Holidays: Greeks and gifts

THE mayor of Banana Beach clambered off his bar stool and reached down into the holdall on the floor - which was no small effort for a man whose size was only matched by his personality.

He huffed and puffed as he rummaged around inside and then with a flourish produced a rolled-up piece of paper.

"You are now a citizen of Banana Beach," he proudly announced, adding: "I usually only give these to people who don't wear anything, but for you I'm making an exception."

He then reached into his bag again and produced a pen, penknife and pair of pink plastic sunglasses for our three-year-old daughter Polly, who had left her mother sunbathing on the beach to tell me she wanted to swim in the crystal clear sea - for the 10th time that day.

Over the next hour Mayor Richard Pappas went through the same procedure - and several glasses of the same chilled rose - every time a pretty girl climbed the steps to the taverna.

Banana Beach is one of 64 beaches on an island of just 10 miles by six. It was our favourite. We were staying at the delightful Areti apartments just outside the village of Troulos.

Skiathos has a reputation as one of the more expensive Greek islands. But that is expensive in Greek terms - a half-litre bottle of beer costs EUR1.5 and a three-course meal for two, including wine, EUR22.5. Almost everything seemed to be "just 15 minutes away" from us, including Skiathos Town, with its two harbours, and Koukanaries - said to be one of the Top 10 beaches in the world.

There isn't much to do on Skiathos except relax. Most people wear just a swimming costume and a smile, while some don't even bother with the costume.

While my wife Helen and I sampled the delights of Greek cuisine, our daughter stuck to ice cream and milkshakes. Because the Greeks adore children, more often than not they refused to accept payment for her treats.

It was our first time in Greece, but it won't be our last.

Two weeks after our return, Helen was on the phone booking next year's holiday. The same island, apartment and tour operator.

Only this time we will be going for two weeks instead of one.

THE FACTS

ECLIPSE (0044 870 501 0203) are offering one week's self-catering at the Areti apartments on Skiathos for EUR450 per adult, EUR180 for the first child and EUR230 for the second in June. For August, the prices are EUR525, EUR270 and EUR327.

FOR further details, contact the Greek Tourist Office: 0044 207 734 5997.

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