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What to see
One of the best things about Skiathos is that you don’t need to hire a car to get the most out of your visit, thanks to a reliable bus service that passes through all the main resorts. The eight-mile journey takes half an hour, and its coastal route allows you to admire some of the island’s 60 magnificent beaches.
The ‘best’ is a hotly contested accolade, but you should check out Big and Little Banana (one’s a nudist beach), Lalaria and Mandraki. It’s also worth jumping on a ferry to the verdant, less hectic Skopelos, only 14 miles away. It was made famous by Mamma Mia!, which was filmed there in 2007, but don’t let that put you off: it’s an idyllic spot.
Where to stay
Inexpensive villas and hotels abound to suit every budget — but why not splurge at newly opened Elivi, the island’s first five-star hotel? With 32 rooms and a further 30 villas and suites (most with private pools or hot tubs), two chlorine-free pools (ideal for sensitive skin), tennis courts, an outdoor yoga studio, full spa and a gym, no other hotel on the island comes close.
Elivi’s biggest draw is that it’s built along four heavenly beaches where you can bed in on the plumpest, comfiest loungers you’ve ever seen. With four restaurants serving Japanese to traditional Greek, it’s also a gourmand’s paradise, not least thanks to its lavish buffet breakfasts. (elivihotels.com)
Where to eat and drink
Skiathos town has an abundance of restaurants with jaw-dropping views. For spectacular vistas over the Aegean, head to Bourtzi, housed in a former maritime fort hailing from 1204. Eat minted halloumi and truffled frites and sip Mojitos while the sun sets. The Windmill, built in 1880, is another find ideal for serious foodies.
For a quick lunch try Ergon Greek deli, great for vegetarians and vegans who can often feel shortchanged on a Greek island. And if a traditional gyros is all that’s required, they don’t come tastier than at Under The Pine Tree, a typical taverna in Koukounaries.
Where to shop
Head to Skiathos town, where quaint, winding streets still retain a charming authenticity despite the boom in popularity the island has enjoyed since that film.
Try The Blue House Art Gallery for local art and jewellery crafted from semi-precious stones, Kalokairi Store for chic vintage finds and Achinos for gifts such as organic preserves and soaps.
