About Xenia Beach
Xenia is a charming sandy beach on Skiathos’s southwestern coast, approximately 12 km from Skiathos Town. It sits just west of the famous Koukounaries beach and shares its pine-forest backdrop, but with a significantly quieter atmosphere. If Koukounaries feels overwhelming, Xenia offers the same golden sand and turquoise water with a fraction of the crowd.
Getting There
By Land
- Bus: Stop 25 (Agia Eleni) or Stop 26 (Koukounaries). About 30 minutes from Skiathos Town. The beach is a 5–10 minute walk west from Koukounaries along the coast.
- Car/Scooter: 20-minute drive. Limited parking.
- Walk: An easy 10-minute coastal walk from Koukounaries through the pine forest.
By Boat
Xenia faces southwest with a sandy bottom — excellent for anchoring. From Skiathos Port, a 30HP rental boat reaches Xenia in approximately 40–45 minutes.
Transfer
A transfer from Skiathos Town takes about 30 minutes. Cost: approximately €40–50.
The Beach
Xenia is approximately 200 metres of soft golden sand with shallow, clear water. It’s well-organized but low-key — sunbeds and umbrellas, a beach bar, but none of the noise or chaos of its more famous neighbour.
Facilities
- Sunbeds and umbrellas (€8–12 per set)
- Beach bar serving drinks and light food
- Showers
- Pine forest behind providing natural shade
- No watersports (the quiet is the point)
Why Choose Xenia Over Koukounaries
- Same sand, same water, same pine forest backdrop
- Significantly fewer people — even in peak season
- More relaxed atmosphere
- Still close enough to walk to Koukounaries for facilities or lunch if you want them
Boat Anchoring Tips
The bay is open to the southwest. Anchor in 3–5 metres on sand. More space than Koukounaries, with fewer boats.
Nearby Beaches to Combine
- Koukounaries (500m east, 2 minutes by boat or 10-minute walk) — for restaurants and facilities
- Banana (1.5 km west, 5 minutes by boat) — popular party beach
- Agia Eleni (1 km west) — organized beach with nudist-friendly sections
- Maratha (3 km east) — quiet, pine-backed beach
What Sea Skiathos Offers
- Self-drive no-license boat rental: 40–45 minutes from port. The perfect base for exploring the Koukounaries area without the crowds.
- Skippered day trip: Combine Xenia with Koukounaries and Banana. Enjoy the best of all worlds.
- Water taxi: Direct transfers. Privacy, no crowds, your own schedule.
Best Time to Visit
- Any time June–September: Xenia is consistently quieter than Koukounaries.
- Morning: Calm water, peaceful atmosphere. You may hear the pine forest more than any other sound.
- July–August: Even in peak season, Xenia remains manageable. The contrast with Koukounaries next door is stark.
- Late afternoon: The light through the pine trees is beautiful.
