In this blog, I will give more detail about Where to stay in Skiathos, best areas to stay in Skiathos (with a map and video), the best hotels in Skiathos for all budgets (including the hotel where I stayed).
Skiathos is one of the Sporades islands, in the Aegean Sea east of the Greek Mainland. It is the westernmost island in the Group and hence closest to the Mainland. Skiathos, an island of coves and peninsulas, covers less than 30 square miles (72 square kilometers).
Skiathos Town, the Island’s capital, is the main settlement with a permanent population of around 5,000. Elsewhere on the island, there are small villages that add little more than another 1,000 to the Island’s population.
The great appeal of Skiathos is the beautiful beaches. The Island’s coastline is 27 miles on which there are more than 60 beaches, the vast majority of which are of golden sand. If you are looking for a holiday where there are gorgeous beaches, look at Skiathos. Skiathos is a beautiful island, mostly covered with pine trees and certainly not overdeveloped.
It has its own international airport that services visitors wanting to reach the other islands in the Sporades. Direct flights from the Greek Mainland and several Northern European cities are regular during the season. Ferries link the island to destinations on the Mainland including Thessaloniki.
Regular bus services can get you to all parts of Skiathos. Taxis are plentiful, cars are available for rent and many tourists hire a bike to get around. Don’t expect modern dual carriageways throughout the Island although there is a modern road along the south and east coast.
Where to Stay in Skiathos first time?
The best areas to stay in Skiathos are Skiathos Town, Megali Ammos, Vassilias, Kalamaki Peninsula, Agia Paraskevi, and Koukounaries. These are popular and safe places that offer a wide variety of attractions and amenities.
Skiathos Town is the best area in Skiathos for first-time visitors because it is the capital city and transport hub of the island, making it a great base to explore other towns and beachers. It also has widest range of hotels, restaurants, bars, shops.
The island has a wide range accommodation options, including apartments, luxury hotels, as well as family-friendly facilities for families young children.
Where did I stay in Skiathos?
When I first visited Skiathos, I stayed for 5 nights at the beautiful Mystery Skiathos Luxury Residence. It was a great hotel located in a quiet area 10 mins walk from the main street. Also easy access to the bus stop and supermarket. I had a good size room with balconies and two bedrooms, and a kitchen area.
| 💖 Best Area for First-timers: | Skiathos Town |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel: | La Piscine Art Hotel, Philian Hotels and Resorts |
| 🏨 Best mid-range hotel: | Bourtzi Hotel |
| 💰 Best budget hotel: | Babis |
Map of areas and towns in Skiathos:
Overviews of best areas to stay in Skiathos for tourists
Here is an overview of recommended areas in Skiathos for first-time visitors:
| Best areas in Skiathos for tourists | Why should you stay in this area? |
|---|---|
| Skiathos Town (Chora) | This is the island’s capital that has a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, bars, and shops here. It’s a great choice if you want easy access to the island’s amenities and enjoy a bustling atmosphere. |
| Megali Ammos | Located just a short walk from Skiathos Town, Megali Ammos offers a quieter environment while still being close to the town’s attractions. |
| Vassilias | Vassilias is a tranquil area with beautiful beaches and a few tavernas. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat but still within a short distance of Skiathos Town. |
| Achladies | Another option close to Skiathos Town, Achladies has a lovely beach and a selection of hotels and restaurants. It’s a good compromise between being close to the town’s action and enjoying a quieter atmosphere. |
| Kalamaki Peninsula | This area is known for its natural beauty and tranquility. It’s a bit farther from Skiathos Town, making it a great choice if you want to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature. |
| Vromolimnos | Vromolimnos is a beachfront area with a relaxed vibe. It’s perfect for those who want to spend their days by the sea. |
| Kolios | A quiet and picturesque village with a beautiful beach. Kolios is a great choice if you’re looking for a peaceful and authentic Greek experience. |
| Agia Paraskevi | This area is known for its golden sandy beaches and clear waters. It’s family-friendly and has a range of accommodations and dining options. |
| Troulos | Troulos offers a mix of beautiful beaches, cozy tavernas, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for couples and families. |
| Koukounaries | If you’re a beach lover, Koukounaries is famous for its stunning beach, often considered one of the best in Greece. It’s surrounded by pine forests and has a relaxed atmosphere. |
🎬 You can watch this short video about best areas in Skiathos, and continue reading:
Best Areas to stay in Skiathos for tourists are:
1. Skiathos Town
Skiathos Town, also known as Chora, is the best area in Skiathos for first-timer. It is the capital and the largest city in the Sporades, located right next to the airport and has well-connected public transportation. Skiathos Town offers plenty of markets and shops, as well as lively bars, clubs, and delicious seafood restaurants.
There are crowds in the summer, many seeking out the best of the restaurants along the waterfront. These restaurants specialize in the best of the day’s catch as well as good local produce.
The island’s capital also offers you a vibrant nightlife scene. The Ammoudi area which connects the airport and the town has the highest concentration of outdoor cafes, bars, open-air clubs, and live music venues to suit all tastes.
If you are unfamiliar with the Island, making your base here also makes sense. There are transport links to other parts of the Island for day trips after all.
Skiathos was the main location used for the popular film ‘’Mama Mia’’ and some tourists are keen to see specific landmarks used in the film. They include St. Nikolas Bell Tower (Agios Nikolaos Church) and Skiathos Old Port.
Walking around Skiathos Chora is the best way to explore the area. You will come across narrow cobbled alleyways and charming whitewashed houses with bougainvillea.
Papadiamantis Street is the main commercial street and is lined with souvenir shops, retail stores, outdoor cinemas, cafes, and restaurants. The street was named after the famous Greek writer who lived on the island, Alexandros Papadiamant. You can see his works which are displayed in the House of Papadiamantis.
The Bourtzi island fortress has an open-air theatre that sits at the center of the islet. It hosts many cultural festivals during the summer months between June and October.
In the high season area in July and August, you might have trouble finding accommodations. be sure to book far in advance if you plan to travel around this summertime. You can find some of the best hotels are in the Town.
Stay in Skiathos Town if you are first time visiting Skiathos; you enjoy vibrant nightlife; A choice of restaurants and markets is a priority; You enjoyed ‘’Mama Mia’’ and want to see some of the locations you associate with it.
Best places to stay in Skiathos Town:
luxury ($$$): La Piscine Art Hotel, Philian Hotels and Resorts, 5-star hotel located in a peaceful area, within easy walk from Skiathos city center and the harbour, offering plenty of local restaurants and tavernas. Featuring spacious rooms, a swimming pool and free breakfast, this adults-only is one of the best places to stay in Skiathos for couples and honeymooners.
mid-range ($$): Bourtzi Hotel, 4-star hotel, located just off the main street of Skiathos Town, featuring a charming courtyard with pool and sun-lounger terrace. It located within walking distance from the harbour, and numerous taverns, bars and shops.
budget ($): Babis, great family-run hotel, centrally located in Skiathos Town, in a peaceful area on top of a hill, offering free transfer service from/to the port and airport. They also help to arrange Car and motorbike hire, and free onsite car parking.
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN SKIATHOS TOWN2. Megali Ammos
The island’s longest sandy beach of Megali Ammos is a good choice for many visitors, including young children and elderly people. Its location close to Skiathos Town means that they are close to its many facilities.
Megali Ammos is in fact the Town’s public beach and gets busy in the high season simply because the Town is busy.
The facilities include the tavernas, beach bars, and restaurants but also the local markets that are so much fun. Beach bars provide refreshments for visitors to the beach by day. At nighttime, you may even decide just to walk into Skiathos Town. It is only a 15-minute walk away.
The most crowded part of this beach is at the east end and this is where you will find plenty of hotels and restaurants to choose from. The west end (Ftelia Beach) is far less developed but more natural.
Accommodation alternatives include self-catering apartments and medium to small-sized hotels. Some of them are just a few steps away from the beach
Stay in Megali Ammos if You are looking for the best places to stay in Skiathos close to Skiathos Town and its many facilities; A long beach is one of your priorities; You want the option of enjoying the nightlife in Skiathos’ main town.
Best places to stay in Megali Ammos:
- luxury ($$$): Aegean Suites, 5-star hotel, located on a hillside and overlooking the sandy beach of Megali Ammos. The hotel is one of the best places to stay in Skiathos for couples, and families with older children, aged 16 years and over.
- mid-range ($$): Skiathos Avaton Hotel, Philian Hotels & Resorts, 4-star family-friendly resort in Skiathos, located within walking distance from Megali Ammos Beach. It has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, airport transfers, and car rental service.
- budget ($): Megali Ammos House, great accommodation on Megali Ammos Beach that has family rooms, and a beachfront bar-restaurant. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach and relax.
3. Vassilias
The next beach south of Megali Ammos and down the east coast is Vassilias, just a short distance away. Some of the Island’s prettiest scenery is at Vassilias. It is not a huge beach but it is surrounded by pine trees. Coastal views are breathtaking and worth remembering by taking photographs.
The beach here is narrow and not too steep, ideal for families with children of all ages. It’s also a well-organized beach with many umbrellas, sun loungers, a beach taverna, and a wide range of water sports including water skiing, wakeboarding, and canoes.
The local bus service links Vassilias to Skiathos Town, just four miles north. Taxis are readily available as well. The journey from the airport is just 5 miles so you can be in your accommodation very soon after landing if you choose Vassilias.
There is not a huge range of accommodation in Vassilias so if you want this as your base so book early. Having said that, you will find family rooms and private apartments available.
Vassilias Beach is not huge but you are unlikely to encounter too many other people on it. You will find sun loungers and umbrellas for shade.
Stay in Vassilias if You are not too concerned about nightlife; Space on the beach is important to you; You want a setting where you can just relax and enjoy the beach and sea.
Best places to stay in Skiathos in Vassilias:
- luxury ($$$): Kassandra Bay Resort, Suites & Spa, 5-star resort that is great base for families with children of all ages and couples both young and old. It has family rooms, children’s playground and pool. Easy to find water taxi on the beach and bus no 8 close to the hotel.
- mid-range ($$): Villa Teozenia, great elf-catering studios located on a hillside on Achladies Bay in Skiathos. It is located within a short drive from Skiathos’s town centre, offering car or boat renta, as well as free 2-way transfer from Skiathos Airport.
- budget ($): Mandaniki Apartments, self-catering units located in Vassilias village of Skiathos. It has on-site free private parking which is great for those travel with a car.
4. Achladies
As you continue south down the east coast, the next place you come to is Achladies Bay. It is arguably the most popular beach on this side of the Island after you leave the Capital. You are still no significant distance from Skiathos Town with bus and taxi options if you want a day there.
The beach has golden sand, crystal clear blue water, and is backed by lush greenery. It’s a Blue Flag beach with umbrellas and sun loungers to rent and tavernas.
Its popularity is reflected by the increased amount of accommodation that is available. It ranges from apartments to resort hotels. However, you should not expect Achladies to have all the facilities you would expect of a resort.
Achladies has a nice sandy beach, albeit narrow, a beach shop, a couple of beach tavernas, as well as a couple of shops. If that is good enough for you, look more closely at Achladies. Remember you can catch a bus or take a taxi for a day trip elsewhere, including Skiathos Town. A water taxi also links Achladies to the Old Skiathos Port.
Stay in Achladies if You don’t want too many crowds; a limited choice of places to eat is not a problem; The idea of a water taxi appeals to you.
Best places to stay in Skiathos in Achladies:
- budget ($): Hadoula Studios
- budget ($): Villa Teozenia
- budget ($): Skiathos Gea Villas
5. Kalamaki Peninsula
Another place that can claim to have the Island’s prettiest scenery is the Kalamaki Peninsula down on the south coast. It has more than just gorgeous beaches; natural lovers love its walking trails. It’s a popular destination for Greeks and Germans tourists.
If you want a quiet and relaxing holiday, the Peninsula is also a place to seriously consider. Kanapitsa Bay is a popular location on the Peninsula with 3 beaches including Tzaneria, Sklithri, and Kanapitsa. It remains underdeveloped and long may that remain the case.
The town of Tzaneria provides some nightlife and a good choice of restaurants so there is little to criticize about the Peninsula. Perhaps you should consider hiring a car if you decide on this as a base for your holiday? Transport links are limited down here but you can always get a taxi from then back to the airport.
If you do find yourself craving a little more excitement, the town of Tzaneria is a little more bustling, with some nightlife and a few great restaurants.
Several beautiful beaches are on the Peninsula and it is unlikely that you will find any of them with significant crowds.
Stay in Kalamaki Peninsula if You are looking for the best area to stay in Skiathos for a quiet base; The natural environment with walking trails appeal to you; You want a choice of uncrowded beaches.
Best places to stay in Skiathos on Kalamaki Peninsula:
- budget ($): Skiathos Holidays
- budget ($): Venus Hotel
- budget ($): Vanessa Hotel
6. Vromolimnos
If you head just 5 miles southwest of Skiathos Town, you will come to one of the Island’s best beaches at Vromolimnos. It is on the western side of the Kalamaki peninsular, and south of Kolios.
Its attraction is the great sand, and the turquoise Aegean Sea waters, clear and calm. This lovely bay is a popular tourist destination and facilities include umbrellas and sun decks.
This is arguably the busiest place outside Skiathos Town for music and beach bars. As a result, it is popular with the younger generation that decides to stay on Skiathos in the high season, the summer months, July/August, particularly.
You will not find water sports on all Skiathos’ beaches, but you will here. You can even hires a boat at Vromolimnos Water Sports Centre. If you enjoy sunsets, get your camera and be ready at Vromolimnos Beach. There are plenty of taverns here close to the beach as well.
Not surprisingly, you will find plenty of accommodation alternatives in Vromolimnos. They include apartments if you want real independence but hotels if you want service. Even though the younger generation often heads here, it is also a great place for families with children.
Stay in Vromolimnos if You want some life but without staying in Skiathos Town; The availability of water sports is important; You enjoy a choice of taverns and restaurants.
Best places to stay in Vromolimnos:
budget ($): Skiathos Holidays, great accommodation in Skiathos for both families and couples, located in a forest easy walk from Vromolimnos Beach. Featuring a diving school and self-catered rooms with views of the Aegean Sea or garden. You can find a little tavern with local dishes right on the beach, and a supermarket nearby.
budget ($): Villa Elli, great beachfront hotel, conveniently located only a few steps from Vromolimnos Beach, and within short distance from Kolios Beach and Agia Paraskevi Beach. It offers rooms for singles, couples, families, and group of friends.
budget ($): Villa Christina Skiathos, beachfront accommodation that has free private parking and free WiFi and family rooms.
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN VROMOLIMNOS7. Kolios
Kolios, near Vromolimnos, has managed to retain a traditional feel. If you want decent facilities yet get a true flavour of the Island, Kolios is a place for you.
The village is certainly picturesque and you can imagine life has not changed much there over the years. Explore the winding streets with their traditional Greek houses. It seems a world away from busy Skiathos Town even though it is just 5 miles away. A day trip to the Capital is still very easy as an alternative activity.
There is a beautiful beach and casual tavernas where you can sit and enjoy a variety of refreshments.
If you head inland, you will see plenty of olive trees that produce the olive oil you will find on your table each evening as you enjoy dinner.
Stay in Kolios if You want to experience what local life on Skiathos has been for many years; Tourist crowds do not appeal to you; You want a pleasant beach and casual tavernas and bars.
Best places to stay in Skiathos in Kolios:
- budget ($): Villa Karina
- budget ($): Kolios View
- budget ($): Pandora Studios Skiathos
8. Agia Paraskevi
Just a short distance west of Kolios, you reach Agia Paraskevi which is arguably the best Skiathos ‘’resort’’ for families with young children. The appeal is both the beach but just as importantly the calm, shallow waters. Nervous swimmers have nothing to fear in these waters.
Older children will find different water sports here so they will not get bored. This sandy beach is definitely amongst the best beaches on Skiathos, and among the most popular.
At the western end, you will find several luxury hotels with spacious rooms, sea views, and outdoor pools. The eastern end is for those who enjoy walking and do not expect too much development. The marshland between town and beach is well worth exploring.
Platanias is the town where you will find small and medium-sized hotels, shopping and restaurants.
Stay in Agia Paraskevi if You are looking for an ideal location for a family summer holiday, whatever the age of the children; Water sports are an important part of the holiday; You are looking for quality accommodation; Walking and exploring must be an option.
Best places to stay in Skiathos in Agia Paraskevi:
- luxury ($$$): Skiathos Princess, 5-star hotel, one of the best resorts in Skiathos for families and couples. Featuring private beach area and elegant rooms with stunning views of sea or garden. There are children’s playground or kid’s club for chidren of all ages.
- mid-range ($$): Magic Hotel, 4-star family-run hotel set on a hillside, only 250 metres from Agia Paraskevi Beach. Featuring comfortable rooms, it is a great base for both families and couples.
- budget ($): Paris Studios & Apartment, great accommodation located within walking distance from Agia Paraskevi Beach in Skiathos. Offering self-catered rooms with air conditioning and a balcony with views of gardens.
9. Troulos
Troulos may not be as big as Agia Paraskevi but it is another place for families to consider for their summer holidays. The beach is beautiful and there are casual bars and cafes close at hand, with closing time late. That does not make Troulos a noisy base, however.
Troulos does not attract crowds but that is one of its appeals. Troulos is close to the main road so it has excellent connections with the rest of the Island. It means it is marginally busier than it would otherwise be, but not excessively so.
Toulouse is a five-minute walk inland from its beach. The accommodation choices are mostly along the road linking the beach to the village.
Stay in Troulos if You want a good place for a family holiday; Transport connections with the rest of Skiathos are good; You are happy with casual bars and cafes.
Best places to stay in Skiathos in Troulos:
- mid-range ($$): La Luna Hotel
- mid-range ($$): Villa Zaharo and Lilian Apartments
- budget ($): Almira Hotel
10. Koukounaries
Many reviews of Skiathos mention Koukounaries as the most beautiful beach of many beautiful beaches. Koukounaries Beach has lovely powdery sand on to which the lovely clear Aegean waters laps. The beach lies between two hills, surrounded by pine forest. You are in the southwest of Skiathos, the furthest point from Skiathos Town.
You have the choice of visiting a cafe for a snack and cold drink or heading to a top-quality restaurant where the seafood is the most popular thing on the menu. It does mean that Koukounaries is busy, especially in the high season, so why not go shoulder season? If you want a particular hotel in the high season, you will need to book early.
There are some lovely walks starting at Koukounaries so you can avoid the crowds but take plenty of water with you. You may just walk to two less busy stretches of sand, Banana Beach and Little Banana Beach although that is a nudist beach.
Stay in Koukounaries if You want plenty of alternatives on how to spend your days; You do not mind crowds; Quality dining is important to you.
Best places to stay in Skiathos in Koukounaries:
luxury ($$$): ELIVI Skiathos, 5-star hotel, one of the best resorts in Skiathos island, ideal base for both families and couples. It is surrounded by a pine-tree forest with views of Koukounaries Beach. The hotel offers easy access to the beaches of Koukounaries & Banana.
mid-range ($$): Mandraki Village Boutique Hotel, 4-star hotel situated in the protected area of the Strofilia Lake, easy distance from the famus Koukounaries Beach.
budget ($): Aelia Studios, great self-catering accommodation with views over the Aegean Sea and Strofilia Lake. Easy access to Koukounaries Beach, featuring rooms for couples and families. Close to Koukounaries Beach, Banana Beach, and Agia Eleni Beach.
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN KOUKOUNARIESWhat is the Best Area to Stay in Skiathos?
If you want to be able to combine a beach holiday with plenty of facilities and activities, Skiathos Town*** is a good choice, or certainly the nearby district of Megali Ammos*** and its beach. That said, nowhere is too far away on Skiathos and Koukounaries*** is definitely worth consideration. The resorts on the south coast are ideal for families, whatever the age of the children.
Is Skiathos a Party Island?
Skiathos would not be your first choice if you want to party but that does not mean everything closes early. Skiathos Town has nightclubs and although there are clubs elsewhere, fear not. Tavernas, bars, and cafes often stay open late at night and some will even organise parties on the beach.
Is Skiathos Expensive?
Skiathos is more expensive than some other popular Mediterranean tourist destinations. However, there is plenty for the budget traveller whether it is accommodation or daily living expenses.
Which Is Better, Skiathos or Skopelos?
Skopelos is a larger island than Skiathos but not as developed. It is more rugged as well so your decision is based upon what you want for a holiday. With its many beaches and decent tourist infrastructure, Skiathos is currently far more popular.
See more:
- Best areas to Stay in Mykonos
- Best areas to Stay in Kos
- Best areas To Stay in Corfu
- Best areas to Stay in Kefalonia
- Best areas to Stay in Lefkada
- Best areas To Stay In Milos
In conclusion, kiathos Town, Megali Ammos, Vassilias, Vromolimnos, Kolios, Agia Paraskevi, Troulos, and Koukounaries are the best places to stay in Skiathos for tourists. These are popular resort towns on the island, offering plenty of things to do and see for visitors.
Overall, Skiathos Town is the best area in Skiathos for first-timers. It’s home to some of the island’s best hotel, nightlife, shopping, and dining. Staying here offers easy access to the famous attractions and tourist amenities.