

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References and sources:

I love Skiathos

Photo credits:

Feature photo credits: skopelos.com