GREECE & CYPRUS SKIATHOS DESTINATIONS True Sun, sand and spa await on a relaxed beach break in Skiathos, finds David Golledge t’s a great feeling when you the locals warm and friendly, visitors travelling by water taxi Itravel somewhere new to and the scenery just as stunning from the island’s capital. know there’s someone waiting whether you’re hiking through its Despite Koukounaries’ for you, but as we came in to bluelush interior or kicking back on attractions, it would be a shame land at Skiathos airport, I hadn’t one of its golden-sand beaches. not to head at least a little off expected to see a whole crowd With the opening of five- the beaten track. The island’s of people awaiting the arrival of star hotel Elivi Skiathos adding forested hills provide more than our flight. another option for luxury-loving just a dramatic backdrop, with Peering through the tiny guests, we checked out a handful the many trails offering great aircraft window, there was of the most relaxing activities opportunities to explore on foot. a throng assembled on the around the island. Shortly after grabbing a road just beyond the airport’s map and setting off, we found perimeter fence, greeting our ◗ BEACH BEAUTY ourselves far from any crowds, arrival with excitement. Skiathos’s 60-plus beaches are with the only noise coming Little did I know that this is undoubtedly its star attraction, from the crunch of pine needles Skiathos’s signature party trick. with sandy stretches that underfoot. Better still, we As aircraft come in to land mere wouldn’t look out of place in the were rewarded with the most metres above the coastal road, Caribbean. spectacular sunset overlooking crowds flock to take a look, The long, sweeping secluded coves. getting precariously close to Koukounaries beach – where the powerful jet blast from the a verdant pine forest meets ◗ JOIN THE YACHTS engines to do so. crystal-clear waters – is With Greece so renowned as a It’s as big a thrill as you’re particularly impressive. The area seafaring nation, it seems only likely to get on an island where enjoys ecological protected natural to take to the water. The the pace of life is pleasingly slow, status and is a popular draw for port in Skiathos Town is PICTURES: SHUTTERSTOCK; HEINZ TROLL HEINZ SHUTTERSTOCK; PICTURES: 54 travelweekly.co.uk 28 March 2019 28 March 2019 travelweekly.co.uk 55 GREECE & CYPRUS SKIATHOS DESTINATIONS a constant hive of activity, from billionaires’ mega-yachts to vessels ferrying fans of Mamma LEFT: Mia! to neighbouring Skopelos, Skiathos town where they can visit its famous BELOW: chapel perched on a rock – Elemis spa, Elivi Skiathos whatever floats your boat. Of the many vessels on offer, few are likely to have a captain quite as affable as Babis onboard Diamanti, our yacht for the day. Accommodating a maximum of 12 guests, it felt pretty exclusive. Dolphin sightings are likely if you keep your eyes peeled, although it takes much less effort to spot deserted coves and picture-postcard whitewashed houses along the hillsides that line the rugged coast. We dropped anchor at the uninhabited island of Tsougria bursting with garlic and peppers, at Elivi Skiathos sit alongside a and had the entire, idyllic place all washed down with some pool, sauna and hammam, offering to ourselves, with the exception We had the entire, obligatory ouzo. This was the life. a calming space in which both of a few goats trying to climb guests and non-guests can relax. the rocks. However, such solitude idyllic place to ◗ A SPA IS BORN An hour-long, deep-tissue is no reason to go hungry, and ourselves, except If a holiday here is all about massage proved invigorating, while we took the opportunity for for a few goats trying embracing the laid-back local working away any lingering a dip, Babis proved himself not lifestyle, then it seems only fitting tension – though whatever your just a great host but a talented to climb the rocks to make sure a visit to the hotel issue, there is likely to be a chef, rustling up a seafood spa is on the agenda. The three treatment for it. The spa’s feast of mussels and prawns treatment rooms in the Elemis spa signature option is a Tried & Tested ELIVI SKIATHOS In a setting that would impress four of the island’s best beaches Poseidon, Greek god of the sea, close by. Elivi Skiathos sits majestically While all of the beaches in atop the Punta Peninsula, with Greece are public, some are panoramic views of the Aegean. less public than others, and the Think relaxed, contemporary Ambelakia Beach within the Grace luxury, with works by local artists area enjoys a particularly exclusive and decor complementing the feel. Alternatively, opt for a villa or area’s natural surroundings. suite with a private pool. The family-owned hotel has The resort opened last summer, 161 rooms, suites and villas across but several new facilities have three areas – Elivi Xenia Hotel, been added for the coming season, Grace and Nest – with a funicular which begins on April 26. Grace lift and golf carts. Accommodation has expanded from 11 rooms to 67, varies widely, but expect plush including some with hot tubs and showers, minimalist decor and private plunge pools. the resort. Particular highlights and The Swan, are perfect for fine high-tech fittings. There’s also a kids’ club, three include the Elevate Bar, where dining under the stars. Guests already torn between new restaurants and a new bar, the extensive cocktail and sushi Book it: Rates start at ¢194 per beach and pool are unlikely to bringing the total up to five offering is served overlooking night based on two sharing a room. resolve their dilemma here, with restaurants and seven bars across Koukounaries Beach. The Leda elivihotels.com Tested by David Golledge 28 March 2019 travelweekly.co.uk 57 DESTINATIONS SKIATHOS GREECE & CYPRUS 90-minute body wrap and facial ritual, based on the rejuvenating properties of the pine trees abundant nearby. You can also embrace the best of the sea with an Elemis ocean wrap using seaweed (€110 for 75 minutes). ◗ OUT ON THE TOWN Skiathos town has an enjoyable cosmopolitan charm thanks to its port, and although boats might be heading out to the other Sporades islands, it’s worth sticking around to explore the town itself. It’s easy to while away a few hours exploring the maze of colourful side streets filled with ceramics, jewellery shops and artists’ studios, or people watching from one of the ABOVE: ◗ EATING OUT The Borzoi offers global cuisine away pavement bars. Street-side dining While its waterfront teems with from the crowds, in a stylish, white Just out of town, the Evangelistria in Skiathos nautical life, Skiathos town’s culinary courtyard. The restaurant doubles as a Monastery dates from the 18th scene is just as vibrant, ranging from club and has a creative cocktail menu. If ABOVE RIGHT: century and rewards visitors with Skiathos town fast food to smart tavernas. We you fancy something a little fiery, try the spectacular views from its tranquil waterfront discovered that to blend in with the Parmella, resident mixologist Arnaud’s grounds. Minibuses depart regularly locals, it’s best to order a feast to share signature concoction. With Tabasco from the port for the two-and-a-half- between a group – and don’t be shy sauce, tequila, agave nectar and celery mile journey. with the number of dishes either. bitters, it certainly packs a punch. 58 travelweekly.co.uk 28 March 2019.