Lucie Loves... Travel // A Little Bit of Lucie... & @jmgcreative in Skiathos. The Who. What. Where & Why. Holiday Low-down.

Warning! This is a long, in-depth Skiathos Holiday related post for:

• Anyone who has already booked their holiday to Skiathos and is SUPER excited and wants to know how to make the most of their time on the Island AND eat fab food! 
• Anyone who is umming and aaahing over whether to visit the Island of Skiathos - JUST GO!!.
• Anyone who has already been and wants to reminisce fondly by pouring over pictures of delightful scenery and yummy food.
• Anyone who’s just a bit nosy and wants to see what we got up to.
• Anyone who wants to know what to take to wear on holiday in Greece - there’ll be a few ‘Outfit of The Day 'posts.
• My family… to see the copious amount of photos that we took… (sorry.)

Having worked hard all year and saved up like crazy to spend two beautiful weeks in sunny Skiathos with my lovely boyfriend, @jmgcreative, we decided to make note of all the delicious food we ate whilst we were there.

(Update: I’ve just got back from Greek Island Hopping for my 2013 holiday - Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Antiparos and Santorini - and will be writing up those blog posts soon. Keep checking back to see them.)

My Aunty & Uncle, Tracy & Dave, return to the Island each year with a renewed love for its luscious Pine tree lined shores and vast olive groves and it’s not hard to see why. I first visited the Island many many years ago on a family holiday, but I guess a lot has changed in the past 13 or so years since I went, my personal food tastes, to name just one of those things… but it’s still a stunning Island.

We chose one of the Thomas Cook Package Holiday deals and it cost us about £600 per person for flights and B&B accommodation  for the 2 week stay with Celebrity Chef - James Martin - inflight meals. We stayed at The Skiathos Palace Hotel, Koukounaries, in one of their Classic rooms (I had asked beforehand which type of room we’d be in, as from their website you’d probably think you’d be in one of their Modern rooms. This is unlikely, unless you have paid for an upgrade. Ok, so the room was old, very tired looking and dated, but I took with me a beautiful Fig Scented Candle to 'lift’ it a bit and fortunately our bathroom had been modernised and was cleaned daily, so it was fine. The hotel itself is very pretty, and looks rather posh with its swanky pool area and stunning scenic views.

I am one of those people who likes to get all excited for their Holiday by counting down the  days  sleeps and looking at reviews on Tripadvisor.  Yes! Yes! I know I’m a geek… I’m a Virgo, I need to know everything before making my mind up about anything. Call it informed decision making for the indecisive. This way we could pass our very own Restaurant / Taverna recommendations on to other would-be Skiathos Holidaymakers. If you look at the Tripadvisor reviews for The Skiathos Palace you will find that people are often surprised at the fact that they are in one of the old Classic rooms. The hotel really needs to step-up its modernisation process.

Koukounaries Beach is very beautiful and has a few places you can go and have a bite to eat for lunch. Expect to pay 8 euros, everywhere on the island, to hire 2 sunbeds and an umbrella, on the beach for the day. We also enjoyed Aghia Paraskevi Beach (see photo of me in bikini on Aghia Paraskevi beach), Achladies Beach,

Mandraki Elias Beach (above) on the wilder side of the island that you can get to by car.

Agistro Beach (above) again on the wilder side of the island. NOT on the bus route.

Kastro Beach (above) pebbly but beautiful and has rather mesmerising swirling turquoise water. Stop by Ourania’s place and say hello, treat yourself to a quick drink after the scary drive on narrow one car lane tracks and steep hills.

Kanapitsa Beach (above) accessible using the local bus.

Anyway, I am also a big fan of good food. By good food, I mean GREAT food! I HATE average, overpriced, bland meals… and so in preparation for our trip I spent HOURS looking at reviews for restaurants and Taverna’s on the Island of Skiathos and also grilled my Aunty and Uncle for their own personal favourites.

Here’s what we found:

Where we ate: Amfiliki, Family Taverna, Skiathos Town. http://www.amfiliki.gr/ 

We ordered: shrimps and spinach,fish croquettes, fried squid, stuffed peppers with cheese and ham. A Mythos and House Red Wine.

Cost: 33 euros

We thought: Fab reviews on Tripadvisor and a fantastic recommendation off my Aunty & Uncle. It was wonderful.

Where we ate: Big Bad Wolf, Koukounaries, Skiathos. See Tripadvisor review. 

We ordered: Lamb Kleftiko, recommended by both the Waiter and then drooled over by a fellow (returning and very happy) customer. “It’s so good I’d mug you for it!” and the Chicken Souvlaki (kebab skewer). Mythos and Sparkling Water.

Cost: 22 Euros

We thought: Excellent value for money. Fuss-free well-cooked food. Can get very busy so be prepared to get there early or be willing to wait for a table - it’s worth it!

Where we ate: En plo, Club Strip, Skiathos Town. http://www.enploskiathos.com/index-en.html 

We ordered: (lunch) Grilled Salmon and Baked potato and salad, Mussels in white wine and garlic, Haloumi salad and Walnut cake for dessert. 2 x Mythos and Sprite.

Cost: 30 Euros

We thought: A great lunch. Were very happy with the service, food and atmosphere. Would recommend for lunch and/ or dinner.

Where we ate: The Windmill, Skiathos Town. http://www.skiathoswindmill.gr/

We ordered: Starters: Calamari and Prawn Bruschetta, Main: Chicken and Bacon with mushroom sauce & Herb Mash. 

Cost: 65 Euros

We thought: Birthday Meal for JMG. Swallows soaring overhead as the sun set over the sea. Picture perfect. Also met two delightful Swedish ladies who gave us free glasses of bubbly to celebrate JMG’s birthday. The steps up to this restaurant are quite steep and there are a LOT of them. Not for the fainthearted or the drunk and disorderly. Similar food to what you’d find in a British restaurant, nicely presented with excellent service.

Where we ate: Asprolithos Taverna, Skiathos Town. See Tripadvisor review.

We ordered: Starters: Skiathos Olives, Garlic bread, Mains: Spaghetti with Prawns and Spaghetti Asprolithos (oven-baked, delicious but very very hot and filling!). Free Ouzo. and Dessert: Cheesecake 

Cost:  40 - 50 Euros

We thought: We were treated like family! Having mentioned to one of the Waiters that my family had visited and recommended Asprolithos to us following their experience there, they couldnt do enough for us! They were delighted that we had chose to dine with. Excellent quality food. 

Where we ate:

Elia’s Restaurant (Mandraki Village Boutique Hotel), Koukounaries, Skiathos.

We ordered: Starter to share:  Grilled Squid, Mains: Fresh Sea Bream Mediterranean style, Chicken with Feta, Balsamic Sun-dried Tomato and Home-made Potato Crisps. Dessert to share: Melt-in-the-middle Chocolate Fondant with Amaretti biscuits.  Margarita cocktail  & a Cranberry Mojito. 

Cost: 50-60 Euros

We thought: A fairly posh restaurant, with high-class service and great cocktails! You can tell great pride is taken in the food that they serve. Felt like royalty. The Sea Bream and Chocolate Fondant were very good!

Where we ate: Meat Street, Skiathos Town - look for the rotisserie spits in the wall and follow the scent of cooked meats and delightful music.

We ordered: Pork with Garlic and Onions with Wild Rice, Potato and Salad, Half a Chicken with Rice. 2 x Mythos and a Sprite.

Cost: 22 Euros

We thought: THE FASTEST FOOD ON THE ISLAND! LITERALLY. We placed our orders and within minutes our food appeared, freshly cooked, carved and smelling delicious. Very good value for money. Great of you want a taste of 'old Skiathos’ and and is you are in a rush. Tables line the cobbled side streets whilst an old local musician serenades you with his sweet music.

Where we ate: Pulitzer :

We ordered: Starter to share: Mushrooms with Garlic and Parsley and Assorted breads. Mains: Salmon with vegetables, Lamb chops with Potatoes and Tzatziki dip. Rose Wine & Mythos. 

Cost: approx 50 euros

We thought: AMAZING mushrooms! We actually came across this place whilst loking for the Tapas Bad Don Quijote - but I dont think that exists anymore. We were very happy to sit and eat her. Great food, and again a sunsetting sky full of diving Swallows. Bliss.

Where we ate: Skiathos Princess Hotel Beach Bar, Aghia Paraskevi Beach, Skiathos. http://www.skiathosprincess.com

We ordered: A Club Sandwich & beautiful herb chips to share, Iced Coffee Cappuccino, a Mojito Cocktail and two Malibu & Cokes.

Cost: 30 Euros

We thought: “This is the LIFE!” Such a perfect way to relax on the beach. A high-end beach bar, perfect for people watching and sipping well-mixed cocktails.

Where we ate: Jimmys bar,  Aghia Paraskevi, Skiathos.

We ordered: Garlic bread &cheese with Sundried Tomato and Olive Oil Dip, Burger on the grill and Lamb Kleftiko. Mythos and ½ Carafe of Red Wine.

Cost: approx 30 - 40 Euros

We thought: As JMG’s dad Jimmy would probably say: “It’s all in the name…" We tentatively entered this restaurant… and as we got there pretty early and there was hardly anyone eating… and then… boom! It was packed and not a table was spare! The food and service was second to none. Simple Greek cooking done exceptionally well. Thoroughly recommended.

Where we ate: Taverna Lyhnari, Skiathos Town. http://www.lyhnari-skiathos.com/

We ordered: Garlic bread with Rosemary and Cheese, King Prawns in Garlic and Cream Sauce with Rice and Potatoes, Beef Stifado with Potatoes and Rice. ½ (tin) carafe of Red Wine & a Sprite and Mythos. Free Ouzo and a plate of Greek Yoghurt and Honey for dessert.

We thought: VERY VERY VERY good food! Very busy restaurant, but delightful food and service. The Beef Stifado literally melted in your mouth.

Where we ate: Platanos Panoramic Restaurant, (Above Skiathos Town in the hills). http://www.platanos-restaurant.net/

We ordered: Special Club Sandwich, Special Omelette.  (Iced) Cappuccino Fredo, Cafe Latte, 2 x Freshly squeezed Orange Juices.

Cost: approx 30 euros

We thought: A Meal With A View. If you’re hiring a car or a a Jeep you should definitely seek this place out! It was recommended to us by my Aunty and we certainly were not disappointed! The views are spectacular! Get yourself one of the free maps of Skiathos, you can pick them up on arrival at the airport, and then use it to navigate your way around the island. We went at lunch time and found several other people already enjoying a bite to eat.

Where we ate: Mesostrato Taverna, Aghia Paraskevi, Skiathos. See Tripadvisor reviews.

We ordered: Lamb Moussaka, Floating Aubergine, Lovely fresh bread, Free greek yoghurt and Poached Peach pudding. Mythos.

Cost: Approx 30-40

We thought: Fantastic opportunity to try real family-made, Greek cuisine. The Moussaka and Floating Aubergine Oven Baked Dish were both exceptional. 

Where we ate: Panorama Pizza Restaurant, (Above Skiathos Town in the hills) http://www.skiathospanorama.gr/en/ 

We ordered: (Lunch) Bread, Mozzarella and Tomatoes with Pesto, Special Calzone, Pizza Boa Vida (Rocket and Proscuitto), Orange juice & (Iced) Cappuccino Freddo. Free Strawberry Cheesecake Sundae dessert.

Cost: Approx 30-35 Euros

We thought: Delicious Pizza! Well worth the drive if you have a hire car or Jeep. The roads are pretty steep around here and we would recommend hiring a Jeep if you can… although you will see crazy tourists and local people going up and down this hills on Mopeds with engines as powerful as a travel hairdryer… Fabulous food and view combination.

Where we ate: Scuna, Club Strip, Skiathios Town. http://www.scuna.gr/

We ordered: Having had a HUGE lunch at Panorama Pizza, we decided t just share a couple of dishes as we’d wanted to try this restaurant since spotting it’s beautifully designed exterior when walking past after eating at En Plo. To start we shared: Calamari, and for our main we shared the Alonissos Tuna Tagliatelle. Orange Juice, Pepsi & Sparkling Water.

Cost: Approx 30-35 Euros

We thought: We wish we hadn’t enjoyed eaten so much at lunch time as the food was so so good here! Definitely recommend this restaurant with its romantic seashore setting and twinkling lights.

Where we ate: Kochili Restaurant, Aghia Paraskevi, Skiathos.

We ordered: (Lunch) Bread & Butter, Stuffed Mushrooms, Jacket Potato, Fitness Salad (Turkey and Avocado), Orange juice & Ice tea. Free wifi.

Cost: Approx 25 euros

We thought: Perfect spot for lunch and a FaceTime chat with the family back in rainy England.Great to get a few different small dishes to share between the two of you and have a mezze style lunch.

Other places we tried:

Where we ate: Olive Land Restaurant, Skiathos (In the hills), http://skiathosoliveland.gr/

Thoughts: It was a pleasant restaurant with spectacular views, but the food ans service were not that impressive. It was quite cold, so they do give you a wrap if you need one to put around your shoulders - which is nice - but they weren’t very attentive. I asked for Rose Wine. I got Red. (A large Red, which I didn’t complain about, but I had waited a long time for my drink to arrive.) There were also a LOT of bugs, mosquitos and creepy crawlies who decided to join us for dinner. JMG got a mozzie in his eye and was NOT happy when a dish that he ordered as a Starter, which didn’t specify Goats Cheese in the ingredients on the menu - came covered in Goats Cheese. He hates the stuff… I was happy though to pick the bits out and devour them for him. I ordered Chicken Risotto and found it quite bland. They brought us some free 'Chicken Risotto'nibbles to start with too and I found that a bit odd as I’d ordered that for my main? JMG’s main course of Sea Bass, I think it was, was delicious and he really enjoyed it.

Cost: Approx 55-60 euros

Where we ate: Bakaliko Restaurant, Club Strip, Skiathos Town.

We ordered: Greek Lamb Kebabs & chips, Fried Aubergines, Shrimps. Mythos & Sprite.

Cost: Approx 35-40 Euros

Thoughts: Beautifully kebabs, I asked for the one with yoghurt and it was literally drowning in it, if I had it again, I’d ask for the yoghurt on the side.

Where we ate: The Final Step, up some steps at side of Porto Fino Bar, Skiathos Town. http://www.thefinalstepskiathos.com/thefinalstep/The_Final_Step.html

We ordered: To start: Chicken Goujons, Prawns, Main: The Salmon Fillet and Duck. Mythos and Wine.

Cost: Approx 45-55 Euros

We thought: Ran by very friendly Scottish & British people. Lovely atmosphere, well-cooked and nicely presented food. Decor quite quaint and shabby chic in style. Well-worth trying to find. Sorry to say it was the last night of the holiday that we found it! Would have come again!

Free Wifi Spots we found and used whilst we were in Skiathos:

• Kochili, Agia Paraskevi, Skiathos.
• Skiathos Princess Hotel Beach Bar.
• There are many more free wifi spots dotted around the island of Skiathos, but these are the main ones which we tried and tested.

My iPhone 'Skiathos Restaurant Notes’… I told you I took this task very seriously, we didn’t get to try all of the restaurants I’d researched and we had plenty of other recommendations from other holidaymakers whilst we were there.

Polykratis and Alexandros restaurants in Skiathos Town come highly recommended… we’ll have to try them next time!

Overall food on the island is of a very good standard. It definitely pays to research some places beforehand. Our daily budget for the 2 of us was around 120 Euros.

Budget well and you will have a wonderful time!!

• 8 euros for 2 sunbeds and an umbrella on the beach
• around 20-30 euros for two of you for lunch
• around 10 euros for icecreams and drinks
• between 6 and 12 euros for a cocktail
• between 2 and 4 euros for a Mythos or other Beer
• between 2 and 5 euros for Wine
• between 22 and 65 euros for the two of you for an evening meal
• around 4 euros (eachway) for two people on the local bus from Koukounaries, Skiathos Palace stop 22 to Skiathos Town.
• Approx 15 euros for a taxi from Skiathos Town to Skiathos Palace Hotel, Koukounaries.

Photography © Lucie Kerley & ©jmgcreative