About Platanias Beach
Platanias is a long, attractive sandy beach on Skiathos’s south coast, 8 km from Skiathos Town. It’s backed by hotels and tourist accommodations, making it a popular choice for visitors staying in the area. The beach runs between Agia Paraskevi and Kolios, forming part of a continuous series of sandy coves along this stretch of coastline.
Getting There
By Land
- Bus: Stop 16 (shared with Vromolimnos and Kolios). About 18 minutes from Skiathos Town.
- Car/Scooter: 15-minute drive. Some parking near hotels.
- Walk: Continuous walk along the beach from Kolios or Agia Paraskevi.
By Boat
Platanias faces south with a sandy bottom — easy anchoring in 3–6 metres. From Skiathos Port, a 30HP rental boat reaches Platanias in approximately 20–25 minutes.
Transfer
A transfer from Skiathos Town takes about 18 minutes. Cost: approximately €30–40.
The Beach
Platanias is approximately 500 metres of golden sand. The water is exceptionally clear with a fine sandy seabed — no rocks underfoot. The hotel backdrop means facilities are readily available, but it also means the beach can feel more “resort-like” than some of its wilder neighbours.
Facilities
- Sunbeds and umbrellas (€8–12 per set, often included for hotel guests)
- Multiple tavernas and cafes behind the beach
- Beach bars serving drinks and food
- Showers
- Hotels with pools directly behind (some open to non-guests)
Boat Anchoring Tips
Anchor in 3–5 metres on sand. The beach is long and open — plenty of anchoring space. Watch for swim zones marked by buoys.
Nearby Beaches to Combine
- Kolios (300m west, 2 minutes by boat) — smaller cove with a traditional taverna
- Agia Paraskevi (700m east, 3 minutes by boat) — large organized beach with a church
- Vromolimnos (1 km west) — popular beach bars
- Troulos (2.5 km west) — sheltered family beach
What Sea Skiathos Offers
- Self-drive no-license boat rental: 20–25 minutes from port. Easy south-coast route.
- Skippered south-coast tour: Combine Platanias with Kolios, Agia Paraskevi, and Vromolimnos.
- Water taxi: Direct transfers for hotel guests and day visitors alike.
Best Time to Visit
- June and September: Best overall conditions — warm water, fewer crowds, all facilities open.
- Morning: Calm water, fewer people, best light.
- July–August: Popular with hotel guests, so sunbeds go quickly. The beach is long enough to absorb crowds without feeling packed.
- Late afternoon: Quieter as hotel guests retreat to pools and restaurants.
