I AM normally a happy, fear-free flyer but my teeth rattled as we zoomed towards Skiathos and the pilot announced cheerily: "This will be as close to landing on an aircraft carrier as you can get."

However, don't let this deter you from taking a break on what must, to my mind, surely be the prettiest of all the Greek Islands.

Skiathos - it means 'shady place' - is a lush oasis of lemon groves, bougainvillaea-strewn arbours and vivid flowers.

This is a place to really unwind and spread out your towel with an exceptional 66 beaches ready for you to bleach out.

The vast majority are beautiful stretches of white sand, lapped by clear, shallow water.

Arguably the most beautiful is Koukanaries which sits snugly at the end of a dusty road, nicknamed the M25 by the ex-pats living a leisurely life here.

This road ensures you can easily traverse the south side of the island by bus.

It's a cheap and cheerful way to see the very best of the island.

And, here's a real help - stops are sequentially numbered, which means you only have to remember your number and not badly pronounce your destination.

The island really does cater for everyone making it as ideal for young couples and families.

However, if you're travelling out of season with children, then I'd advise stocking up on games to keep them occupied.

Because, if the weather takes a dive, there is very little to do away from the beaches and bars.

If you are up for a rave, bars bang on until dawn - and beyond - in Skiathos town itself.

Hiring a car is well worthwhile.

Priced from £20 to £50 a day, they give you the freedom to travel to the north of the island to visit an ancient monastery.

And, if you're an animal lover, you can discover the joy of walking this scenic island with a rescue dog from the British-run sanctuary.

Viewing the coastline by boat is a must and there are regular daily excursions from the port in Skiathos old town.

However, do make sure you shop around as prices can vary from £3 to £10 per person.

Hopping over to the next island Skopelos is easy too.

It's well worth the trip but avoid climbing the steep road at mid-day or, I promise, you'll fry!

Away from the island, take a day out to make the journey by Seacat to the mainland and immerse yourself in the wonderful sights and sounds of the capital - Athens.

This stunning city is steeped in history.

The Parthenon is a must for tourists, so make sure you don't forget your camera.

But the bumper-to-bumper traffic and noise will soon have you scurrying back to the island's quieter resorts.

I'd recommend Achladies, Troulos and Aghia Paraskevi if you just want to flop and drop.

The family-run Eleni apartments at Achladies offer some of the best kept self catering accommodation you'll find.

Thomson Holidays are among a series of UK tour operators who are already selling breaks to this delightful island.

Departing from Manchester, they offer a seven night bed and breakfast stay at the Hotel Pounta, in Skiathos town.

And if you want to sample some really excellent cuisine, Skiathos town has two a la carte restaurants.

Both provide exceptional food at relatively reasonable prices - expect to pay around £ 10 for a good steak and between

£5 and £8 for a decent bottle of Greek wine.

At the Australian run Old Port Jailhouse, you'll receive a warm welcome and mouth watering salmon, chicken and steak dishes.

Or, if you're up to the exercise, strap on your walking boots and brave the climb to the British-owned Windmill restaurant at the top of the hill overlooking the town.

On my last night, I happily gorged myself on authentic Thai fishcakes and melt-in-your-mouth lamb with fresh asparagus.

The best accolade on the delights of Skiathos came from a sprightly 72-year-old lady who had been trawling the islands for more than 20 years.

"Now that I've found Skiathos, I shan't be going back to any of the others", she told me firmly.

Exactly!