Today we want to tell you about the greenest and most populous island in the Northern Sporades. Characterised by dense, evergreen vegetation, this island has approximately six thousand inhabitants. The mysterious island we are talking about is the island of Skopelos.
Surely you have already heard of it and had the opportunity to see it (perhaps even without realising it). In fact, the island was the set of one of the most famous musicals of our time: 'Mamma Mia', a show that tells an unlikely love story with a happy ending beaten to the rhythms of Abba songs.
In this romantic film, the island is called Kalokairi, which translated means summer.
HOW TO GET THERE?
There are certainly Greek islands easier to get to than this one (e.g. Corfu and Crete), but don't worry.
The nearest airport to Skopelos is Skiathos. If this flight is not available or leaves from a city too far from yours, the alternative could be via Thessaloniki or Athens.
WHAT TO SEE: THE BEACHES
Skopelos boasts numerous picturesque beaches, washed by crystal-clear sea and framed by green pine trees. The north coast of the island is wilder, with high headlands exposed to the winds, while the beaches in the south, mostly pebbles or a mixture of sand and pebbles, are more sheltered.
Glysteri: the 'town' beach of Skopelos, perhaps not the most attractive but certainly pretty. It is reached by following a road north of town lined with olive trees.
Limnonari: along the coastal road from Agnontas is the only sandy beach on the island, a long sandy shore bordered by a rocky promontory and a pine forest.
Stafylos: a picturesque beach of mythological fame, where, according to legend, the tomb of the son of Ariadne and Dionysus is located. A rocky ridge divides it from Velanio, one of the most famous naturist beaches on the island.
Kastani and Panormos: the busiest beaches on the island, equipped with facilities and entertainment venues.
Perivoliou and Katakoluos: quiet beaches, recommended for those who do not like crowds.
WHAT TO SEE: TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
The town of Skopelos: Skopelos is a quaint town in the northern part of the island that resembles an amphitheatre. Life here flows quietly, with strolls along the waterfront, dinners in typical taverns, young people on scooters and old people playing backgammon. Tourism is the main activity but without being intrusive; the nightlife is cheerful but not rowdy. In the town of Skopelos you will find all the essential tourist services including bars and restaurants, car rental agencies and a couple of souvenir shops. If you have some time, check out the original Bakratsa Museum, housed in an elegant 18th century mansion that once belonged to a doctor. You will find a bizarre collection of medical equipment and clothing for married and unmarried men and women.
Glossa: Glossa, a traditional village in the northern part of the island that has not opened up to mass tourism, thus preserving an atmosphere of authenticity that is now very rare to find. It is home to the famous little church where some of the highlights of Mamma Mia were filmed.
The monasteries: The ancient monasteries are the biggest tourist attraction on Skopelos: there are about a dozen of them scattered all over the island, with a greater concentration on Mount Palouki; four are still inhabited. Almost always located in a panoramic, isolated and romantic position, they can be reached by car, but it is much more suggestive to arrive on foot, following paths and old mule tracks. Here are the ones to visit: Evangelismos, built in the 18th century, is the only monastery on the island visible from the town of Skopelos; the oldest Sotiris, dating back to the 16th century, is run by a single monk who has the reputation of being perpetually frowning; Varvaras houses a museum and a small shop selling local products.
WHERE TO SLEEP?
In one of our magnificent villas with a private pool: Villa Orion, Villa Lyra and Villa Phoenix are the best choice for your stay.
The maximum number of people the villas can accommodate varies from 4 to 6, but if you are a large group, you might consider renting both Villa Orion and Villa Lyra as the two villas are located practically next to each other.
