Where to Stay in Skiathos

Greece › Skiathos Best Places to Stay
By Santorini Dave

Treetop sea views at Magic Hotel, a fantastic midrange option near Skiathos Town and walkable to Agia Paraskevi Beach.

See Also
• Best Beaches in Skiathos

Skiathos is situated in the Sporades – a cluster of 24 islands off the east coast of mainland Greece in the northwest Aegean Sea. The most cosmopolitan island in the Sporades, Skiathos is hilly and lush, heavily forested with pine, oak, and olive trees.

Skiathos has impressive and pristine beaches, a lively town center in Skiathos Town, and an international airport conveniently located just two kilometers from the main town. The Bourtzi, a pine-treed peninsula, sits along Skiathos Town’s picturesque harborfront and is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll featuring a naval museum, a café, and wonderful views of town.

Skiathos Town waterfront, viewed from the Bourtzi peninsula.

The island’s south coast is home to luxurious hotels and organized beaches with tavernas and bars. Skiathos has an excellent public bus system that provides frequent service along its touristy south coast. The northern part of the island is rugged and uninhabited, with walking trails, the island’s four monasteries, and many wild and remote beaches that are accessible only by boat.

Koukounaries is the best beach on Skiathos, located a 20-minute drive from Skiathos Town. There are no hotels directly on Koukounaries Beach but there are many within walking distance, such as the wonderful Mandraki Village Boutique Hotel and Elivi.

A fun way to explore is by doing a boat tour around the island with swim and snorkel opportunities at the best spots, like Lalaria Beach and Tsougrias Island. (Go to the harbor in Skiathos Town to find tour boats).

Getting To and Around Skiathos

Skiathos has a modern international airport (JSI) serving regular direct flights to Skiathos from Athens, the UK, and major cities in Europe in the summer months. From mainland Greece, ferries depart from Volos, Thessaloniki, and Agios Konstantinos. Skiathos is also connected by ferry to Skopelos and Alonnisos.

The island is small at just 12 km (7 miles) long and 6 km (3 miles) wide, and is easy to navigate by car. The major roads are paved and in good condition. Bus service on the island’s touristy south coast is impressive, with frequent service throughout the day and evening. Bus stops are conveniently numbered from 0 to 26; Bus stop 0 is in Skiathos Town on the east coast, and service ends at stop 26 on the west coast at Koukounaries, the island’s most famous beach.

The Best Places to Stay in Skiathos

Ammos is the beachside seafood restaurant and bar at Princess Resort, one of the best beach resorts on the island and our top pick for families.

• Best Luxury Hotels on Skiathos
  Bourtzi Hotel (Skiathos Town) • Golden King Villas (near Vassilias Beach) • Mystery Luxury Residence (Skiathos Town)
• Best Boutique Hotels on Skiathos
  Aegean Suites (Megali Ammos, adults only) • Mandraki Village Boutique Hotel (Koukounaries) • Bourtzi Hotel (Skiathos Town)
• Best Hotels for Couples on Skiathos
  La Piscine Art Hotel (Skiathos Town, adults only) • Kassandra Bay Resort (Vassilias Beach) • Atrium Hotel (Platania Bay)
• Best Beach Resorts on Skiathos
  Princess Resort (Agia Paraskevi Beach) • Kassandra Bay Resort (Vassilias Beach)
• Best Midrange Hotels on Skiathos
  Magic Hotel (Agia Paraskevi)
• Best Hotel for Families on Skiathos
  Princess Resort (Agia Paraskevi)
• Best Hotel for Solo Travelers in a central location
  Meltemi (Skiathos Town)

Best Places on Skiathos for…

• Where to Stay on Skiathos for First-Timers: Skiathos Town
  Skiathos Town (Chora) makes a great base for a holiday vacation and is one of the prettiest towns in the Aegean with charming whitewashed houses, cobble stone laneways, traditional tavernas, cocktail bars, museums, churches, and designer boutiques. Its lively waterfront and bustling marina make it an excellent choice for first-time visitors and a fantastic base for exploring the island. In the evenings, an open-air cinema runs new releases, plus the ever-popular Mamma Mia! movie night where crowds can sing along under the stars.

  Two of the closest beaches to Skiathos Town are Megali Ammos Beach and Vassilias Beach. Shuttle boats and water taxis depart Skiathos Port to a variety of the beaches including Vassilias Beach, Kanapitsa Beach, and Koukounaries Beach.

• Where to Stay on Skiathos for Couples or Honeymooners: Skiathos Town, Vassilia Beach, Platania Bay
  Skiathos Town is your best bet for couples who are shoppers, foodies, or want nightlife into the wee hours – try La Piscine Art Hotel. Vassilias Beach is your best bet for couples who want beautiful beaches that aren’t overly noisy or crowded – we recommend Kassandra Bay Resort. Platania Bay is your best bet for couples who want a quiet retreat — stay at the Atrium Hotel.


A stroll along the Bourtzi peninsula in Skiathos Town.

• Where to Stay on Skiathos for Water Activities: Koukounaries Beach, Vromolimnis Beach, Vassilias Beach
  Koukounaries Beach, Vromoloimnis Beach, and Vassilias Beach are the best beaches for watersports, offering rentals of: SUPs, water skis, wakeboards, jet skis, tubes, extreme rides, sofa rides, wind surfing, canoes and kayaks, pedalos, and “splash” sail boats designed for teenagers. Boat hire and boat rentals are also available. Koukounaries Beach offers a Scuba Diving Center, Vassilias Beach offers lessons in various water sports.
• Where to Stay on Skiathos for Families: Agia Paraskevi, Koukounaries
  Agia Paraskevi is a small village on the southern coast located 7 km southwest of Skiathos Town. The area features one of the best beaches — Agia Paraskevi Beach, a smattering of small country homes, and small to mid-size hotels. It’s a quiet area and great for families where you can walk to a few tavernas and stay at beachside resorts like the family-friendly Princess Resort with its sprawling lawns, outdoor play area, and family rooms. It is also convenient to a variety of water activities like waterskiing, jet skiing, and boat hire.

  Koukounaries is incredibly scenic and is a much larger beach than Agia Paraskevi. It’s also a great area for families, though there are no hotels directly on Koukounaries Beach. A lovely boutique hotel with an outdoor pool, walkable to the beach, is the Mandraki Village Boutique Hotel.

• Where to Stay on Skiathos without a Car: Skiathos Town (Chora)
  Bustling and attractive Skiathos Town (aka Chora) is easy to navigate on foot. The island’s only ferry port is located in Skiathos Town and is mere steps from great restaurants, shops, and hotels. For a great hotel in a fantastic central location, try the Meltemi.

  Skiathos also has an excellent bus system along its south coast where the best beaches are located. The main bus route is between Skiathos Town and Koukounaries Beach with 26 bus stops along the way. The buses are modern and air conditioned (look for a big white modern bus or there are a few of the former green buses as well). Bus ticket kiosks are located at stops 0, 4, and Koukounaries Beach stop #26. Otherwise, tickets can be purchased from the bus driver. Some of the bus stops have shelters, some not.

Aegean Sea views from Black Olive, poolside all-day restaurant at Kassandra Bay Resort near Vassilias Beach.

Skiathos vs Skopelos

• Skiathos is more commercially developed than Skopelos, which has a more traditional, laid-back vibe.
• Skiathos Town has a vibrant nightlife with a mix of bars, pubs, and some clubs on “bar street” just beyond the yacht marina; Skopelos Town has some small bars, both modern and traditional.
• Skiathos beaches have fine golden sand, while Skopelos beaches generally have a bed of fine pebbles/rocks.
• Skiathos has an international airport which is close (2 km) to the island’s bustling main town, Skiathos Town. Skopelos has no airport.

The 6 Best Areas on Skiathos for Tourists

1. Skiathos Town

The island’s attractive capital and main hub, Skiathos Town has a lively waterfront with charming tavernas, cafes, and bars nestled along cobble-stoned lanes. Boutique designer shops and local goods are found in pretty whitewashed buildings lining the maze of narrow pathways. It is easy to get to nearby beaches, such as Megali Ammos and Vassilias, and tour boats along the bustling harbor provide access to the further-flung Lalaria Beach and Tsougrias Island.

Skiathos Town has a vibrant nightlife. Additionally, Skiathos Garden Theatre is an open-air theatre with performing arts and dance theatre (5-7 nights per week), a 5-min walk from the harborfront. The Mamma Mia! movie also plays at an open-air cinema in the town center.

Two heritage museums are in town: Skiathos Spiti Museum provides a glimpse into the history of Skiathos; and the museum and former home of Alexandros Papadiamantis, a famous Greek novelist, showcases his books and family memorabilia.

The Bourtzi is a tiny peninsula in the middle of Skiathos Town that divides the old port from the new port. The Bourtzi is home to a Maritime Cultural Museum, a seaside restaurant, and a scenic walking path that encircles the peninsula.

• Best Hotels in Skiathos Town
  Bourtzi Hotel • Mystery Luxury Residence • La Piscine Art Hotel

2. Koukounaries

Koukounaries is known for its stunning sandy beach and shallow gin-clear waters, and is a popular destination for beach lovers. The area is lush with pine trees, and is home to a rare species of pine known by the same name.

A well-organized beach with no shortage of sunbeds or snack bars, Koukounaries can be very busy in peak summer season. Watersports, boat rentals, and boat hires are plentiful, plus there’s a scuba diving center. The beautiful golden sand at Koukounaries is very fine slopes gradually into the water, making this a great beach for families.

Behind the beach is a path that leads to a small lake, Koukounaries Lagoon (aka Lake Strofylia). The wetland attracts many visitors for opportunities to spot migratory birds and water turtles.

There are several accommodation options nearby (though none are directly on the beach). The main highway ends at Koukounaries, and this is the last stop on the public bus route.

• Best Hotels in Koukounaries
  Mandraki Village Boutique Hotel • Elivi

3. Banana Beach

Banana Beach is peaceful and pristine, located just 1 km (15-minute walk) beyond Koukounaries. Banana Beach has golden sand, blue waters, and several beach bars. New development in the area has changed the vibe at Banana Beach from its earlier party-atmosphere reputation. No public vehicular traffic is allowed past a locked gate, except for guests who are staying at the Elivi Resort.

• Best Luxury Hotel in Banana Beach
  Elivi Skiathos Nest Villas & Suites

4. Troulos

Troulos offers a rustic countryside setting and a laid-back vibe, a 20-minute drive from bustling Skiathos Town. This small, quiet village, surrounded by olive groves and pine forests, offers a small selection of restaurants and accommodation options. The sandy beach has calm waters and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a more tranquil vacation.

• Best Luxury Hotel in Troulos
  La Luna Hotel

5. Agia Paraskevi

Agia Paraskevi offers a quiet oasis away from the crowds with a picturesque beach, nestled in a sheltered bay, with gold sand and shallow waters, making it ideal for families with young children. Nearby, you’ll find several hotels, villas, and apartments, as well as a few tavernas and bars.

• Best Luxury Hotels in Agia Paraskevi
  Princess Resort (beachside location) • Atrium Hotel (10-min walk to the beach) • Magic Hotel (5-minute walk to the beach)

6. Megali Ammos

Megali Ammos Beach is the closest beach to Skiathos Town which means quick access to the best selection of eateries, bars, and quirky shops in the island’s busy and vibrant capital. Megali Ammos has water sports rentals, sunbeds, and a variety of tavernas and beach bars—a good choice for those who want to combine beach relaxation with the convenience of being close to town.

• Best Luxury Hotels in Megali Ammos
  Aegean Suites (adults-only)

Atrium Hotel near Agia Paraskevi Beach has a charming casual sea-view restaurant, plus six room categories ranging from cozy doubles to roomy suites and maisonettes.

The 12 Best Hotels in Skiathos, Greece

1. Mystery Luxury Residence – Skiathos Town

Elegant 10-suite hotel away from the crowds and 8-minute walk from Skiathos town center and the ferry port. Small swimming pool. Rooms are spacious featuring marble bathrooms, hardwood floors, mini-bars, wet bars, sleeper sofas, and private furnished balconies. Executive suites have outdoor jacuzzis with lovely views and the top-end (apartment-like) grand villa suite has its own private terrace. Breakfast provided.

2. Bourtzi Hotel – Skiathos Town

Located in the heart of Skiathos Town and just steps to shopping, restaurants, and night life. Modern boutique hotel features immaculate, contemporary, colorful rooms with mini-bars, fridges, bathtubs (some), and furnished balconies. Larger superior rooms have marble floors and overlook a courtyard swimming pool. Convenient (3-minute walk) to the ferry port for departures to neighboring Skopelos. Buffet breakfast enjoyed poolside. Their stylish café/bar fronts a buzzy pedestrian-only shopping area. Close proximity to Megali Ammos Beach, 10-minute walk.

3. Magic Hotel – Agia Paraskevi

Set on a hill, 6 km away from Skiathos Town, the hotel has swimming pool with a mellow pool bar and separate children’s pool. Rooms are nicely decorated and have mini-fridge and balcony with either sea or garden view. Deluxe rooms add pretty 4-poster beds and bathtubs. Superior Suites have a bedroom and whirlpool bath. Junior Suites feature a loft, offer the best views, and are ideal for families located on the top floor of uppermost building – note lots of stairs to climb. The on-site restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner. Walkable to several tavernas, and Paraskevi Beach is 250 m. Onsite gym.

4. Princess Resort – Agia Paraskevi

Modern kid-friendly resort on a private beach with large swimming pool + children’s pool, and free Kids Club program – great for families. Nestled on the sandy shores of Agia Paraskevi Beach with a beach restaurant and comfy sunbeds. Classy and stylish rooms have private terraces and marble bathrooms. Family-rooms, most are ground-level with private wooden patios and direct access to manicured lawns, feature garden views and can sleep 4. Larger families have an option to add an adjoining room. Top-end suites, some with private pool or jacuzzi, feature sea views and have a sitting area and verandah. Onsite spa, and complimentary fitness classes including aqua gym. Bus stop in front of hotel.

5. Meltemi by Manthos Hotels – Skiathos Town

Cozy and contemporary three-story hotel located front-and-center on the harborfront promenade in bustling Skiathos Town. Steps to the ferry port, tour boats, charming tavernas, boutique shops, and taxi stand. Double and triple rooms and suites have touch panel room controls, balconies, and sea views. Economy single rooms are great for solo travelers. Hotel is open year round, except January.

6. Mandraki Village Boutique Hotel – Koukounaries

A short walk from the island’s famous Koukounaries Beach and 12 km from Skiathos Town, this stylish and charming hotel set in an acre of lush gardens has an outdoor pool, pool snack bar, and onsite a-la-carte restaurant. Eight pastel-colored buildings feature cheerful and bright guest rooms with sofa beds, mini-fridges, and balconies/terraces. Suites add sitting areas and hydro massage jet showers. The Villa with private pool boasts two bedrooms and can sleep 7.

7. Kassandra Bay Resort – Vassilias Beach

Beautiful resort set on a sandy beach boasts three swimming pools — one is adults-only, 5-minute drive from Skiathos Town. Rooms are modern and spacious with mini fridges, good-sized balconies/terraces with garden/sea views. The high-end KB suites offer private pools or jacuzzi, and huge patios – some with ocean views. Families will appreciate the two-level Maisonette suites, or the Family suites featuring two-bedrooms and two bathrooms. The on-site restaurant has fabulous sea views. Good location for water sports rentals. Water taxis into town are available – super convenient. 10-minute drive to Skiathos international airport.

8. Atrium Hotel – Agia Paraskevi

Sitting high in the hills above Platanias Bay, this tasteful hotel has monastic-style stone buildings and interiors with exposed stone walls, located 7 kms from town. The hotel’s swimming pool area is lovely with shaded sunbeds next to a casual restaurant and pool bar – all have sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. Six room categories are available that have a warm and cozy feel in neutral tones, raftered ceilings, and hardwood floors. Upgraded rooms add private outdoor gardens and garden jacuzzis. Suites (some split-level) have living rooms with traditional, built-in sofa beds. Top-end suites boast shared infinity pools or large patios with private pools. Adjoining rooms available: double to double, or double to junior suite with or without private pool.

9. La Piscine Art Hotel – Skiathos Town

Adults-only boutique hotel boasts chic swimming pool alongside lush gardens and a stylish pool bar. Hotel décor features bold artwork and bright colorful furnishings. Great for couples or honeymooners with its romantic ambience, poolside al fresco dining, and extensive wine cellar. Standard suites have shared balconies, deluxe rooms have private balconies, and junior suites feature circular beds. Walkable (10 min) to loads of shops, tavernas, the port, and boat tours around the island.

10. Golden King Villas – Vassilias Beach

Luxurious all-villa property features sea views and is located just off the main highway and across the street from a beach, 2.7 km from Skiathos Town. Each of the six villas has its own private pool, fully-equipped kitchen, en suite hot tubs in the master bedroom. Access to the beach is via a short underground passageway. No restaurant or bar onsite.

11. Aegean Suites Hotel – Megali Ammos

Refined and relaxed adults-only property perched on a hillside with views of the sea. Lovely and stylish pool area. Suites are spacious with either one or two bedrooms with warm natural colors, beachy white furniture, terracotta tiled floors, and private balcony–some boast outdoor hot tubs. Of note, there are stairs at this property, so not suitable for anyone with mobility concerns. Two restaurants onsite and breakfast is provided, room service and airport shuttle are available. Complimentary shuttle service is offered to their sister hotel, the Princess Resort, a beachside resort 5 km away.

12. Skiathos Senses – Skiathos Town

Budget-friendly accommodations that are modern and minimalistic feature new furnishings, Nespresso machines, and complimentary wines. Standard double rooms are on the ground floor with their own external entrance. Superior rooms add traditional built-in sofa beds. Adjoining rooms available – great for a family of 5. Central and quiet location in town, 250 m from ferry port and 8-minute drive from the airport. Several restaurants and a coffee shop are very convenient and just steps from the hotel.

Summary: My Favorite Hotels in Skiathos

My Favorite Skiathos Hotels

• Luxury: Golden King Villas
• Boutique: Aegean Suites (adults-only)
• Budget: Skiathos Senses
• Couples: La Piscine (adults-only)
• Beach (Families): Skiathos Princess
• Beach (Couples): Kassandra Bay
• Pool (Couples): Atrium
• Skiathos Town: Bourtzi
• Koukounaries: Mandraki Village
• Agia Paraskevi: Magic
• Near Skiathos Port: Meltemi

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