Banana Beach
Golden sand, turquoise water, zero dress code required
About
Banana Beach sits on a south-facing sheltered bay on Skiathos, stretching roughly 294 metres of golden sand lapped by turquoise water. A rocky mid-beach divider splits the experience neatly in two: the western Big Banana zone is all beach bars, water sports, and non-stop energy, while the eastern Little Banana section is clothing-optional and noticeably quieter. The water is safe for swimming, the bay faces south so it catches sun all day, and the whole setup is unapologetically lively. It's one of the busiest beaches on the island — expect company in summer.
How to get there
From Skiathos Town, you can reach Banana Beach by bus (Bus Stop 0 to Bus Stop 26, Koukounaries, roughly 20 minutes, running daily), by car in about 20 minutes, or by water taxi from the harbour in around 25 minutes on a seasonal schedule. Free parking is available at the bus stop area and roadside, but spaces are limited and fill quickly in peak season — arriving early or taking the bus is the smarter call. Sandy access leads you straight onto the beach, though no confirmed accessibility infrastructure is in place.
Who it's for
For couples
Couples after contrast will find it here — share a sun lounger and beach bar cocktail on the lively western side, then slip east of the rocky divider for a more relaxed, clothing-optional afternoon in the quieter Little Banana section.
For families
The safe swimming in the sheltered south-facing bay suits families with younger children, and the western Big Banana zone keeps water sports and beach bar action concentrated in one area so you can set up away from the busiest activity zones. Note that dogs are not permitted, so leave four-legged family members behind.
Our take
Banana Beach doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is: a lively, well-organised beach with golden sand, turquoise water, and a party-adjacent atmosphere. The split between Big Banana and Little Banana is genuinely useful — the rocky divider isn't just a landmark, it's a mood divider. Water sports traffic near shore is the one real safety note to keep in mind, especially if you're swimming with children. Getting here is easy whether you drive, take the bus, or hop a water taxi from Skiathos Town. The free parking fills fast in peak season, so the bus is often the smarter move. Come for the energy, stay for the swim — just know what you're signing up for.
What to do
Water sports are on hand nearby, making Big Banana a solid base for anyone wanting to get on the water. A short distance away, Koukounaries Beach — one of Greece's most photographed, backed by pine trees and golden sand — is worth the easy walk or quick ride. Further afield, Evangelistria Monastery offers a quieter cultural counterpoint to the beach energy.
The rocky mid-beach divider framed against the turquoise water is the most distinctive shot on the beach — catch it in the morning before the sun loungers fill in around it.
The waterline at Big Banana looking west along the golden sand arc also works beautifully in the golden hour.
Where to eat
Nest Fish Restaurant is just 0.1 km away and the obvious first stop for fresh seafood after a swim. A little further, AlaMar covers both Greek and seafood options, while Cookoonari serves Greek food around 0.5 km from the beach — all close enough that you won't need to plan far ahead.
Where to stay
Panorama Hotel is the closest option at 0.8 km, well-placed for early morning beach access before the day visitors arrive. Strofilia sits about 1.1 km away for a slightly more removed base, while Magic, Telis, and Zobras Family House are further out at roughly 3.8–4 km if you prefer a quieter setting to return to.
Photography
Shoot from the waterline looking back at the golden sand in the early morning light before the beach fills up. The rocky mid-beach divider makes a natural compositional anchor — frame it against the turquoise water for a shot that captures the beach's split personality.
Good to know
The naturist section sits east of the rocky divider — respect that boundary and don't wander across uninvited. Beach bar music runs loud until late afternoon, so if you're after a quiet read, head to Little Banana early or bring earplugs. Water sports traffic operates close to shore, so keep children and casual swimmers well clear of the active zones. Dogs are not permitted in the concession zones, including the naturist section.
Map
Nearby places
Nest Fish Restaurant
Cookoonari
AlaMar
Hagoromo
Grace
Panorama Hotel
Strofilia
Magic
Telis
Zobras Family House
Koukounaries Beach
Kastro (Medieval Capital of Skiathos)
Evangelistria Monastery
Things to see around Skiathos
Koukounaries Beach
Iconic pine-backed golden beach immediately east, Greece's most photographed
Kastro (Medieval Capital of Skiathos)
Abandoned Byzantine fortified town on north coast clifftop
Evangelistria Monastery
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Other beaches in the region
Other lively beaches in Greece
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — linmtheu · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 2 — linmtheu · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 3 — linmtheu · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 4 — TomasEE · source · CC BY 3.0
- Photo 5 — Artur Malinowski · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 6 — Artur Malinowski · source · CC BY 2.0