Paralia Mpanana — Attraction in Skiathos Municipality

I'd say this was my favourite beach in Skiathos. Whilst the walk from Koukounaries beach bus stop to the beach is rather hilly and quite a trek (through a construction site), it is worth it as you are immediately met with golden sands, along with some of the clearest and bluest waters on the island. There are a few bars on the beach with music playing in the background. The beach is very scenic and bears fantastic views over to the Greek mainland. The beach didn't get too packed when we visited in the beginning of July, but apparently the beach does get rather busy further into the summer season. There are plenty of amazing photo opportunities here, and lots of water sports and activities to take part in, including jet skiing. Little Banana is a small walk over the rocks, and is a naturist beach, which is definitely worth a visit. I preferred this beach to nearby Koukounaries beach.

Update in 2019 and I just can't give it five stars anymore. The beach is as beautiful as ever, and it wasn't as busy as expected, but the new owners of the hotel/bar are totally out pricing everybody. Whereas in 2017 sunbeds were €8 and sandwiches were about €7, they're now €20 and €17 respectively. This is totally taking advantage of tourists and I just couldn't pay that money to the owners who don't need it. So my advice is to pack food and drink yourself is possible, and don't bother with a sunbed, use...

This beach is like a little piece of heaven right in the heart of Skiathos. If you're looking for a spot where you can unwind and soak up the beauty of nature, trust me, this is where you want to be. The sand is so soft and the water is that magical shade of blue that you see in travel brochures.What really makes Paralia Mpanana special is its natural beauty. It's surrounded by trees and plants that make you feel like you've stumbled upon a secret paradise. Whether you're sunbathing or taking a dip in the water, there's this peacefulness that just washes over you.Unlike the busier beaches with all the usual touristy stuff, Paralia Mpanana keeps things simple. You won't find a bunch of shops and cafes here, but honestly, that's part of its charm. Pack your essentials, like sunscreen and maybe a snack, and just enjoy the simplicity of nature.Whether you're on a solo adventure or a romantic getaway, Paralia Mpanana is a dream come true. Remember to bring your sunscreen (you'll definitely need it), a good book to get lost in, and a camera to capture the stunning views. This place is a hidden treasure that showcases the natural beauty of Skiathos, and it's an experience you won't want to...

Big Banana Beach is truly beautiful – soft sand, crystal clear water, and very comfortable, large sunbeds. The beach belongs to the Elivi Hotel, but it is also open to outside visitors. However, the service is disappointing. Even though there are plenty of waiters on the beach, they mostly wander around without doing much. For the prices and the prestige of both the beach and the hotel, the staff do not live up to expectations. Compared to the excellent service at the Agia Eleni beach bar, Elivi falls far behind.

Another downside is the access: to reach the beach you need to walk up and down a steep hill, since cars are not allowed in the hotel area or on the road leading to the beach.

Adjacent to it, Little Banana Beach offers the same type of sunbeds and facilities, but from my experience last year, the staff there were much more attentive. The only thing to keep in mind is that this beach is very popular among nudists.

If the staff at Big Banana were more attentive, this could easily be considered a truly luxurious and outstanding...