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Best family hotels in Skiathos: where to stay with kids on this idyllic Greek island
From pine-clad hills to beaches the colour of clotted cream, Skiathos is one of the prettiest Greek islands. It’s also easy to get to from the UK and is very family friendly. Here’s where to stay with kids, according to Mumsnetters.
By Katja Gaskell | Last updated May 31, 2024
You’ll have the time of your life on Skiathos, and not just because the small island was used as a filming location for Mamma Mia! the movie. Set in the northwest Aegean, not far from the mainland, this Greek island is famous for its emerald green pine-covered hills, its sandy shoreline and its fun-filled main town.
During the summer months, the narrow, winding, bougainvillaea-filled streets of Skiathos Town throb with energy - the nightlife on this tiny island is electrifying. But this doesn’t mean that Skiathos is not a good option for families. There are some wonderful family-friendly hotels sprinkled along the southern coast.
Late-night fun aside, Skiathos has lots to offer with 60 beaches, nearly 120 miles of hiking trails, sailing trips, jeep rides, water sports, mountain biking and more.
If you’re wondering where to stay, then we can help. We’ve consulted ever-knowledgeable Mumsnetters on our holidays forum to select the best family hotels in Skiathos, whatever your budget.
There's one island we keep going back to and that's Skiathos. There's just something other wordly about the light and the sparkly blue of the sea.
- Mumsnet user, Hobbesmanc
Skiathos Princess Resort
Beautiful beachfront location is hard to beat
Excellent amenities including pools, a spa, a kids’ clubs and restaurants
The staff are second-to-none
Teens might find the location a bit far from the action but in reality, Skiathos Town is only five miles away
Could this be the best family resort on Skiathos? It’s certainly one of our favourites - this beautiful five-star beachfront property delivers everything you need for a successful family holiday.
There are two pools, one just for children, a playground and a dedicated kids’ club promising non-stop fun for children aged 4 to 12 years old. The Little Seals Creche Club caters for babies and toddlers from 6 months, plus baby equipment galore is available to borrow.
Activities for older children and parents include outdoor yoga sessions and paddleboarding, scuba diving excursions and cooking lessons and guided hikes. And there’s a sublime spa. Add to this excellent food and nightly live music and you will find it hard to leave.
Nearest beach: Located on the beach
Nearest airport: Skiathos Airport (6 miles)
Elivi Skiathos
Located on its own (nearly) private peninsula for the ultimate beach getaway
Dedicated kids’ activities are fun and original; there aren’t many hotels that offer kids’ Zumba classes
Chic design and excellent service
Resort is very spread out, which might not suit all families
You’re a good 30 minutes from Skiathos Town
Elvi Skiathos is a place of holiday dreams. This luxury five-star resort is tucked away at the western end of Skiathos on an almost private peninsula covered in emerald-green pine trees.
The main part of the resort overlooks Koukounaries, the island's poster child of beaches, but there are also three other sandy coves within walking distance and each one has their own beach club. The resort also features two outdoor swimming pools.
There's a huge range of accommodation types and plenty of options for families plus lots of fun family activities from dance and Zumba classes to creative workshops and kids' cinema sessions.
Nearest beach: Within walking distance of four beaches
Nearest airport: Skiathos Airport (9 miles)
Mystery Skiathos Luxury Residence
Despite its prime location in buzzy Skiathos Town, the hotel feels like a peaceful retreat
Hotel pools are a rarity in Skiathos Town and this one is a joy
Family-run vibe throughout
You’ll need to catch a bus to enjoy some of the island’s best beaches
If you’re travelling with teens then look at Skiathos Mystery, an award-winning boutique bolthole in Skiathos Town that boasts stylish suites, rooftop views, an excellent restaurant, and a swimming pool.
It’s a family-run hotel, and this is reflected in the service, where nothing is too much trouble. The 10 light-filled spacious rooms are simple but comfortable and the Deluxe Suites come with two beds - although if you’re travelling with teens then separate rooms are probably a better option! Cots, highchairs and babysitting services are available if you have younger children in tow.
Nearest beach: Megali Ammos Beach (0.6 miles)
Nearest airport: Skiathos Airport (1 mile)
Atrium Hotel
Large, light-filled bedrooms sleep up to five people
Hotel pool overlooks the Aegean sea
Design is inspired by the monasteries in Halkidiki’s Athos peninsula
The hotel does not have a kids’ club
Designed by a family of architects, this 75-room family-run hotel sits on a hillside overlooking the sheltered bay at Agia Paraskevi. All rooms come with stunning views whether you choose the Deluxe Double or the Maisonette with Shared Pool that sleeps up to five people.
There are two swimming pools (one perfect for small children), a Greek/Mediterranean hotel restaurant and friendly staff on hand to help organise anything from cooking classes and motorbike hire to fishing trips, horse riding excursions and sailing adventures. Cots and highchairs are available and there's a large playroom.
Nearest beach: The beach at Agia Paraskevi is just a short walk away
Nearest airport: Skiathos Airport (7 miles)
Kassandra Bay Resort & Spa
Location combines the best of both worlds: a beautiful beach resort not far from Skiathos Town
Range of dedicated family rooms that sleep up to four people
Vassilias Beach is right on your doorstep
While we love the craft activities held for children, we would love to see a dedicated kids’ club at Kassandra
This chic, low-rise resort sits close to Skiathos Town with direct access to beautiful Vassilias beach. There are more than 100 rooms at Kassandra Bay, with an additional 30 tucked away in a private adults-only enclave.
In addition to the beach and its myriad water sports there are two saltwater swimming pools, one which comes with a small baby pool attached. There’s a well-equipped gym plus Pilates and aqua aerobics sessions, and a lovely spa offering a wealth of treatments. Book in for a massage while the kids keep busy crafting in the large soft play area. Later, take advantage of the hotel’s babysitting service and catch a water taxi to Skiathos Town for a sunset cocktail.
Nearest beach: Vassilias Beach is on your doorstep
Nearest airport: Skiathos Airport (3 miles)
Mandraki Village Boutique Hotel
Garden setting has lots of shade and is great for younger kids to run around in
Excellent Elias Restaurant
Hotel hosts daily events from special pancake breakfasts to poolside movie nights
You’ll need to walk to get to a beach
There is no kids’ club
Enjoy affordable luxury at the Mandraki Village, a colourful boutique hotel set in lush gardens within walking distance of Koukounaries beach.
Sure, it might not have all the flashy amenities that you would find in a luxury five-star resort, but this friendly hotel has all the right ingredients for a fun family holiday. Family suites can sleep five, there's a playground and a small pool for toddlers attached to the main pool, and you’re within walking distance of half a dozen sunny sandy beaches.
Another hotel highlight is Elias Restaurant, an award-winning restaurant that's also popular with non-hotel guests so you’ll need to book in advance.
Nearest beach: Within walking distance of a half-dozen beaches including Koukounaries (0.8 miles)
Nearest airport: Skiathos Airport (9 miles)
Skiathos Palace Hotel
Beautiful views over Koukounaries beach and the Aegean sea
Some rooms sleep up to eight people - perfect for large families
The many water sports offered at the beach will keep kids busy for hours
There’s a fun playground for children but no dedicated kids’ club.
Not only is the Skiathos Palace Hotel one of the oldest and largest on the island, it's also a great option for families. Built on a hillside overlooking the golden stretch of Koukounaries beach, with panoramic views from nearly all angles, this friendly hotel has 258 rooms and suites, including some that can sleep up to eight people.
The beach is liberally sprinkled with sun loungers and parasols, providing the perfect place to kick back after enjoying some of the watersports on offer. Waterskiing, windsurfing and parasailing are all available alongside canoeing, banana boat rides and pedalos. A recommended scuba school sits nearby. Back at the hotel, kids will enjoy the playground and sparkling swimming pool.
Nearest Beach: Koukounaries Beach is on your doorstep
Nearest airport: Skiathos Airport (8 miles)
Villa Asteri
Privacy of having your own home set within a stunning location
Far-reaching views from the private terrace and pool
Convenient location near to shops, supermarkets, tavernas and Skiathos Town
If you want to take a break from cooking while on holiday, this is not the property for you
Sometimes a private villa is the answer to all family holiday dilemmas and Villa Asteri ticks all our boxes. This beautiful two-storey villa can sleep 11 people comfortably in five double bedrooms (two travel cots are provided), making it ideal for holidays with extended family or friends.
The bedrooms are located on the ground floor and the open-plan living space occupies the upper floor, opening onto a stunning terrace with far-reaching views over Kolios Bay. The villa has a private pool and the calm, clear waters of Kolios Beach are just a two-minute walk away. A handful of tavernas and a supermarket sit nearby and Skiathos Town is just a short bus ride away.
Nearest Beach: A short walk from Kolios Beach
Nearest airport: Athens Airport (13 miles)
What’s the best part of Skiathos to stay in for families?
Skiathos is a mere 31 square miles in size and very easy to get around by bus, taxi, water taxi, or car (although we would not encourage you to hire a car as parking can be tricky). Skiathos Town is famous for its buzzy nightlife and staying nearby is a great option if you have teens but better avoided if you have young children in tow. Most family-friendly resorts and hotels in Skiathos lie along the southern coast.
What are the best things to do with kids in Skiathos?
The beaches are the obvious draw on Skiathos, this tiny isle boasts an incredible 60 beaches including one of the best in Greece. Koukounaries is a kilometre-long crescent of golden sand sandwiched between bottle-green pine trees and crystal-clear waters.
Boat rides are a wonderful way to experience some of Skiathos’ neighbours including Alonissos and Skopelos, where more of Mamma Mia! was shot. Don’t miss the open-air cinema in Skiathos Town where a weekly showing of the ABBA inspired musical comedy takes place.
Within nearly 200 km of walking trails, there are plenty of hiking options if you can drag the kids away from the beach, plus riding and mountain biking opportunities.
What’s the best family-friendly hotel in Skiathos?
All the Skiathos family hotels listed above have something special, but we particularly love Skiathos Princess Resort for its beachfront location, its excellent kids’ club and its stellar service.
How we chose our recommendations
Because we know that there’s nothing like a real recommendation, we first headed to the Mumsnet holiday forums to find out what family hotels in Skiathos were being recommended.
We then did some research across the wider web, looking at what family hotels in Skiathos had won accolades or been featured in ���best choice’ lists across websites, and what customer reviews said about them. Having collated all that information, we then narrowed our list down to the best family hotels in Skiathos at the moment.
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About the author
Katja Gaskell is a freelance journalist and blogger with over 20 years of experience producing travel content including guidebooks for Lonely Planet, hotel reviews for Mr & Mrs Smith and feature articles for a range of publications including The Telegraph, Wanderlust Magazine and the Mail on Sunday. She's passionate about family travel and loves to explore new places with her husband and three kids, documenting their adventures on her blog, globetotting.com