Koukounaries is Skiathos's most famous beach — a 1,100-metre arc of fine golden sand backed by a protected stone pine forest and a freshwater lagoon that is a designated natural reserve. The water is shallow and clear, the sunbeds and umbrellas well organised, and watersports (pedalo, jet ski, parasailing) available in high season. It is also the most crowded beach on the island in July and August, with buses running every few minutes from Skiathos Town.
The lagoon behind the beach — Strofilia — is home to herons, ducks, and other waterbirds, and makes for a pleasant walk in the early morning before the beach crowds arrive. The stone pines that give the beach its name (koukounaries means pine cones in Greek) are among the finest on the island.