Aghia Paraskevi Holidays

Small but perfectly formed, Aghia Paraskevi is an unspoilt village on Skiathos’ beach-studded south coast. If you’re after lazy afternoons on the beach, rustic Greek dinners, and a snail’s-paced nightlife, it’ll tick all the boxes.

Platanias Beach stretches for 600 metres, from Kolios Beach in the east to Aghia Paraskevi in the west. It’s got firm family credentials thanks to its shallow sea, shaded areas and portfolio of watersports. And when it comes to a spot of lunch or an ice-cream, there’s a snack bar at the eastern end of the sands.

Aghia Paraskevi has got the quiet village vibe down to a T. There’s little more than a picturesque church and a sprinkling of tavernas serving authentic local dishes. It means after midnight, the only thing you’re likely to hear is the sound of crickets. But within walking distance is Platanias – a slightly busier town with a few minimarkets and bars where holidaymakers rub shoulders with locals.

A 10-minute drive away is Skiathos Town, the good-looking capital that’s criss-crossed by wide pedestrian avenues and side streets dotted with boutiques and independent galleries. If you stick around until the evening, you’ll see how Skiathos Town likes to party in the bars around the marina.