Skiathos

Skiathos packs an astonishing amount of coastline into a compact, green island in the Sporades. Its reputation rests on more than sixty beaches, from broad organised bays to tiny coves reached only by boat, all fringed by Aleppo pines that lean right down to the water. For a Greek island this small, the density of good swimming is remarkable, and you rarely need to travel far to find sand that suits your mood.

Skiathos Town is the beating heart of it all, a cheerful sprawl of whitewashed houses, tavernas and cocktail bars tumbling towards a working harbour. The little islet of Bourtzi, crowned with the remains of a Venetian fortress, divides the old and new ports and makes an easy stroll. Come evening, the waterfront fills with the clink of glasses and the smell of grilled fish, and the mood stays relaxed rather than raucous.

The island's most famous beach is Koukounaries, a long golden arc backed by a pine forest and a protected lagoon, regularly named among the finest in the Mediterranean. On the wild north coast, Lalaria is a photogenic strip of white pebbles framed by cliffs and a natural rock arch, reachable only by boat trip from the town. Between them lie dozens of alternatives, including Banana, Agia Eleni and the sheltered coves near Kalamaki.

Skiathos is at its best from late May to early October, when the sea is warm and the meltemi breeze keeps the heat pleasant. July and August are busy and lively; June and September offer the same clear water with a calmer pace and better value. Spring brings wildflowers and green hills, though some tavernas stay shut until the season opens.

Getting here is unusually easy for an island this size, thanks to Skiathos airport with its dramatic low approach and its seasonal European flights. Ferries and fast catamarans link the port to Volos and Agios Konstantinos on the mainland and onward to neighbouring Skopelos and Alonnisos, making it a natural first stop on a Sporades island-hop.