Open the left menu of the skopelos. Skopelos island in greece Skopelos island on greece map
Vast coniferous forests color Skopelos with lush green tones. The island is larger and its coast is more indented. Tourism is developed in much the same way, but the concessions to this new business are less striking and the taste is better. Although the large beaches already have sun umbrellas, sun loungers and water sports equipment, small secluded coves have survived. In the hinterland there is an abundance of olive groves and orchards in which plums (Skopelos are famous for their prunes), pears and almonds ripen.
Both larger villages - the town of the same name Skopelos (Chora) and Glossa - are among the most beautiful cities in the Northern Sporades: either streets or stairs, in a word, stone slab steps climbing uphill, and houses under gray slate with wooden balconies. At various stages of history, the island was not owned by anyone, including the Romans, Persians, Venetians, French and, of course, the Ottomans. In the 16th century, the entire population of the island was massacred by the Ottoman pirate-admiral Hayreddin, nicknamed "Redbeard" (Barbarossa) - by the way, a Greek who went into the service of the Turks.
Today, there are more Greek holidaymakers than foreigners on the island, as there is still no airport here. Skopelos, especially the coniferous forested hillsides along the western route, are very attractive for hikers. Heather Parsons, an Englishwoman who has lived on the island for a long time, arranges guided walking tours for those who wish, which often end with a rest on the beach or in a restaurant. It is said that the coastline of the island, especially the southwestern one, remains amazing, and that it was used for the filming of some scenes of the movie Mamma Mia!
Glossa town and Loutraki port on Skopelos island
The second city of Skopelos, sleepy Glossa, is only 25 kilometers away from Hora (of the same name) and is located on the northern edge of the island, but it seems that it is much further, and very few visitors bother to explore this place. A notable size village with nice houses - there are also Cycladic cubes, and mansions with wooden balconies, as in Macedonia - as if preparing to jump off a steep cliff.
The crooked narrow streets are mostly car-free, but you will find a few coffee shops, a cool tavern and a few rooms for rent, usually stuffy, hot and damp, and the water pressure in the taps is very fickle. The exception is Kostas and Nina’s Place: simple, clean rooms, some with views. The same owners also rent out the studio, but for a longer period. Signposts and signs make it easy to find the central and justly beloved Tavern Agnandi, where the food is not just excellent, but with an innovative twist: order pork with prunes or almond cakes with elderberry syrup and head out to the terrace for fabulous views.
Hydrofoils and some car ferries call at the tiny port of Loutraki (in shipping schedules it is indicated as Glossa, the agent in the port is Triandafyllou), connected to Glossa itself by a three-kilometer steep and winding road. If there is anything in the town, it is only a narrow pebble beach with a couple of hotels and rooms for rent. If you need to stop, contact any landlord who rents out rooms - their announcements are posted on the embankment.
While the coastal taverns offer nothing worth the money they ask for, there are exceptions to the rule: Orea Ellas, which has a harbor among beautiful shady chestnuts, is inexpensive and enjoyable, although the cooking is average, while Akrotiri is the port is visited mainly by Greeks. Perivolho beach 90 minutes walk from Glossa along the north coast. The walk itself is a grateful undertaking: near the stone pyramid you will see a monastery, which houses a huge heap of human bones and skulls.
You will also come across an oak with a hollow, so huge that the oak seems to be hollow, and in the hollow there is a vessel with drinking water. The beach you headed to is generally so-so, nothing special, but there is clear spring water and a cave where you can hide from the sun. A dirt road from Glossa to the east will take you to St. John's Church of Agios Ioannis one hundred Kastri, the place for which was chosen wonderfully well: on the top of a cliff above a cove with sandy shores, where you can swim. An unprepossessing house next to it spoils the impression (it turns out that the shrine is not so isolated from the world), but the walk itself from Glossa (the same 1.5 hours) has already pleased you with its beauty and brought peace to your heart, especially since you are almost certainly saw a hawk and heard a nightingale.
Skopelos island trip
West of the city of Skopelos, old, but renovated trails and tracks, apparently designed for jeeps, will lead you through olive groves and plum orchards to Mount Delphi and to the Vatya forests, but you are free to go around the mountain at the foot, turning to the northeast, to the hill Reviti, where there are many fountains and churches, and the antique area of \u200b\u200bKarja is interesting for ancient tombs carved into the rock, it is believed that the first Christians of the island were buried in these Sendukyas. Boat excursions departing from the town of Skopelos to the northwest take their customers to the small pebble beach of Glisteri, where there is no shade and the only tavern is full of locals on Sundays.
On the other side of the island, about 5 kilometers south of Chora, by the tiny horseshoe-shaped cove of Agnondas, you will find three fish taverns and offers to rent a room. The Pavlina Apartments, just behind the beach, are four large, self-contained and tastefully furnished (wooden furniture) apartments with high ceilings. The best restaurant is Pavlos on the waterfront, where you can hope for good, hearty grilled food and fresh fish. Then, along an asphalt road, you can reach Limnonari: 300 meters of fine sand on the shore of a closed rocky bay. On the beach at Limnonari Beach Restaurant you can sample the luxurious local curlicue tyropites and rent a room.
Moving further along the same southwest coast, but north, you find Panormos, a seemingly prosperous and commercial-oriented resort: rooms for rent, taverns, camping, marina and water sports facilities. The local beach is made up of small pebbles, and the bottom slopes steeply into the depths, but nearby there are also more intimate coves with sandy shores. You can stay in one of the 30 rooms of the Panormos Beach Hotel, which, like the beautiful garden, is lovingly looked after and the views are good, or at the Adrina Beach Hotel (from late May to September), located in the neighborhood, located in ivy-covered buildings: the hotel has a swimming pool and tavern plus fabulous views and relative isolation from the rest of the world.
A little further, there is a huge, 1.5 kilometers long Miglia beach: a scattering of small pebbles under a high steep bank, on which pine trees grow, and on the contrary - the islet of Dasia. Usually Milya is quiet - a kind of peaceful backwater where it is not bad to escape from the crowds, although in recent years amateurs and organizers of noisy parties have got into the habit of here, and youngsters and girls are huddled in the coastal bar, determined to get as much pleasure from life as possible and therefore strive to spend their (endless) leisure as best as possible.
Farther north, and 9 kilometers from Glossa, not so long ago, a completely new medium-sized resort of Elios emerged: the earthquake that destroyed the mountain villages prompted the villagers to go down to the sea and settle in a new place, and then vacationers appeared - the local beach is very good. Behind Elios, in the village of Palio Klima, which has managed to recover, a beautiful trail begins, which in 40 minutes will lead you to Glossa. On the way, you will pass through the deserted Aii-Anaryiri farm and the oldest village on the island - Ateato (otherwise: Mahalas).
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Agios Ioannis beach is the best beach we've met on this trip.
During this train we saw many Greek beaches - Athens, different places in the Peloponnese, Agios Konstantinos, Santorini islands, Alonissos, Ios, Paros and Naxos. There are 34 beaches in total, if you count the beaches of Kallithea (Athens) as one. And in this hit parade the beach of Skopelos island won - Agios Ioannis, next to which the beach is located.
The beach is quite small and is divided into two parts by a large stone. The stone separates the southern part of the beach from the northern one. You can get to the southern part of the beach either by boat, or by swimming, or wading (if your height is more than 180 cm). If you wade, you will most likely be the sole "owner" of the southern part of the beach. There are usually few people on the northern part of the beach. The beach is remote from most of the island's hotels and few people get here.
Agios Ioannis beach is the main part.
A common feature for all the beaches in Skopelos is crystal clear water and no merchants. Otherwise, there may be differences ...
The nearest beach to the town of Skopelos. As a result, it is the most crowded beach on the island. Just 500 meters from the bus stop and the main road of the island. The beach is mixed - sand and pebbles. Umbrellas and sun loungers are available. There are two cafes nearby. Side parking - later arrived, parked further from the beach (and back up the hill).
There is nothing interesting in the central part of the beach under the water. Closer to the rocks, deeper and more abundant fish, sea urchins and other animals.
The beach is located very close to the previous one, it is enough to walk 50 meters through the peninsula. Most of the tourists do not know about it, which affects the number of sunbathers / swimmers. The beach is divided into two parts by a large stone. The part behind the stone is conditionally nudist (unofficially). The beach is mostly pebbly. In some places the pebbles are very fine, almost sand.
There are large stones under the water. At a depth of 5-6 meters at the bottom of the seaweed (dark color in the previous photo). There are not very many fish, but there are. The bottom is one of the most interesting on the island.
Limnonari beach
House, restaurant and beach. The beach is conditionally sandy, the bottom is solid, but even. Nothing interesting underwater. By car, you can drive directly to the beach. In the evening, the sun leaves early, (behind a high mountain) people leave and the coastal silence sets in. We came here for dinner several times. The restaurant is in olive trees and sails are stretched overhead. If we knew that we would take the car for the entire period, we would rent an apartment here.
From the main road to the beach about 1 km. along a narrow mountain path. This weeds out those who travel by public transport.
Panormos beach
A fairly large beach located in the village of the same name. Located just off the main highway. Easily accessible by public transport
Perhaps the largest beach in Skopelos. Pebbles. There is nothing interesting under the water - the bottom is even. There is a bar, sun loungers and umbrellas. Located just off the main highway. Easily accessible by public transport. There are always enough people.
The most popular beach in Skopelos. I would call this place a disco beach. There is a restaurant next to the beach with a nightclub side. The beach itself is the same as the three previous ones. In fact, this is one place, separated by rocks. On the Kastani beach, it is worth noting new high-quality sun loungers and a chill-out area with a lawn and sun loungers-beds (a lawn in these places is generally a rarity).
The beach, like the three previous ones, is located in close proximity to the main highway. Easily accessible by public transport. There are always a lot of people.
The beach is located on the northern part of the island and is quite far from the town of Skopelos. I would even say that this is the farthest beach. There are usually few people. Pebbles. There are large rocks under the water that you can snorkel around. Not far from the old lighthouse. No restaurants, sun loungers, etc.
The beach is located in a small bay on the northern part of the island. From the town of Skopelos about 4 km. along a narrow but asphalt road. Parking almost on the beach. There is a restaurant, umbrellas and sun loungers for rent. There is a daily boat transfer from the port of Skopelos Town. A beach with rather large pebbles, without shoes, a fairly seasoned person can move here.
Skopelos (accent on the first letter "O") - an island in Greece, in the Aegean Sea, one of the islands of the Northern Sporades archipelago. The island is located in the western part of the Aegean Sea and is 20 km away. from mainland Greece. The island is quite small - about 20 × 5 km. The length of the Skopelos coastline is 67 km. The population is slightly more than 4.5 thousand inhabitants. Moreover, there are more than 360 churches and chapels on the island.
Other posts about Skopelos:
For comparison - Skopelos, Tenerife and Madeira.
Skopelos is not the most famous Greek island. None of the Russian tour operators take you to Skopelos. This is not surprising. The island is not particularly remarkable in any way. We chose this island for several reasons ...
- main reason - we did not want to fall into the millstones of the tourism industry. I wanted to feel Greece, communicate with Greeks, find out how and how they live. When you are taken from the airport to the hotel and when a Russian-speaking guide from Ukraine does not allow you to cross the road on your own, it does not quite work out.
- The second reason - Skopelos, the greenest island in Greece. At least the locals claim this, and we did not find a refutation of these words.
- Third reason - Skopelos was very beautifully shown in Mamma Mia (2008). I wanted to see it with my own eyes.
Overall, we liked the island, but I'm not sure if I can recommend going there. Although, if you really want to go to Greece, then Skopelos is one of the best options.
There are about a hundred different beaches on Skopelos, dozens of hotels, hundreds of apartments, very beautiful, but this is not enough for a good rest. The island (and in general Greece) lacks quality infrastructure. There is no airport on the island (all 4.5 thousand locals are very indignant about this), there are no normal roads, pedestrian routes have not been worked out (although they have begun to do something here), there are almost no sidewalks, and most importantly, there is not enough information. We had to collect information about the island bit by bit; we did not know much in advance.
Northern Sporades
Skopelos - the second largest island in the Northern Sporades archipelago. In addition to Skopelos, the archipelago has three inhabited islands - Skiathos, Alonissos and Skyros.
Skiathos is located very close to the mainland, from the mainland to it only 4 km. It has an airport (JSI), tons of hotels and the best beach in Greece (according to TripAdvisor). Skiathos and less and below Skopelos. There the car of the tourism industry is working to its fullest, which is why we did not go there.
Alonissos on the contrary, the quietest island in the archipelago. It is also smaller and lower. After a day trip, the island left a more dacha impression. Of course there is a historical center there, but it is more like an attraction there. The main advantage of the island of Alonissos is the marine reserve with dolphins and fur seals;
On Skyrose we were not, it is somewhat remote from the main group of islands.
Apart from the three inhabited islands, there are 20 uninhabited islands in the archipelago.
Holidays in Skopelos
All accommodation in Skopelos can be divided into three types:
- The first - the historical part of the capital of the island, the city of Skopelos of the same name. There are narrow pedestrian streets, small, densely standing houses overlooking the bay, balconies overlooking the neighbors, street cafes and restaurants. A very nice and atmospheric place.
- Second - the outskirts of the town of Skopelos. There are private houses and plots of 6 acres. Green gardens with tangerine trees, grapes, laurel bushes, pomegranates, olive groves, etc. The center is within easy reach. There are also no problems with shops, restaurants and cafes.
- Third - nirvana. Lonely villas right on the beach. With a restaurant, beach, olive grove and almost no neighbors. If they knew that they would have to rent a car, they would have chosen this method of accommodation. It is clear that there are a lot of people on the beaches during the day, but in the morning and in the evening in such places it is great.
The main activity on Skopelos Island is visiting the beaches. Most popular beaches can be reached by a regular bus that runs about twice an hour.
However, not all beaches can be reached by bus. Therefore, most of the vacationers rent cars (~ 40 euros / day) or scooters (~ 20 euros / day). To rent a scooter, you will need a license of category A1 or A, otherwise, everything is like ours. Not so actively, but also quite massively, they rent boats, ATVs and buggies. Also quite reasonable prices.
Skopelos is much more interesting with a car. The number of accessible beaches increases dramatically, beautiful mountain dirt roads and most of the attractions become available.
For hikers there are several routes. Some of them are prepared. There are gazebos, it is clear where to go, in some places bushes are cleared and paths are lined with stone. But some routes are only on the map - the paths are confused with goat paths and where to go is not at all clear. The problem is that you don't know about it until you arrive. So we walked 900 meters for 2.5 hours. Another problem is that almost all walking routes are accessible only by car.
How to get to Skopelos
The easiest way to get to Skopelos is via Volos airport (VOL, Rynair flies there). From Volos 2.5-4.5 hours by ferry, depending on the type of ferry. We drove through Athens, but that's another story.
Also, there is an airport (JSI) on the neighboring island of Skiathos, from there by ferry from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. There are regular flights to Skiathos from Athens and some European countries. But most of them are charters from European tour operators. Almost all holidaymakers in Skopelos are either clients of these tour operators or Greeks.
Flyingcat 6 is a passenger catamaran with 342 seats (no cars). Built in 1997, cruising speed - 50 km / h. The fastest way to get to Skopelos is from Volos, Agios Konstantinos or Skiathos.
We met Russian tourists only twice, and most likely they were not from Russia (there was a certain accent, there are many Russians in Greece). There are a lot of Italians, they go here in their cars. There is an active ferry service between Greece and Italy. We met cars with numbers from almost all European countries.
Skopelos landmarks
Skopelos town, central part
The historical part of the city is of interest. The roads are closed to cars here. Many streets are a hybrid between a road and a staircase. Small, tightly packed cabins, clothesline and local retirees. There are many outdoor cafes and restaurants. As mentioned above, a very atmospheric place. The main drawback is that after 30 minutes there is nothing to do.
Zoodochos Pigi Monastery
As in Russian, I can't say. Located directly in the town of Skopelos. Accessible on foot.
Mount Palouki
The second highest mountain on the island is Skopelos. It offers views of the islands of Alonissos, Peristera and the mainland of Greece. The height of Mount Paluoki is 567 meters above sea level. There are several organized hiking trails in the area and several noteworthy monasteries.
From the town of Skopelos, drive about 20 minutes. The last few kilometers on unpaved roads of varying quality.
Tombs of Sendoukia
A very muddy place. The second most popular after the monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos. In fact, they are just three square pits in the rock. There are three stone covers next to them. All guidebooks say that no one knows what it is, why it is, and when it is. Something from the category of local mysticism.
From the town of Skopelos, drive about 20 minutes, almost all the way on the asphalt. You will have to walk the last kilometer. Easy path slightly uphill.
Mount Delphi
The highest mountain of Skopelos and the Northern Sporades as a whole is 681 meters above sea level. The place is poorly accessible. About 20 minutes (2.2 km) you will have to drive from the Sendoukia tombs along a bad dirt road. At the end, you will have to walk about 2.5 km and climb another 150 meters. The mountain on closer inspection is teeming with rocks. It's better not to climb here if you don't know the route. It is on the maps, but on the spot we could not find it. There are many goat paths and it is not clear where to go. Didn't risk it at random.
Agios Ioannis Prodromos Monastery
The main attraction of the Skopelos island. A small freestanding rock with a church on top. There is a steep staircase to the church. Railings in stock, everything is safe enough. There are two magnificent beaches next to the church. One of them is only accessible by wading, and as a result, there is almost no one there. One of two deserted beaches we visited.
It takes about an hour to drive from Skopelos. Most of it along the main highway, the last few kilometers along a narrow asphalt road.
This monastery was used in the ending of the film Mamma Mia. This is one of two places on the island where it is somehow used. Here the cafe is called "Mamma mia's dream".
