Skopelos, Skiathos plus 1 Other?
 

We are a group of friends - parents & their children (in their 20s) - who will be spending 5 days in Skopelos and then 5 days in Skiathos.
Our family is looking to spend 4 days prior to this in a chilled relaxing spot (no sight seeing - just unwinding). Ideally we do not want to be more than one ferry ride away from Skopelos.
I realise that there are not many other islands close to these and would therefore be very happy to look at mainland Greece as well if anyone has suggestions. The vision I have is of a small greek village, a wide open beach with soft white sand and calm water.
I'm hoping someone out there may have some suggestions.

You do not mention when you will be in Greece...
SInce you will be in this area, the full package would also include Allonisos, which is the more quiet of the three islands.
Skiathos is the most busy and trendy, followed by Skopelos and finally Allonisos....

I would recommend to spend some very relaxing days in Pelion just 2 hours away , and the nearest point on the Mainland to be reached from Skiathos.

Pelion is a very green, full of flowers and orchards mountain, with small traditional hotels spread around 24 quaint villages. It is frequented mainly by Greeks in the winer and spring, and is less busy in the summer. It has villages on the sea, with nice beaches, even though they are not white sandy as you wished.

Still nature in Pelion is amazingly beautiful, and surprisingly this is a relatively undiscovered part of Greece.

Here are some pics that will give you an idea of Pelion...
https://gr.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=Pelion

Unfortunately the area you have chosen doesn't offer any alternatives..... The Mainland opposite Skiathos is not famous for it's sandy beaches.....

Skiathos and Alonnisos are the only islands "one ferry ride away from Skopelos", as far as I know, so that certainly limits your choice, while the mainland offers infinite possibilities. I've never been to the Pelion, but have heard many good things about it. Rather than adding yet one more island to your list, suggest you consider clausar's suggestion.

Hi clauser. Thank you so much for this information. We will be there at the end of June / beginning of July. I have already started researching based on your information and it looks beautiful.

Hi Heimdall - Yes, I agree - clauser's suggestions seem spot on.

Open beaches with soft white sand are quite a rarity in Greece, that requirement I think will have to change a bit

Actually there is more than just Alonissos one ferry ride away.

For the time of year in question, there is Evia(Mantoudi) on the Proteus ferry, or Evia(Kimi) and the always forgotten Skyros on the Achilleas ferry. These are both about 3 times a week.

See what I mean about forgotten Skyros....

Skyros is actually the nearest to your requirements. There is a good sand beach(brown) down at Magazia below the Cycladic like Chora.

The Achilleas goes from Skopelos and Alonissos, the Proteus from Skiathos, Skopelos(Glossa/Loutraki).

However the best is actually the easiest and that is just to extend your stay on Skiathos longer.

Alonissos is juat another array of pebbly beaches much like Skopelos, the Chora is now a holiday home sort of place, rather than a lived in Chora.

What a great choice - Skiathos is my most favourite island and am going back for third year in a row. You can visit Skopelos and the Pelion via boat trips from Skiathos. Skiathos has more beaches that you can visit than any other island. If you want relaxation, stay near Koukinaries on Skiathos, here you can visit severalwonderful beaches in the vicinity. Skiathos has a great bus service. You should adore the place.

Thanks Retsina - I had been exploring the Pelion which then somehow led me to looking at Skyros - we have booked a few days there right on Magazia beach for a 'total chill out'. I am actually really excited about going there because it is so 'out the way' and, from what I read, seldom visited by tourists.

thanks Stevelyon - So good to hear about the beaches on Skiathos - looking forward to exploring them. Also good to hear about the bus service as we'd prefer not to hire a car whilst there.

I love the Pelion. It is as Clausar described . The beaches are white and the sea so blue and calm, but the beach we were at consisted of white very small pebbles. They looked like marble. The food was wonderful in this area. There are orchards and lovely small water falls. You can drink this water, fill up your bottle.

Have fun!