Travel: postcard from Skiathos
Kate Freud, her husband Jack, and children Jago and Georgia enjoy a glorious break in the Greek islands
The last time I visited Skiathos, I was a single 18 year old enjoying a post-A-Level holiday with my girlfriends from school. Though we had huge, cocktail-fuelled fun, this sleepy Greek island proved a little sedate for our first taste of freedom. Fast forward 16 years, and I’m back, this time expecting a rather different experience with my husband Jack and our two children, Jago, five, and Georgia, two, in tow. We fly direct to the island with Thomson Airways, and after a fairly painless three-and-a-half hour flight, it’s a relief to find a time difference of just two hours.
Our hotel, the Skiathos Princess Resort, is a short drive away, and though it has rained all day before our arrival the resort is beautiful. Our garden room has adjoining bedrooms with Jago and Georgia (sharing for the first time, sleeping very little!) safely ensconsed next to us. We have a small lawn out front which opens onto vast green spaces and just beyond, the beach. Set on a prime stretch of coastline, there’s so much to offer that we don’t need to leave the resort at all. Breakfasts are spent in the Leto restaurant with full Greek and continental options, and for other meals we head to the swish, upbeat PR Ammos restaurant by the beach. Our meals tend to be fresh fish and salads, and our new, deadly-for-the-waistline favourite – deep fried, filo pastry covered feta drizzled with honey.
After a few days, we decide to venture further afield, hiring a car and exploring the local beaches, with particular favourites including Vasilias and Koukounaries. During the evenings we head for Skiathos Port where the children look at the big boats and chase every cat in sight for a well-meaning stroke. My husband and I soon realise that if we find them a stray to cuddle, it buys us half an hour at cocktail o’clock. Our favourite place is Cafe Bourtzi, set on a rocky outcrop in the old town with stunning sea views. For dinner, the Windmill, at the highest point of the town, is worth the climb, and for a traditional Greek meal, Taverna Alexandra is a must. The locals couldn’t be kinder (and more patient) with the children and the island has such a warm feel, I’m already planning our next visit.
From £3,553 for four, including flights and transfers – skiathosprincess.com
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