A romantic retreat for a couple or small family

Our personal review of this cottage:

Once you arrive at this breathtaking location, you don't want to leave for no reason. The private beach in front of you, the spacious, partially shaded veranda, the serenity and privacy, the romantic interior of the cottage and the scent of the surrounding pine trees will take you hostage and ruin any thoughts of leaving this place.

When my wife and I arrived at this stunning beach house we quickly changed our plans of going out for dinner into doing basic shoppings for a simple dinner "at home" so that we could enjoy the serenity and proximity to the sea in total privacy. Probably, if we hadn't been told about the stunning beauty of Skiathos, we would have stayed there for the entire time.

Down a few steps and into the pleasantly temperatured sea for a refreshing swim, then a short rest at the private beach. Off for another dip in the sea but this time we returned only to the shore so that we can relax in the sand with the waves playfully surrounding our bodies to keep us cool. Hmmm, forgot to take a drink down to the beach, so we move up and relax on the veranda. An old pine tree offers natural shade and a refreshing drink completes the feeling of the finally found paradise. The odd boat for waterski or banana-boat rides passes by in the distant to nourish our malicious joy until jealousy makes us go into the sea as well again.

As the night falls, the gentle breeze drops, the cheerful crowds on the distant Troulos Beach go for dinner and our view is reduced to the stars and the sea with the reflections of the moon and the lights of Evia in the distance. We were so tempted to sleep outside but decided that we have a great view from the bed inside the living-room as well plus the benefit of sleeping under a roof that will protect us from the early morning sun and allow us to sleep in.

The next day we still woke up early and went for a quick swim in the sea before breakfast on the veranda.

Lots of self discipline and curiosity finally made us get on the rented scooter to discover the island. After about 3 km the tarmac road turns into a dust road of very good condition (no Jeep or off-road experience required) and after a few kilometers through dense pine forests we reached the coastline that offers a great variety of beaches. Some with beach bars, taverns and plenty of beach beds, others are more serene with only a small number of umbrellas and a rudimentary beach bar. To some beaches you can drive, others you need to park a few meters away and walk down. The more tedious it is to get there, the less people you need to share the beach with ;-)

It was great to discover the island, we were stunned by the beauty of the coastline and the pine forests with their sweet aroma. Signs to monasteries, rivers and countless tracks suggest you should walk the mountains but we couldn't resist to return to the beach house for total relaxation.

Only after a few days of pure relaxation did we find the strength to go out for dinner and ended up at a tavern right on the beach (tables IN the sand!!) in Sklithri. Fantastic fresh seafood at a reasonable price in a romantic atmosphere. Although the beach house was pulling us back home like a magnet, we resisted and went to Skiathos Town to stroll through the plethora of shops and cafés along the marina. Especially in July and August, Skiathos boasts with full scale nightlife starting with beach-bars and trendy cafés and finishing off with clubs that vibrate til dawn. At least that is what we were told because after slurping our cocktail we went back to enjoy the night out on our veranda.