Booking a family-friendly hotel in Skiathos can be a fun and exciting process, as the island offers a range of accommodations that cater to families, from budget-friendly options to more luxurious resorts. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find and book a great family hotel in Skiathos:
- Choose the Right Area for Families
Skiathos offers several family-friendly locations that are close to the beach, have calm waters, and are near family-oriented attractions. Here are some of the best areas to consider:
- Koukounaries:
One of the most famous beach areas on the island, Koukounaries is a great spot for families. It has a wide sandy beach with shallow waters, ideal for children. There are also many family-friendly hotels in this area with direct access to the beach, swimming pools, and family-oriented services. - Skiathos Town (Chora):
If your family enjoys being close to the action and amenities like restaurants, shops, and attractions, Skiathos Town is a great option. It’s easy to explore, with plenty of activities and access to public transport to visit nearby beaches. - Agia Paraskevi & Vassilias:
These areas are a bit quieter but still close to the beach, making them ideal for families who want a relaxing vacation. The beaches here are calm, and many of the hotels cater to families with young children. - Troulos & Kanapitsa:
These areas offer a mix of relaxed vibes and family-friendly resorts. The beaches are less crowded than Koukounaries, and many of the resorts here offer family suites, kids’ clubs, and other services aimed at making a family stay more enjoyable.
- Find Family-Friendly Hotels
When looking for a family hotel in Skiathos, you’ll want to consider factors like location, hotel amenities, room types, and activities available for children.
- Look for Family-Friendly Amenities
When booking a family hotel, look for accommodations that offer these essential features:
- Family Rooms or Suites: Look for rooms with enough space for your family, ideally with separate sleeping areas for parents and children, or suites with kitchenettes if you prefer self-catering.
- Kids’ Club & Activities: Many family-oriented resorts have a kids’ club with supervised activities, including arts and crafts, games, and even cooking or dance lessons. This gives parents a chance to relax while their kids are entertained.
- Swimming Pools for Children: Choose hotels with shallow pools or dedicated kids’ pools where younger children can safely splash around.
- Child-Friendly Dining: Many resorts offer children’s menus or even special dining times where families can enjoy meals together in a relaxed environment.
- Babysitting Services: If you’re planning a night out or want some time to yourself, check if the hotel offers babysitting services.
- Family-Friendly Beaches: Look for resorts located near calm, shallow beaches that are safe for children. Some hotels provide direct access to private or semi-private beaches, where kids can play safely.
- Book Your Hotel
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, follow these steps to book your stay:
Use Online Travel Agencies (OTAs):
- Booking.com: Booking.com offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodations in Skiathos with the ability to filter by amenities like family rooms, children’s pools, or kids’ clubs.
- Expedia: Expedia allows you to compare family-friendly hotels in Skiathos, often with detailed reviews from other families.
- Hotels.com: This site offers family-friendly hotels with discounts for family stays and a loyalty program to earn free nights.
Check Hotel Websites for Special Deals:
Many family hotels offer special discounts, package deals, or perks (like free meals for kids or discounts on excursions) when booking directly. Visit the hotel’s official website or contact them directly to inquire about any special offers.
Contact the Hotel Directly:
After finding a hotel that fits your needs, it’s always a good idea to contact the property directly. This allows you to ask about any specific family requirements, such as early check-in, extra beds, or cribs for babies, and confirm any child-related amenities like kids’ clubs or babysitting services.
- Plan Family Activities
Skiathos is a great destination for families, with plenty to do beyond just lounging on the beach. Consider planning:
- Boat trips to nearby islands like Skopelos or Alonissos, which can be a fun family excursion.
- Water sports (many hotels offer lessons for kids and families).
- Hiking or nature walks through the pine forests, which are suitable for all ages.
- Visiting family-friendly beaches like Koukounaries and Megali Ammos, where the waters are calm and safe for children to swim.
- Check for Discounts or Offers
- Family Packages: Look for hotels that offer family packages that include meals, tours, or activities. These deals can often save money and add convenience.
- Off-Season Discounts: If you’re traveling during the off-season (May or September), you might find better rates and fewer crowds, making it ideal for a family vacation.
By following these steps, you should be able to find and book a family-friendly hotel in Skiathos that suits your needs and makes for a memorable vacation.
