About Katharina Beach
Katharina is a tiny, secluded sandy beach on Skiathos’s south coast, approximately 11 km southwest of Skiathos Town. It sits between Maratha and Koukounaries, hidden from the main road by a screen of trees. The beach is characterized by its tamarisk trees — salt-tolerant evergreens that provide dappled natural shade over the sand. It’s small, non-organized, and wonderfully peaceful.
Getting There
By Land
A narrow, unmarked path leads to Katharina from the coast road between Maratha and Koukounaries. It’s not on the bus route. The nearest bus stop is Stop 18 (Maratha) — a 10-minute walk along the coast.
By Boat
The best way to visit. Katharina faces south into a small bay. From Skiathos Port, a 30HP rental boat reaches Katharina in approximately 35 minutes.
Transfer
A transfer from Skiathos Town takes about 25 minutes. Cost: approximately €35–45.
The Beach
Katharina is approximately 80 metres of sand — small, intimate, and beautifully shaded by tamarisk trees. The water is azure blue and shallow. There are no facilities — the only company you’ll have is the sound of the sea, the cicadas, and the breeze in the tamarisk branches.
Facilities
- None at all — no sunbeds, no umbrellas, no bar, no toilets
- Tamarisk trees provide natural dappled shade — one of the best natural-shade beaches on the island
- Bring everything you need
The Tamarisk Trees
Tamarisk trees (known in Greek as “armyriki”) are the defining feature of Katharina. They grow right up to the sand, their feathery branches creating a canopy of light, filtered shade. The contrast of the silvery-green foliage against the blue water is beautiful, and the shade is a genuine luxury on a non-organized beach.
Boat Anchoring Tips
The small bay is sheltered and calm. Anchor in 3–4 metres on sand. Space for 1–2 boats.
Nearby Beaches to Combine
- Maratha (500m east, 2 minutes by boat) — slightly larger, pine-backed beach with a taverna
- Koukounaries (1.5 km west, 5 minutes by boat) — the island’s most famous beach
- Troulos (2 km east) — sheltered family beach
What Sea Skiathos Offers
- Self-drive no-license boat rental: 35 minutes from port. A perfect quiet stop on the south-coast route.
- Skippered day trip: Your captain will drop you at Katharina for a private swim under the tamarisk trees.
- Water taxi: Direct transfers to this hidden cove.
Best Time to Visit
- Morning: The tamarisk trees cast beautiful morning shade patterns on the sand.
- June and September: Quietest months. You’ll likely be alone.
- July–August: Still quiet compared to neighbouring beaches. The tamarisk shade is a genuine asset in peak summer heat.
