On an island as popular as Skiathos, it’s hard to imagine finding a place to stay that’s stylish, value for money and relatively undiscovered. But you just did. Set in bougainvillea-dotted gardens, seconds from the soft sand of Vromolimnos beach, this family-run mini-complex of 11 self-catering suites and 6 2- and 3-bedroom villas hits the spot with sea views, traditional whitewashed architecture and low-key charm.
Its location on the pine-scented Kalamaki Peninsula - an area of Skiathos known for its private villas and secluded beaches - has made it a longtime favourite with Greek families (who’ve tried their damnedest to keep it to themselves). It also attracts couples and groups wanting the inside track on the island’s hippest beach bars, clubs and boutiques, who will find a ready-made concierge in the owner’s son and manager Christos. Stay local and walk to nearby beaches and tavernas, or head further afield to discover the island’s hillside monasteries, wild coves, forest hiking trails and tiny uninhabited islets.
Highs
- The beach is on your doorstep: stumble out of bed and into the waves in the time it takes for your morning coffee to brew
- The great location, simple styling and under-the-radar vibe tick all the boxes - and the price is right, too
- Airy accommodation options, all with private balconies, terraces or verandas looking out over the colourful gardens or the sea
- We loved contemplating plans for the evening over drinks at the cabana-chic bar on the lawn; it also serves breakfast each morning (additional charge)
- Easy access to the bus route to Skiathos Town and the island’s south-coast beaches. You’ll get more out of your trip if you hire a car, but it’s definitely not essential
Lows
- Bookings for the villas and apartment only open in January each year - you won't be able to book before that, and once bookings open, they get snaffled up very fast!
- You might pine for a pool when the midday sun hits
- Kitchens are on the functional side, and cooking facilities in the studios are minimal
- No basic ingredients are provided so you’ll need to bring everything with you, though a local supermarket can deliver groceries on request
- Those used to high-end designer hotels may miss little luxuries
- Baby cots
- Mosquito nets
- Highchairs
- Bed guards
Some equipment may need to be requested in advance
Can be arranged on request.
All accommodation is self-catering. Grocery delivery from the supermarket can be arranged if you don’t want to bring everything with you, and there are plenty of child-friendly tavernas nearby. Opt for a villa, Deluxe Suite or 2-Bedroom Suite if you plan on cooking full family meals, as the kitchenettes in the Suites and Junior Suites are basic.
- Large gardens to play in
- Books and games to borrow
- Watersports and swimming on Vromolimnos beach
- Boat trips from Skiathos Town
- Beach Hotel
- 11 apartments + 6 villas for 4-6
- Self-catering (+ restaurants nearby)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Babysitting
- Creche / Kids Club
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Concierge Service
- Laundry Service
- Books and games to borrow
Rooms
Expect to be welcomed by airy interiors that don’t use good value as an excuse for bad style. Bedrooms offer laid-back simplicity, making the most of sea breezes and natural light with gauzy drapes, whitewashed walls, stone floors and white linen. Adornments are minimal: brightly coloured cushions, silver lanterns, the odd driftwood wall-hanging or bowl of shiny seashells. The small, tiled shower bathrooms are similarly fuss-free with white towels stacked next to seashell soap dishes.
The same style principles apply wherever you sleep, but waking up to the dappled morning sun on our villa’s spacious terrace hit the spot for us. Some villas have 2 double/twin bedrooms, others 3, but all have 2 bathrooms (1 ensuite) and living and dining areas. They also have sea views, though not from the bedrooms, which are on the lower level.
You’ll find a mixture of garden and sea views in the open-plan Junior Suites, all of which have sofas and kitchenettes. These are a good size for a couple, but the extra space you get in a Suite (note: these have garden views) or Deluxe Suite (separate bedroom and living area) is worth the small increase in price. There's also a Two-Bedroom Suite, complete with 2 bathrooms.
All options have private outdoor space (a balcony, terrace or veranda), plus air-conditioning, safe boxes and hairdryers. Maid service is daily in the suites and twice-weekly in the villas.
Features include:
- Hairdryer
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
All accommodation is self-catering and nearby supermarket Hermes (300m away) will deliver groceries direct to your door (pre-arrival deliveries can also be scheduled). The complimentary bottles of wine and water on arrival are a nice touch, but you’ll need to bring or buy everything else, including basics like olive oil and salt. If requested in advance, an impressive breakfast spread of fruit, eggs, ham, cheese, bread and juice can be served on the lawn (small charge).
In the villas, Deluxe Suites and 2-Bedroom Suites you’ll find everything you need to knock up a decent meal, including a fridge/freezer, microwave, dishwasher, oven, coffee machine and kettle. Think clean and functional rather than high-end and you won’t be disappointed. There’s plenty of dining space, both indoors and out. Facilities in the Junior Suites and Suites are more basic (kettle, fridge, 2-ring electric hob) and best suited to those who plan to eat out for most meals.
There are two good tavernas within 5-minutes' walking distance: popular Porto Paradiso at the end of Vromolimnos beach (one of our favourite spots for sundown cocktails) and locally renowned Taverna Stathis. A little further towards Skiathos Town, you'll find Taverna Sklithri, a charming beachfront fresh fish restaurant with gingham tableclothes and twinkly lanterns. For more options, take the bus or a taxi into town for waterfront eateries and upmarket delis (6km).
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Fridge
- Hob or stove
- Kids' meals
- Microwave
- Restaurants nearby
- Shopping service
Activities
- Roll out of bed and wander down to Vromolimnos beach. There are loungers and palapa parasols, plus a small and friendly watersports centre offering waterskiing and wakeboarding
- Explore other beaches on the peninsula (we like secluded Koutsouri and family-friendly Kanapitsa), or head further afield to check out windswept Mandraki, tucked-away Micro Asselinos, low-key Kechria or über-chic Ampelakia
- Take in the sea views on a walk around the peninsula (take a right onto the road at the top of the hill; it takes just under an hour)
- Take a bus or drive into Skiathos Town for a spot of shopping, a stroll along the waterfront, ouzerias, cocktails and clubbing
- Cross the bridge from town to the little islet of Bourtzi, home to a ruined fortress and scented pine groves
- Head into the hills for some tranquility at the beautiful Evangelistria Monastery & Museum, with its courtyard full of geraniums, lemon trees and tweeting lovebirds
- Visit the tiny, uninhabited islands of Tsougria and Arkos, just a couple of miles off the south coast - a perfect day escape. Boats offer trips to Tsougria from Skiathos Harbour, but to see the smaller Arkos we recommend chartering a sailing boat or hiring your own motorboat for the day (Christos can advise)
- Skiathos is known for its well-marked forest hiking trails; tours can be arranged, or you can make your own way using Ortwin Widmann’s well-regarded guide, Skiathos: Hiking in the Aegean Paradise
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Sailing
- Scuba diving
- Scuba diving courses
- Shopping / markets
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
- Wakeboarding
- Waterskiing
Best Time to go
The season here runs from mid-May to mid-October, with the busiest time being the 2 weeks leading up to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on 15 August (a big holiday in the Greek calendar). If you want quiet 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. Skiathos Holidays is closed out of season, from mid-October to May.
Our Top Tips
We visit Skiathos every summer and look forward to catching up on a winter’s worth of local gossip. And we're not the only ones who love a Skiathos story. The island’s most famous son, Alexandros Papadiamantis, paints a mystical picture of traditional Skiathos life in Tales from a Greek Island, while American actor, writer and adopted Skiathiti Richard Romanus’ Sketches of Skiathos has modern-day appeal (sold at the bookshop on Papadiamantis Street in town).
Don’t leave the island without eating at our all-time favourite taverna, Agnadio, on Evangelistria Monastery Road (booking is essential).
Don’t leave the island without eating at our all-time favourite taverna, Agnadio, on Evangelistria Monastery Road (booking is essential).
Location
Skiathos is part of the Northern Sporades group of islands in the northwest Aegean. Skiathos Holidays is located by Vromolimnos beach on the Kalamaki Peninsula, 6km from Skiathos Town and port, and 8km from the airport.
By Air
Skiathos Airport (8km away) is served by year-round flights from Athens, and direct flights from the UK and elsewhere throughout 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 if you don’t want to drive.
By Sea
Ferries and hydrofoils (summer only) arrive daily from Agios Constaninos and Volos. If combining a Skiathos trip with an Athens city break and don’t want to fly between the two, we recommend travelling via Agios Constantinos as the bus trip to the port is much shorter.
By Car
All the essentials are nearby and there’s a regular bus along the south coast, so a car isn’t necessary. However, you’ll get much more out of your holiday if you hire one for a few days so you can check out the beaches on the north side and head up into the hills. 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 8.0 km JSI
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 0.3 km
- Restaurant 0.3 km
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