Hidden away in the old part of Skiathos Town yet minutes from the waterfront action, the apartments and rooms at this carefully renovated traditional house prove that sometimes you really can have it both ways. The location could not be better: just wander down the stone steps at the side of the building and you'll find a ladder into the clear seas below. With the Aegean as your plunge pool, you can stay in town without sacrificing swimming time.
This is an obvious choice for party-season night owls who’ll appreciate the easy stroll home, but the low-key vibe and breezy terraces are equally suited to those with a more relaxing break in mind. However you choose to spend your time, the simple but chic styling, personal service and wallet-friendly prices make this the kind of place you’ll only want to share with your closest friends. Indeed, despite being one of Skiathos’ oldest pensions (the first guests stayed in 1955), Koula’s House is so under the radar that even some of the island’s best-connected locals don’t realise it exists.
Highs
- Mesmerizing sea views: we loved sitting on the terrace, glass in hand, watching the comings and goings of Skiathos harbour
- The personal touch: owner Nina is a mine of local information and really goes out of her way to ensure guests feel at home
- The 2 apartments each have a private terrace and a kitchenette for rustling up snacks and light meals, while the 5 rooms share access to a gorgeous terrace with plenty of comfy seating
- The chic furnishings and supremely comfortable beds feel like they should belong somewhere with a much higher price tag
- It feels great to stroll past the harbourside taxi queue after a late-night dinner knowing your bed is just minutes away
Lows
- They can be slow to reply to enquiries, particularly in peak season when availability is scarce
- Breakfast isn't provided and none of the rooms have cooking facilities - but there are shops and a bakery a few minutes away
- Rooms are compact, especially #2 and #3 (which also lack sea views and ensuite bathrooms), but this is reflected in the price
- This property is not suitable for toddlers, due to copious steep steps and the rocky water-side location
- The building site to the left of the property (unfinished but not being worked on when we visited) doesn’t add much to the view towards town
Best time to go
The main season here runs from May to October but the hotel is open outside these dates, too. The busiest period is typically the 2 weeks in August leading up to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on 15 August (a big holiday in the Greek calendar). For empty beaches and idyllic walking weather come in May or September. For high-season buzz and a party vibe, join the crowds in late July or early August - but do be prepared for some low-level night-time noise drifting up from the clubs on the other side of the harbour.
Our top tips
Location
Koula’s House is located in the Plakes area of Skiathos Town, 100m from the port and 2km from the airport. Skiathos is part of the Sporades islands in the Aegean Sea.
By Air
Skiathos Airport (2km away) is served by year-round flights from Athens, and direct flights from the UK and elsewhere in high season - click on the links below for a list of airlines.
From the Airport
Most guests hire a car (see below), but taxis are readily available and Koula's House can arrange a free transfer on request (subject to availability).
By Sea
Ferries and, in summer, hydrofoils arrive daily from Agios Konstantinos (which is easily accessible from Athens by bus, if you don't want to fly) and from Volos (if you want to combine Skiathos with Pelion).
By Car
The Skiathos Town location means a car isn’t strictly necessary: all the essentials are on your doorstep, and a regular bus service stops at the beaches along the island's south coast (though these do get busy in high season). But you will get more out of your trip if you hire a car at least for a few days, and head up into the hills to explore the monasteries or the beaches on the north side of the island. See our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you confirm a booking through i-escape.com. 
More on getting to Greece and getting around
Airports:
- Skiathos airport (Alexandros Papadiamantis) 2.0 km JSI
Other:
- Beach 0.4 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 13 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Everything about Koula’s House is fantastic. Sera is the perfect host, welcoming and enough little touches and advice to make you feel special but hands off enough to give you space. Maria was also wonderful. The rooms and balcony are beautiful with a wonderful sea view and nice bathrooms. Fridge and tea making facilities so useful too and nice to feel comfortable to eat snacks/ takeaway food at the house. Skiathos itself is on your doorstep and lively and fun without being spoilt. The whole island is such an easy place to have a great time on. We loved this place.
This is a wonderful guesthouse in a great location overlooking the sea with a private spot to swim. The rooms are very clean and comfortable with lovely bathroom products to use full of Greek mountain honey. The host is very friendly and accommodating and we enjoyed a glass of local wine together on the terrace on arrival. This is my second time here and I am going to return again in two weeks on my journey home from Alonossis. I cannot recommend this little gem more highly. I hope to return every year.
Really good location ( close to town but far enough away to be quiet and peaceful) with direct access to the water , although a bit of a walk to get to the location as it’s in the old town (if you’ve got lots of bags which we did) but definitely worth it. Sera was a great host who couldn’t do enough for us.
We stayed in the apartments which have an amazing view of the port and nearby islands. The hotel is in a beautiful setting in the old town. The owner was super helpful and gave great recommendations on where to eat and places to visit.
We would whole heartedly recommend.
Koulas house exceeded our expectations. Superb location overlooking the old harbour. We stayed (3 ladies) in the Sun Apartment, with its own fabulous sun deck, very comfortable for sunbathing and eating outdoors. There are steps down to the rocks and a swimming platform for morning swims which was heavenly! In the apartment there was a welcome fruit bowl, chilled wine and water, as well as facilities to make coffee/tea. The accommodations were comfortable and clean, with plenty of towels and complimentary slippers. The bathrooms were full of products for showering. It couldn't have been better, we will return next year for sure. The owner was extremely helpful, advising where to go for dinner. It was peaceful and quiet. Only wish we had booked for longer!
The accommodation was perfect for us. Outside it had a large secluded balcony with sofa and seating overlooking the port and the sea. There are also stone steps down to the rocks and a secure stepladder to enter the sea for swimming and snorkelling. The bedroom was large, airy with a super comfy bed and bedding. A well-equipped kitchenette and a small but pretty bathroom with a great shower and toiletries. The room was cleaned daily with clean towels on request. Sera was available in her travel shop for any enquiries and you can book tourist trips from there too. Just note that as the accommodation is on a hill in the Old town, there are many steps to reach it, and more steps once inside. However, it is very near to everything you need - supermarket, pharmacy, shops, ATMs, bars and restaurants.
The only dislike was the slow response to our email enquiries re booking, before we travelled. However once in Skiathos Sera was easily contactable and was helpful, friendly and very kind to us as her guests. We could not rate our stay more highly. We will definitely be returning.
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