Skiathos

Skiathos is the Sporades island that combines the finest sandy beaches in the Aegean with a cosmopolitan island-town atmosphere and excellent sailing conditions that have made it one of the most popular summer destinations among Greek islanders and international visitors alike. The island is small enough (64 square kilometres) to explore fully by scooter or quad bike. Koukounaries beach, on the southwest coast, is widely considered the finest in the Sporades — a long sweep of golden sand backed by a pine forest, its water brilliant clear blue. Lalaria, on the north coast (accessible only by boat or a long hiking trail), is Skiathos's most dramatic beach — white marble pebbles, water of extraordinary clarity and impressive rock arches framing the scene. The Banana beaches (large and small) and Vromolimnos are popular with younger visitors. Skiathos Town, the island's only settlement, is built on two low promontories with the harbour between them — charming, well-developed for tourists, with excellent restaurants around the waterfront and the old town. The Papadiamantis Museum, dedicated to the island's famous 19th-century author, is in his birth house. Sailing tours, fishing trips and boat excursions to nearby Skopelos (made famous by the film Mamma Mia! which was filmed there) and Alonnisos are excellent. Visit June or September for pleasant weather with fewer crowds than July and August.