Villas in Skiathos

Skiathos is a small, pine-covered Sporades island with sandy beaches and direct summer flights from the UK. Stay near Skiathos Town for restaurants and ferries, along the south coast towards Koukounaries for the best beaches and an easy bus, or on the quieter north side for space and views. Villa choice on the island is limited, so book early.

Where

Villas: 16
From, per week: £3,356
Cheapest month: October
Nearest airports: Skiathos airport is about 4.5 km from town, with direct summer flights from London Gatwick taking around three hours 40 minutes. Its short runway is famous with plane spotters. Outside the flying season, travel via the mainland and take a ferry.

Where to stay in Skiathos

Skiathos Town and around

Skiathos Town has the old harbour, waterfront tavernas, lanes of bars and shops, and the port for ferries to Skopelos and Alonissos. Boats leave the old port for beaches around the island, including Lalaria, a cove of white pebbles that can only be reached by sea. The airport is about 4.5 km away, around 10 to 15 minutes by car.

Best for: Couples and groups who want restaurants, bars and boat trips on the doorstep

Not for you if: You want quiet evenings: the town is busy and lively late into the night in July and August.

The south coast (Megali Ammos to Tzaneria)

The one road along the south coast links a string of sandy beaches, among them Megali Ammos, Vasilias, Achladies and Tzaneria. The island bus runs along it from town to Koukounaries, roughly every 10 minutes in high season, so beach-hopping without a car is easy. Most of the island's hotels, tavernas and beach bars are along this stretch.

Best for: Families who want sandy beaches without needing a car every day

Not for you if: You want empty beaches: this is the most developed side of the island.

Troulos and Koukounaries (south-west)

Koukounaries, at the south-western end of the island, is a long curve of fine sand backed by pine forest, and Troulos and Banana beach are close by. The bus from town takes around 30 minutes and ends here. Allow around half an hour by car to the airport, a little longer in peak-season traffic.

Best for: Beach lovers who want the island's best-known sand close by

Not for you if: You want Koukounaries to yourself: it gets busy from late morning in summer.

The north and the hills

Away from the south coast, Skiathos is steeper, greener and far less built up. Villas in the hills trade a walk to the beach for space and views. The ruins of Kastro, the island's old fortified capital, sit on the northern cliffs, and the island has a network of marked walking trails. Beaches on this side are more exposed to the summer north wind.

Best for: Privacy, sea views and walking

Not for you if: You don't want to drive: roads up here are steep, narrow and in places unsurfaced.

When to go to Skiathos

June and September are the best months: the sea is warm, buses and beach boats run a full timetable, and there are fewer people than in July and August. August is the busiest month, with Greek holidaymakers as well as overseas visitors, and Koukounaries and the town get crowded. May and October are quieter and good for walking, though the sea is cooler. Direct UK flights are seasonal, and many tavernas and beach bars close over winter.