HOW TO GET THERE
There are frequent ferry and hydrofoil services from Volos and Agios Konstantinos to Skopelos. Distances: 60 nautical miles from Volos, 61 nautical miles from Agios Konstantinos, 120 nautical miles from Thessaloniki.
Volos and Agios Konstantinos are connected with Athens by KTEL buses.
Skopelos is also connected by ferry or hydrofoil with Alonissos, Skiathos, Thessaloniki, Trikeri, Evia and Skyros.
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
Health Center of Skopelos + 30 24240 22222, 24240 22739, 22592
Port Authorities of Skopelos + 30 24240 22180
Port Authorities of Glossa Skopelos + 30 24240 33033
Port Authorities of Volos + 30 24210 38888
Port Authorities of Agios Konstantinos + 30 22350 31759
Folklore Museum of Skopelos + 30 24240 23494
Post Office of Skopelos + 30 24240 22203
Skopelos lies to the east of Skiathos, from which it is separated by the Skopelos channel, about 8 kilometers wide.
The island has an area of 96 square kilometers and 67 kilometers of coastline.
Its terrain is mountainous and the highest peak is Deplhi (680 meters). The largest part of the island is covered by thick pine woods, and fruit trees, olives, vines etc. are grown in the remaining area. The prunes of Skopelos are excellent. They are dried in picturesque ovens and exported.
In ancient times it was called Peparethos. The earliest inhabitants were Cretans who came from Knossos under their leader Stafylos, son of Ariadne. Skopelos was a member of the Athenian Confederacy and was later conquered by the Macedonians.
In 340 BC, the inhabitants of the island drove out the Macedonian garrison that had been established on the neighboring island of Alonissos. Phillip II then ordered his men to devastate Skopelos and destroy the three cities of Panormos, Selinous and Pepearethos. It was named Skopelos in the Hellenistic period.
During Byzantine times it was used as a place of exile.
Under the Franks it belonged to the Gizi family. It was plundered by Barabarossa in 1538 and became subject to the Turks. In 1830 it was annexed to the Greek state after its people had participated in the Greek War of Independence of 1821 with their fleet.
Skopelos is a very beautiful and verdant island with many natural beauties. It is well known for its unique combination of the green and the blue of the sea and for its beautiful beaches with the crystal waters surrounded by pine trees.
During the last years, thousands travelers visit this green paradise every year.
SKOPELOS, the capital is a characteristic island town, built at the head of a sheltered bay, in which is the largest harbor on the island.
All along the waterfront are cafes, bars and taverns sheltered by huge plane or mulberry trees, and behind these are some marvelous shops.
Skopelos town has been characterized as one of the most graphic Aegean towns. Its traditional two and three – storey houses are impressive, with their balconies full of flower – pots, their tiled roofs, and their rich interior decoration (carved furniture, textiles, embroideries, etc.)
A few defense houses with their impressive architecture are preserved in the Frankomachalas (the Venetian quarter) and in the countryside there are buildings known locally as “kalyvia” (huts): these are two – storey farm houses in which the villagers used to stay during the harvest period.
In the town itself, it is worth visiting the traditional house of the writer Pavlos Nirvanas, which is now a museum exhibiting relics of the writer himself and some of the 123 churches. Of these, we may mention that of Agios Athanasios in the castle: the church is a 9th c. building with 17th c. wall-paintings, which was erected on the ruins of an ancient temple of Athena.
Also the Agii Apostoli on a rock by the sea, Agios Nikolaos, Agios Dimitrios, Agios Georgios Kyratsos, Evangelismos, a church built on a steep rock, the Panagia Faneromeni, the Panagia Pyrgou, the Panagia Papameletiou, with its wood-carved icon and many others.
The church of Agios Riginos, the patron saint of Skopelos and the saint’s tomb are 4 kilometers south-west of the town.
At the highest point of the town are the ruins of the Venetian castle of Gizi, built in the 13th c. on the remains of the fortifications of ancient Peparethos.
The capital is the most developed tourist region on Skopelos island. Here, you can find hotels, apartments and rooms to let providing all comforts, restaurants, taverns, café bars and clubs.
The beach of Skopelos town is located near the ferry quay.
There are many monasteries on the island – a total of 40 – in fact. The monastery of Agia Barbara, 54 kilometers north- east of the town, on a height with a superb view over the sea, is encircled by a high wall resembling a medieval fort. The icon in the main church is the oldest in the island.
Further north, near Glysteri beach, is the grotto of Trypiti, which can be visited by boat.
STAFYLOS is one of the most beautiful and clear beaches of Skopelos and a pole of attraction for the travelers. This golden beach is well protected from the winds and is ideal for swimming and water sports.
AGNONTAS , 7 km. south-west of the capital, is a tiny harbor at the head of the bay of the same name, surrounded by a thick pine wood and beautiful sea.
A short distance away, archaeological excavations have brought to light the Mycenaean tomb of Stafylos, the earliest settler of the island, which contained some rich grave offerings (Volos museum).
Near Agnontas is the settlement of LIMNONARI, which has a superb sandy beach and further north is PANORMOS, situated in a verdant region. The fine and popular beach has pebbles, sand and crystal clear waters. In the region you will find hotels, rooms to let, taverns and coffee shops.
The same road continues northwards to Hondri Ammos, Elios, Klima, Atheata, Glossa and Loutraki.
KLIMA is a small coastal settlement with fine orchards and vineyards. The beach of Klima is called Costa.
The new established settlement of Elios beach is NEO KLIMA. This new settlement is built amphitheatrically in a green hill with a superb view. Houses are built according to the traditional architecture. There are hotels, rooms to let and taverns. You can swim in the extended beach of Elios, in the beach of Hovolos and in the small beaches of Agia Paraskevi, Kavos and Andrina.
GLOSSA , 22 kilometers north-west of Skopelos town, is built on a verdant hill with a magnificent view. It is a traditional town with fine houses, picturesque cobbled alleys and local customs. There is a great festival here on the Virgin’s feast day on 15 August, with local dancing in the square to music played on traditional instruments.
Perivoliou beach is situated 6 kilometers from Glossa. It combines a wild beauty with an endless blue. One way to Perivoliou, you will find Hondrogiorgi beach which has a natural cave near the waters.
On the coast is LOUTRAKI, the second largest harbor of the island. The settlement lies around the port.
On a low hill outside this settlement can be seen the ruins of the acropolis of ancient Selinous (4th c. BC), with Byzantine additions and the remains of the 5th c. BC temple of Athena. In this area have been found statues, tombs, grave reliefs and Roman inscriptions. There is an interesting church of Agios Nikolaos, built above a 7th c. Byzantine church.
NEARBY ISLANDS
Right in front the port’s entrance you will see the small islands Stroggylo, Paximadi, Glaronisi and Dassia, protected from the strong winds that make it safe for boats to anchor.
TRADITION – EVENTS
The inhabitants of Skopelos preserve their cultural life and traditions. Traditional customs are revived on Skopelos during Lent and there is a large festival on the feast of St. Riginos (25 February) and of Saint John the Baptist (24 June). During those religious feasts traditional music, dances and local food and wine are offered.
The Municipality organizes cultural events during the first ten days of August.
LOCAL PRODUCTS – CUISINE
The island has a long tradition in viniculture. It produces wine of fine quality, of the best in Greece.
From the delicious local cuisine don’t forget to taste fried cheeses pies which are famous, roofs fish stew and spoon sweets almond and plum.
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