Skiathos Island shock

Skiathos Town


walking the plank


We had just left Lemnos which is a small sleepy island compared to Skiathos. In lemnos we had to battle to speak some Greek and arrived in Skathos which seemed to be overun with sunburnt British package tourists. Instead of menus in Greek there were signs adverising bacon, eggs and sausages with the Premier League soccer times.

The main town is run for tourism with cafe touts inviting you in as you walk past, boat cruise touts telling you about their best cruise. We decided get out hire a scooter and head to the best beaches in Greece, according to one guide book.

Koukounaries is about 15 km south and is a beautiful calm sandy beach. It is also full of British tourists working on their tan. The woman in front of me needed to see a skin specialist for a suspicious looking mole on her shoulder. The beach has stands of umbrellas and deckchairs and a wooden walkway. To hire a spot under an umbrella cost 8 euros. It was hot about 26 degrees and the water was coolish. It is the start of summer and takes a while to warm up. It was crystal clear and so still. We found a spot under the one shady tree and went for a swim. When we returned a large pair of smoking English had parked next to our gear. We bought an ice cream and scoootered off.

Koukounaries beach


Beach time


8 euros


Rather than linger on Skiathos we decided to head for Skopelos, 45 minutes away by ferry, it has no airport bringing in package tourists and supposed to be a bit quieter. We have booked accommodation for only two nights in case it is a dump. Bought two ferry tickets for 10 euro and we leave on the 11.40am ferry. We will be there in an hour!

Skiathos harbour


K beach


Michelle planking