Category:

Sporades

Island group in the Aegean Sea, on the east coast of Greece, beautified by verdant green pine forests that line its sandy beaches.

Best for Families Sporades

Skiathos: The Family Gem of the Sporades

by Lindsay Jul 08, 2026

written by Lindsay

View of the island from Bourtzi, Skiathos.

An emerald isle washed in sapphire seas, a combination of accessibility, natural beauty and easy-going charm that makes Skiathos one of Greece’s most compelling islands for families.

🏖️ 🤿 🚤 🎣 🏇

On clear days, the gentle silhouette of Skiathos emerges on the horizon as we linger over coffee at Kimasi Beach in our home village of Mandoudi, North Evia. Part of the Sporadic island complex formed by rocks thrown in a clash of the mythic giant brothers Otos and Efialtes, the island continues the lush, pine-cloaked greenery of North Evia. Alive with birdsong and butterflies that drift among forested hills descending into pristine waters in golden coves, it is a world apart from the familiar Cycladic image of Greece—a landscape of bare rock, whitewashed villages and cobalt seas that has come to define the country’s postcard identity.

What Skiathos possesses that Evia does not are dreamy, honey-hued beaches of astonishing clarity. Since the opening of a new ferry port in Mandoudi (a 2-hour road trip from Athens), Skiathos is now just a 40-minute crossing on a spiffy Seajets fast-ferry. Skiathos is also the Sporades‘ most connected island, served by an international airport famed for its unusually short runway on a narrow isthmus, where aircraft enthusiasts gather to watch planes skim thrillingly overhead during take-off and landing.

Descent to Small Banana Beach — The sparkle of small Banana Beach through the pines.

Beyond its cinematic landscapes made famous by Mamma Mia!, Skiathos proves itself remarkably family-friendly. While pockets of the island buzz with summer energy, its overall pace remains relatively relaxed. Days revolve around calm, gently shelving beaches and leisurely tavernas, punctuated by memorable adventures—from horse rides through pine forests and into the sea, to easy boat excursions, whether a quick private hop across to Tsougria or a day of fishing on the Aegean. It is this rare combination of accessibility, natural beauty and easy-going charm that makes Skiathos one of Greece’s most compelling islands for families.

WHERE TO STAY

For families and first-time visitors, the southwest coast is the island’s sweet spot with our favourite swims. Here, a string of sandy beach bays—from Vasilias and Achladies to Agia Paraskevi, Troulos and Koukounaries—is connected by the island’s main coastal road, striking a balance between relaxed beach life and easy access to town.

Big Banana Shoreline — Big Banana gave us our favourite swims on Skiathos, though reaching it takes a little determination.

Since the opening of its international airport in 1972—and the global spotlight cast by Mamma Mia! in 2008—Skiathos has evolved into one of Greece’s best-equipped island destinations. Yet development has remained refreshingly restrained, with low-rise buildings nestled into the island’s verdant hillsides.

Families are spoiled for choice with an assortment of sophisticated beachfront resorts. We stayed at Skiathos Holidays Suites & Villas, where contemporary interiors blend with traditional Greek architecture just steps from Vromolimnos Beach. At the luxury end of the spectrum, ELIVI has transformed the historic Xenia Hotel into the island’s flagship seaside resort, occupying a coveted outcrop of the Koukounaries peninsula.

Skiathos Old Town Alleyways — Old Town walks.

Unless your accommodation includes parking, we’d avoid staying in Skiathos Town if you have a car. Parking is severely limited during the summer months, and navigating the maze of narrow streets can quickly become frustrating. While the Old Town is a delight to explore on foot, its steep, stone-paved alleyways can be difficult for families with prams or grandparents.

IN AND AROUND TOWN

As with most Greek island Choras, the greatest charm lies within the steep labyrinth of Old Town, where narrow stone alleyways wind their way up and down between whitewashed houses. Teetering on over touristy, British pub-style boltholes and the bubble-gum facades of mass-market ice-cream parlours have sprouted in village corners, alongside a polished mix of massage studios and elegant boutiques (Kalokairi stocks some of our favourite Greek designers, including Greek Archaic Kori).

Along the main shopping street, Papadiamantis Street, seek out Alaska for homemade gelato, including local flavours such as baklava. Just opposite, Il Posto serves excellent coffee and relaxed breakfasts with an atmosphere that feels almost Parisian.

Alaska Skiathos — Alaska – our favourite gelateria and cafe in the center of town.

FROM COFFEE TO DINNER

Seeking out spaces where the pace is a little less hurried (e.g. the fringe of Old and New Town), these are the spots we enjoyed meals out with kids between souvlaki wraps and a quick pasta toss-up in our apartment kitchen rental.

— Bakaliko (Skiathos Town – Eastern Waterfront) —

Seafood shines at the waterfront restaurant strip at the opposite end of Skaithos Town – where children scoot along the traffic-free promenade while parents amble with prams towards the heart of town. Our first choice, Agrokiali, came recommended by our hotel, but the queue persuaded us instead to claim a prime table beside the water at Bakaliko, where calming sage-green and cream interiors overlook the harbour.

Aside from the classics (grilled sardines and fried thrapsalo), the menu celebrates the kind of homespun dishes my mother-in-law would prepare—octopus braised in red wine, cuttlefish with spinach, fish soup, and other Greek classics. Simple, deeply comforting and quietly memorable.

— Bourtzi (Old Port, Opposite Old Town) —

Perched on the small peninsula fortified by the Venetians in the early 13th century, an expansive café nestles beneath a dense canopy of pines interwoven with sail shades, its terraces opening onto sweeping views in every direction. It’s a perfect place to begin a morning exploring the Old Town, before the sun gathers strength. Antsy children have plenty of space to roam among the trees and old stone walls, while chilled yoghurt smoothies provide refreshment before setting off again.

— O Batis (Old Town) —

Not quite the island’s finest example of traditional taverna cooking, but the setting more than compensates. Squeezed among the tiered restaurants climbing the hillside above the Old Port, the terrace looks out over the sea through the branches of a magnificent oak tree that has improbably taken root on the slope. Secure a table along the edge of one of the loveliest places in the area to linger over a leisurely Moussaka.

— Big Bad Wolf (Koukounaries) —

Drawn by the relaxing calm of a patio of oak and olive trees, we settled after our koukounaries swim in Big Bad Wolf. Its namesake inspired a carnivorous meal choice of succulent pork tenderloin with velvety pumpkin puree (our menu favourite), lamb chops and more potato puree, and grilled chicken with mushrooms. Parking is available behind by the gated narrow dirt path.

— O Tarsanas (Kechries – Best Reached by 4WD or Boat) —

As we cautiously negotiated the steep, one-kilometre dirt track leading to the taverna, we couldn’t help wondering why neither our hosts nor the reviews we’d skimmed had mentioned the very real possibility of our two-wheel-drive becoming stranded. Sensing our apprehension on the return journey, owner-chef Argyris smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry,” he said. “If you get stuck, I have three trucks. We’ll pull you back up.”

O Tarsanas Taverna in Kechries, Skiathos

Fortunately, the moment we arrived, the anxiety of the descent melted away. Between landscaped lawns drizzled over with sunbeds, olive trees and the thick shade of mulberry, the taverna occupies a secluded outcrop of the island’s wilder northern coastline. Here, Argyris has transformed his grandfather’s estate into a hidden seaside haven where the food more than lives up to the setting. The menu is concise, and shaped largely by the day’s catch from local fishing boats, but every dish is executed with refinement and a delicately balanced richness of flavour that lingers long after the meal has ended.

WHEN TO VISIT

Skiathos is at its liveliest during July and August, when every taverna, beach bar and boat excursion is in full swing. We find ourselves visiting then only because our children’s school holidays leave little choice. Families seeking a little more breathing room may prefer June or September. The weather remains warm for swimming, yet the beaches are noticeably quieter, parking becomes less of a competitive sport, and you’ll enjoy a more relaxed pace across the island.

GETTING THERE

One of the easiest Greek islands to reach, Skiathos is served by direct summer flights from numerous European cities, while year-round domestic flights connect via Athens. If you’re already exploring mainland Greece, ferries operate from Volos, Agios Konstantinos and Mantoudi in northern Evia.

FIND A FERRY FROM MANDOUDI

Click on your planned date of travel for a view of the ferry schedule to Skiathos from Mandoudi as provided by Ferryhopper:

Jul 08, 2026 0 comment

Sporades

Our Favourite Skiathos Family Swims

by Lindsay Jul 05, 2026

written by Lindsay

Skiathos is renowned for a covetable coastline where shimmering blue-green waters meet broad sweeps of champagne-coloured sand beaches, inviting hours of sculpting sand citadels. Sheltered by the island’s hilly, pine-covered interior, the south coast is home to its best-known beaches, while the rugged north remains largely undeveloped and exposed to the open Aegean.

Although much of the southern coastline follows the same captivating formula of calm, sandy bays, each beach has its own personality. Here’s how our favourite family-friendly beaches compare, along with the practical insights we wish we’d known beforehand—because family travel is unpredictable enough without avoidable surprises.

BIG BANANA BEACH – FOR THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SWIM

These are, for us, the most beautiful waters in the Sporades. At the western end of Big Banana, luminous turquoise shallows invite children to wander ever farther from the shore. Beneath their feet, sand flecked with quartz and calcite catches the sunlight, giving the beach a bright, shimmering glow.

Big Banana beach
Entrance to ELIVI Resort
ELIVI Resort Grounds

Its only real drawback is accessibility.

Finding a parking space is the first challenge. Reaching the beach is the second. Even if you’re fortunate enough to secure one of the limited roadside spaces near the entrance to ELIVI, there’s still a 200-metre walk to the shore, including a steep descent towards the final dirt path. Families with infants and toddlers may decide the approach is more effort than it’s worth. Those with older children, however, will be richly rewarded.

When we first visited more than a decade ago, Banana was one of Skiathos’ liveliest beaches. Returning with children, we were surprised by how much it had changed.

The road now ends at a barrier, although pedestrians can continue on the black ribbon of asphalt winding through ELIVI’s resort grounds. By Greek law, private developments must preserve public access to the beach. And so as we treaded on, trying not to overheat, quiet electric buggies whisk hotel guests between terracotta villas and the sea. The once pine-covered hillside has been transformed into a peppering of discreet luxury residences—a development that divided the island’s long-time devotees.

Halfway down, the path forks. To the right is Small Banana, where the island’s long-standing nudist tradition continues alongside ELIVI’s stylish Black Bird beach club. Families will generally prefer continuing left towards Big Banana.

Small Banana beach — *Small banana beach is also a nudist beach. Families tend toward Big Banana.*

As the final dirt path descends beneath towering pines, the view slowly unfolds. White daybeds scattered across the sand resemble oversized marshmallows against an impossibly blue sea. It is as breathtaking as we remembered.

Ironically, making the Banana beaches less accessible has restored much of their former tranquility. Where visitors could once park much closer to the shore, the longer approach now seems to deter many day-trippers. Even at the height of summer, the resort’s sunbeds sat half-empty during our visit, while independent beachgoers gathered beneath the natural shade of the pines fringing the beach. There is also the option to rent the resort’s daybeds (€40 per pair, or €50 for the front row at the time of our visit).

The only dining option is The Nest, ELIVI’s beachfront restaurant. While menu prices are generally reasonable, portions can feel surprisingly modest—we smiled when a €12 Greek salad arrived with four bites of tomato. Extras quickly add up, with bottled water priced at €5. Perhaps that’s another reason this magnificent beach remains one of Skiathos’ quieter.

VROMOLIMNOS – FOR EFFORTLESS BEACH DAYS

In our view, Vromolimnos is comparably beautiful as iconic Koukounaries, with crystal-clear shallows meet soft golden sand, yet it somehow feels a little more relaxed. Its sheltered bay is ideal for swimming, while the lighter crowds make it noticeably easier to find a parking space (available by the entrance of Skiathos Holiday Suites and Villas) —and, once you’ve conquered that, your own patch of sand.

The beach offers two distinct moods. Skiathos Holidays Suites & Villas rents sunbeds to the public (€20 per pair at the time of our visit), where the atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried. A little farther along, Porto Paradiso shifts the energy up a notch, with tightly arranged sunbeds, oversized beanbags, music that gradually builds throughout the day, and a beach volleyball court.

What surprised us most about Porto Paradiso, however, was the food. Beach clubs aren’t usually where we expect memorable meals, but the kitchen comfortably exceeded expectations. If you’re planning to spend the day at Vromolimnos, we’d happily settle in here for lunch or dinner without leaving the sand.

KOUKOUNARIES – FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS (OR TROULOS AS PLAN B)

Koukounaries is the island’s signature shoreline. Its popularity, naturally, means it gets busy. Fortunately, the atmosphere remains relaxed rather than rowdy, making it an enjoyable choice for families—provided you arrive early enough to secure both parking and a sunbed at one of the four beach bars.

Two free public car parks serve opposite ends of the beach. During our visit, the more popular western car park was spilling over with cars parked and more cars making rounds to find parking, but we found a shaded space without difficulty at the quieter eastern end by the bridge river crossing. From there, a short stroll along a timber boardwalk leads to the beach. We set up our folding chairs beneath the trees, enjoying both the natural shade and a little extra breathing room from the busiest part of the shoreline.

If Koukounaries feels too busy for your liking, retreat two beaches east to Troulos. The water is as inviting, and the crowds noticeably thinner.

Jul 05, 2026 0 comment

Places to Stay Sporades

Skiathos Holidays Suites & Villas: The Sweet Spot on Skiathos’ Southwest Coast

by Lindsay Jul 03, 2026

written by Lindsay

Skiathos Holiday Villas & Suites Entrance

SKIATHOS HOLIDAY SUITES & VILLAS

1 to 3-Bedrooms | From €220 per night

Set within expansive, lawned grounds just behind Vromolimnos Beach, Skiathos Holidays Suites & Villas strikes a rare balance between the freedom of space in an apartment and the ease of a hotel. It’s the sort of place where children can wander barefoot between breakfast, the lawn and the beach, while parents enjoy the luxury of not having to sweep up crumbs, make beds or negotiate another restaurant meal when everyone is running low on energy.

Its greatest asset is its location. The walk to Vromolimnos Beach takes little more than two minutes, making forgotten buckets, lunchtime naps and impromptu swims effortless. Equally valuable is the combination of spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom accommodation with hotel comforts such as daily housekeeping, regular linen changes and breakfast served from 8am until 11.30am—an indulgence for families whose mornings rarely run to schedule.

The grounds of Skiathos Holiday Villas & Suites

THE SPACE

A long-established property thoughtfully refreshed, the resort comprises a collection of rustic-contemporary suites and villas where natural stone, solid wood and understated black accents create interiors that feel both elegant and welcoming. There is no swimming pool, gym or glossy kids’ club—and none feels missed. Instead, children have generous gardens dotted with swings inviting the kind of imaginative outdoor play that rarely needs organised entertainment, while the sea remains just beyond the garden.

The attention to detail impresses. Kitchenettes are genuinely equipped for family stays, with a Nespresso machine, dishwasher, stainless-steel kettle and practical touches such as drying racks and wash basins for rinsing swimsuits. Olive Era toiletries, complimentary bottled water to tide you over until your first supermarket run, beach towels and reserved sunbeds all reflect the same thoughtful approach. Although there isn’t a guest washing machine, laundry can be arranged through reception with ease.

To the beach from Skiathos Holiday Villas

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

The location continues to shine once you step outside the gates. Porto Paradiso next door elevates the typical beach-bar experience with surprisingly good food, while just up on the main road you’ll find Lori’s Souvlaki for effortless takeaway dinners, a well-stocked mini market for kitchen essentials, and Kioupi for modern Greek cuisine. Vromolimnos is also home to Skiathos Boats, whose private transfers to Tsougrias take just 15 minutes from your hotel doorstep —an ideal first boat trip for younger children—along with longer excursions to Lalaria and the island’s more remote coastline.

ONE THING TO KNOW

If you’re travelling with toddlers, we’d recommend choosing a suite rather than a villa. The villas are split over two levels, and the internal staircases have low parapet walls that may constantly worry parents in the company of adventurous little climbers. The single-level suites remove that concern entirely.

Jul 03, 2026 0 comment

Sporades

More Than Mama Mia!: A Perfect Family Escape in Skopelos

by Lindsay Jul 18, 2024

written by Lindsay

Beyond the emerald-sapphire beach coves and that enchanting chapel in Mama Mia’s film sets, Skopelos is full of beautiful surprises and irresistible charm.

Located opposite North Evia where we live, sometimes your nearest neighbours are the easiest to overlook. Until they brought the island to our literal doorstep with the launch of a summer ferry service from our home in Mandoudi. It became silly to continue to ignore. What did we discover on Skopelos?

Thoroughly family-friendly, Skopelos is unexpectedly, and quite exceptionally, attractive. Mama Mia! may have inspired boat tours that descend on otherwise calm beaches in a frenzy of ABBA, but otherwise, the island remains relatively unadulterated. So far escaping the degradations of development, it maintains a refreshingly relaxed authenticity.

Skopelos has also got edge. A new wave of entrepreneurs have set up Asian bistros, cantinas in the forest, and superfood-focused cafes. On a low-key roll, here’s how to maximise your itinerary when you’re in the company of tiny travellers:

THE SWIMMING SCENE

Like its sister islands (Skiathos, Alonissos and Evia) in the Sporades, Skopelos is lush. Fringed by pine tree forests, its luminous green and blue bays are cinematically beautiful and pristine. Even on busy beaches, vendors and guests seem to be an environmentally-conscious lot, keeping them cleaner than I have seen on the beaches of other popular islands.

*Stafylos bay, resplendent in the quintessential colours of Skopelos.*

Unlike the fine golden sands of neighbouring Skiathos, many of Skopelos’ beaches are a mix of pebbles and coarse shingle—Pack a set of Posca paint pens for the children to transform smooth white pebbles into holiday keepsakes. The trade-off is that the seabed often shelves away quite steeply, so little swimmers will need closer supervision.

Which bays are best suited to families? Here are the ones we’d happily return to.

VILLAGE CHARM

Skopelos’ Chora (main town) was designated a Protected Traditional Settlement of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1978, and it’s easy to see why. Along its stone-paved waterfront—pedestrianised in the evenings—terracotta-roofed houses rise amphitheatrically up the hillside, while mulberry and plane trees lend welcome shade to the seafront promenade. Unlike the dry Cyclades, there’s always a tree-shaded bench for baby to sneak a snooze on with Dad, while Mom slips off into Jasmine-scented back alleyways for a bout of island shopping.

Skopelos town waterfront — *The waterfront boulevard of Skopelos’ main town.*

Within tangled village streets designed to confound marauding pirates of the time, a colourful mix of tenants line and surround the Old Town walkways. The Skopelitan variety is polished and progressive in a uniquely Greekly-charming way: A coffee cum juice bar serving gluten-free bread helmed by a bearded, ponytailed barrister, a local micro brewery and bar, and locally-celebrated Rodio – a pottery shop specialising in bold, black earthenware made with a patented process… As night falls, warmly-lit boltholes glow with dark handsome barmen housed within. This is the kind of village I wouldn’t mind living in.

Main town (Chora) of Skopelos — *Village walks.*

There’s more if you venture up towards the Venetian fortress, taking the seaside stairway where the 16th century Church of the Virgin Mary sits. Whitewashed and pared-back Donkee is a chic cocktail bar with ambrosial sips, soothing tunes, and sublime views that take centerstage. Cycladic style Anatoli near the top has tables scattered over terraces that open out into breathtaking vistas. The walk up is not the easiest for young kids, but doable, and best attempted in sneakers.

Anatoli Taverna in Skopelos' Chora — *The walk up to the Venetian fortress rewards with sublime views. Stay to dine at Anatoli or have cocktails at Donkee.*

WHERE TO STAY WITH KIDS

The whole point of a Greek island summer is the beach. And when you’re travelling with young children, there’s enormous value in staying close enough to wander back for forgotten toys, lunchtime naps or an afternoon escape from the heat. For us, that means choosing accommodation no more than a five-minute walk from the sea. Look into accommodation at the seaside villages of Stafylos and Agnotas with waters that are both lovely for swimming, and not more than an 8-minute drive from the Chora where you are likely to be spending many evenings. While the beach at Stafylos is nicer, Agnotas is more complete with a café for morning espresso hits and mini mart popsicle stops.

Dominated by boutique hotels and apartment rentals, Adrina is one of two five-star resorts on the island if you enjoy a bit of luxe. Sitting aloof on the edge of Panormos, this is another covetable swathe of sand to seek accommodation in. Complete with an array of village amenities, Panormos a 20-minute drive out from the Chora.

DINING WITH CHILDREN, TAKEOUT & A SWEET STOP

Dining comfortably with kids for us means spaced-out tables in sprawling grounds. Or after a particularly adventurous day, better yet if we can bring the restaurant home to us. Here are some tasty tables that fit the bill:

— STOU DIMITRAKI (CHORA) —

It’s quite possibly a rule that the best tavernas are not the tourist traps clustered along the Chora waterfront. Looking on the outskirts instead, Stou Dimitraki is a buzzy-casual joint with a wide and well-priced menu. Our highlights: a velvety psarosoupa (fish soup), octopus in wine sauce, and baked eggplant.

— MOURIA FISH TAVERNA (AGNONTAS) —

Korali, we were told, was the place to dine at in the small port of Agnontas. But the sleek spot with menu options like scorpion fish carpaccio and tuna tartare felt like a mismatch with our fresh-from-the-sea savages. Instead, we gravitated towards the tables under the Mulberry trees (Mouria in Greek) at the water’s edge. Tucking into our usual seafood taverna assortment of fried zucchini, grilled sardines, shrimp pasta, cuttlefish with spinach (excellent), and grouper with onions (plaki), it’s the kind of long drawn out dining experience on the beach that is quintessentially Greek.

Mouria Seaside Tavern in Agnontas, Skopelos — *Classic Greek island seafood dining at Mouria.*

— MANOLIS (NEO KLIMA) —

Neo Klima transports you to traditional Greek village quietude before the rise of mass tourism, just a 6-minute drive from Kastani. Apart from a traditional menu of grilled seafood and chops, Manolis offers a buffet of ready-cooked meals that a Greek mom would lovingly prepare in her home kitchen: Oven-baked young goat (“katsiki”), “special” chicken and bell pepper stew, soul-warming gigantes (giant bean stew)… The draw of this set-up? Kids can preview their meals before they are dished out to avoid disappointment. And post-meal, a generously-sized playground next door is the perfect controlled environment for watching tiny tots run wild on a full stomach.

Manolis Taverna in Skopelos, Greece — *Dining in quietude (and a playground next door) in Neo Clima.*

— TAKEOUT —

After a long day out, you might just want to kick-back and dine on just about anything at home. Pita gyros aside, there are more enticing takeout options in Skopelos. Azan is a magerió in the Chora – a type of eatery serving traditional homecooked recipes prepared ahead, and ready to serve. Gourmet Street Food nestled in forest groups complete with play equipment and farm animals serves sandwiches, burgers and gyros if you’re on the way back from the southwestern beach strip.

— BARRAMES (CHORA) —

Just about every waterfront cafe and taverna in Skopelos has an ice-cream counter onsite. But few are homemade, like Barramarres in the middle of town. Amidst a giddying variety of flavours to choose from, regionally inspired spin-offs like Galaktoboureko (a beautiful Greek custard pie) and Kunefe (a Turkish sweet cheese pastry) standout on the menu. The winning touch? Hanging swing chairs for the kids to rock in while on their sugar high.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

June and September. With climate change heating up peak summer months unbearably and unpredictably in July and August, these are increasingly clear times to avoid for us. Note: The ferry from Mandoudi may only start operating from mid-June. Schedules are typically released in late Spring.

GETTING THERE

There’s no airport in Skopelos, but a few ways of arriving by boat. Fly into Skiathos and take a 30-minute ferry (Seajets high-speed ferry operates the route from Mandoudi – Skiathos – Skopelos – Alonissos in summer), drive to Mandoudi in North Evia (2 hours) from Athens and take a 2-hour ferry, or drive to Volos in mainland Greece (3.5 hours) and take a 2-hour ferry. Most ferries allow you to drive your car on board as well with its own ticket.

FIND A FERRY FROM SKIATHOS

Input your planned travel dates below to find ferry schedules and pricing from neighbouring Skiathos.

Jul 18, 2024 0 comment

Sporades

THE BEST CHILD-FRIENDLY BEACHES IN SKOPELOS

by Lindsay Jul 18, 2024

written by Lindsay

Family beach trips can be a bit of a mission. Thankfully, the best of Skopelos’ beaches are perfectly positioned to take the added heat off your summer outings. Furnished with sunbeds and umbrellas so you don’t have to bring your own, they provide lounging comforts without being overrun by cafe-bars. Distanced just far enough from the Chora (main town) to feel special, a good selection of the best beaches are not more than 10 or 20 mins away from its amenities. And while they might get busy, the vibe is never rowdy.

Finding the best beaches for young children is also about finding calm. Sheltered from prevailing northern winds, the south-west coast is a good place to keep to. Panormos, Agnontas and Stafylos in particular are well-tucked into land. It’s always smart to check the wind before your visit and aim for these on windy days. Just note that the rest of the island is likely to be doing the same, so start your day early to secure sunbeds on the beach.

PANORMOS

A sheltered bay framed by pine tree-carpeted rock, Panormos is beautifully tranquil. Even when there’s a crowd. A plethora of beach bars, cafes and tavernas spill onto the gravelly shoreline, giving you the option to go from breakfast to lunch, coffee and dinner in the quaint seaside village. The waters at Panormos tend to be especially calm, and are well-suited for young swimmers. Just watch for the seabed drop a few meters out. Head to Kastani for a gentler gradient.

Espresso Snack Bar offers a basic umbrella and chair set-up (with a €10 minimum spend), while khaki-clad Kraken (with a €25 minimum spend) next door is the upscale option with thickly-padded, wood framed sunbeds and bean bags strewn around. A possibly helpful mention: Clean toilets at Espresso Snack Bar made for a more relaxing time when the kids needed a toilet trip. Cars park wherever they can find along the road behind.

KASTANI

Of Mama Mia! fame, this cosy cove with relatively shallow waters shimmers in dreamy hues of turquoise and blue. And while the colours of neighbouring Milia are similarly beautiful, Milia’s seabed is paved with slabs of bedrock that make walking in with little ones difficult.

In cozy Kastani, a lone, wood-decked beach bar starts from a grassy lawn, filtering into the shoreline. The downside – periodic boat arrivals disgorge a gaggle of tourists causing a small bout of mayhem for 2 hours. On windy days, Kastani is also likely to be wavier than neighbouring Parnormos. If you’ve had enough burgers and sandwiches on rotation, there’s no taverna onsite for proper meals, but plenty to choose from a 5 to 8 minute drive away. Ample parking is available directly behind the beach bar.

STAFYLOS

Cliff-backed Stafylos is quaint, but complete. Umbrella and bed rentals are available for €10 a pair from the makeshift bar in the middle of the beach. Don’t judge quality by appearances – they make surprisingly good coffee and serve a decent menu of sandwich and fruit salad type snacks.

For a proper meal, head to the tavern upslope. From the roadside “parking area”, a quick ramble 50 steps down through a bit of forest will bring you to its entrance. Quite likely, Takis and Katerina are at the foot of the stairs weaving waxed macrame bracelets. Here, my little big spenders found souvenirs for all their friends back home. Even for picky ones with unwavering colour preferences, Katerina whipped up custom options as we lay on the beach.

Stafylos is located just 8 minutes away from the Chora (main village).

Jul 18, 2024 0 comment