If I were to describe Skopelos with a phrase would be: Forest into the sea. With vegetation that covers almost 80% of its extent, Skopelos is not only one of the most beautiful islands of the Northern Sporades but also the most green island Aegean. It is, however, and many others…
Let's take it from the outset. From the very beginning. Its name, Skopelos, took rather than the rocky northern coast, which were «trap», namely obstacle for potential attackers. The first oikistis of the island, therefore, Stafylos, on katefthase The 1600 BC from the Minoan Crete and chose to prosaraxei in the southern bay of the island, which took its name.
Today Stafylos a favorite attraction thanks to the crystal clear seas and beautiful landscape. A small path east of Staphylos leads to another unique beach, Valanio. Follow it, especially if you belong to those who prefer gymnismo.
On the south side of the island will find the most serene beaches. 8 km from Staphylos awaits a kataprasinos, reassured kolpiskos, pine-clad beach Agnontas. The colors of the sea and smells from around tavernas you magepsoun. Non-stop, but here it is a little beyond the Limnonari, with buildings near water seem to invite you to taraxete with your dive.
Moving southwest will meet Panormo. It is a picturesque village with a huge beach with white pebbles and blue waters, which will be dyskolefteite apochoristeite. However, because few steps further awaits the popular beach of the island, Milia. The nature here chose the brightest of colours, joined with very high pine trees and crystal clear waters and created a oneiremeno landscape. It is no coincidence that here, organised by the younger the endless beach parties.
Those of you have a vessel or boat, will appreciate the quiet and cool in Dassia, just opposite the island, where you will receive with their unique song of permanent residents, tzitzikia.
Turning to the northwestern part of the island now, we learn that the region plimmyrise by residents shortly before the liberation from Turkish rule, which hit Skopelos irreparably. Then show some information about the language, katafyto village in the north-west slopes of the island, kamaronei today as the largest of all.
The Papadiamantis even described «high village», not unfairly, after 250 measures altitude, is the highest settlement of the Northern Sporades and the balcony of Skopelos overlooking the evergreen mountains and the deep blue sea.
Anyone found in language, however, must first pass from Loutraki, the seaside fishing village in the rain jacket. Where once sychnazan tarsanades and karavomaragkoi, the picturesque port together today fishing boats and vessels. In Loutraki will show visitors who appreciate the traditional pleasures, genuine, Greek taverns and relaxing stay in rented rooms.
At the top of the island awaits a marvelous landscape unparalleled natural beauty: The cape pig will decorate the photographic material with your background green and blue and the protagonist shock your eyes. Do not leave the island unless we're there.
Equally beautiful sight anyone facing the cave Trypiti. There you go after cool down with a dive in small and quiet beaches and Glyfoneri Glysteri. The soil here is so rocky is preferable to get there with kaikaki making the round of the island. The lovers of walking, indeed, will not hesitate to face the 104 steps of the rock in the middle of the sea, to admire the view and light a candle with a mouse in the chapel of St. John.
The tour of Skopelos for the visitor in no case does not end here. Our trip, however, should be completed in the main point of the island, which - like all well-left for the end. In a close embrace, northeast of the map, a naturally formed port collected welcoming the capital of Skopelos.
The title «traditional settlement» is the least we can say for the Country. The picture of the sea resembles table abstract art. We stand out roads and courtyards, terraces and balconies. The bougainvillea start from one pot and result of this diplanou house, while among freskoasvestomenous walls difficult for anyone to distinguish what is the home and what the church. The country counts only 123 - small-and larger churches.
The traditional architecture with fidisia alleys ties in harmony with the busy beach and the picturesque harbour. There strikes and entertainment heart of the summer months especially. The countless cafes, restaurants and shops give the pace, which is a slow but not monotonos after the Country of Skopelos there are exit options for all tastes.
Do not leave the island if not…
* Make a day cruise on tour in the Marine Park of the Sporades with Discovery, a vessel with the glass keel (information at tel 24240 23747).
* Visit the house-museum in Pavlovich Nirvana Country, in the neighborhood of St John. The famous pezografos was born in Russia but wanted to call Skopeliti.
* Visit the Folklore Museum in the district of Fragkomachala, which will see the representation of skopelitikis residence, with all the characteristics of household equipment, but also local costumes, and models of old ships are manufactured karavomaragkoi.
* Diaskedasete the feast of Saint John the Forerunner, on 24 July.
* Vretheite there in the events of the Municipality, the last ten days of August, culminating in the celebration of plum.
* Anapsete a candle with a mouse in the monastery of Evangelistria, with gold temple and the splendid view of the city, the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour in the face, and the church of St. George, kyratsos decorated with pebbles from the floor.
* Obtain a traditional sweet avgato (plum), and homemade syrup with amygdalopites Zampouko, sea fennel leaves and capers from kyra-Leni in language.
Where to eat in Skopelos
* In the restaurant «Milia», in Milia, for fresh fish and seafood.
* In «Perivoli», in the square Square, kreatomezedes, culminating pork with apples and plums.
* In «Paul», in Agnontas for astakomakaronada and vegetables from the garden.
* In «Maistrali», in language, for skopelitikes pies and sweet plum.
* In «Old Shipyard», in Glysteri for psarosoupes and rofo stew.
Where to stay
* In Kohili Villas, in the Farmhouse. Ideal for large a crowd who love the traditional architecture. Prices: From 300 euros for a villa which fit to 6 people (tel. 24240 23474).
* In Skopelos Village, the Country. Studios, apartments and large pool. Godsend because it is near the center. Prices: From 100 euros for a double (tel. 24240 22517).
* In Ariadne, in Staphylos. Unique view, a few meters from the beach Staphylos. Prices: From 50 per double (tel. 24240 22772).
* In Agnanti, in the Country. Traditional decoration, dark wood furniture and sea view. Prices: From 65 per double (tel. 24240 22722).
How to get there in Skopelos
From the southern and central Greece and through National Road Athens-Lamia, you will find yourself in the port of Agios Konstantinos, while northern Greece port of Volos. From there the ferry boat, the Flying Dolphins and the catamaran will carry either in Loutraki or in the port of Chora.
The route from St. Constantine or Volos in Country of Skopelos will not last more than 4 hours by ferry boat and more than 2 hours by hydrofoil or catamaran.
Or you can go by air Skiatho and from there on the ferry boat, hydrofoil or catamaran in Skopelos.
