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| Skopelos
town is a stunning view from the boat |
The easiest way to get to Skopelos
is by boat from one of the other Sporades, or from Volos or Aghios Konstantinos on the
mainland. From Northern Europe the easiest way is by airplane to Skiathos and boat (ferry
or catamaran - "Flying Dolphin") from there. Skopelos has 2 harbors, Skopelos
town and Glossa. Additionally, the dock in Agnondas is used sometimes when the weather is
bad. Skopelos town is on the north-east coast and Gloss on the south-west coast. Skopelos
town can be windy. So when you are leaving Skopelos town by boat, you are always told be
at the harbor well before departure, in case you have to be brought by bus to one of the
other harbors. The island is green and lush, and the roofs are tiled, as opposed to the
Cycladic flat roofs. Skopelos town is a stunning sight from the sea, so one should be on
deck when approaching the harbor.
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| The streets are
narrow and steep |
Skopelos town is very steep,
so there are plenty of steps to fight. The streets are also very narrow, so you won't meet
man cars strolling the town. Buses are practically only seen on the bus station by the
harbor. Swimming is not common on the town beach, usually one goes by bus to one of the
other beaches.About 4 kilometers from town you will find Stafilos. a narrow sandy beach.
If you walk just a little further (along Stafilos and over a small hill)you will reach the
beach Velanio. There is more space and less people here. In the end of this beach there is
beautiful, round pebbles, and here you can take all of your clothes off. Agnondas is
another nice beach, and from here you can also walk or take a taxi boat to Limnonari.All
beaches of course can be reached by car of bike. Kastani and Milia are also nice beaches.
Hiring a car or a motor bike
to roam the island should definitely be done. How about going to Glossa, or all the way to
Loutraki, which is the actual harbor, as Glossa is situated up in the hills. An excellent
place to stop for lunch. From there you can go to Aghios Ioannis, and old monastery
situated on top of a steep cliff. More than a hundred steps to the top, but you will be
rewarded by a stunning view of the sea and rocky beaches with crystal clear water. A dip
in one of those is a good idea, because you are bound to be very warm after the climb to
the top!
Skopelos town is also a good
place to start a walk. A walk starting by the steps by the main church, up to the Kastro (old
castle) and around the town on dirt roads through forest and olive groves is a very
nice half day walk. From many places here the view of the town is beautiful. Bring a
couple of bottles of water in your backpack, you won't see anything remotely similar to a
taverna! But after your walk an ice cold beer on the harbor tastes fantastic!
By the way, Skopelos is a
very fun place for those who are a little shop-o-holic. Of course you will find shops with
the usual tacky tourist stuff, but there are also a lot of fun clothes stores, not to
mention shops with painting, ceramics and other local (we think!) arts and crafts. So
don't let your credit card get too hot!
Other photos from
Skopelos:
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| The harbor is
picturesque and less busy than many other we have seen. |
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| They understand
about marketing - an exhibition can be made anywhere! |
