Nestled in between the islands of Volos and Evia, Skiathos is one of Greece’s coolest and most underrated Greek islands.
At just 12km long and only 6km wide, it is a tiny island, but you know what they say, “good things come in small packages.”
What it lacks in size it more than makes up for in character, attractions and vibe. Lying within the magnificent Aegean Sea, the island is a nature’s paradise. Boasting rolling hillsides full of cypress, pine and oak groves, picturesque vineyards contrasting with more than 60 immaculate beaches.
Though it’s small, finding the right place to base yourself can make or break your vacation. If you’re not sure where to stay in Skiathos, dont’ fret, because I have listed all the best neighborhoods and what each place has to offer.
Let’s get started…
Where to Stay in Skiathos – Our Top Picks
Looking for a place to stay in Skiathos but don’t have much time? Here are my top overall recommendations of the coolest places.
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Skiathos Avaton Hotel | Best Hotel in Skiathos
If you are looking for a hotel in Skiathos that will give you a great location and a very high standard of accommodation then the Skiathos Avaton Hotel definitely fits the bill. Just 300 metres from the stunning Megali Ammos Beach, you will be able to hit the sand whenever you want, whilst there is also a wonderful outdoor swimming pool for you to enjoy too.
The hotel also offers up a fantastic continental breakfast every day and even has a bar and shared lounge for you to enjoy evening drinks. The air-conditioned rooms are very well-appointed, whilst the free wi-fi it offers is sure to be a hit too!
Sea View Studio | Best Apartment in Skiathos
Wake up to beautiful views of the Aegean Sea and spend your days relaxing by the pool, sounds dreamy right. Featuring a king-size bed, as well as a private bathroom with shower and a well-equipped kitchenette, this property is just over 1.5km from both Skiathos Town and Megali Ammos beach. So it’s close enough to all the action for you to enjoy a night in the town. They also do a handmade mediterranean breakfast which you don’t want to miss.
Angelos Studios | Best Hostel in Skiathos
Offering both mountains and sea views, and situated within the spectacular surroundings of tall pines trees, and lush olive groves, these studios are the perfect place to relax. Spanning three floors, the modern hostel in Greece is located within easy reach of Vromolimnos Beach.
Rooms here are spacious and beautifully appointed with all the modern conveniences you could want to enjoy a stay in Skiathos. You will love the swimming pool which also has a bar next to it that serves delicious cocktails and drinks!
Skiathos Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Skiathos
Skiathos is a Greek Island that offers sun, beaches, historic architecture, and great nightlife. What more could you want? Though it’s a small island, much of it can be explored via cart tracks, or hiking trails, which is part of its appeal. Meandering through the woodlands, it’s a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers.
The island is known for its excellent restaurants that serve up a fabulous range of local delicacies. It is also a hotspot for nightlife too, with its many bars, banging clubs, and lively beach parties, which go on through the night, attracting young holidaymakers from all over Europe.
There are quite a few places to stay in Skiathos, ranging from lively beach hotels, and villas in more remote rural cottages, to lovely apartments and studios in the town center apartments.
Let’s start with Koukounaries, the perfect place to stay for the first-time visitor. Visitors will love the beach which has previously been voted as one of the top 10 in the world. Nature lovers will also love the many hiking trails, and bird watching opportunities, this part of the island gives you.
If you are looking for a destination that has something for all the family then Vromolimnos fits the bill perfectly. It has of course an excellent beach, but also plenty of interesting landmarks and attractions to visit, as well as good shopping and a nice selection of bars and restaurants.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to stay somewhere that offers an even slower and more relaxed pace, then Troulos should appeal. The accommodation here is slightly cheaper, perfect for those backpacking Greece, and the beach here is still pretty nice. Located near the Skiathos national park you will also be able to enjoy nature walks, whilst at night its quieter stretch of restaurants dish up some fabulous meals.
Finally, for those who want to party, Skiathos Town, with its narrow, twisting streets and cobbled alleyways is where most of the island’s best bars, clubs, and nightlife are located.
Koukounaries
Boasting a beach that has previously been ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the world, Koukounaries is an excellent destination for families.
Troulos
Troulos is a fabulous resort area about 9km from Skiathos Town. Nestled on the south coast, it enjoys a stunning location where the sparkling Aegean Sea and dazzling white sands contrast beautifully with undulating hillsides of pine and olive trees.
Vromolimnos
Situated some 8km south-west of the main Skiathos town, Vromolimnos is a terrific beach and resort area which is very popular with families.
Skiathos Town
Dating back to Byzantium times, Skiathos town is situated on the south-eastern tip of the island. Although sadly a lot of it was destroyed by German bombs during the war it has been rebuilt to its former glory in traditional style.
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The 4 Best Areas to Stay in Skiathos
Having given you a brief overview of the four main areas to stay in Skiathos, let’s take look at each destination in more detail. If you’re looking for an apartment, studio, villa, or hotel in Skiathos, these are the best ones!
1. Koukounaries – Where to Stay in Skiathos For Your First Visit
Boasting a beach that has previously been ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the world by The Sunday Times, Koukounaries is an excellent destination for first time visitors.
Situated approximately 12km southwest of the main Skiathos town, this tiny village resort enjoys a stunning setting. Surrounded by a protected area of some 145,000 square metres, it features cypress and pine trees that ascend along the hillsides from the fringes of the beach, which extends for hundreds of metres along the coastline.
Winding around the beach, there is a lovely wooden walkway here that showcases a number of lovely bars, eateries, and shopping kiosks. The area also hosts a popular water sports school, as well as many hiking trails that provide opportunities to explore nature and spot birdlife.
Behind the beach, you will find the Koukounaries village which has a wider range of shops, as well as a number of traditional Greek tavernas and international restaurants. There is also a good range of bars there too, whilst most of the hotel accommodation in Koukounaries is also located in this area.
Should you ever feel like you need a change of scenery, local buses here run every half an hour to Skiathos town.
3 Goddesses’ Studios | Best Hostel in Koukounaries
If you’re looking for a peaceful apartment surrounded by beautiful gardens then this place is for you. 3 goddesses studios is just outside the town whilst being within walking distance of shops and restaurants. You’ve got a lovely balcony to enjoy your morning coffee and fresh greek yogurt. The apartment has an open plan bedroom and a spacious bathroom, plus a fully equipped kitchen. The ideal place to stay if your travelling as a couple looking.
Skiathos Palace Hotel | Best Hotel in Koukounaries
If this is your first time in Skiathos you are sure to want a hotel that places you right in the heart of the action. That is exactly what makes Skiathos Palace Hotel such a great choice of place to stay on the island.
Situated just a two-minute walk from the beach, the property boasts magnificent views over Koukounaries Bay that will take your breath away. It also offers a terrific swimming pool with a lovely sun terrace that you are sure to want to spend plenty of time in too.
Onsite the hotel has two excellent restaurant options, one Greek and the other American. It also has three fabulous bars that sell a delicious range of cocktails and other drinks too.
Haris apartments | Best Apartment in Koukounaries
The perfect place to perch up if you’re travelling a couple. Enjoy your own spacious apartment witha fully equipped kitchen, balcony and comfy bedroom. You’re within walking distance from everything you need and a great base to explore.
Things to See and Do in Koukounaries:
- Visit Koukounaries Beach, which has been ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the world
- Hike the forest and wetlands that surround the beach
- Stroll along the wooden walkway that flanks the beach area
- Spot birds in the pine and cypress trees
- Book a tour with the water-sports school that is located seaside
- Explore the shops around Koukounaries village
- Enjoy a meal at any of the traditional tavernas and international restaurants in the area
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Troulos is a fabulous resort area about 9km from Skiathos Town. Nestled on the south coast, it enjoys a stunning location where the sparkling Aegean Sea and dazzling white sands contrast beautifully with undulating hillsides of pine and olive trees.
Very popular with young families, both the resort and beach get its name from the small islet that lies just off the coast and resembles the dome that is found in Greek churches. The region features a fabulous beach which has lifeguards on duty, so is very safe for swimming. It also has a full range of cafes, eateries, restaurants, and bars along its quaint beachfront.
The area is renowned for being a haven for water sports, with boat hire freely available. It is also part of the Skiathos National Park, so it accommodates a number of very good biking and hiking trails that can either lead you inland or to other beaches.
There are some very good hotels, villas, studio apartments, and resorts in Troulos, many of which have their own swimming pools and pool bars that non-residents can visit. The town area also has very good shopping with a good number of supermarkets, bakers, grocers, and mini-marts, to support the cafe, restaurant, and dining scene.
Contrary to other parts of the island, the nightlife is not as lively here, as there are no all-night bars in the area. This is the perfect place to stay in Greece for families.
Villa Jeanna | Best Villa in Troulos
Located in a quiet neighborhood, this stylish villa in Troulos offers you the best of both worlds. A chilled out place to relax away from the frenzy of the busier parts of the island, and easy access to them at the same time.
Decorated in attractive earthy tones, this villa also offers free Wi-Fi and showcases sensational mountain views too.
Just 300 metres from the bus stop that will take you around the whole island, the nearest beach is only about a 10-15 minute walk away. So you can easily get out to see the island’s main tourist attractions when the mood takes you.
Esperos Hotel | Best Hotel in Troulos
There is much to love about this fabulous hotel in Troulos. For a start, it overlooks the wonderful scenic bay of Troulos. It also offers a convenient location close to the beautiful beaches of Koukounaries and Banana. While it is also located right next to a bus stop which provides easy transportation to Skiathos Town. So it ticks a lot of boxes!
Offering stylishly decorated self-catering studios that feature air conditioning, a balcony, a kitchenette with a fridge, and a flat-screen TV, the property is set up for your comfort. Boasting a lovely courtyard in which to relax and free wi-fi to stay connected, the hotel is also close to a number of very good local bars and restaurants that serve up a fantastic range of gastronomic delights!
Aspa Victoria Apartment | Best Apartment in Troulos
If you are a family looking for an affordable, yet attractive accommodation option look no further than the Aspa Victoria apartment. Comfortably able to house four guests in two bedrooms, this Troulos apartment is just 900 metres from the beach.
Furnished with something to keep all of your family happy it comes with a smart TV and DVD as well as Wi-Fi, a very nice private bathroom and some kitchen facilities. In addition, there is a lovely garden and balcony for you to enjoy, as well as a cool playground the kids will love.
On the ground floor resides a mini market which is very handy as it has a coffee shop that sells a nice range of food options. There is also a nice range of cafes, bars and restaurants in the area too.
Things to See and Do in Troulos:
- Enjoy safe swimming at the lifeguard patrolled beach
- Explore the bars, cafes, and eateries that line the beachfront
- Hire a boat and explore other nearby coves which you can’t reach by road
- Check out the beauty of Skiathos National Park and walk or bike along its trails further inland or to other beaches.
- Swim at any of the outdoor pools that are open to non-guests of the hotels in the area
- Sample the culinary delights – especially fresh fish – on offer at the quaint and charming restaurants
3. Vromolimnos – Where to Stay in Skiathos for Families
Situated some 8km south-west of the main Skiathos town, Vromolimnos is a terrific beach and resort area which is very popular with families.
Sheltered from the land by groves of pine and cypress trees, and sitting at the front of a former wetlands area the beach here is one of the most stunning on the whole island of Skiathos.
Curving around the bay for quite a distance the sand is perfectly safe for swimming, and features plenty of sunbeds which you can hire to relax on. There is also a water ski school here as well as a variety of water-sport equipment which is also available for rent. In addition, there are also volleyball and tennis courts available too.
Always fairly busy, on account of the good road access from the island’s capital, there is a regular bus service that can take you into Skiathos town.
As you would expect there are plenty of very good places to eat here. While, although it’s generally considered a family spot, the nightlife is pretty good here too. With a number of bars along the front promenade appealing to a younger crowd.
Skiathos Holidays | Best Apartment in Vromolimnos
If you love nature then this definitely the place for you! Enjoying one of the nicest locations in Skiathos, this fabulous complex is nestled within a lush forest that is only 50 metres from Vromolimnos Beach. Providing you with all the modern conveniences you would need to make your stay a very comfortable one, the rooms here come with air conditioning, a kitchenette complete with a fridge and cooking hobs, and a bed that is sure to give you a good night’s sleep.
Each room at this Vromolimnos apartment complex also has a furnished balcony that overlooks the beautiful gardens or the Aegean Sea. The complex also has a diving school that can take you out on tours if you want. For those looking to enjoy a bit of romance, you can even eat at the little onsite taverna which serves up delightful local dishes on tables that are directly on the beach.
Villa Christina Skiathos | Best Villa in Vromolimnos
Nestled in between three fantastic beaches, this charming property in Vromolimnos is the perfect place to stay if you’re travelling with your family! You can choose to spend your time at Vromolimnos Beach, Kolios Beach, or Agia Paraskevi Beach during your time at the Villa Christina Skiathos. When you are not on them you may even be able to see the sand from the comfort of your very own balcony.
There is a lovely swimming pool here which is fantastic when the heat of the sun gets at its most intense, whilst there is also a shady garden at this Vromolimnos villa you can relax in. The property also provides free Wi-Fi as well as a bar and a buffet breakfast every morning.
Hermes Hotel | Best Hotel in Vromolimnos
As hotels go, this gem in Vromolimnos is up there with the best in Skiathos. Situated very close to three excellent beaches, the property offers very spacious and well-decorated rooms which will feel like a home away from home. With an awesome outdoor swimming pool, as well as a lovely garden, shared lounge, a fabulous bar, and a delightful restaurant, you are sure to want to spend a lot of time out of your room in this Vromolimnos hotel.
Before you go anywhere in the morning, you are going to want to fill up on the fabulous à la carte breakfast the hotel offers, while you may even want to hire a vehicle from the onsite car rental service, in case you fancy exploring further afield.
Things to See and Do in Vromolimnos:
- Spend the day relaxing at the fabulous beach
- Hire water-sport equipment to enjoy some water fun
- Book a session at the water ski school
- Play volleyball or tennis on one of the available courts
- Party at the bars and restaurants that line the main promenade
- Take the bus into Skiathos Town
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Grab an eSIM!4. Skiathos Town – Where to Stay in Skiathos for Nightlife
Dating back to Byzantium times, Skiathos town is situated on the south-eastern tip of the island. Although sadly a lot of it was destroyed by German bombs during the war it has been rebuilt to its former glory in traditional style.
Home to over 90% of the island’s population of 5,000 people the town is known for its charming warren of cobbled alleyways and twisting streets — roaming around here is one of the best things to do in Skiathos!
The main action is centred around Papadiamanti Street, which houses a wide range of shops for tourists and locals. There are also numerous restaurants that serve local and international dishes that sit adjacent to vibrant bars and clubs. At night this street really comes alive as it’s the main place where people go to party all the way into the small hours of the night.
Away from the revelry, Skiathos also boasts a fabulous harbour with the main port welcoming ferries from other islands and the mainland. It is also notable for the narrow peninsula of Bourtzi – which separates the port, marina, and fishing harbour. Covered in pines it also holds the stunning remains of a crumbling Venetian fortress, which are worth checking out if you can get to them.
For a quieter dining experience, around the harbour, you will find a number of lovely restaurants and bars that offers a charming harbourside setting for your meal or drinks.
As you would expect there are plenty of excellent places to stay in Skiathos Town including hotels, studio apartments, and villas. If you do plan to visit here, however, be sure to pre-book somewhere to stay.
Skiathos Theros | Best Hotel in Skiathos Town
Situated in close proximity to a number of fabulous beaches, as well as the centre of town, this lovely hotel is part of the acclaimed Philia Collection.
Boasting an excellent restaurant as well as a lively bar, the Skiathos Theros provides plenty of evening entertainment of its own. But it’s also not far from a number of other lively bars and nightclubs in the area.
During the day the outdoor swimming pool and beautiful garden, and of course the nearby beaches, are sure to occupy your time, whilst there are plenty of local shops to explore too. You could even get a very good buffet or continental breakfast if you choose to dine here in the morning. While the hotel offers a paid shuttle service to the airport too when it’s time to go home.
Sea View Studio | Best Apartment in Skiathos Town
What could be better than swimming in a fantastic outdoor pool whilst taking in superb views of the Aegean Sea? Well maybe seeing its sparkling azure waters from your very own huge veranda!
Irrespective of which appeals to you more, you can spend your days doing at this fabulous serviced apartment. Featuring a king-size bed, as well as a private bathroom with shower and a well-equipped kitchenette, this property is just over 1.5km from both Skiathos Town and Megali Ammos beach. So it’s close enough to all the action for you to enjoy a night in the town. If you decide to stay at this Skiathos Town apartment, be sure to order the Mediterranean handmade breakfast that is available upon request here.
Villa Eleven | Best Villa in Skiathos Town
For those wanting a Greek Island holiday that incorporates relaxation by day and partying at night, the Villa Eleven is a fantastic option.
Offering sensational panoramic views of the Aegean Sea this fabulous villa in Skiathos Town has a bit of a ‘wow’ factor about it. You will love relaxing on the outdoor terrace, or eating meals as you take in the terrific scenery of the surrounding islands of Evia, Tsougria, Alonnisos, Arkos, and Skopelos.
Things to See and Do in Skiathos Town:
- Check out the beautiful architecture that dates back to Byzantium times
- Explore the town’s narrow, twisting streets and cobbled alleyways
- Visit the many souvenir shops you will find around town
- Try your hand at fishing on a local fisherman’s boat.
- Head to the main thoroughfare of Papadiamanti Street where most of the main shops and eateries are to be found
- Party at any of the vibrant bars or clubs you will find on Papadiamanti Street as the day turns to night
- Watch the ferries come into the harbour from other islands and the mainland
- See the old Venetian fortress on the Bourtzi peninsula
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Hide Yo’ Money!What To Pack For Skiathos
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
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Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Skiathos
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Skiathos
Blessed with some fantastic beaches, a terrific dining scene, and legendary nightlife, Skiathos is a fabulous place for you to visit on a Greek Island holiday.
Whether its your first time in Greece, or you’re looking for a relaxed beach location to spend with your family, you can be sure to find everything you want and need in Skiathos.
As you have seen,Skiathos has accommodation options for everyone, no matter what you are interested in or what your budget may be. I hope that this guide has helped you decide where to stay on your next trip to Skiathos.
Did you find what you were looking for? Let me know in the comments!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Greece.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Greece.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Greece instead.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Greece.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
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