Banana beach got its name from the shape of the coastline and it’s considered as one of the most beautiful in the island. It’s located about 1km from the famous Koukounaries beach, if you follow the dirty road, as instructed by the signs. Under the shadows of the tall trees there are numerous beach bars that have sun beds and hammocks in the golden sand. From there you can wait from the sun to set, behind Mount Pelion. You can also check out this breathtaking view from Mikri Banana, which is mostly a nudists’ beach.

Alonissos is the base of the National Marine Park of Sporades and the least crowded of the cluster. It boasts some of the cleanest beaches in the Mediterranean and it is also home for the rare Monachus-Monachus monk seals. Hora has some lovely cafés and cozy little taverns, by the water. Don’t forget to visit Steni Vala for fresh fish. In the port of Skiathos you will find many travel agencies that can arrange for the trip. 

Take the caiques –traditional boats- from the main port towards the northern part of the island, weather permitted. You will see many isolated beaches, coves, caves and steep cliffs. Some captains visit the Blue Cave and then the Dark Cave. Take advantage! It sounds scary, but once your eyes get used to the darkness, the view is just spectacular. Don’t forget to visit the beach of Lalaria. The landscape is wild, almost primitive and it will leave you speechless Ask to be shown the infamous Cave of Fonissa (murderess) from the homonymous book of the famous Greek writer, Alexandros Papadiamantis. They say that the heroine of the book was hiding there and, according to the legend, since then, when the sun goes down the “snakes” come out. The “snakes” are notoriously high waves. Remember that after sunset there are no itineraries between Lalaria and Skiathos Town. 

Also by caique, you can visit all the nearby uninhabited islets. Megali Tsougkria is a picturesque, dreamy little islet with an unspoiled white sand beach, just across from Kanapitsa.