Skiathos (Greece)

Thassos was our favourite for ten years until we discovered Skiathos. It is everything you have loved in every other Greek destination all rolled into one tiny island - how they managed to fit that airport in the corner is a mystery - the runway goes from the harbour at one end to the open sea at the other - reverse thrust a must here! One thing to remember if you don't particularly like flying, there is a refuelling stop on the way home at Thessalonike which means two take-offs and landings instead of one. Can't think of any more potential negatives so here goes with the positives:-

SCENERY - beautiful. Around every bend on the coast road is a new view of the island. There are trees, trees and more trees and lovely walks into the interior which take you up higher and higher - it's a very hilly island and as such if you are staying on the South Coast you will have to travel around to the North West to catch a sunset!

TRANSPORT - best bus service on any Greek island - buses run every 15 minutes from Skiathos town to Koukounaries and vice versa - all bus stops are numbered (about 1-26 at the last count) and each number serves a resort/beach and all are clearly marked and described inside the bus. The buses are great fun and, as all Brits want to travel in and out of town at the same time, can be crowded! Car hire etc. is readily available and good if you want to see the parts the bus service doesn't reach.

TOWN - delightful! Main street is now pedestrianised but watch out for mopeds, bikes crossing from the side streets. It's very hilly with lots of lovely little side streets to explore - no matter how bad your sense of direction you will find yourself back at the harbour eventually. It has every type of eating place you could want from the wonderful Gyros stall at the bottom of Papadiamantis - 900drx. for a tasty snack that fills the lunchtime gap - right through to the posh Windmill high up at the top of the town. There are traditional tavernas both ends of the harbour - some at the right hand end set on large cobbled steps and those at the left hand end towards the end of the airport runway are on the water's edge. Further along this road are all the nightclubs - all together for those who want them and well away from those who don't - very thoughtful planning.

TOUR OPERATORS - most tour operators go here and there is great competition for properties on the island. Golden Sun offer good value for money and we went with them for £249 each on both trips!!

RESORTS - it really doesn't matter where you stay here - it's easy to get around. We have stayed in Agia Paraskevi and Troulos - both nice resorts with the usual beach, tavernas, minimarkets etc. Try Ioannis in Agia Paraskevi for great food and a swim - that's the name of the accommodation and the owner - the taverna is signed on the road as Green Park - go hungry as portions will defeat most appetites. Ioannis, Maria, Theo and Nikos run a smart property with a great taverna thrown in. In Troulos the best eating we found was at Varelli's on the crossroads where you turn for Asselinos - George and Rosemary and the boys will make you very welcome and feed you well.

BEACHES - bliss - all as good as the next one - some to visit are Maratha, Kanapitsa, Asselinos, Nostos - I could go on and on - there isn't a bad one amongst them.

All in all, a treasure. Go before if gets too touristy, it's looking that way.

We shall return!!!