Some contributors prefer the beach which is just around the headland called Banana 2 or locally Spartacus. It has a taverna, a fine sandy beach, and good swimming. It is a super beach, regularly scoring 90 or even 100% in the many reports the Captain receives. It is more difficult to get to than Banana because of the climb over the rocks, but a terrific beach. And in high season it may be the most reliable beach on the island for naturism.

More often than not this beach is pretty nearly 100% nudist. Lots of Barefoot contributors describe it as ideal for first-timers. There is also now an allocated area of the beach for those not wanting to hire a bed. (Perhaps somebody has been reading this page!)

The gates leading down to the beach have now been removed, the road has been widened and access by vehicles is now possible right down to the beaches, although 4-wheel-drive vehicles are safer to negotiate the ruts.

It must be said that Little Banana is quite the most crowded Greek island nudist beach the Captain has visited or heard of. When the Captain visited there was hardly a scrap of clothing in sight anywhere, but the beach was very busy with not much room between the sunbeds and umbrellas if you prefer to sit on a towel or a beach mat. The Captain can fully understand why some think this beach amounts pretty much to perfection, but that assumes you don't mind being cheek by - er - cheek with fellow visitors. There was more space on Big Banana, although that was busy too. Space constraints may differ depending on the state of the tide. Others have reported that they find the lack of space and the number of sunbeds off-putting. In fact, the Captain's Mate has made clear she has no particular desire to return for this reason.

Various Barefooters have reported that every afternoon a tour boat loaded with tourist cameras would come close to the shore at Banana and Banana 2 to let them see the naturists. We were hoping the boat would sink.

I'm delighted to receive a report from a couple trying naturism for the first time - on Little Banana they described four days of total pleasure - a relaxed atmosphere but crowded in the afternoon. Totally un-intimidating for first timers like them. Wonderful marine life (fish and the odd octopus).

The beach was very clean and well maintained. The small taverna was still operating but limited in selection. Good mixture of nationalities, couples, families and gays all enjoying the sun together, which is just how it should be.

You can get to Little Banana via Banana Beach itself. Take the bus to the last stop (number 26) follow the signs to Banana Beach, it's a 10-15 min. walk on a dusty track over a hill and could be tough if it's hot. You will first arrive at Banana beach, if you follow this beach to the left (south), you will find a few nudists. But it's better to go to the right (north) and walk over the cliffs (not too difficult) then you are at Little Banana.

Some Barefooters say that the best route to Little Banana is via the road to Elia beach. Get off the bus at stop 24 then go up the hill towards Elia beach (Golden Beach Hotel is on the corner). Turn left after the 6 or 7 electricity poles, continue up the track and keep going up to the crown of the hill. Follow the track through the gorse and turn down toward the beach as it widens out.

A boat leaves the beach each day at about 5 pm and stops at most of the beaches en route to Skiathos Town. Some people find this makes a very pleasant end to the day and avoids another scramble over the rocks!

1998: My correspondent describes Small Banana as perfect in that it is specifically a nudist beach with very little obviously textile presence. Some people were complaining that access to the beach was quite difficult requiring either a sure-footed climb around the rocks from the main Banana Beach or a very steep ascent and then descent over the headland. I suspect that some of the more elderly would have found it quite difficult. My contributor recommends on at least one day staying after everyone else has long since departed for their evening cocktails, to see the sun going down on what will be an almost deserted beach, but still hot enough to be naked until the last rays of the sun have disappeared.

2006: everything was alive and well on LB. The taverna had undergone a facelift this year, and is a lot cleaner. It is now built around a caravan chassis. The sunbeds are now in rows 4 deep. A little too close at times, says a regular Barefoot reporter, especially when due to high tides the size of the beach is reduced. It's a good job we are all a friendly and uninhibited group of people, he says. The boat taxi to and from Skiathos town, and beaches between, was operating again

2007: Report that the beach is friendly, tranquil, relaxed and at least 90% nudist, is typical. Recent reports have also commented favourably on the cold beer and sandwiches available there.

An August report says there was plenty of room and sunbeds, a great little taverna, clean beach, sand and feed the fish with your leftover bread! Amazing, says my Barefoot reporter. Why look for other beaches, which are always hit and miss, when it is all on Little Banana? Here's another report from August 2007 which seems to capture the flavour of the place.

It's 8.30 am on August 29th and we are standing on the rocks looking out across the beach. It's completely empty. The sea is like a mill pond, and all you can hear is the gentle lapping of the waves and the ebb and flow of the sea as it makes a gentle sound through the sand and shingle. You remind yourself this is why it's our 11th consecutive yearly visit.
The first day is always busy, bobbing up and down greeting old friends, some of whom you can't even speak their language, but there is always a big wave, an even bigger smile, and a shaking of hands and kisses on the cheeks (of the face).
The beds are now 8 euro. The taxi boat seems to have stopped.
The bed lady Yanoola, has been replaced by her son, George. It has been known for him to distribute free wine and cake!
Stellios (from the taverna) is now fully recovered from his triple by-pass and still serving great food reasonably priced at 5 euro for a large Greek salad of cheese/tuna. 2 euro for a coffee or can of cold drink.
The footpath over the headland, for those not wanting to cross the rocks, now has more defined steps to assist in the ascent and descent, I was told.
The road down to Big Banana is still open (no gates) and the track is wide, but lots of cars lose traction ascending if they have to stop halfway. A 4WD is best suited.
The beach was 100% naturist for the two wonderful weeks we were there.

2009: Stellios has not renewed his licence this year so we have a new owner operating the taverna. The taverna now sells draft beer and wine in glasses and coffee in china mugs. No more plastic cups. Hot food is also available. The opening hours are a little erratic though, sometimes not opening at all, and other times shutting at lunchtime.

The Mayor has decreed all beaches must have the same style beds and brollies. LB along with others, now has wooden beds and fixed conical cane brollies (at 8 euro). This means you have to keep moving around to keep in or get out of the sun. As everybody seems to move at once, it did not prove a major problem although many found the beds uncomfortable. How they will survive the ravages of winter, time will tell. After a storm in September the beds and brollies were looking a bit sad. (Incidentally on BB the brollies are so close together it is like sitting under one giant cover.)

The boat taxi no longer operates.

One thing that has not changed and that is the people. Still a happy, easy-going 99% group of naturists from various countries living in harmony, which is why next year will be our 14th consecutive year.

2010: Our visit this year was in June. Our usual choice is September, but after last year's 10 days of rain we thought we would opt for a more reliable June. We were not disappointed.

The conical fixed cane brollies are still there, but many of the wooden beds seem to have been replaced with the more traditional style. (Maybe the wooden ones did not survive the rigours of winter). Whilst we were there though, Greek officials arrived, and remonstrated with Yanoola, the bed lady, and apparently she has to reinstate the wooden ones.

The taverna's ''sit down area'' has been enlarged with a new roof. The reliability of the opening hours was not a concern this year. As with last year though, the quality of the food did not match the prices charged, so once again, along with many others, we took our own food to the beach. The prices range from 3 euro for a roll to 8 euro for chicken and chips

The beach was 100% naturist, although very quiet. Maybe it is the recession. Prices in Skiathos in general are much the same as last year despite the Greek economic problems. Closed shops and tavernas are evident though throughout the island. An interesting point is that on Asselinos beach naturists were seen at the far end!!!

2011:

Another two wonderful weeks spent in June. Lots of old and new friends. 100% naturist with a good mix of ages. The ''no bed area'' has been considerably reduced with the introduction of another 10 sun beds comprising of the traditional style beds and brollies. Majority of the beds elsewhere are now the wooden type with the fixed thatched conical brolly. Prices throughout the island seem to have considerably increased this year although the beds are still 8 euro. Have already booked for next June. The flight and accommodation same prices as this year.

2012 June: Have just returned from 2 glorious weeks in the sunshine. Temperatures up to 38 degrees. Met up with lots of old and new friends, which, I feel, makes LB so special. We even celebrated a couple’s wedding anniversary. A group of us supplied food and drink as a surprise ‘’party’’. The drink was served by a group of ‘’bunny girls’’ (wearing just tails, ears and wrist bands).
The beds are now 99% wooden, with mattresses, together with fixed cane conical brollies.
There were even more beds this year, meaning that people who do not wish to hire (8 euro a day) have very limited space.
The beach was 98% naturist with a good mix of ages and nationalities.

The recession in Greece is showing itself in small ways. Very often bread is not offered at meal times unless asked for, and complimentary drinks are not as commonplace. Nevertheless the Greek hospitality is not rationed.

There are now 24 hr. cash machines in Troulos (Victoria Supermarket) and Koukounaries (outside the last supermarket going towards Koukounaries on the right)

Looking forward to next year.

2013: June: With usual Greek organisational skills the beach had no beds until June 13th, when the licences were granted after much delay. As with all beach tavernas and sun-beds on the island, the licences have only been granted for one year, and people are not prepared to bid and invest for only a 12 month period. This came about as there are elections for a new mayor next year.

The taverna is still there, but there are now only beds to the right and in front of the tavern. Yanni obtained the licence, but is only allowed 120 beds and no more than two rows deep. Lots of complaints that there are not enough beds available after 10.00 am. The remainder of the beach, left of the taverna, is now bed-free for those that prefer, as nobody bid for the licence. Yanni brought down a number of the old-style traditional beds (not wooden) which we took to this end. It seems, that as far as Yanni is concerned, if tourists take the beds to this end he can’t stop them.

You have to supply your own brolly as the traditional cloth ones are in short supply and in poor condition. The cost is 5 euro, instead of 8 euro for the wooden bed and fixed conical brolly.

Other than that all is well on the beach.

July: Just back from two weeks, most of which was spent on Little Banana. Not as busy as we feared with beds available most days until 11:00/11:30, the only exception seeming to be Thursdays for some reason. Quite strong wind and waves led to many of the parasols having to be moved back as they were in danger of toppling into the sea, so that has reduced the space behind the beds for anyone not wanting to pay.

Heavy rain following a thunder storm played havoc with the track in places particularly the last downhill part to the beach - it actually washed parts of the road down onto the beach.

2014 June: Everything as usual. Friendly happy people from various countries. 99% naturist. It was very busy and the official 60 beds that go as far as the tavern were filled to capacity before lunchtime. It appears that the BB naturists have now all transferred to LB.

George brought some of the old style blue beds down which were mainly taken by people and used on the area between the taverna and the rocks. Advisable to take your own brolly though, as what brollies are available are in a poor state of repair. The charge for just two beds was 6 euro. Don’t know how long this practice will continue as George has already been fined for exceeding his licensed area.

2015 June: Nothing seems to change. A happy friendly beach with a range of young and old enjoying themselves. The beds are limited in number and on a busy day are all taken by 11.00. Several regulars now purchase their own beds, which can be purchased for 45 euro in Skiathos Town, and leave them at their accommodation for storage until their next visit. With beds on the beach at 3 euro each you soon recuperate your outlay.

2016 June: Just returned from another 2 great weeks. Lots of friendly people of different ages and nationalities. No official beds available again until middle of June due again to licensing problems from the mainland. Yanni put out a few beds but no brollies, but did not charge for them. If you arrived later than 09.30 no beds available. Noticeable absence of the afternoon tourist boats although the police boat turned up one afternoon to move on a small boat whose occupants were taking photographs.

2017 June: Little Banana (LB) may not be the same for much longer. Here is the latest on Little Banana from Geoff5: "This is the best information that I could learn. Lots of Chinese whispers. I spoke to several people who I believe were reliable sources, including the contractors and viewing a Greek press release".

The land behind LB (including Big Banana and Eleni Beach) a total of 65,900 square metres has been purchased by Nathanailidis Construction Company, who are one of the largest Greek construction companies based in Athens, to build a holiday resort. It was sold in 2013 for 2.6 million Euros. Currently they have started to build 12 two-storey units, some will have swimming pools, where the olive groves were, as you went down from the top road. The construction work will continue to behind LB and finally behind Eleni. Having spoken to the builders they currently intend to continue building non-stop. None of the labour is from Skiathos.

The Xenia [Elivi] hotel is also being re-developed into an all-inclusive facility with some apartments/ bungalows attached.

Behind each of LB and BB there will be a taverna / restaurant in keeping with the quality of the holiday homes. Not actually on the beach though, but the private land. Nico, of the current beach Taverna, says he will be there this year, possibly next year, but not after that. Yanni the bed man says this is his last year. The reason the taverna and restaurants are being built away from the beach is that they will not have to apply for a licence to trade each year as they will be part of the complex. Yanni believes these places will put out their own sun-beds on the beaches, as Bananaista did on BB and the naturists had to leave.

The barrier at the top is manned to prevent access by cars. You can still walk down. The route of the path changes as the development progresses. There will be a permanent footpath when the complex is finished to allow access to the beaches. With no vehicle access, parking up the top gets congested and a little chaotic. The number of cars causes a problem for the builders getting access, so whether or not parking will stop nobody seems to know.
When the complex is complete, could not obtain a definitive date, access by car will be restricted to residents only via a secure barrier.

Currently LB is OK for use by naturists and seems to be as popular as ever. Although what will happen when the complex is finished is anybody’s guess. Currently there is a problem with wasps. Unusual for June, but thought to be caused by nests being disturbed because of the construction work. Some people moved from LB to BB and were told to leave.

2018 May: See description of LB as on the new Hotel Elivi website which opens in June 2018.

‘’Further away, Little Banana, in remembrance of its past, with its young audience and nudists, gathers together today young people who want to savour and enjoy powerful intense summer moments. Loud upbeat music, cocktails and snacks, sports and excitement in an exemplary organised environment.’’

June: With the Eliva Hotel due to open June 15th, LB is getting ready to welcome its guests together with those from the Villas etc. 2 sunbeds with umbrella 20 euro. 1 bean bag with no umbrella 5 euro. 1.5 lt water 3 euro. Beer 7 euro. Just said farewell to LB. Just visited it today and it’s so sad. Spent many happy holidays there. The hotel complex have rented 2/3 of the beach. The beds are very heavy and already sinking into sand. The mattresses are about 12 inches thick and with the bean bags cover the entire area. The beds are 4 deep and if you were sitting in the back row and the one in front had the back up you wouldn’t be able to even see the sea. The beds are very close together with wooden walkways between. You cannot turn the beds to follow the sun. You cannot eat your own food when using the beds. Very plush tiled toilet available.

Today you could drive down but there is an automatic type barrier which when closed would prevent cars passing through. The problem then will be there is very little parking space available. It’s then a long walk. The only reason the gate was open is because of the workmen and their lorries. Today there was only one naturist on the beach, though to be fair it's not a very hot day.

Naturists have been using the beach and beds with no problems. The general consensus is that once the holiday complex people start to use the beach (the hotel opened on the 15th) and the music starts (see May report) together with the sport activities, naturists will not be made welcome. Some say they cannot be stopped using the beach. That’s what they said about BB a few years ago. Many LB naturists have moved to Agistros [next east of Elia beach]. RIP LB

Two friends have been on the beach the last two days. About 10 couples using the beds and about 50 other naturists on the sand area. The music has started, but not loud. No sport activities yet.
They said the beach had lost it’s “soul”. The other villa and apartment accommodation open up in July.

The barriers are now being tested by engineers, so assume will be in operation soon, and the assumption is they will be fully operational when the other accommodation opens in July, so only foot access to the beach. A long walk in the heat from the road. The next phase of development is marina at Big Banana and a continuation of villas, etc behind LB around to Elias.

July The final part of the first phase of the BB complex opened up yesterday. All the electronic barriers are now operational and you cannot access LB by motor vehicle. Some naturists are still using LB. It's a long walk from the last bus stop. It is possible for a few cars to park on the roads leading to the barriers, but whether or not they will be allowed is debatable. You can't even use the car park at the bus stop as that is now the hotel's tennis court. Difficult to imagine people playing tennis in the heat beside a dusty road.  Vehicles are no longer allowed to park within the complex.
As reported in Skiathos News (an on-line newspaper), by a local Greek, the Mayor has said the barriers are illegal. Watch this space. Limited numbers of naturists are still on the beach

From the Forum: We discovered this beach in 2017 and it was our first experience of naturism as a couple. We have returned this year and the changes are indeed dramatic. Sun loungers are more like TV sofas, heavy and tightly packed so not moveable easily. They are indeed €20 per day for 2 incl umbrella. If you’re there for the full day you could justify the extra outlay. But if you don’t want to shell out, bring a beach brolly and sit on the sand - there’s plenty of it! Taverna has been completely rebuilt in the style of the complex and is MASSIVELY overpriced. Ice cream (Ben and Jerry’s only - please!!) €6!!!! Greek salad €12. Consequently it’s empty, dead and soulless. The staff look miserable and clearly have to stay til the last person leaves as they packed up as soon we made to leave ourselves, as we were the last on the beach. On a positive note, it is most definitely still a nudist beach - phew. If you can get over the changes, naturism is alive and well there and the sea and sand are the same as ever. Long may this continue.

2019 June: The hotel beds have now been extended to the rocks. Music is being played daily. Sometimes a DJ is resident. Still naturists evident but in decreasing numbers.

2020: Report from Mott the Hoople in the Forum: "We returned to Skiathos, last year, after many years away. We were, like most others, horrified at the changes to Little Banana beach. However…this year it’s better than ever. The beach bar (currently closed) has relocated to the area at the rear of the beach where the concrete road ends. Best of all, the horrible sunbeds have disappeared, too. It’s just like it was when we first visited in the ‘80s" No doubt the changes are due to reduced guest numbers at the hotel complex. I’m sure that we may not have the beach back like this when the current situation ends. But for now…it’s heaven! [September, confirmed by Roger Wells]

2021 July: Back to Skiathos, after many years. away. Little Banana is the perfect place for nudism. You can strip as much as you like, the beach bar is open from 10:00 to 18:00 and there are large sunbeds and shower. Of course most of the beach is free for everyone to put up their own umbrella. You have to leave your car before the gate and then walk around 450 metres, as there is no parking area near the beach. We really loved it and went repeatedly to this beach.

2022 June: Visited LB for the first time in a number of years. We abdicated to Aselinos when Elivi Hotel got involved. Very difficult to park. A few parking spaces at the top of the road outside the Villa. You have to be there early to get a space, otherwise you park on the approach road getting further and further away. Very noisy during our brief visit with jet ski racing across the bay. Walking downhill to LB past the barrier not really a problem on the concrete road. Not many people. Beds 24 euro (free if guests of Elivi). Bar drinks and food very expensive. Walking back up the hill in the heat of the day was a killer though. Especially if you have breathing problems and carrying backpacks etc. Returned to Aselinoss.

July Just read a report that the Elvi hotel staff are now trying to segregate naturists and non naturists Elvi guests by asking naturists to stay to one side. Seemingly the hotel is renaming the beach to the Black Swan.

September Following altercations between the water sports operator and naturists the police were called. He was complaining that his customers were upset at the sight of naturists. The police made everybody get dressed. The next day all returned to normal.

2023: Visited LB right after the big storm "Daniel". Storm damaged the beach bar & sun bed facilities, so LB was converted into 100% free nudist beach at that time. Quite busy, all nude, mixed public. Car can be parked down at Bus stop 26, afterwards some uphill walk along hotel paths.

2024 June: Chose to visit LB as our last beach before taking the plane home on the next day. From the №26 bus stop walk past the vast parking space & take the road that goes steeply up. Continue on the left past the carpole. When you reach a fork continue towards the right hand side (Blackbird's Cafe sign), the down. Beach is 90% naturist (even on the sunbeds!) with a few textiles, with an obviously male/gay cruisy area towards the left side of the beach when facing the sea with men roaming towards the peak that is close to Megali Banana which can be seen on the other side. A masseur was working on the beach on his massage table. When he was done he undressed and performed Qigong in front of the sea. In the evening a couple of swans came to the bar where they were fed and then acted like true movie stars for the many people wanted to take gorgeous pictures of them with the sea in the background. Very very nice beach and hope it stays this way for many years to come!