Skopelos is less hectic than Skiathos, and the locals try to keep it this way, keeping to traditions, that have been the islands way of life for centuries. Many of the women still wear the traditional costume with pride. This beautiful island with its pine forests, olive groves and orchards makes a welcome break for those seeking a more relaxing holiday. The main town also named Skopelos, with its flower bedecked houses ascends up the hillside in tiers. At the top of the hill are the ruins of an old fort. Tavernas in the town serve a variety of dishes, also try the plum or prune based dishes for which the island is known for. Skopelos has a number of ancient ruins in 1936 they found the ruins of an ancient royal tomb. The tomb contained artefacts that are today are on display in the museum at Volos .
When looking to combine the sea with the forest, pines with the white sand of the beach, and to color your vacation the green of the island and the azure of the sea and sky, Skópelos is the perfect destination. Skopelos is the second most well-developed island for tourism in the Sporades Island group.
Arriving by ferry, we first encounter the capital of the island, Skopelos Town, built like an amphitheater around the port. The town begins at the port and rises up to the Acropolis (castle) of Ancient Peparethos. Skopelos earns prais for not having sacrified any of its natural beauty in order to become more developed for tourism. It can be a good resort for even the most demanding nature lover. From the forest, there is a panoramic view over the deep-blue waters and the little bays that cut into the coastline, as well as the little islets and reefs that frame the island. In Greek myth, Skopelos took its name from the dozens of reefs that surround it (‘skopelos’ means ‘reef’ or ‘cliff’ in Greek).
Glossa
This village has retained some of its traditional Greek charm, with a few tavernas and shops the way of life here is more relaxing than the main town.
Beaches
There are many beaches on the island but many are a combination of sand and fin pebbles. The best sandy beach is at Limnorari to get here one must take a boat from Agnontas or walk 1 km. For organised water sports, the best beach is at Millia
Places of interest
There are several monasteries that can be visited among them are, the 18 th century Moni Evangelismou which is now a convent. Pride of place in the convent is the 11 th century icon of the Virgin Mary. From here the views are impressive. The other monasteries are the 16 th centuries of Moni Metamorfosis and Moni Prodromou.
How To Get There
Ferries dock at Skopelos either from the port of Agios Konstantinos in Fthiotida, or from the port of Volos. Agios Konstantinos is a two-hour drive from Athens, along the National Road between Athens and Lamia. Agios Konstantinos is connected by bus (KTEL) from Athens starting from the Kiffisos Bus Station. Getting a ticket is especially easy either from the Agios Konstantinos KTEL Company or from the ticket booths belonging to the Agios Konstantinos—Skopelos ferry line, which provide free transportation to Agios Konstantinos. From there you can go to Skopelos by ferry or catamaran. The trip (by conventional ferry) takes about four hours, whereas by catamaran it takes about 2.5 hours. From the port of Volos, there is a connection to Skopelos with ferries and with flying dolphins. The trip lasts three hours on a conventional ferry, and two hours on a flying dolphin.
Useful Info
Police: 24240-22235
Hospital: 24240-33504
Port Authority of Skopelos: 24240-33033
Hotels of Skopelos: 24240-23272
Official Skopelos Website: http://www.skopelos.gr/
There are plenty of Internet Cafes on Skopelos
