|
|
Post by islandlady on Jun 20, 2016 18:10:42 GMT
Hi everybody,
Unless we have a drastic change of mind, my hubby and I will be coming to Skiathos for 2 weeks in August 2017. After quite a bit of research on TA and now on this forum (Btw, I enjoyed reading the threads for 1st time visitors) here is what I'm thinking.
I couldn't decide whether to stay in the town or in a nice beach area but since we'd like a package deal with Thomas Cook (they fly from Bristol) I've ruled out town accommodation as they're coming up too expensive atm. I fancy Muses studios in Koukounares and thought that the location would be handy for the bus into the town when we felt like a change in the evening. I did consider Troulos but I've heard that the bus is often full by the time it gets there (bearing in mind we'll be there in August).
Another option is a diy holiday. Flight prices are reasonable at the moment but I'm having a job to get prices for accommodation from online agents such as Booking.com as their Aug '17 prices haven't been released yet. I've tried getting prices direct from the properties but again they're not on line yet. I may send an email or two, requesting prices. A third option we have if we put a diy together is staying 1 week in the town and the other in Koukounaries.
Sorry, this is turning out to be a long post but you'll soon get to know that I'm a chatter box, especially when it comes to holidays.
Can I ask your opinion on whether you think Koukounaries is the right choice for us or can you suggest somewhere better? We want a nice sandy beach that's pretty scenic with calm water for swimming. We'd want sunloungers and at least a couple of beach bars or tavernas as we wouldn't want to spend every day eating lunch and having drinks at the same place. However, we don't need a beach lined with lots of bars either. We like to spend our evenings eating a meal and having a drink al fresco, preferably with a nice view and then taking a walk, stopping once or twice for more drinks. I understand that Koukounaries is quiet but how quiet is quiet? Would you say there were at least 7 or 8 tavernas/bars/restaurants in the area?
Thank you for any comments you'd like to make to help with my decision.
|
|
|
|
Post by *Di* on Jun 20, 2016 19:39:16 GMT
Hmmm I feel your dilemna re the buses... We have only been twice and stayed in Troulos purely on recommendation from my sis as she knows what we like... it was a great choice, for us... and we went back last year for just a week we sneaked in unexpectedly... but we hired a car for the full week and went to as many places/beaches as possible so didnt use the bus at all... Driving through Kouk a few times and stopping for lunch at Under the pine for a gyro, we found we preferred Troulos as a place to stay still, just pure personal choice for us...so many tavernas, gorgeous beach but then having the car we spent more time away from Troulos last year visiting many beaches and going high up in the hills and visiting the beautiful monastry, also spent time in town more than when we relied on the buses the first year... we go back in 2 weeks and enjoyed the car so much we have pre-booked it for the whole two weeks, saving a little money each week since we booked to pay for it as it is an extravagance but one we enjoyed so much... Im lucky that my hubby doesnt really drink, except for the later end of the evening whilst on holiday when the car will be parked up... Taxis arnt that expensive if you did decide on Troulos and often people will share them too which helps... One thing I do know, wherever you stay you will be happy with, Im sure...  Ps, I personally look forward to hearing where you decide to book and how it was for you... |
|
|
|
Post by dennisn on Jun 20, 2016 22:38:13 GMT
My opinion of Koukounaries is formed from just one single visit. Staying in Troulos June and September, we went on the bus for a look. I'd guess there are enough tavernas to keep you going.
To be honest, we didn't like it there. We had a lovely (short) walk across the fields from the bus stop to the harbour end of the beach, found the black swans, then started a walk up the beach. That's when we stopped liking it. For us there was too much there - sun loungers and umbrellas seemed to stretch as far as the eye could see and beach bars with music was not to our taste. So we never got far along the beach, turned round and went back to get the bus out.
BUT reading many posts both here and "in the other place", it is clear that it is the favourite place for a lot of people, so treat my opinion with contempt. Incredible sand and sea.
We depart this Friday for our next visit and we also are booked in for a second fortnight in September. AND we are already booked for the same two fortnights in 2017.
|
|
|
|
Post by cariad23 on Jun 21, 2016 6:01:29 GMT
I agree totally with you dennis, i went 15 years ago by boat, thought it was beautiful, not many beds beautiful long beach.
went on the bus last year to show husband couldnt move on the beach filled like sardines, everything we hate, walked along quick loop through to busstop and away.
it must still be lovely early season.
|
|
|
|
Post by dennisn on Jun 21, 2016 6:06:22 GMT
According to "The other place", there isn't a single bed or umbrella still this year - some fooling with the licensing system means few beaches have got them yet. Disastrous for the people who make their living from it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tre on Jun 21, 2016 6:25:46 GMT
I've stayed in town & Kouk & enjoyed them both for different reasons. TBH in August I think I would avoid staying in town, very with busy young tourists from the mainland so I'm told. Never stayed in Troulos. Our favourite has to be Kolios. We love the tranquility & the countryside feel. Plus it's within walking distance from Agia Pareskevi for more Tavernas & another lovely beach. Buses V public transport? We do both as feel a car for the whole holiday makes it expensive (when you like to visit more than once a year!) A car for 2 weeks can cost up to €500 (once paid €600!) When we stayed in Kouk 2 years ago I kept a running tally of the bus & taxi fares & I'm sure it came to less than €200 for 2 weeks. To "cheet" the bus queue at peak times from Toulos you can always take the bus to Kouk, stay on & be the first on to get into town Megali Amos? On the beach & within walking distance of town. Enjoy the research & let us know your choice. |
|
|
|
Post by Woody (Admin) on Jun 21, 2016 6:58:27 GMT
Koukounaries wouldn't be my first choice for a first visit. That is only my personal opinion though, here is why: 1. The beach is lovely, except it is the most popular and busiest of beaches on the island, especially in August. However, there are at least 4 other beaches near Kouk beach (Aberlekia, The Bananas's, Aghia Eleni). 2. It is the furthest resort from the town, although your assumption that the bus would not be full as it is the end of the bus route may not be true in August. It is much easier to be about half way down the coast then you can decide which direction you want to take the bus. Sharing a taxi is another option. 3. The selection of Tavernas and Bars in my opinion in Kouk are not as extensive as in Troulos, Aghia Paraskevi or town, although there are probably 7 or 8 as you wanted. There are many accommodations that are not with the package companies. Have a read around this and other Skiathos forums for recommendations for accommodation. My favorite and suggestion, which can be booked direct with the owner is the Skiathos Diamond Apartments in Kolios (near Aghia Paraskevi)( www.skiathosdiamond.com). The nearest beaches wold be Kolios and Aghia Paraskevi, about 400 metres. There are also plenty of places to stay in Troulos. My other suggestion is, at some point, hire a 4x4, even if it only for a few days and go and visit the North side of the island. Some of the beaches over there are remote, but very beautiful. Whatever your decision, you will not be disappointed with Skiathos. |
|
|
|
Post by dennisn on Jun 21, 2016 8:56:52 GMT
We only hire a jeep for two days (three last September when it was three for two). Perhaps we're not as adventurous as some, so we find you can run out of day trips very quickly on such a small island which has plenty of things to do instead (like sitting on the beach, or sitting in the sea, or sitting in the pool, or sitting at the Bourtzi - you get the idea, sitting is good, charging around isn't). Adventurous folk will enjoy a fortnight of driving every last track on the island.
But northern beaches are worth a visit - our favourite is Kechria, although they have apparently made significant changes there for this year, rebuilt the taverna so now it's nice, whereas before it was rustic, and actually have put down some sort of concrete approach road in place of the "challenging" 4x4 only track (which was both rough and vertical). Reports are sketchy so far, so we shall find out for ourselves in a few days time. You may be tempted to consider hiring a quad bike, but I wouldn't touch one - it takes experience plus madness to travel on one of those in my opinion, and your holiday insurance company will turn you away if you make a claim after bending yourself on one.
|
|
|
|
Post by kevb on Jun 21, 2016 12:12:51 GMT
I stayed in Kouk the first two times I came to Skiathos and thoroughly enjoyed both trips. First was to the Caravos (a few dodgy reviews and well down at the budget end but for a single traveller it was fine) and second time was at the Sunset (Noula) apartments which are in a perfect spot for me (these were still on TC's package list in 2013 but not checked recently). I had a mate with me that time and we got a 2 bedroom apartment at a very reasonable rate. There are other beaches within walking distance from Kouk which don't get nearly as busy as the big one itself. Favourite is a walk up through the pine forest to the north side and Mandraki beach. Can eat somewhere different every night in Kouk and the Augustera bar is always popular with Brits. However it is still only 25 mins into the town centre by bus for little money.
|
|
|
|
Post by islandlady on Jun 21, 2016 16:19:56 GMT
Wow, lots of replies but only one favouring Kouk. You are giving me plenty to think about. Good job I won't be booking for a few weeks yet. I read on TA that people staying in accommodation close to the lake, were plighted with Mozzies. Are they more of a problem in properties in that area than elsewhere on the island?
|
|
|
|
Post by dennisn on Jun 21, 2016 18:25:29 GMT
I dunno about mozzies at Koukounaries.
At Troulos, we use a plug in liquid thingy which does the job in our room very well indeed. Last September we didn't see any or get a single bite until our last night, when I unplugged and packed the thingy ready for first thing departure next day. We were positively mobbed all night. Must be a lesson in there somewhere.
|
|
|
|
Post by Woody (Admin) on Jun 21, 2016 18:27:24 GMT
Not necessarily Islandlady, but the accommodation is on a road which goes round the edge of the lake and has quite a bit of vegetation around the edges.
|
|
nora
New Member
Posts: 5 
|
Post by nora on Jun 21, 2016 19:44:36 GMT
its our first time to Skiathos and we took the plunge and opted for Koukounaries. We like walking so the walks to quieter beaches was the main draw.
We booked a package with Thomas Cook,we like a quiet non complex base so the bungalows amongst the olive groves and orchards at Kaiti studios look perfect.
We have 6 taverna's in koukounaries on our list for good meals and then another 6 in skiathos town, so we will be alternating evenings out. The bus service is cheap and as you have already noted, you are more likely to get a seat if boarding at kouk.
We will let you know how we get on!
|
|
|
|
Post by deanosleeds on Jun 21, 2016 20:25:46 GMT
Can I ask what the 'other place' is? Is it a stupid question?!
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by dennisn on Jun 21, 2016 20:38:40 GMT
Can I ask what the 'other place' is? Is it a stupid question?! Thanks! The demon Facebook - spawn of hades! You may recall that Hoses of Commons and Lords refer to each other as The other Place. |
|
Ps, I personally look forward to hearing where you decide to book and how it was for you... 
