Mikri Banana
Thessaly, Greece: Excellent water quality
Mikri Banana is a beach on the Thessaly coast in Greece. It holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open from July 1 to October 15 and has free access.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Mikri Banana
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Mikri Banana?
Mikri Banana is a beach on the Thessaly coast in Greece. It holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open from July 1 to October 15 and has free access.
The best time to visit is April through June, when crowds are lighter. July and August are peak season and get busy. On-site, you'll find a kiosk and shop. Before swimming, check the current water safety conditions with local staff.
The Blue Flag is awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, so standards are reviewed each year. This makes it a solid choice for families and swimmers looking for a well-maintained beach.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Thessaly, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Mikri Banana faces east toward Ionian Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| Feb | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
| Mar | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Apr | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| May | 19°C | 16°C | Low |
| Jun | 24°C | 21°C | Low |
| Jul | 26°C | 23°C | Med |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 23°C | 20°C | High |
| Oct | 19°C | 16°C | Med |
| Nov | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Dec | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
The best time to visit Mikri Banana is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.2°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 23.2°C in July.
How crowded does Mikri Banana get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Mikri Banana sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Mikri Banana open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-07 – 15-10). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Mikri Banana
Is Mikri Banana safe to swim?Mikri Banana is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Mikri Banana?Peak water temperature at Mikri Banana reaches around 23.2°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 9°C.
What is the beach like at Mikri Banana?Mikri Banana is a sandy beach on the Thessaly coast of Greece. The best time to visit is April through June, when crowds are lighter. July and August are peak season and get busy. On-site, you'll find a kiosk and shop. Before swimming, check the current water safety conditions with local staff.
Does Mikri Banana have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Mikri Banana meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Showers are available. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Mikri Banana sits on the Ionian Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Ionian.
Planning a trip to Greece? How Greece earns the most Blue Flags , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Mikri Banana
How do I get to Mikri Banana by car?Mikri Banana is approximately 5.91 km from Skiathos Municipality. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Mikri Banana?The nearest airport is Athens International Airport "El. Venizelos" (ATH), approximately 147.5 km away.
Can I get to Mikri Banana by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Skiathos Municipality. The nearest recorded bus stop is 568 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Mikri Banana
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Mikri Banana. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Mikri Banana
- Public toilets Public toilets 234 m
Cafés near Mikri Banana
- Nest Fish Restaurant Restaurant 166 m
- Cookoonari Restaurant 405 m
- AlaMar Restaurant 444 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | ✗ No dedicated disabled access listed |
| Showers | ✓ Available during season |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 15 Oct |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 1 km from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 568 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 39.1489°N, 23.3919°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Mikri Banana FAQ
Is Mikri Banana suitable for children?
Mikri Banana has a child-friendly score of 6/10. Facilities include showers, toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece.
Is Mikri Banana free to access?
Access to Mikri Banana is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Thessaly, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Mikri Banana?
The best time to visit Mikri Banana is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 23.2°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Mikri Banana?
Mikri Banana is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Mikri Banana?
Mikri Banana is located in Thessaly, Greece. It is approximately 5.91 km from Skiathos Municipality. The nearest airport is Athens International Airport "El. Venizelos" (ATH), 147.5 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Mikri Banana?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps toilets near Mikri Banana, including 234 m away. Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Mikri Banana?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 3 cafés or restaurants near Mikri Banana, including Nest Fish Restaurant (166 m), Cookoonari (405 m), and AlaMar (444 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore GreeceWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Mikri Banana
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.