Koukounaries Beach: Skiathos's Golden Jewel

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Experience the golden sands and crystal-clear waters of Koukounaries Beach, a natural paradise on the island of Skiathos.

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Koukounaries Beach

Koukounaries Beach, also known as Chrysi Ammos (Golden Sand), is a renowned beach on the island of Skiathos, Greece, celebrated for its fine golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and lush pine forest backdrop. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece and the Mediterranean.

A brief summary to Koukounaries Beach

Local tips

Arrive early, especially during peak season (late June to early September), to secure a good spot on the beach and avoid crowds.
Explore the Strofilia Lagoon behind the beach to discover a unique ecosystem and observe various bird species.
Take advantage of the water sports facilities available on the beach, such as windsurfing, water skiing, and paddleboarding.
Enjoy the sunset at Koukounaries, known for its beautiful colors and serene atmosphere.
Use the local bus service from Skiathos Town for an affordable and convenient way to reach the beach.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Skiathos Town, take the local bus to Koukounaries Beach. The bus departs frequently from the Acropolis bus stop (stop 0) and travels along the island's southern coast. Look for the bus displaying “Koukounaries (Κουκουναριές)” on its front. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes, and the bus stops at various points along Koukounaries Beach (stops 23 and 26). A one-way ticket costs approximately €3.
Water Taxi

From Skiathos Town's old port, take a water taxi to Koukounaries Beach. Water taxis offer a fast and scenic way to reach the beach. The trip takes around 20 minutes. The cost is approximately €6 per person one way. Water taxis may also serve other beaches along the way.
Taxi

From Skiathos Airport (JSI), take a taxi to Koukounaries Beach. The journey takes around 17 minutes. The taxi fare ranges from €13 to €16. Note that most local taxi drivers may not be proficient in English.
Walking

From the Koukounaries bus stops (23 or 26), it's a short walk to the beach. Follow the signs and wooden pathways to reach the sandy shore. The walk is easy and takes about 5-10 minutes.

Discover more about Koukounaries Beach

Koukounaries Beach is located on the southwestern part of Skiathos, approximately 13 km from Skiathos Town. The beach is famous for its soft, golden sand that shimmers in the sunlight, giving it the name Chrysi Ammos, meaning 'Golden Sand'. The crystal-clear turquoise waters are shallow and ideal for families with children. The beach is surrounded by a dense pine forest, providing natural shade and a unique landscape. The forest is home to the rare stone pine trees ('koukounaries' in Greek), from which the area derives its name. Behind the forest lies the Strofilia Lagoon, a protected biotope that hosts various bird species, including swans, herons, and cormorants. Koukounaries is a well-organized beach with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, and water sports facilities. Visitors can enjoy activities such as windsurfing, water skiing, and paddleboarding. The beach is easily accessible by bus or water taxi from Skiathos Town. Despite its popularity, Koukounaries is long enough to accommodate crowds, especially during the high season.