Naturist Skiathos
Posted by Jill Bowen on Thu 22nd March 2007 at 09:25 PM, Filed in Europe, Naturism
Skiathos is one of the most cosmopolitan islands in the Aegean, and, with its lush green vegetation, glorious sandy beaches it must rank highly as being among the most beautiful.
It maybe small in area, but being in easy reach of other Islands and mainland treasures it certainly doesn’t feel claustrophobic. There is only one main road leading from Skiathos town all the way to the other end of the Island at Koukounaries, with small villages in between all having sandy (textile) beaches. As you look out to sea while driving or walking along the road your eyes will be draw to the picture postcard deep blue of the Aegean and the myriad verdant small islands just waiting to be explored.
The most famous beach on the Island is Koukounaries; a large curve of golden sand backed by a lake where goats meander among the pine and Olive trees. Walk to the far end of the road leading to Koukounaries turn right, up a steepish small road. Meander slowly, stopping occasionally, to look back and admire the views of the lake and beach you have just left. The road curves onwards and upwards, until, on the left hand side you will see a track leading down towards the beach. This will take you to ‘big’ banana; a large stretch of golden sand will come into view as you stroll among the Olive trees. There is a good, reasonably priced Taverna serving a selection of salads and basic hot food, and the loos are not too bad. The main part of the beach is ‘textile’, so turn left, around a few rocks and you will arrive at the naturist section.
As good as big banana is, the gem for naturists is small banana. Just before you get to big banana you will see a well-worn track to the right, it’s will take about another 10-minute walk, undulating in parts, but certainly worth the walk. It’s totally naturist, with a small Taverna – no loos – umbrellas and beach beds to hire, an incredibly social place, we have made many new friends of all nationalities during our holidays to the Island.
Depending on whether you are looking for ‘night life’ or just want to go into Skaithos town occasionally will determine where you stay. Koukounaries has a few reasonable Hotels and apartments, a couple of mini-markets and a few very good Tavernas. But if you want a larger choice for eating out and shops then stay in the main town or one of the small villages and then take the regular bus service that runs from early morning to late at night to get to banana beach. Conversely, if you prefer a quiet life, make Koukounaries your base and use the bus to go into town a few times to visit the cosmopolitan shops and explore the area to find eateries.
You will not be disappointed if you make this verdant, cosmopolitan Island your next holiday destination.
Recommended trips to take from Skiathos:
- Meteora – monasteries build atop huge rock pinnacles
- Skopelos and Alonissis – ‘2 for 1’ island visit
- Delphi – Archeological site famed for the ‘Oracle’
- Day Cruise around the Island
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READER COMMENTS:
There are also a growing number of good official naturist beaches in Southern Spain, near Bellamedena. One in particular is down a steep cliff path, with car parking at the top. It has spotless loos, a dear little bar (not expensive)and its own official Security Officer, a tiny chap in an enormous Stetson, complete with official Security dog. He scours the clifftops for any sad people with binnoculars, and if he sees anyone, he whistles the dog, which is a large GSD and she bounds up the cliff and frightens the life out of any wrong-doers! So one can be safe within a genuine naturist environment, in a darling sandy bay, protected from the wind, a few rocks to scramble on at low tide......total Heaven!
Posted by Pam Rollison on Tue 17th April 2007 at 01:02 PM | #