Date of Holiday

July 2005

The Island

Skiathos is as close to paradise as you can get. It is one of three Sporades islands, situated in the northwest Aegean sea. It is only 12km from one end of the island to the other. There are over 60 beaches, the more popular of which are on the south coast where the majority of tourist accommodation is located. The island has one proper road which runs the whole length of the south side of the island, and has a regular bus service until late at night.

The North coast has some of the best unspoilt beaches due to their remote locations, many of which can only be reached by jeep or boat.

I first visited Skiathos in 1986 and promptly returned the following year. It was a beautiful island then and when I returned with my family in 2005, I found the same cosmopolitan island full of warm and friendly people.

Skiathos Town is very picturesque and typically Greek with narrow streets, mostly traffic free which rise up and around the hill that the town sits upon. It is the life and soul of the island. There are tavernas to suit all tastes but avoid the harbour where the food is not the best and is the most expensive.

Something worth mentioning is the airport at Skiathos which has a famously short runway. As you descend, only the sea is visible with the runway ending just before the beach! This makes for an exiting touch down. Consequently there is a stop at Thessaloniki or Volos to top up with fuel as the plane is not able to take off with enough fuel to return to the UK.

Our Resort

Aselinos:

We actually chose to stay in Aselinos on the north coast. A beautiful valley with stunning scenery but within driving distance of Skiathos Town.  The sandy beach of Aselinos is quiet with not too many visitors other than the daily boat trips which stop there.  There is a large taverna and bar on the beach.  We stayed at Villa Angela, an 8 minute walk from the beach and a 20 minute drive into Skiathos Town. The nearest village of Troulos was 5 mins.

The Accomodation

Villa Angela:

Villa Angela sits in the beautiful valley of Aselinos with stunning views. Surrounded by forest and gardens, it is the ideal place to stay if you want peace and quiet and yet it is only a short walk, around 8 minutes, to the lovely clean beach of Aselinos. You do need a car as the nearest shops are a 5 minutes drive away in Troulos and Skiathos Town is around 15-20 minutes.

I can highly recommend Villa Angela.  It is not four star but is typically Greek - simple, basic and clean.  Run by Pasquale and his parents, the accommodation has around 12 rooms, with your own small kitchen and private bathroom. There is a restaurant and bar, and breakfast is included in the price of the holiday, as was a car in 2005. There is also a large swimming pool. Evening meals can be provided but there is no menu as such. Pasquale will tell you each morning what his mother will be cooking that night should you wish to book.

Pasquale Padula and his parents are a lovely family who will truly look after you. For a relaxing and peaceful holiday, I would highly recommend Aselinos and Villa Angela.


Unique Qualities:

Villa Angela was exceptionally good value for money. For a family of 2 adults and a 15-year daughter sharing a room for two weeks we paid just £500 which included breakfast and a car. We paid a little extra to change the car for a jeep. Flights were on top but this was one of the cheapest and best value for money holidays I have ever had in a stunning location.

Things to do and Places to visit on Skiathos

Round the Island boat trip from Skiathos harbour. The one we chose took us to Lalaria where the sea was crystal clear and the bluest blue you have ever seen.  There is no access to it by land. We stopped here for a swim or to sunbathe before going on to the ruins of Kastro.  Stopping off here, you have the choice of sitting and enjoying a drink in the beach taverna or climbing to the top of the hill to visit the ruins – well worth seeing.  The trip then took us to Aselinos beach for lunch and then stopped off at an uninhabited island where the snorkelling was good before returning to Skiathos harbour.  An excellent day out.

Beaches on the north coast of Skiathos that are a must to visit but require a car (preferably a jeep) are:

Mikros Aselinos
Nikotsara
Ligharies

If you want to have a bay virtually to yourself, then visit one of these - absolutely stunning.

Beaches on the south coast of Skiathos

Koukounaries is probably the most popular and well-known beach in Skiathos. A pretty bay backed by pine trees but very crowded in the summer and rather over-rated. However, it is good for water sports.
Next to that is Banana Beach for those of you who enjoy nude bathing. Skiathos has numerous nudist beaches.
Vromolimnos Beach is a pleasant sandy bay, again good for paragliding and other water sports.
A drive around the headland of Kanapitsa Bay is also recommended for stunning scenery.

A highly recommended Restaurant in Skiathos Town

The Windmill Restaurant was opened in 1993 and is a beautifully restored windmill built in the 1900's. It is owned by the delightful and friendly couple, Pam and Jon Dance. It is high on the hill in Skiathos and has the most spectacular views of the town and harbour from its terraces. Booking is recommended, particularly for the Honeymoon Table, which is a balcony placed precariously on the side of the windmill with the best views!

The average cost for a three course meal for two would be around £35 with a bottle of house wine. Not the cheapest of the restaurants in Skiathos but excellent food, certainly different from all the traditional tavernas with similar menus and the location is definitely worth a visit.

Some of the dishes that were available at the Windmill :

Thai Fish Cakes with Sweet Chilli sauce
Lamb Fillet with Red Wine Jus
Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Fylo Parcel
Roast Duck with Cherry Sauce