One of the Northern Sporades islands, Skopelos can only be reached by the sea, the nearest airport being at Skiathos. A short trip on the ferry or hydrofoil provides a wonderful first view of the main town built around a natural amphitheatre.
Skopelos Town
The main town is small and active, nestling in a hollow scooped from the hills around the pleasant harbour. The houses were built close together with very narrow lanes between and balconies almost touching overhead to stop pirates running through the town in large groups. Fortunately, this is no longer a problem!
Winding Lanes and Jasmine
Skopelos once had over three hundred churches and many remain among the houses, the light of sanctuary lamps flickering through the windows. Steps lead steeply from the town centre through winding lanes ever upwards but the views from the top are spectacular. Getting lost is part of the visit but marking a route by the smell of the jasmine, a glimpse of bright orange flowers or a turn at the circular church makes it a treat.
Cafés and Shops
The harbour is surrounded by cafés elbowing one another beneath the canopy of trees and sunshades. Fine local-made jewellery and ceramics, as well as antiques, plenty of pretty bracelets, sarongs and other reasonably priced souvenirs to bring home. Skopelos honey is very good and there’s plenty of local fruit and baked goods fresh every day. By the waterfront,the S.C.A.N. kiosk offers information on welfare work by an active group of multi-national volunteers caring for homeless cats and dogs on the island.
Food and Drink
Anywhere on the harbour or in the little square just behind it offers fine food. Greek salad or pancakes are especially good but all the food is excellent and meals are unhurried. The locals play backgammon or cards with just a beer or a coffee alongside them and no-one seems to mind. Although in theory, Greek towns close down in the afternoons, in Skopelos, being a tourist town, many places stay open during the season.
For something a bit special
Finikas serves traditional food in a lovely courtyard setting under pomegranate trees. The Garden is more formal with very good food and service. Perivoli is a beautiful restaurant under mature vines in a pretty garden setting with some lovely artwork on sale. Go after dark and eat by lamplight for the best atmosphere. Some restaurants offer Greek Evenings with professional dancers and audience participation for the energetic!
Boat Trips
The hydrofoil stops around the island regularly and goes on to Alonissos (20 mins.) and Skiathos (1 hour) while the harbour has several regular cruise ships among the fishing boats. These range from the glass-bottomed boat for around a hundred, to the little taxi-boat to Glisteri beach, carrying maybe ten. Half, full-day or even overnight trips can be booked to sail around the island, to Alonissos, the monastery island of Kyra Panagyia, and the protected Marine Park with maybe a glimpse of the rare monk seals. Look out for wild goats and Eleanor's falcons too, as well as dolphins, egrets and cormorants.
Getting Around
Cars can be hired by the day or the week. Buses run up to Glossa at the far end of the island on a regular service, as well as to the popular beaches at Panormos, Milia, Stafilos and the very pretty Limonari where turquoise coloured fish dart through wonderfully clear water. There is more or less one main road on Skopelos with most of the side roads being wide but unmade tracks so driving is something of an experience, though buses hurtle along regardless.
Wildlife and Scenery
Delphi, the highest point of the island, offers wonderful views, while Mount Sendoukia is also worth the climb. At the top is a limestone pavement alive with tiny lizards and multi-coloured crickets of varying sizes, as well as wild cyclamens and sage. Skopelos has some dramatic scenery and the inland route is as rewarding as the coastal road, with olive trees, craggy mountain roads, and surprising little hamlets and goat farms in the middle of wilderness.
A Perfect Holiday Location
Skopelos is quiet without being dull and lively without being noisy. Boats trips, walking and driving offer plenty of options for activity. For relaxing, most of the beaches are stony but clean and the sea is lovely to swim in and ideal for snorkelling. June to mid-August are the best times for sun worshippers but for those who prefer cooler weather, early September is very pleasant.
 |
 |
 |
 |
