Unbelievable ELIZA Skiathos: Your Dream Greek Island Getaway Awaits!
Unbelievable ELIZA Skiathos: My Dream Greek Island Getaway… Almost? (A Seriously Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to unleash the full, unvarnished truth about Unbelievable ELIZA Skiathos. Forget those polished, PR-approved reviews. I'm talking real-life experiences, warts and all, peppered with equal parts "OMG, AMAZING!" and "Well, that was… something."
(SEO & Metadata Snippet: Skiathos Hotel Review, Accessible Greece, Unbelievable ELIZA, Greek Island Vacation, Luxury Spa, Family-Friendly Resort, Free Wi-Fi, Best Skiathos Hotels, Wheelchair Accessible, Romantic Getaway, Honeymoon Suite, Pool with a View, Reviews, Honest Review)
Right, let's dive in…
The Good Stuff (Because There's PLENTY of it!)
First off, the views. Oh. My. God. Seriously, the first time I stepped onto my balcony and looked out at the Aegean Sea, I actually teared up. Cheesy? Maybe. But the sheer blue-ness of it all, the tiny islands dotting the horizon… it's postcard perfect. They really nailed the "dream Greek island getaway" vibe, at least visually.
Accessibility: Now, I’m not wheelchair-bound or anything, but I did notice some things. They advertise Facilities for disabled guests, and, honestly, I saw an elevator, so that's a start. But, look, navigating a Greek island can be a challenge in general – those cobbled streets are not your friend! – so I'd recommend confirming exactly what "accessible" means to them before you book. I’d be extra careful with the exterior corridor situations too - not always the most accessible thing in the world, so check it out. I mean, at least they actually try, not just the standard 'yeah, we say we have it but we don't'.
The Spa Scene: Okay, I’m a sucker for a good spa. And the ELIZA? They have the works. Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Body scrub, Body wrap (felt ridiculously luxurious, and I totally recommend) and the massage was… divine. Seriously, I think I actually floated out of the room afterwards. The Pool with view was the killer feature. One day I just stayed and watched the sun go down, a glass of something bubbly in hand… pure bliss.
Food, Glorious Food (and the occasional hiccup):
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Let's just say I spent a lot of time in the restaurants! The buffet in restaurant was decent for breakfast, with a respectable Asian breakfast and some Western breakfast options. But the real star was the A la carte in restaurant. The seafood was incredible. One night, I had this grilled octopus that literally melted in my mouth, and I dream about it still. They have a Poolside bar too, which gets major points for convenience. Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant are all strong, and I took a Bottle of water to my room every day.
Oh, and the Happy hour? Let’s just say, my bank account suffered, but my soul rejoiced! The bar staff was super friendly and, well, let's just say they knew how to mix a decent cocktail.
The Quirks: okay, there were a few oddities. The alternative meal arrangement was, let's say, a little too alternative on a couple of occasions. One night, I ordered what I thought was a chicken dish (the menu was a bit vague) and ended up with something that, well, tasted suspiciously like… overcooked shoe leather. shudders.
They had Vegetarian restaurant options, which was great, but again, sometimes they were a little, shall we say, interpretation. My advice? Stick to the fresh seafood. You can’t go wrong.
Cleanliness and Safety: Taking it Seriously (Thank Goodness!)
I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!), so I was relieved to see they were taking hygiene seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, staff trained in Safety protocol. Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. They advertised Room sanitization opt-out available and, in this world, I truly value that. Rooms sanitized between stays, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Individually-wrapped food options and Safe dining setup. All great. I even saw the Sterilizing equipment in action - good to see, but a little terrifying at the same time.
The Bits That Were… Less Perfect (But Still Manageable)
Internet Woes: Okay, the Internet access – wireless was… patchy. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – technically true. But the signal? A little like trying to catch a greased pig. Internet [LAN] was, apparently, an option too, but I couldn't find where to plug in. This is a BIG one for me, because I like to work from vacation sometimes, so that's a bit of a headache, but Internet services were available so it seemed to be a systemic problem. Also, Wi-Fi for special events, meaning it’s not always good.
The Room (Mostly Wonderful, with a Few Hiccups): My room itself was gorgeous. Air conditioning, Blackout curtains, Complimentary tea, the hair dryer was decent, and the bed was comfortable. Daily housekeeping keeps things tidy. The mirror was great! However, some of the details were a little… off. The alarm clock was a relic from the 80s, and the Internet access – LAN ports had no cables. The shower could have done with a bit more water pressure, and the socket near the bed was a million miles away (minor inconvenience but annoying when you want to charge your phone). The Slippers were nice, though.
Getting Around: The Airport transfer was seamless, thank goodness. Car park [free of charge] but with the caveat that the streets are not very nice. Car park [on-site] is convenient. The staff were generally helpful with Taxi service. But the check-in/out [express] was not always… express. I could have done with some tips on Finding the hotel.
For the Kids?
I didn't bring any kids, so I can't personally vouch for the Kids meal and Kids facilities, but they advertise Family/child friendly and Babysitting service, and I saw a few families happily splashing in the pool, so it seems like a good place for them.
Services and Conveniences:
- The Good: The Concierge service was excellent. Daily housekeeping kept things spick and span (thank you!). Luggage storage was super helpful. The Laundry service was expensive, but efficient.
- The Slightly Less Good: The Convenience store was… well, convenient. But the prices were a bit eye-watering. The Invoice provided was a little confusing.
- The Unnecessary: Xerox/fax in business center (really? in this day and age?!). Shrine and Smoking area(who needs these?).
- The Odd: Cash withdrawal and Cashless payment service.
The Verdict:
Would I go back? Absolutely. Unbelievable ELIZA Skiathos isn't flawless. It has its quirks. The internet is dodgy, a few things are a little dated, and some of the "alternative" food choices can be a bit of a gamble.
BUT! The stunning views, the incredible spa, the friendly staff, and that feeling of pure island bliss more than make up for it. Plus, the management is clearly trying. They’re doing things. They care. And at the end of the day, isn't that what really matters?
So, go. Book it. Pack your bags. Just be prepared for a truly unforgettable (in every sense of the word) Greek island adventure. And maybe bring your own ethernet cable. You'll thank me later.
(End of Review)
Additional Keywords for SEO:
- Skiathos Hotels
- Spa Resorts Greece
- Luxury Hotels Skiathos
- Family Hotels Greece
- Best Restaurants Skiathos
- Romantic Getaways Greece
- Honeymoon Destinations Greece
- Wheelchair Accessible Hotels Greece (Again, emphasizing the need to double-check)
- Greek Island Hopping
- Aegean Sea Views
- Unforgettable Vacation
- Honest Hotel Reviews
- Travel Tips Greece
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered travel itinerary. This is… well, this is me, haphazardly flung onto the glorious, sun-drenched island of Skiathos. Prepare for a journey as unpredictable as a Greek summer breeze.
ELIZA'S SKIATHOS SHENANIGANS: A TRIP REPORT (AKA, SURVIVAL GUIDE)
Days 1-2: Arrival, Jet Lagged Bliss, and the Search for the Perfect Gyro (Spoiler: It's a Quest)
- Morning (Day 1): Land in Skiathos. Oh, the airport! Tiny, charmingly chaotic. This is not the slick, impersonal airport experience I’m used to. It feels like a family reunion, but with luggage. I feel slightly disoriented and totally overwhelmed. I’m greeted by the bluest water I’ve ever seen. "Wow" is an understatement.
- Afternoon (Day 1): Struggle to find the rental car place due to my utter lack of navigational skills. After an epic battle of wits (and Google Maps), I succeed! Drive (slowly) to the glorious Villa Alexandra (pre-booked, thank goodness). The view from my balcony is… well, it almost makes me cry. Sun, sea, olive groves… pure poetry. My first impression is that this feels like a movie set.
- Evening (Day 1): Jet lag hits me like a ton of bricks. I need food. And I need it now. The quest for the perfect gyro begins. Wander the backstreets of Skiathos Town. The air is thick with the scent of salt, oregano, and impending deliciousness. Finally, a small taverna. The gyro? Decent. But the hunt continues. It's the first of many "almost there" gyros.
- Morning (Day 2): Wake up to sunshine and the distinct feeling of being utterly useless. After an hour spent sitting on the balcony staring at the sea, I finally get going. I need supplies, I need coffee. I need a plan. I wander down to Skiathos Town again and discover the magic of Greek coffee. Dark, strong, and so thick it could stand up on its own. This, I could get used to.
- Afternoon (Day 2): Beach time! I am not a "beach person" in theory, but Skiathos has a way of converting even the most ardent landlubber. I go to Koukounaries beach because the reviews talk it up, it looks amazing, and I need a proper beach experience. The sand is like powdered sugar - fine, white, and practically begging you to wiggle your toes in it. I spend the afternoon alternately roasting and cooling off in the crystal-clear water. I'm also pretty sure I got a sunburn on my nose. Oops.
- Evening (Day 2): Dinner at a taverna overlooking the harbor. The food is delicious, the wine is too easy to drink, and I end up chatting (badly) with a local fisherman who's trying to teach me a few Greek phrases. He’s utterly charming and I feel like I’m on a movie set.
Days 3-4: Beach Hopping, Boat Trips, and the Gyro Saga Continues
- Morning (Day 3): After breakfast, I grab my towel and head out to find some more beaches. First one up: Banana Beach. I’m not really into the whole "beach club" scene, but I hear it’s a blast, and… you know… research. The vibe is lively, with music and cocktails flowing. I spend a couple of hours there and end up chatting with some fun people and discover that maybe, I can be a beach person.
- Afternoon (Day 3): Beach hopping. I want to try out Agia Paraskevi. Oh, it's beautiful. But after a couple of hours, I feel like I'm missing something. I then realize I'm beach-ed out. And a little hungry.
- Evening (Day 3): Back to Skiathos Town. I'm determined to find a superior gyro, but first, a little retail therapy. The shops are filled with beautiful jewelry, handmade crafts, and… more gyro stalls. The quest continues! I find a promising-looking place and… YES! This is the gyro I've been dreaming of. The meat is perfectly seasoned, the pita is fresh, and the tzatziki is divine. Pure bliss.
- Day 4: Boat Trip Day: I love boat trips. This is non negotiable. I booked a boat trip around the island. It's going to be cheesy and a little touristy, but I don't even care. The boat is a mix of people from various countries and it's a blast. We visit several secluded beaches, swim in the clearest turquoise water I’ve ever seen, and of course, there’s a lunch of grilled fish and Greek salad on board. The captain plays Greek music, and everyone dances. This trip is pure joy. I didn’t want it to end.
- Evening (Day 4): Another amazing gyro dinner. I'm thinking I might need to do a "Gyro Tour" and come back to Skiathos again just for the food.
Days 5-6: Exploring inland, more food, and the bittersweet feeling of departure
- Day 5: inland I decided to rent a quad bike and explore the island's interior. The roads are steep and winding, but the views are stunning. I stop at a small village and get lost in the maze of narrow streets. There is no better place to be lost than in a Greek town, it seems. I discover secluded churches, hidden tavernas, and the true heart of the island. I love the laid-back vibe and the warm hospitality of the locals.
- Day 6: beach and more food Spend the morning at another beach, enjoying the last rays of sun and the sound of the waves. In the afternoon, I go through the process of packing. I have to stop myself from buying everything from the local shops. In what seems like an instant, it's time to go. But I will definitely be back.
- Evening (Day 6): My last dinner in Skiathos. I opt for a more upscale restaurant. It’s a nice experience, but my heart still wants a gyro. And maybe a scoop of pistachio ice cream to top it off, because why not? I go to a place in town that makes their own, and I decide that it’s, in fact, the best ice cream in the world. I stare out at the water as I enjoy my ice cream, and make a mental note to come back. Soon.
Day 7: Departure and the lingering scent of oregano
- Morning (Day 7): Wake up with that bittersweet feeling of the end of a vacation. I drive back to the airport, full of happy memories and the lingering scent of sunscreen, salt, and oregano. I'm going to miss this place.
- Afternoon (Day 7): Flight home.
- Evening (Day 7): Back home. I already miss the magic of Skiathos. And that gyro. Oh, that gyro… The search for a worthy replacement begins. But Skiathos, you'll have my heart (and my stomach) forever.
Unbelievable ELIZA Skiathos: Your Dream Greek Island Getaway ... Maybe? (Let's be Real!)
Okay, spill it. Is Skiathos *really* as gorgeous as everyone says?
Alright, alright, settle down, you beautiful sun-worshippers. Is Skiathos gorgeous? Uh... yeah. Like, ridiculously beautiful. Think of it like this: it's the island equivalent of that friend you have who's just unfairly photogenic, even in sweatpants. Think turquoise water, ridiculously perfect beaches (Koukounaries, I'm looking at you!), and pine forests that practically tumble into the sea. I mean, wow. I spent half my time just wandering around with my jaw on the floor. Seriously, I almost tripped over a particularly attractive rock just staring at the coastline. The sunsets? Forget about it. Prepare to become a romantic, even if you're usually allergic to mushiness. But... (and there's always a "but," isn't there?) ... it can also be a bit overwhelming. So. Much. Beauty. It took me a few days to adjust to the sheer visual overload.
Is it expensive? Because my bank account is currently weeping.
Oh, the age-old question! Okay, let's be brutally honest: Skiathos isn't exactly a budget destination. It's not like backpacking through Southeast Asia eating street food for a dollar a day. You can definitely blow your entire holiday budget if you're not careful. Food? Can be pricey. Especially if you go for the fancy restaurants on the waterfront (although, the seafood is AMAZING, so resist if you can). Drinks? Ouch. Factor in the cost of accommodation, which can range from "bargain basement" (good luck!) to "mortgage-the-house" levels. But... here's the good news! You *can* do it without breaking the bank. Shop at the local markets for groceries (huge savings!). Eat at the tavernas away from the main tourist drag (delicious, authentic, and usually much cheaper). Consider staying slightly inland (a bit of a walk, but worth it!). And, for heaven's sake, pace yourself with the cocktails - that Mythos beer is your friend! I found a little family-run taverna *miles* from the main town, and the food was incredible and dirt cheap. And the family? Absolute legends. They even taught me a few Greek words, which is more than I can say for my attempt at Greek dancing... disaster.
Beaches! Which ones are the must-sees? I need a tan, stat!
Beaches, glorious beaches! Okay, listen up, because this is crucial intel. Koukounaries (already mentioned, and deservedly so) is iconic. Fine white sand, crystal-clear water, a pine forest right behind you... it's the definition of paradise. Go early to avoid the crowds. Then there's Lalaria. Ah, Lalaria. You can only get there by boat, and it's a bit of a tourist scrum. But... the dramatic rock formations, the impossibly blue water... it's worth it. Just be prepared for the hordes. And, if you're feeling adventurous, go for some of the smaller, more secluded coves. I found one by accident while wandering along a coastal path (pro-tip: always explore!), and practically had the entire beach to myself. Pure bliss! Other notables: Banana Beach (party central!), Agia Paraskevi (family-friendly), and the little beaches dotted along the coast road. Driving on the road is an experience in itself, by the way.
What about getting around? Do I need to rent a car?
Okay, this is a tricky one. Do you *need* a car? No. Public transport (buses) runs, but they can be a bit, shall we say... *relaxed* about their schedules. And can get very, very crowded. And hot. And slow. Renting a car gives you freedom, without question. But... the roads! Let's just say they're "characterful." Narrow, winding, sometimes with hairpin turns that would make a race car driver sweat. Driving a car is a white-knuckle ride at times! I saw a few near-misses, and nearly had a heart attack navigating the hills. Plus, parking can be a nightmare, especially in Skiathos Town. Scooters are popular, and probably a better option for some, but the sun is blazing hot! My advice? If you're a confident driver, go for it. Otherwise, embrace the buses, or splurge on taxis when you need them. Or better yet… Rent a boat! That's an experience.
What's the nightlife like? I like to party! (or, at least, I *used* to...)
Nightlife! Ah, the sweet siren song of late nights and questionable decisions. Skiathos Town is where the action's at. There are bars galore, from chilled-out cocktail lounges to full-on dance clubs blasting everything from House to… well, let's just say a lot of chart music! It can get loud, and it can get crowded. But it's also a hell of a lot of fun, if that's your thing. If you're less keen on the all-night rave scene, there are plenty of quieter, more relaxed bars dotted around. And, trust me, even if you *don't* hit the clubs, you'll find yourself staying out later than planned. There's something about the atmosphere of the island at night that just draws you in. Me? I had one big night out and realised I am no longer 20. Then spent the rest of the nights sipping wine on a veranda by the sea. Bliss.
What should I eat? My stomach is rumbling just thinking about it!
Oh, the food! This is where Skiathos truly shines. Prepare to gain a few pounds (and not regret a single bite). Moussaka, souvlaki, gyros... the classics, and they're all delicious. Fresh seafood is everywhere, and it's usually cooked to perfection. Grilled octopus, sea bass, prawns... oh, my goodness, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Don't be afraid to try the local specialties. Skiathos pie (a savory cheese pie) is a must-try. And the fresh fruit? Divine. The tomatoes taste like actual tomatoes are meant to, the olives are incredible, and the feta cheese... well, let's just say I may have eaten my weight in feta. And make sure you try the local wine! The Greek wines are underrated, in my opinion. I had a particularly memorable bottle while watching the sunset over Koukounaries. Perfect. Absolutely. Perfect. Actually, I'm still dreaming about it. I'm not even a big wine person, but that wine made me believe in magic.
Can you tell me something I *won't* find in the guidebooks? Something real?
Okay, buckle up, because here'sBook Hotels Now
