Lalaria Beach is one of Skiathos’ most stunning and iconic beaches, known for its dramatic cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and distinctive white pebble shore. However, there’s no direct hotel located on Lalaria Beach itself, as it’s relatively isolated and accessible mainly by boat. That said, you can find hotels in the nearby areas of Skiathos Town (Chora) and Koukounaries, which are close to Lalaria Beach, and book day trips or boat rentals to visit the beach. Here’s how you can book a hotel close to Lalaria Beach and plan your visit:
- Understand the Location of Lalaria Beach
Lalaria Beach is situated on the northeastern coast of Skiathos. It’s famous for its beauty, but because it’s difficult to access, there are no hotels directly on the beach. The beach is only reachable by boat, and the nearest towns or resorts where you can stay are:
- Skiathos Town (Chora): The island’s capital, about a 25-30 minute drive from Lalaria Beach, offers a wide range of accommodation options and access to public transport and boat trips to the beach.
- Koukounaries: A popular area with several hotels and resorts. Koukounaries Beach is about 15 km from Lalaria, and there are boats and excursions that depart from here to visit Lalaria.
- Vassilias and Agia Paraskevi: These quieter areas are also fairly close to Skiathos Town and offer a mix of affordable and mid-range accommodations.
- Steps to Book a Hotel Near Lalaria Beach
Here’s how you can find and book a hotel close to Lalaria Beach:
- Search for Hotels in Skiathos Town (Chora)
Skiathos Town is the most convenient option for those who want to explore Lalaria Beach and other nearby attractions.
- Search Platforms: Use Booking.com, Expedia, or Airbnb to filter hotels based on your travel dates, budget, and desired amenities (pool, family-friendly, etc.).
- Look for Hotels in Koukounaries
Koukounaries is known for its beautiful beach, resort-style hotels, and proximity to the southern coast of the island. It’s a great option if you prefer a beach resort and want to be close to both Lalaria and other attractions.
- Consider Hotels Near Vassilias or Agia Paraskevi
These areas are slightly quieter and offer a more relaxed atmosphere. They are still within 20-30 minutes from Skiathos Town and have good access to boats going to Lalaria.
- Book Boat Excursions to Lalaria Beach
Since Lalaria Beach is only accessible by boat, look for hotels or accommodations that offer or are near companies providing boat trips to the beach. Many hotels in Skiathos Town, Koukounaries, and Vassilias offer organized excursions, or you can book a private boat for a day trip.
- Boat Tours: There are daily boat trips from Skiathos Town and Koukounaries to Lalaria Beach. Some private boat rentals also allow you to tailor the trip to your needs.
- Hotel Concierge Services: If you’re staying in a hotel, ask the concierge or reception desk about options for boat rentals or guided tours to Lalaria.
- Consider Renting a Car or Scooter
If you want more flexibility, consider renting a car or scooter to explore the island and visit other secluded beaches, including Lalaria. Car rental services are widely available from Skiathos Town, and having your own transport will allow you to explore the island more freely.
- Rental Locations: There are several car and scooter rental agencies in Skiathos Town, which can arrange for transport to Lalaria Beach.
- Note: The beach itself is isolated and does not have direct road access, so a boat will still be required to get you there, but renting a car can make reaching boat departure points easier.
- Look for Special Deals or Packages
- Off-season Booking: If you’re visiting during the off-season (late spring or early autumn), you might find discounted rates on accommodations. Prices for hotels and boats tend to drop after the peak summer months.
- Hotel Packages: Some upscale hotels or resorts may offer special packages that include boat trips, meals, and spa services. Ask about any discounts or bundled deals when booking your stay.
- Book Your Stay
Once you’ve found a hotel or resort that meets your needs, proceed to book through trusted platforms like:
- Booking.com: It provides flexible cancellation policies and often includes the option to book with free breakfast or other amenities.
- Airbnb: If you prefer a private apartment or villa near Skiathos Town or Koukounaries, Airbnb is a great option.
- Official Hotel Websites: Some hotels may offer exclusive discounts for booking directly through their website.
- What to Pack for Visiting Lalaria Beach
- Comfortable Footwear: Lalaria Beach is known for its white pebbles, so make sure to bring appropriate footwear, like water shoes or flip-flops.
- Snorkeling Gear: The water at Lalaria Beach is clear and ideal for snorkeling. Bring your own gear or rent it from a local shop.
- Sunscreen and Hat: While the beach is beautiful, it’s somewhat exposed, so be prepared for the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
Conclusion: How to Book a Hotel for Visiting Lalaria Beach
Since there are no hotels directly on Lalaria Beach, the best way to visit this iconic beach is by booking a hotel in Skiathos Town, Koukounaries, or the nearby Vassilias area, all of which offer easy access to boat tours or private boat rentals to the beach. Consider the amenities you want, such as wellness services, spa access, and proximity to boat services, to find the right accommodation.