Skiathos Club Hotel

Skiathos Club Hotel & Suites is situated in the hills high above the beaches of Vassilias and Achladies. Consequently, it has spectacular views towards the island of Skopelos and to Skiathos Town. It is a short distance from the airport, too. The views and hospitality bring guests back year after year. There is a good-sized pool and children’s pool, though I think families would prefer a beachfront location, because that hill is a non-starter. The Hill of Death in Lassi, Kephalonia, is quite a challenge but this one is far busier with traffic allowing little room for manoeuvre as a pedestrian. It’s also full of potholes and, if you’ve hired a car, you could easily hit one. The hotel, therefore, provides a shuttle service down to the two local bays free of charge. They will also take you anywhere else you wish for a small negotiable fee (ask Anestes).

As you can see from the photographs the skies constantly shift in appearance, often two or three times a day. It may be gloomy when you wake up, with rain looming, but a couple of hours later it could be completely different. It’s one of the fascinating features of this part of Greece.

Skiathos is a working harbour with ferries connecting Volos on the mainland to Skopelos and Alonissos. Many of the businesses on the island are run by people who live in Volos. All the staff at the Club are from Volos. Skiathos has a population in the summer months which explodes. Many tourists are also drawn to the neighbouring island of Skopelos as a result of the Abba movie being made there.

Meet the Skiathos Club team, straight out of an 18-30 brochure! (Photo 4)

In the centre is the manager of the establishment, Anestes, who will guide you through your stay, recommending excursions and places to eat. He is a mine of information and knows all the important connections on land, sea and air (he sits at the bar monitoring every flight which comes in). If you want to hire a car, scooter, bike or piggy (the lethal quads), he will organise it. If you do hire a car, remember to put your keys safe. One chap last year dived off a motorboat with the keys in his pocket, a neat way to lose a couple of hundred euros. If you fancy somewhere unusual to eat out, ask him. Fancy a day’s sailing with everything included, ask him. Fancy popping to Skopelos but avoiding the madness, ask him. You just won’t understand a word! He speaks fluent Italian which often comes out when he’s speaking English.

To the right we have Nikos, who works the afternoon-evening shift till midnight. The morning and afternoon shift is done by whomever they employ for the season. That’s how we met Theo. Nikos is also a fountain of knowledge and he can rustle up great snacks as well as interesting drinks at the bar. The veranda is a popular place in the evening as the sun goes down.

To the left is Head of Promotions, Giorgos. This means he’s constantly driving the hotel minibus or car, taking people out or picking them up. George is very friendly and great company. Wherever you are on the island, day or night, you’ll see him waving in the distance as he stands waiting by the car. So, that’s the team.

Anything can (and will) happen when they’re about and in the mood. Nikos has a penchant for mastika while Anestes has an unusual supply of local beverages in his cellar. George has to drive, so obviously cannot drink!

The facilities at the club are fine. The rooms have high ceilings and air-conditioning is free. Anestes was stunned when I told him in most parts of Greece they charge. He suggested this was immoral, if not downright illegal. There are fridges in the rooms and the family-rooms are large. Breakfast is supplied upstairs above the bar area and there is an open room overlooking the bay of Skiathos, a room which is shared with the nesting swallows who swoop and dive over the eggs, cake and cheeses you are eating. There’s plenty of fruit and cold meats, juices, and hot tea and coffee. People complain about breakfast, but I remember a Greece when there was none. If you wanted it, you went to a taverna for a croissant with jam. Bacon & eggs, indeed.

Don’t fancy going out just yet? Hard night? Why not chill by the pool and have an iced chocolate drink?

Just lie down and take in that view.

There’s George (Photo 1) taking a bit of a break before Anestes gets a call for him for a pickup.

At night the place shines in a different way, with the pool area benefiting from some mood lighting.

The conservatory is where most congregate before they go out for the evening, maybe to town for a meal or shopping. It’s also the place to socialise later and discuss the day’s adventures with other guests.

Metaxa, anyone?