Skopelos, Greece Area Information
A tranquil island inhabited by warm, hospitable locals with a profusion of orchards and a seemingly infinite number of churches and monasteries. Skopelos is the largest of the pretty Sporades islands.
Now immortalised in the Hollywood movie 'Mama Mia', Skopelos Town is one of the most picturesque
and unspoilt harbour towns in all of Greece. Bathed
in the early evening sunlight its cobbled streets and
white washed facades are incredibly impressive and a
therapeutic sight for jaded senses.
At this lovely time of day why not accompany the friendly locals, who can be found relaxing and 'people watching' in the charming harbour front tavernas, kafeneons and ouzeries that spread out their tables under the plane trees.
Behind the lovely harbour awaits a maze of cobbled
streets and alleyways which conceal over 120
individual churches and monasteries. Some of the
most interesting to visit are Zoodochos Pigi, the
dramatic 18th century church of Panagia Eleftherotria
and the Episkopi, a fortified Venetian monastery
abandoned incomplete when the Ottomans invaded.
Just above the town, Mount Poalouki is home to the
church of Evangelistria, which clings to the rocky
hillside enjoying magnificent views. The island's sand and pebble beaches are irresistible.
Visit Stafylos, a popular family beach close to
Skopelos Town or the fine pebble beach at
Agnondas, whose dense, verdant pine forests provide
a stunningly beautiful backdrop.
Considered one of the best beaches on the island Limnonari is a broad crescent of white sand and smooth sandstone rocks while nearby Panormos is a beach with a view!
A magnificent, naturally protected bay, it was once the site of an ancient city and sections of the old town wall still remain today. Just around the headland, both Milia and Kastani boast vast stretches of tree-lined pebble, sand and spectacular crystal clear waters while the tiny pine clad islet of Dasia just a short distance away, offers an idyllic setting.
Glossa, Skopelos' second town, benefits from a stunning position high over the sea. This unspoilt, picturesque village simply oozes charm. A short drive from Glossa, on the east coast brings you to the picture postcard monastery of Agios Ioannis, perched high on rocks that jut out over the Aegean Sea.
Nearby Agios Taxiarchon is also well worth a visit, as is the amazing Gourouni Cape at the most northern tip of the island and home to a handsome lighthouse. There are also several beautiful beaches nearby including Perivolio and Hondros Georgos.
Skopelos is a walker's paradise with many marked trails and routes. Many a pleasant hour can be spent rambling through the abundance of olive groves and plum orchards that are strewn all over this fertile island.
Local Cuisine
Kafeneons (small traditional cafes) are commonplace
around the villages of Skopelos. Most are frequented
by men drinking their Greek coffee or frappe playing
cards or backgammon or simply arguing about
politics or football – a favourite pastime in Greece!
We highly recommend that you add to your holiday
experience by sharing a coffee break in one of these.
Saints' days
Since all the Greek Orthodox churches are named
after saints, everyone will visit their local church on
its 'name' day. The larger churches will celebrate
with a lively Paniyiri (festival) on its specific Saint's
day, where loud music will be played and food and
drink will be served late into the night.
Climate
he Sporades Islands enjoy a stable, maritime
climate with warm summers and a welcome, fairly
constant breeze. Sea temperatures are usually
comfortable enough for a swim even during low
season months.
Getting there
Skopelos does not have its own airport so flights
are to the neighbouring island of Skiathos, with
the best choice of charter flights being from
Gatwick and Manchester. We offer a transfer
service from the airport to the ferry port and
onward travel to Skopelos. Transfer time is approx.
3 hours and price is £45 per person (including
private taxi/coach and the ferry crossing).