Things To Do in Koukounaries

At the Bad Wolf – AKA O Kakos Lykos – hosts Alex and Jasmine serve up Greek classics like lamb kleftiko and beef stifado under the shade of a huge plane tree. And you know the food’s authentic when you see the locals tucking into prawn saganaki and stuffed cabbage leaves. Quick, friendly service and Greek music playing in the background add to this place’s popularity.

Tucked among the beach bars on Koukounaries Beach are a smattering of watersports huts. From here you can hire everything you need for waterskiing, banana boating, scuba diving, snorkelling and more. Skiathos Dive Centre is at the western end of the beach if you feel like you need a lesson or 2, while sailors head to the easterly marina for boat hire and tuition.

Apparently, owner Dino concocts cocktails that are practically works of art. He’ll also happily pour you a Greek draught beer, or mix you up a lip-smacking ouzo with lemon. The big-screen TV shows all the main sports fixtures, and there’s a vast catalogue of music videos to watch, too.

Ancient and modern Greece get equal billing at this annual cultural festival in Skiathos Town. Representing the ancients are performances of classic Greek tragedies and comedies, plus traditional music and dance concerts. And in the modern corner you’ve got art exhibitions along with cutting-edge Greek theatre and dance. The festivities take over the prom, harbour and the outdoor theatre at the Bourtzi Cultural Centre.

The laid-back tavernas by the beach are the place to sample good old-fashioned Greek cooking. You’ll find all the favourites on the menu – moussaka, kalamari, Greek salad – not to mention plenty of delicious fresh fish. The local wines are easy on the palate and won’t break the bank, and more often than not you’ll get a glass of complimentary ouzo at the end.

It would be a crime not to get out into the pine forests here, and a horse ride means you can really enjoy the scenery. On trips with Skiathos Riding Centre, based behind Koukounaries Beach, all levels of riders can weave their through Mandraki Woods up to Agistros and Troulos, where the hillside views are quite something.

Koukounaries’ kiosks and minimarts will keep you stocked up on postcards and suncream, but for souvenirs you’re best off heading to Skiathos Town. The smart boutiques in the side streets between Papadiamantis Street and the old port are crammed with leather goods, lace, gold and silver jewellery, and locally-made ceramics.