ELTIPS AV R T
and affordable local white wine. The island does eating out with a view expertly and we enjoyed some spectacular ones, from a margarita in the mountains at Panorama Pizza to watching planes come in to land beside the sea at Bakaliko in Skiathos Town. There we tucked into octopus, lamb and tasty house wine at nine euros a litre. Bliss. One day we hired a car and set off into the mountains, stopping off at Evangelistria Monastery to take in the serene surroundings. The monks do a fine range of artisan wines, oils and soaps. Next was the Kastro, a 14th century castle on a rocky peak at the island’s northern tip. It was a hairy drive and a hairy walk, but worth it. We came across the peaceful ruins of churches and a mosque, covered in rambling flow flowers. And the views in all directio tions were glorious. T There is a frequent bus service bet between Skiathos Town in the west FOR a Mamma and Koukounaries beach in the east. andT Mia! fix, take in an The latter is one of the most outdoor film screening or pop popular of the island’s countless book a movie-themed trip to Skopelos with Poseidon Cruises, which stops at the wedding chapel. STOCK up on Greek delicacies at Ergon Deli in Skiathos Town, which also has a cafe and cookery school. BE aware your return flight may take longer than you expect. The isle’s short runway means some planes need to take off light and stop on the mainland to refuel.
As we drove past beachy coves, clear waters and sleepy villages, I had to agree.
Skiathos truly is the stuff of your Greek holiday dreams.
No wonder half of Hollywood decamped to this seven miles long by four miles wide member of the Sporades islands in the north-west Aegean to film Mamma Mia!
But the screen blockbuster isn’t the main reason why the population swells from 5,000 to around 100,000 every summer – a mix of young couples, families and retirees.
Skiathos is nicknamed the Boomerang Island. Once you’ve visited, you keep coming back. So what’s the attraction? For us it was a first family holiday liday with our 10-month-old son Ralph, alph, with the promise of relaxation, ion, warm but not scorching weather er and a reasonable flight time.
All of these were in good supply, starting with our fourhour flight with Enter Air, organised as a package through gh Olympic Holidays.
Our home for the week was Skiathos Princess Hotel, a tranquil quil family-run five-star resort in Agia Paraskevi, about halfway along g the southern side of the island.
With its own section of beach h and adult and child pools, there were lots of spots for lounging.
Our family suite was stylish, spacious and had a large balcony, where we could retreat to sip wine overlooking the sea.
There’s also a spa, children’s clubs and two bars.
We stayed on a half-board basis, enjoying buffet breakfasts and dinners with a vast choice of local and international cuisines.
Serene
It was perfect for a weaning baby. The staff made a genuine fuss every time he arrived, even when half his dinner ended up on the floor.
Ralph received the same reaction on our adventures away from the hotel too. The islanders adore kids.
Lunch became our special meal of the day – an obligatory Greek salad to start and a bottle of delicious beaches, lying next to a pine forest that gently scents the air and a freshwater lake filled with birds.
The town is also worth visiting, a mish-mash of whitewashed cobbled streets with classic touristy shops and chic art galleries, happy hour bars and fine dining.
One of our favourite spots was the outdoor cafe at the Bourtzi Cultural Centre, on a peninsula that divides the old and new ports and was once a fortress. It has the most spectacular loo with a view.
Our week ended back in Agia Paraskevi, with a final Greek salad and white wine at Kopos, a partially outdoor tavern delightfully decorated with flowers and bottles.
We got chatting to the ultimate boomerangers – a British couple on their 14th trip to that very village.
I think we might be joining them in that club, given half the chance. FACTFILE: Olympic Holidays is offering seven nights at the 5 star Skiathos Princess Hotel from £ 563pp based on two travelling. Package includes seven nights’ half board accommodation in a Club Twin Room, transfers and return flights from Gatwick. Call 020 8492 6868 or see olympicholidays.com.