Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos

Sun-drenched Koukounaries Beach stretches along the southwestern coastline of Skiathos, an island packed with hotels, bars, and restaurants. Locally known as "Chrisi Ammos," approximately translated as "golden sand," this is one of the more cosmopolitan beaches in Greece, attracting water lovers and nightlife enthusiasts from distant corners of the world. A lush pine forest (one of the last remaining in the country) rings the beach and provides a cool natural shade. Spend your days cruising up and down the coastline on a rented boat, and your nights exploring the area's many ouzeri, traditional taverns serving Greece's famous anise-flavored aperitif. For travelers who use our world travel planner, Skiathos holidays become easier to arrange, with trips to the Koukounaries Beach and other attractions mapped out and timetabled.