Come and join us on a trip to one of the loveliest of all the Greek Islands!

Let yourself go in the embrace of its sapphire waves and its friendly people, spread yourself out on one of sixty pine-fringed sandy beaches between sun and sea.

An aromatic potpourri of herbs, wild flowers and fresh scented pine make May a wonderful month to visit, before the hot summer sun starts to scorch the landscape. In recent years Skiathos has developed into an international tourist resort but it has not lost any of its charm or dazzling whiteness. It is still what it was, a gem of an island set in an aquamarine sea, an enchanted corner of Greece mantled with olive trees and pines, its hillside dotted with monasteries and chapels.

Skiathos Town has a chic air to it: designer shops, yachts moored at its picturesque harbour, and a myriad of pavement cafes from which to watch the world go by. But in stark contrast to this you'll also find sleepy villages set in beautiful countryside that seem untouched by modern life, with family-run tavernas offering home-cooked dishes, best washed down with a glass or two of local wine.

The Hotel Esperides

The Hotel Esperides, which was completely renovated in 2006, is situated on the golden beach of the most beautiful coast of Skiathos at Achladies Bay, just 4 kms from Skiathos Town, which is served by a very efficient bus service stopping at the end of the hotel's drive. The Esperides might not be the most highly rated hotel on the island but it outshines its rivals by offering more facilities, a better situation, as well as friendly staff.

The 180 bedrooms at the hotel all have balcony, private bathroom, television, fridge, hairdryer, telephone and air conditioning; all of our rooms for twin occupancy have sea view. All lead off the open corridors served by lifts. The hotel's restaurant offers buffet style meals; there is a beach bar where delicious inexpensive snacks can be taken, a swimming pool, shop, jewellers, tennis court and water sports available.

The Weather

The average maximum daily temperature in Skiathos in May is a very pleasant 24° (compared to 17° in London).

Our Opinion

Skiathos has quite simply the most beautiful Greek island location we have come across, with superb beaches and a delightful town and harbour. The island is small enough for you to explore yourself (just 12kms long and 4kms wide), with an excellent bus service that goes the length of the island, and is more suited to those seeking sun, sand and a taste of the real Greece, since the opportunities for excursions are limited.

This will be our third visit with a bridge group to the Esperides. The hotel is a Greek "A" Grade (we would prefer to describe it as a good 3-star) with a superb location on the shores of Achladies Bay, where there are several tavernas nearby serving an excellent selection of traditional fish dishes.

Your holiday will be directed by Mike Swanson and Carole Yates