Top Beaches in Skiathos and the Sporades: A Complete Guide to the Most Breathtaking Shores

Your ultimate guide to emerald waters, golden sands, and unforgettable Aegean beauty.

The Sporades archipelago is one of Greece’s most dazzling island groups, celebrated for its lush landscapes, crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and postcard-perfect beaches. And at the heart of it all lies Skiathos—a vibrant island with over 60 beaches, each with its own charm. Whether you’re seeking solitude, family-friendly waters, adventure, or luxurious beach vibes, Skiathos and the wider Sporades have a shoreline waiting to steal your heart.

We sail daily to the most beautiful waters in Greece and we created this comprehensive guide to give you the top beaches in Skiathos and Sporades that you must visit. Enjoy!

Top Beaches in Skiathos

Koukounaries Beach – The Iconic Jewel of Skiathos

No list of Skiathos beaches is complete without Koukounaries, the island’s most famous shoreline and one of Greece’s top-ranked beaches.Situated on the southwest coast, Koukounaries is loved for its golden sand, shallow turquoise waters, and the enchanting Strofilia Nature Reserve that frames it. What makes this one of the top beaches in Skiathos is the pine forest that surrounds it and provides natural shade and a distinctive fragrance.

Why Visitors Love It

• Ideal for all ages, especially families
  
  

• Vibrant beach bars mixed with quiet spots
  
  

• Water sports including water-skiing, wakeboarding, and paddleboarding
  
  

• Protected natural environment creates a calm, serene backdrop
  
  

Whether you want to relax under a pine tree or enjoy a lively beach day, Koukounaries is a must-visit.

Lalaria Beach – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

We just love taking you there! Accessible only by boat, Lalaria is the beach that travelers dream about long after their holiday ends. With its white marble pebbles, steep dramatic cliffs, and the iconic Tripia Petra arch, Lalaria is a natural wonder shaped by centuries of waves and wind.

Highlights

• Surreal blue waters perfect for photography
  
  

• Sea caves that sparkle with reflections
  
  

• A sense of isolation and mystique
  
  

A visit to Lalaria feels like stepping into a different world—wild, untouched, and breathtaking.

Agia Eleni Beach – Calm Waters and Stunning Sunsets

Named after a small nearby chapel, Agia Eleni is a peaceful, picturesque beach located near Koukounaries. Its shallow waters and soft sand create an inviting setting for relaxation.

Why it stands out

• Spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in orange and purple hues
  
  

• Ideal for couples and photographers
  
  

• A relaxed atmosphere without the crowds of larger beaches
  
  

Stay late into the afternoon to catch one of the best sunsets on the island.

Sougria Beach – A Peaceful Escape on an Uninhabited Island

Located on the nearby uninhabited island of Tsougria, Sougria Beach is one of the most serene escapes in the Sporades. With crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft sandy shores, and a landscape untouched by development, it feels like a private paradise just minutes from Skiathos Town.

Why Visitors Love Sougria

• A quiet getaway far from the crowds
  
  

• Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and peaceful sunbathing
  
  

• Soft golden sand and gradually deepening waters
  
  

• A single beach bar offering refreshments without disturbing the natural setting
  
  

Many visitors describe Sougria as the ultimate “Greek summer postcard”—simple, natural, and breathtaking. It’s perfect for couples, families wanting calm waters, and anyone who dreams of spending the day on a secluded island.

Kastro Beach – Hidden Coves Beneath a Storied Cliffside

The historic peninsula of Kastro—the medieval fortified capital of Skiathos—offers some of the most atmospheric and untouched beaches on the island. These small coves sit below dramatic cliffs and can be reached either by a scenic boat trip or a steep hike for the adventurous.

What Makes Castro Bay Unique

• Secluded coves with pristine waters
  
  

• Rugged, wild landscapes filled with history
  
  

• Stunning views of cliffs and the open Aegean
  
  

• Excellent swimming conditions in deep blue water
  
  

Because these coves are less accessible than other beaches, they remain peaceful, raw, and unspoiled, offering a glimpse into the wild beauty of Skiathos. If the weather is calm we always make a stop here as it is a favourite if you are looking for exclusive, off-grid swimming spots.

Glyfoneri & Megas Gialos – Remote Northern Treasures

On the north and northeastern coast of Skiathos sit two of the island’s most remote beaches: Glyfoneri and Megas Gialos. Exposed to the open Aegean and surrounded by steep cliffs and pine forests, these beaches are dramatic, picturesque, and wonderfully quiet.

Glyfoneri Beach

• A small, secluded bay with emerald-green waters
  
  

• Perfect for travelers looking for solitude
  
  

• A natural escape ideal for swimming when the winds are calm
  
  

• Best accessed by boat or water taxi
  
  

Megas Gialos Beach

• Larger and more open than Glyfoneri
  
  

• Known for its raw beauty and deep blue water
  
  

• A peaceful haven with no crowds or commercial activity
  
  

• A great spot for picnics, snorkeling, or quiet relaxation
  
  

Because of their remote location and the sometimes stronger northern winds, these beaches are typically visited by those searching for something wild, authentic, and far from touristic routes. They are also amazing spots for snorkelling!

Beaches in Skopelos

Skopelos is known for its lush greenery, pine forests that reach the sea, and beaches that feel untouched. The island became internationally famous thanks to Mamma Mia!, and its beaches live up to that cinematic reputation.

Kastani Beach – The Mamma Mia! Favourite

With crystal-clear turquoise waters and silky golden sand, this beach invites you to enjoy a truly carefree day by the sea. The rich pine forest embracing the coastline adds to its scenic allure, while the southern side offers cool, natural shade for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

What you’ll love

• Beach bar with a stylish, relaxed atmosphere
  
  

• Smooth sand mixed with fine pebbles
  
  

• Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and selfies
  
  

It’s ideal for travelers seeking a vibrant but still natural beach experience.

Milia Beach – A Long Stretch of Perfection

Long, wide, and framed by pine trees, Milia is often called the most beautiful beach in Skopelos. It boasts crystalline waters, coarse sand, fine pebbles and lush pine trees.

Highlights

• Ideal for snorkeling thanks to clear waters
  
  

• Plenty of space to spread out
  
  

• Stunning views of small islets just offshore
  
  

For visitors who want pristine waters without crowds, Milia is a must.

Spilia Beach – A Secluded Bay Framed by Cliffs and Turquoise Waters

Tucked away on the northern side of Skopelos, Spilia Beach is one of the island’s most tranquil and hidden coastal treasures. Known for its secluded atmosphere and striking natural scenery, this small cove offers a peaceful escape far from the busier shores. Its name, meaning “cave,” reflects the dramatic rock formations and rugged coastline that give the beach its distinctive character.

What Makes Spilia Special

• Crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming
  
  

• A mix of pebbles and smooth rocks that create a serene, natural setting
  
  

• Steep cliffs and lush greenery surrounding the bay
  
  

• Quiet, untouched environment ideal for relaxation
  
  

Spilia’s sheltered waters are wonderfully inviting, especially on calm days, and the rocky edges make it a lovely spot for snorkeling. The beach is typically reached by boat, which helps maintain its sense of exclusivity and keeps the crowds away.

Beaches in Alonissos

Alonissos offers something unique: beaches that are quieter, more natural, and framed by the famous Marine Park of the Northern Sporades, home to the rare Mediterranean monk seal. The island is a paradise for divers, snorkelers, and nature lovers.

Agios Dimitrios – A Double-Sided Dream

Often considered the most beautiful beach in Alonissos, Agios Dimitrios boasts stunning white pebbles, azure waters, and lush trees. A few beach bars with impeccable sea views., and plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas lie along the shore.

What makes it unforgettable

• Crystal-clear waters for snorkeling

• Views of nearby islands

• A peaceful, remote atmosphere

It’s a beach where you’ll easily spend an entire day without realizing it.

Leftos Gialos – Calm, Turquoise, and Perfectly Organized

Leftos Gialos is a postcard-perfect bay with emerald waters and a mix of pebbles and sand.Alonissos is a beautiful island famous for its clean water and green landscape. Surrounded by pine trees, beaches in Alonissos offer a picturesque environment ideal for a day of relaxation. The crystal clarity of the waters offers plenty of swimming and snorkeling opportunities

Best for:

• Swimming in crystal-clear, shallow waters

• Families and couples

• Enjoying fresh seafood right by the sea

It’s organized but remains authentic and quiet.

Kokkinokastro – The Beach of Legends

Kokkinokastro means “red castle,” named after the red cliffs that frame the beach.

Highlights

• Mineral-rich red rocks create stunning color contrasts

• Rich marine life perfect for snorkeling

• Golden sands and a relaxed vibe

Local legend says the ancient city of Ikos once stood here, adding a layer of myth to your swim.

Explore the Beaches of the Sporades with Traditional Spiliada

The hidden coves, turquoise bays, and untouched shores of the Sporades are best experienced from the water—and Traditional Spiliada offers the perfect way to discover them. Sailing on this classic wooden boat allows you to access remote beaches as well as tranquil destinations.

With Spiliada, the journey becomes just as memorable as the destinations themselves. Glide across crystal-clear waters, stop for swims in secluded bays, and enjoy a peaceful, authentic atmosphere that reflects the true beauty of the Aegean. The boat’s comfort, traditional charm, and expert crew make it easy to explore beaches that remain untouched by crowds and unreachable by land.

Whether you’re seeking quiet moments in nature, adventurous snorkeling spots, or hidden shores that feel like private paradises, Traditional Spiliada transforms your beach exploration into an unforgettable experience. It’s the ideal way to uncover the most beautiful corners of Skiathos and the Sporades—slowly, gracefully, and in harmony with the sea.