Stayed for a fortnight in July travelling with Sunvil Holidays. From the start the staff were very friendly and helpful and the flowers and champagne I'd arranged through the Heliotropio agency were there for us on arrival. We were in room 14 which had a small balcony but fantastic views over the islands and was a great place to spi a brandy and watch the boats come and go. The hotel itself is a fairly old building with few modern features so if you're looking for a Holiday Inn (and who would be?) then forget it. Breakfast simple but perfectly adequate and again with great views across to the islands.
Location was ideal, being only a five minute walk from the old port. Admittedly this was up some stairs but unless you've significant mobility issues then this shouldn't be a problem. Our luggage was dropped at the Heliotropio office at the harbour and they took it to the hotel for us. We also rented a scooter for the fortnight from Aegean Cars who are based in the Heliotropio offices. Cost around 200 euro for the fortnight and despite me manageing the break the brake handle I was only charged a very reasonable 15 euros to repair the damage.
Ate very well at Lo & La and the little fish restaurant next to the fish market in the old port. Also Scuna on the club strip was first class. Rarely paid more than 40 euro for two with wine.
Some great bars, including the piano bar (Norwegian with super live music) and Kentavros (quaint with the best music I've heard in a bar for a long time!). Avoid the Rock & Roll bar on the front unless you want to pay 7 euro for a small bottle of beer and also be told where you're allowed to sit. I think that some bars in Skiathos need to have a look at their prices!
Had a nice day on the yacht with Yiannis and his dog who can be found between the harbour and club strip.
I also have to praise Little Banana beach. Under no circumstances should this be confused with the seething noisey Big Banana. Albeit 90% nudist, the beach is lovely, peaceful and with a good little bar/taverna serving very reasonable food and drinks. To find, go onto Big Banana and turn right to scrabble over the rocks (not too difficult). It's about a 20 minute scooter ride but well worth it.
Finally a word about the shambles that is Viking Airways. Our flight from Manchester was delayed by something like 20 hours due to a technical fault. To be fair to Sunvil, they managed to get us on another flight going out just two hours later than the Viking flight. Coming back the Manchester flight was delayed/cancelled (still can't find out which) but again Sunvil managed to get us on the Bristol flight and then got us bussed up from Bristol resulting in a four hour delay. Motto: use Sunvil but not if they continue to use Viking for their flights!
Would certainly go back to Skiathos but perhaps a fortnight was bit too long and I'd probably do a week on Skopelos and a week on Skiathos next time!
- Orsa Hotel Skiathos
