Skopelos Island Things to Do Tips by StefanosS Top 5 Page for this destination

A Sunset on Kastro

A wonderful sunset as viewed from the yard of an old church, just below the top of the castle.

The castle of Skopelos

The ruins of the 13th century Venetian fortress is situated on the site of the island's oldest settlement, the acropolis of ancient Peparithos. It forms one unit with the rest of the town. The castle is visible from almost every part of the town and is the place you will reach when climbing the steps from the church "Panayitsa tou Pyrgou" at the edge of the harbour. Today it is of both archaeological and tourist interest, as, at its summit you will meet Yiorgos Xintaris, one of the leading exponents of the Rembetiko music, and his "ouzeri" (=traditional ouzo tavern).

Panaghia Eleftherotria

The exciting 18th century church of Panaghia Eleftherotria with a fountain beneath a huge plane tree and a slate roof dotted with brightly painted ceramics. Sited near the Post Office.

Beaches

The island has a wide selection of beaches from which to choose, whatever your taste in beaches is. Most of the beaches are situated along the southern and western coast, which can be reached by bus, car or motorbike, along the island's only main road. Although, they are best explored by hired boat, so as to find the tiny sandy coves which will probably just be shared only with a few seagulls.

There are a variety of beaches and coves with crystal clear waters. Sandy or shingle, secluded or much frequented, for nudists or not, with waterside traditional taverns or canteens, for snorkelling, underwater fishing or just swimming, with sun beds, umbrellas and sea sports, or just the sun and you. The local bus service is pretty good, with busses running regularly, according to the timetable that you will find there. Also available for hire are boats with outboard motors, ideal for exploring a long coastline, not readily accessible on foot, where are some beautiful, deserted coves; even the inhabited islet of Saint George, tucked in between Skopelos and Alonnissos. There is no more peaceful way of spending a day, than by taking a picnic lunch to your own private beach and share it with the seagulls.

You will always find a sheltered beach, no matter from which direction the wind blows. For example you may try south beaches when it is a north wind or the opposite. To those who enjoy "big ocean" and surf type of waves, try the north beaches on a northerly wind day.

Underwater Diving: Diving without authorisation is not permitted everywhere. Before practising your favourite sport therefore, you must refer to the local port authorities. The only area for underwater diving without authorisation is Mikro Adelphi.

SOUTH AND WEST BEACHES: Velanio, Staphylos, Amarandos, Agnondas, Limnonari, Panormos, Adrina, Milia, Kastani, Chovolo, Kalyves (Megalo Pefko), Armenopetra, Katakalou

NORTH AND EAST BEACHES: Sares, Aghios Konstantinos (Glyfoneri), Glisteri, Vathias, Aghios Ioannis, Hondro-Yiorgos, Kanalaki, Perivoliou

Velanio beach

The name comes from the ancient Greek word "valaneion", that is the Roman "balineum" or "balneum", root of the English "balneary", "balneotherapy". According to the tourist guides there were Baths here, but I didn't find any sign of the findings. I did find a very nice and popular sandy beach. The photo is taken from the neck of Staphylos peninsula.

Staphylos beach

Staphylos beach is 4km away to the south of Skopelos Chora. It is an amazing bay with a sandy beach.

A golden sabre with an ornamented handle, 32cm long, was found in a pit like tomb, together with other findings of Cretan-Mycenaean period by the archaeologist N. Platonas during excavations in 1936. The tomb was attributed to the mythical hero and king Staphylos. Probably the most convincing proof for the tomb identity is the name of the region, which for thousands of years has remained the same. The sword is kept on display in the Archaeological Museum of Athens.

To the east side of the beach is a small rocky peninsula with bushes. This is the place of the pit like tomb, but today there is nothing interesting to see. Next to it is Velanio beach. The photo is taken from the neck of this peninsula.

Platanos Square

Traditional Greek grill-houses that offer yiros and souvlaki are inexpensive and offer the food as a take-out option something most Greeks take advantage off. They also have seating that varies from a bar stool to a full set of outdoor tables. During my travels I always find a nice souvlaki place in a central square or by the waterfront. The food is good, the atmosphere genuine, and the price is always right. Here is the central square or “Platanos” (=plane-tree), named after the huge plane-tree in the middle of it. The grill-house shown in the photo is really of a good quality.

The port and the seaside

In contrast with the upper vicinities, the harbour side is busy and active. Inter-island ferries, yachts, hydrofoils, day-trip cruisers, fishing and excursion boats are coming and going. All along the waterfront are cafes, bars and taverns sheltered by huge plane or mulberry trees, and behind these are some marvellous shops. The fine collection of boutiques, jeweller's and souvenir shops reflect the sophisticated side of Skopelos. You will be amazed to notice the beautiful shop signs that enhance the local spectacle. Particularly here most of the business owners have maintained this traditional way of graphic art form on wooden, hand-painted signs.

Panayitsa tou Pyrgou

The colourful main town of Skopelos itself is a unique place where you will enjoy your walks through the narrow streets, especially uphill to the castle. You should wander around the small alleys climbing up towards the castle and from there you can walk down to the harbour, stopping every now and then to admire the breathtaking view. Should you get lost in one of the countless streets, simply follow them downhill until you reach the port. The walk from the church "Panayitsa tou Pyrgou" at the end of the harbour up to the castle is inspiring. It seems to be a journey into the past. Wonderful churches, picturesque alleys, steep rocks with the Aegean Sea stretching out and imposing itself on you.

Please check my Travelogue for more info and photos.

Architecture

During recent years the strictly dark brown doors and windows of the past have given way to other more lively colours. Though the shades of brown from light beige to dark chocolate continue to predominate traditionally, the Skopelitans dare now to decorate their doors and window frames with green, light and dark blue and emerald colours, even red inflames a door here and a balcony there.