When we arrived at Green Park, lanterns twinkled among gardens scented with rosemary and lemon. Although only 100 metres from a main road, down a pleasant, mostly shaded lane, it quickly felt laid-back and secluded.
This is officially a two-star hotel that’s far more special.
A cockerel greeted us at the gate; chickens wandered the paths and cats gathered hoping for attention. Each morning brought a soft dawn chorus, moorhens met at an irrigation channel, and goats’ bells chimed as we headed out. At the beach, a swan glided past in the Aegean with cygnets on her back.
Roses, amaryllis, lavender and bougainvillea created a haven in the sunshine. Lemon trees were heavy with ripe citrus. A hardworking gardener tended dill and rosemary, which, like the lemons, later appeared on diners’ plates. Avocado, mandarin, cherry and peach trees thrived, while olive trees cast shade across manicured lawns.
Where we stayed
Our studio was comfortable, with a compact balcony overlooking the pool and greenery. The bed was huge. As all accommodation is self-catering, we had a small fridge, a toaster and a mini oven with two electric rings. Storage was plentiful, hot water reliable and the shower had ample space. Quirky black-and-white art by our host Nikos hung on the wall. Daily cleaning kept everything immaculate, and towels were changed every other day.
June brought pleasant temperatures, so we couldn’t quite justify the extra €10 every night for air conditioning. We occasionally missed having a washing machine. Pool towels and toiletries aren’t provided, which is typical for Greek island hotels.
The Tzoumas family may be Green Park’s greatest strength. Nikos and his brothers, Theo and Alex, oversee daily operations. Their father Iannos is the chef, while their mother Maria leads housekeeping. Meals are generous — mains often large enough to share — and although prices are slightly higher than at some nearby restaurants, portion sizes make them good value.
Close by
Welcoming tavernas and bars are within walking distance. Buses run every 15 to 20 minutes to Skiathos Town and Koukounaries, one of the island’s best beaches. Bicycle-hire outlets deliver bikes to your door.
Across the road, a path leads to Agia Paraskevi and Platanias beach, a combined stretch of just over half a mile, with clear, shallow water. Banboom, a busy snack bar and sun-lounger hire, thrives. Terrapins surfaced in a beach lagoon. To the back of the beach, close to the Skiathos Princess, you’ll find Agia Paraskevi Church, an unassuming brown-stone building with a modest collection of Orthodox icons.
June days were calm, ideal for relaxing by the pool or heading to the sea. Evenings brought a lively soundtrack, shifting from cheesy or classic pop to modern hits. Closing the glass-fronted double doors in studios blocks most of the sound, though light sleepers may prefer a room further from the bar.
Pool area
You can see from photos that the pool is small. It was plenty big enough for me to spend plenty of time swimming. Sunbeds are very comfortable, with umbrellas, both around the pool and dotted through the gardens.
A shaded bar area has attentive service and I appreciated being introduced to cocktails I’d not yet tried, all prepared and delivered with panache.
There is no handrail for getting into the pool, which made access awkward for me. I edged in carefully, and although Nikos politely offered to help whenever I needed it, but I would have preferred not to have bothered him.
In demand
We were told availability for the rest of the season was limited and many guests had already booked for next year. Any less-than-glowing online reviews seem to have little impact on loyalty. People staying elsewhere strolled in, greeted like old friends.
We spoke to visitors returning for nine, 15 and even 25 years. Some recalled being treated like extended family and watching the owners’ grandchildren grow up. I’ve never been a dedicated repeat visitor, usually preferring to explore somewhere new, yet hearing these stories helped me understand the appeal of forming a lasting bond with a favourite place.
Their connection stretches back well before Mamma Mia! introduced Skiathos to a new generation in 2008. Conversations drifted from memories of the island’s quieter past to recommendations for today — where to linger over lunch or how best to reach a serene, abandoned monastery. Their affection for both Skiathos and Green Park was unmistakable, and moving.
It wasn’t until later that I remembered Green Park is officially a two-star hotel. Thinking of my past two-star holidays — a bug-filled Paris dump and a grim Ibiza hostel I’d imagined would be fun — the classification was baffling. Two-star hotels gave me some of my worst holidays. Green Park was one of my best.
We booked to return too, before we’d arrived home.
What’s around
Agia Paraskevi is on Skiathos’ south coast, about five miles from Skiathos Town and a 15‑minute transfer from the airport. Its wide sandy beach and clear shallow waters were unexpectedly quiet in June and I adored a daily swim.
The best supermarket is about a five minutes’ walk after turning left from Green Park. Don’t make the mistake we did and buy first from the supermarket to the right, close to the Skiathos Princess. There’s quite a difference in price
I walked half an hour to Troulos beach a couple of times. I found the road hilly but manageable. There are few pavements but I often crossed over to be more aware of approaching traffic. Kolios was a little nearer, another beach, in the opposite direction, towards Skiathos Town.
Our favourite restaurants
The Beach House – better than your everyday eatery by the sea. Can’t wait to visit again.
Green Park – generous portions, tasty food, great service.
Infinity Blue, Kolios – gorgeous views, lovely Greek menu, very popular.
About Skiathos
Skiathos, around seven miles by four, lies in the Northern Sporades. It’s known for beautiful beaches, dense pine forests and easy hospitality not only for the likes of Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth in Mamma Mia!
Gentle, wooded hills lead to more than 60 beaches, from a broad sweep at Koukounaries to pale silver pebbles at Lalaria, accessible only by boat. Skiathos Town is the island’s lively centre, with a waterfront of tavernas and backstreets of boutiques, bookshops, live music and more. Kastro’s cliff-top ruins lend a glimpse of medieval life. The busy bus service was fabulous with conveniently numbered stops along the coast.