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Skopelos
Skopelos is the largest island in the Northern Sporades, providing
visitors with 42 miles of coast to explore, however Skopelos still
remains a traditional island. There are about 6,000 residents and
380 churches on the island, a ratio that can only be found in the
less touristic and more traditional parts of Greece. Although
Skopelos is not as touristic as Skiathos and lacks the latter's
sandy beaches, it has a lot to offer: the atmosphere is more
relaxed here and the beaches less crowded than on other islands.
Most of the beaches are found on the sheltered southern side, the
most popular being Stafilos. Another lovely beach, which caters
also for naturists, is Velanio, north along the coast from
Stafilos. Between Stafilos and the northernmost town of Glossa
there are other fine beaches such as Milia, Hovolo, and Limnonari.
Skopelos town, with 4000 year round residents, is the largest town
on the island and is also the main port. Next in size is the
village of Glossa, with 1300 year round residents. It is a
secluded and unspoiled village perched on a hilltop at the
northern end of the island and is visible from Skiathos Town on a
clear day. There are two other smaller villages, Klima and Elios.
Skopelos is a lush island with fertile valleys and thick pine
forests, making it an excellent place for walking and hiking.
Agriculture is the principal activity of the inhabitants, who
produce olives, plums, pears, almonds and walnuts in abundance.
The glistening whitewashed houses of Skopelos Town are visible
from afar as one approaches the island by ferry. Directly behind
the wide, horseshoe-shaped harbour, the town hugs the steep
hillside with its whitewashed, red roofed houses packed so tightly
together that the streets are too narrow for modern vehicles and
in many cases are reduced to stepped passages. There are more than
100 churches scattered amongst the houses and these, many with
grey slate roofs, provide an added attraction for those who like
to explore. Some of the old houses are also slate roofed and have
small balconies overlooking the harbour.
Outside the town the convents of Evangelistria and Prodhomos and
the monastery of Metamorfosis are certainly worth a visit. The
monastery was abandoned in 1980 but is now being restored and is
open to visitors.
The primary paved road on the island connects Glossa in the north
to Skopelos Town in the southeast. Other roads run along the
western and southern coasts with a frequent public bus service
from morning to night linking the main centres with most of the
popular beaches.
Well worth a visit, it is easily reached from Skiathos with a
variety of boats both large and small visiting daily.
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