The most famous of them all is Koukounaries, at the western end of the island, a magnificent crescent of golden sand backed by pine trees and a beautiful lagoon.
Often claimed to be the best beach in Greece, Koukounaries takes its name from the stone-pine trees running between the crescent of honey-coloured soft sand and the lagoon of Lake Strofilias. It's a beautiful setting, with the tiny harbour at one end, and olive clad hillsides all around. There's a busy watersports centre, plenty of sunbeds and parasols, and a handful of tavernas and bars among the smart holiday accommodation. Excursion boats come and go en route to other great beaches, and the regular bus takes you into Skiathos Town for shopping expeditions or evenings out. A twenty-minute walk through the pines across the headland is Banana Beach, where all-over tans are commonplace, and you can lunch on grilled sardines with ice-cold retsina!
On its round-trip between Koukounaries and lively, pretty Skiathos Town fifteen kilometres or so away, the island bus stops off at a series of small resort areas, all centred round fine sandy beaches, such as Troulos, Aghia Paraskevi, Achladies and Tzaneria. Each of these 'mini-resorts' has its own tavernas, supermarkets and bars. For nightlife and shopping, it's easy to pop into Skiathos Town itself, where boats leave the lovely harbour for yet more beaches around the island, and for the neighbouring islands of Skopelos and Alonissos. Relaxing beach holidays in beautiful surroundings are a Skiathos speciality!
