About Limani tou Xerxi
Limani tou Xerxi (meaning “Xerxes’ Harbour”) is a beach steeped in ancient history, located just east of Skiathos Town in a sheltered bay. In 480 BC, during the Persian Wars, a storm wrecked much of the Persian fleet of King Xerxes on the rocks off this coast — and what remained of his ships sheltered in this very bay. Today, it’s a quiet sandy and pebbly beach with calm water, historical significance, and excellent snorkelling opportunities.
Getting There
By Land
Limani tou Xerxi is walkable from Skiathos Town — approximately 20 minutes heading northeast from the port, past the ferry terminal and along the coast toward the airport peninsula. It’s not on the main bus route. The walk is pleasant with sea views.
By Boat
The beach faces east into a sheltered natural harbour. From Skiathos Port, a rental boat reaches Limani tou Xerxi in just 5–8 minutes by heading east out of the port and into the bay.
Transfer
A transfer from the port takes under 5 minutes. Cost: approximately €15–20.
The Beach
Limani tou Xerxi is approximately 200 metres of mixed sand and pebbles. It’s a natural harbour — the water is consistently calm and shallow, making it excellent for swimming and snorkelling. The beach is non-organized — no sunbeds or facilities.
Facilities
- None — no sunbeds, no umbrellas, no bar, no toilets
- Natural shade from tamarisk trees along the back of the beach
- Bring everything you need
Historical Significance
The name isn’t just decorative. In 480 BC, the Persian king Xerxes I launched his invasion of Greece. As his massive fleet navigated the treacherous waters off Skiathos’s coast, a violent storm drove many ships onto the rocks. The survivors sought shelter in this natural harbour. A few weeks later, the Greek fleet defeated what remained of the Persian navy at the Battle of Salamis.
The rocky coastline around the bay is still famous — or infamous — for underwater rock formations, which now make it an excellent snorkelling destination rather than a navigational hazard.
Snorkelling
The underwater rocks that wrecked the Persian fleet now host a thriving marine ecosystem. Snorkelling here is excellent, with good visibility and a variety of fish, sea urchins, and marine life among the rock formations.
Boat Anchoring Tips
The bay is a natural harbour — exceptionally well-sheltered. Anchor in 3–5 metres. The holding is excellent.
Nearby Beaches to Combine
- Skiathos Town and Old Port (5 minutes west by boat) — for lunch, shopping, sightseeing
- Xanemos (on the other side of the airport peninsula, accessible by continuing around the coast) — sandy, nudist-friendly
- Lalaria (25 minutes north by boat) — the famous boat-only beach
What Sea Skiathos Offers
- Self-drive no-license boat rental: 5–8 minutes from port. The closest stop for a quick dip with a side of history.
- Skippered historical tour: Visit Limani tou Xerxi, hear the full story of the Persian fleet disaster, then snorkel among the rocks that caused it.
- Water taxi: Direct transfers. Quick, convenient, and fascinating.
Best Time to Visit
- Morning: Calmest water. Best light for photography of the bay.
- June and September: Best snorkelling visibility.
- Any calm day: The natural harbour shape means the water is almost always flat.
- Combine with: A visit to Skiathos Town’s Bourtzi fortress — another piece of the island’s rich maritime history.
