The verdict on Little Banana
- Who it suitsTravellers who want the calm opposite of Big Banana, a quiet clear water cove with sunbeds and a taverna, and who are comfortable on a naturist beach.
- Best spotAnywhere on the small sand in the morning before the Big Banana overflow arrives, with the rocks at either end good for an easy snorkel.
- One thing to knowThis is the island's main naturist beach, reached by a short rocky scramble from Big Banana, so come knowing both the dress and the access before you set out.
Published 5 March 2026. Last reviewed 4 April 2026
Little Banana is the quiet half of the Banana bay, the small cove tucked around a rocky point from the loud and lively Big Banana. Where its neighbour brings music, watersports and a young crowd, this pocket of gold sand keeps things low key and still. It is the island's main naturist beach, also called Mikri Banana or Spartela, and that is the first thing to know about it.
The appeal is simple and real. The cove is sheltered and the water comes up clear and calm, the rocky ends are good for a slow snorkel, and because there are no watersports here the soundscape is wind and sea rather than engines and speakers. After an hour on Big Banana it can feel like a different island. The setting, with pines crowding the small sand, is genuinely lovely.
The honest catch is twofold. First, the naturist scene is not for everyone, and it is the wrong choice if you want a clothed family beach, so go in knowing that. Second, the access is a short rough scramble over the rocks at the northern end of Big Banana, which is fine in sensible shoes but not a stroll. And small as it is, the cove fills faster than its size suggests once the day warms up.
Come to Little Banana for the calm clear water, the snorkel and the quiet, comfortable with the naturist mood. For the watersports and the scene next door go to Banana Beach, for calm shallow family sand head to Koukounaries, and for a wild boat only cove see Lalaria. For verified venues and day passes use our Skiathos beach clubs directory.
Clubs and facilities at Little Banana
Little Banana is a small organised naturist cove with a taverna and sunbeds and no watersports, and we never invent venues, prices or status. Rates shift by season, so anything we cannot confirm we list as to be confirmed. For verified beach clubs and day passes across the island, use the Skiathos beach clubs directory.
Taverna and sunbeds
A taverna or bar on the cove serves food and drink, with sunbeds and umbrellas to hire on the small sand. Current rates and opening are best confirmed on the day as they move through the season.
No watersports here
There are no watersports on Little Banana, which is part of why it stays calm. For windsurf, jet ski and tow rides cross back to Big Banana, and keep this cove for the quiet swim and snorkel.
Little Banana, Skiathos, Greece
Little Banana sits in the same south coast bay as Big Banana, near the west end of the island. Reach the Banana bay first by the frequent south coast bus to the Koukounaries stop and the signed path over the headland, or by car to the parking area, then cross the rocky point at the northern end of Big Banana on a short rough path to drop into Little Banana.
Because the beach is public you can settle on the free sand or take a sunbed set from the taverna. Wear sensible shoes for the rock scramble, bring sun cover and water, mind the rocks and the lack of a reliable lifeguard, and treat the calm as typical rather than guaranteed. Remember this is a naturist beach, so come prepared for that.
Reserve a sunbed near Little Banana
Send your details and we will help arrange a sunbed set or a serviced beach club day near Little Banana and along the Skiathos coast. We confirm current rates and availability with the venue before you commit. Nothing is charged here.
Little Banana FAQ
Is Little Banana a naturist beach?
Yes. Little Banana, also called Mikri Banana or Spartela, is the island's main naturist beach, so expect to see people sunbathing nude. It is relaxed and unremarkable for those used to it, but worth knowing before you arrive, especially if you are bringing family or prefer a clothed beach.
How is Little Banana different from Big Banana?
They sit in the same bay but are separated by a rocky point. Big Banana is the large lively beach with bars, music and watersports, while Little Banana around the rocks is smaller, quieter and naturist. If Big Banana feels too loud, the short scramble over the rocks brings you somewhere far calmer.
How do you get to Little Banana?
Reach the Banana bay first, by the south coast bus to Koukounaries then the signed path over the headland, or by car. From Big Banana you cross the rocky point at the northern end on a short rough path to reach Little Banana. Sensible shoes help on the scramble.
Are there facilities at Little Banana?
It is organised, with sunbeds and umbrellas to hire and a taverna or bar for food and drink, but there are no watersports here, which is part of the quieter mood. Bring water and sun cover anyway, and confirm current sunbed rates on the day as they shift through the season.
When is the best time to visit Little Banana?
June and September are calm and warm without the August peak, and mornings are quietest on any day before the Big Banana overflow wanders round. The small cove fills faster than it looks, so arriving early secures both the better sunbeds and the stillness people come here for.