Best Beaches in Skiathos: Koukounaries, Lalaria, Banana Beach and More

Skiathos punches well above its weight for beaches. The island is small — about 13km long — but has over 60 beaches, the best of which rival anything in the Aegean. The south coast road is served by a bus that stops at every beach, making this one of the easiest islands in Greece to explore without a car. Prices are approximate as of 2026.

Koukounaries

Koukounaries is consistently cited as one of the top ten beaches in Greece — a 1km arc of soft golden sand backed by a shallow lagoon and a UNESCO-protected umbrella pine forest (the name means “pine cones” in Greek). The water is crystal clear and calm thanks to the bay’s sheltered position, and the pine-shaded lagoon behind gives the whole setting an unusually lush feel for a Greek island beach.

Facilities are comprehensive: sunbeds along most of the beach (approximately €12–16 per set), multiple beach bars, water sports hire, and showers. A wooden boardwalk through the protected forest connects the beach to the car park and bus stop. The lagoon behind is designated as a protected wetland and home to seasonal waterfowl.

The bus from Skiathos Town stops directly here (Route 1, approximately every 30 minutes in summer, fare approximately €1.80). Arrive early — by 11am in July and August the beach is at capacity. There is a campsite in the pines behind for those who want to stay.

Lalaria

Lalaria is on the north coast, accessible only by boat, and is the most dramatically beautiful beach on the island. The beach itself is white smooth pebble (lalaria stones, rounded by the sea), backed by tall white limestone cliffs and pierced by natural sea arches and rock formations that frame the horizon.

No facilities, no sunbeds, no shade — bring everything you need. The water is very clear and deep, the current can be strong, and the rocks are slippery at the water’s edge. A round-island boat trip from Skiathos Town harbour visits Lalaria and the nearby Blue Caves (sea caves with bioluminescent-lit water visible by swimming in). Cost approximately €20–30 per person for the full day trip as of 2026; departs most mornings from the harbour when conditions allow.

Lalaria is weather-dependent — north coast boat excursions are cancelled in strong wind. Check at the harbour the evening before.

Banana Beach

Banana Beach (officially Krassa) is on the south coast, about 10km from Skiathos Town, accessible by bus (Route 1) or by water taxi from the harbour. It is a long, wide sandy beach with calm water and a well-established party-beach reputation — beach bars play music, the clientele tends to be young, and the atmosphere is social rather than quiet.

The beach is split into Big Banana and Little Banana — Little Banana at the quieter eastern end is traditionally naturist-friendly. Sunbeds everywhere (approximately €12–15 per set). The beach bar at the western end gets busy from late morning.

For those who want liveliness and animation, Banana Beach is the best option on Skiathos. For those who want quiet swimming, look elsewhere.

Mandraki

Mandraki is a small, pine-backed cove on the north coast, about 4km from Skiathos Town along the coast road or accessible by water taxi. Unlike Lalaria it can be reached on foot or by the occasional boat. It is sheltered, calm, and significantly quieter than the south coast beaches even in peak season.

The beach is a mix of fine gravel and coarse sand, surrounded by pine trees that provide natural shade — unusual for a Greek beach. A small beach bar operates seasonally. The walk from Skiathos Town through the Bourtzi peninsula and along the north coast path takes about 1.5 hours and is well-marked.

Mandraki is the best choice for a quiet, pleasant swim without the south coast crowds. Water taxis from the town harbour cost approximately €5–8 per person each way in season.

Kastro Beach

Kastro is at the far north of the island, accessible by boat from Skiathos Town (included in some round-island excursions) or by the hiking trail that leads from the village of Kastro (the island’s medieval capital, abandoned in 1829). The beach is pebble and relatively small, with sea caves at either end worth exploring by snorkel.

The main reason to come here is the ruined Kastro settlement above — abandoned Byzantine-era town with churches, fortress walls, and panoramic views over the northern sea. The combination of archaeological site and isolated beach makes this the most interesting half-day excursion from town for those who want something beyond beach life. No facilities on the beach; bring food and water.

Getting Between Beaches

The south coast bus (Route 1, Skiathos Bus) runs from Skiathos Town through every south coast beach — Megali Ammos, Vasilias, Tzaneria, Troulos, Platanias, Banana Beach, and Koukounaries — at 20–30 minute intervals in summer. Fare approximately €1.80 regardless of distance. This is the most convenient bus service of any Greek island.

Water taxis from the harbour (the taxi boats run from the main quay) reach Mandraki, Lalaria (when conditions allow), and the north coast beaches. Negotiate the return fare before departure — north coast trips cost approximately €25–40 for the round trip. A car or scooter (hire approximately €25–45 per day as of 2026) is useful for reaching Kastro on the north coast and for the flexibility to visit in quiet early-morning hours before the buses start.

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For the complete Skiathos guide including where to stay and ferry connections, see our Skiathos travel guide. For activities beyond the beaches — Skiathos Town, monasteries, and boat trips — see things to do in Skiathos. The Greek Island Ferry Guide covers ferries from Volos, Agios Konstantinos, and Thessaloniki.

Book Skiathos tours and boat trips through GetYourGuide. Hire a car or scooter in Greece for north coast flexibility. Get a Greece eSIM before departure.

See Also

• Skiathos Travel Guide — island overview, where to stay, and getting there
• Things to Do in Skiathos — Skiathos Town, Bourtzi, monasteries, and Skopelos day trips
• Skopelos Travel Guide — the green neighbouring island, 30 minutes by ferry
• Best Greek Islands — comparing the major island groups: Cyclades, Sporades, Dodecanese
• Greek Island Ferry Guide — ferries from Volos and Agios Konstantinos to Skiathos