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Escape summers heat on the Aegean island of Skopelos with morning walks to nearby monasteries, a miraculous icon awaiting discovery and long lazy afternoons at the beach
The Island of Skopelos A Fabulous Greek Getaway Getting thereThe Island of Skopelos is the perfect escape from the scorching heat of mainland Greece in the summer. Here, in the beauty of the island, you can slow down and experience summer as it should always be. Take the Flying Dolphin, a hydrofoil, from Volos on the mainland. A short two and one quarter hours of sailing across the waters, and you’ll arrive in Skopelos town. Save the cheaper, slower ferry for your return. Skopelos town sits amphitheatre like on a steep hill with the blue Aegean water and white sandy beach as its stage. Follow the signs to find a room. If the price doesn’t suit your budget, keep looking. There are bargains to be found. HistoryThe first settler to live on Skopelos, according to Greek legend was the Minoan, King Stafylos, son of Dionysus and Ariadne. Stafylos, meaning grape, is thought to have introduced the art of wine making to the island. In 1927 a tomb, thought to belong to Stafylos was discovered near the beach that now bears his name. His golden sceptre now resides in the Archaeological Museum of Volos. The gold hilt from his sword is housed in the Archaeological Museum of Athens. Since the time of Stafylos, the islands’ colorful history continues. In Roman times, the patron saint, Ayios Reginos was martyred. A Venetian occupation ended when Turkish admiral, Barbarossa took over and slaughtered all the inhabitants. Although Skopelos was deserted for years, residents returned in the 17th and 18th centuries and built the island into the haven it has become. Have an adventureSpend your mornings enjoying the cool air as you explore the upper levels of this almost fairy tale town. Somewhere in Skopelos town, is a church said to contain a miraculous icon. You could go on a quest to find it, but be warned. With over 100 churches, there is a possible home for it around practically every corner. If you are up for a longer excursion, there are a number of monasteries in the surrounding hills that can easily be reached on foot. Alternately, you could plan an entire day at the beach. Walk to Stafylos beach, about 4 km from town or catch the bus to any of the half-dozen beaches between Skopelos and Glossa. Be sure to find out when the last bus return or it could be a long walk back to the room. Enjoy the foodFind your way down to the waterfront and settle into of the shaded tables to enjoy a leisurely lunch. Try the Greek version of fast food, the gyro (pronounced year-o) or some Greek Salad. Linger over your coffee. Then make your way back to your room for a typically Greek afternoon rest. By late afternoon the beach in town is an attractive option. The sun is still strong enough to give you a golden glow. The water is pleasant, and the sand is cool enough to enjoy without getting fried. Dinner in Greece is late, so no reason to get there before eight or nine. Try the Greek method of ordering, with a skewer of souvlaki for each person. Share a selection of freshly made salads. Order a bottle of Retsina, but drink it slowly. The first glass may seem a bit harsh. By the second half of the bottle, though, things will definitely taste a lot smoother.
The copyright of the article The Island of Skopelos in Greece Travel is owned by Gwendolyn Copeman. Permission to republish The Island of Skopelos in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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