Skopelos Greece | tourist holiday travel guide to Greek island Skopelos


	Skopelos Greece \| tourist holiday travel guide

Lying off the east coast of mainland Greece and the second largest of the Sporades chain after Skyros, Skopelos has an area of around 90 sq km. Skopelos has long been an up-market Skiathos but without the sandy beaches. It is virtually all forest, with 80% cloaked in pine trees and a few resorts scattered around the steep cliff shores. It has has a population of about 6,000 with most living in the capital of Skopelos town.
It's not only popular with day trippers from Skiathos but also with those who prefer a quiet holiday retreat with good island walks to bucket-and-spade beach holidays. Sandy beaches may be scarce but Skopelos has attracted the more discerning traveller over the years. Its select image has helped to jack up the prices and this is still not a cheap island.
The north and east coasts are rugged, while south and west hillsides slope gently to the sea. Olive and plum groves, along with large pine forest, make up much of the lush, green interior. Hillsides are dotted with domes of churches and monasteries and, if you can avoid the heat soaked months of July and August, there are many pleasant walks to be had.

Overview

Skopelos' island port is one of the most picturesque in the Sporades with a long harbour wall and tree-lined promenade backed by houses rising up the hillside.
The countryside is a mixture of pine woods and fruit orchards dotted with the domes of scores of chapels and monasteries - there is said to be one for every day of the year.
Accommodation tends to be more luxurious than its neighbour Skiathos and prices can also be higher.
Skopelos is much less well endowed with sandy beaches than its noisier neighbour Skiathos. Most beaches are stone and shingle and can be found along the south coast between Stafylos and Loutraki.
Most beaches are served by the island bus which runs the runs the length of the island, but many still require a longish walk down tracks from the nearest bus stop.

Sporades map

SunIsle specialise in providing great value villa holidays in Greece. Skopelos holiday villas are all hand picked by experts.

Home Map Print Reviews Galleries Holidays



	Skopelos Town	Blue Flag beach
Boat cruises around Skopelos, the marine park and Alonissos	SKOPELOS TOWN is picture postcard stuff with roofs of blue slate and red tile pitching down the slopes of the steep amphitheatre around the harbour. The focus of activity is on the long, tree-lined waterfront promenade lined with expensive restaurants, cocktail bars and tourist shops sheltered by great plane and mulberry trees. The northern end of the town ends abruptly at a cliff wall where a row of chapel perch precariously above. Behind is a cobblestoned maze of streets leads to the 13th century Venetian kastro. Now designated a preservation area, the streets claim to have more than 130 churches hidden among them. There are few shoddy concrete bunkers here as the town escaped earthquake damage and wartime attacks by Nazis. Buildings are embellished with balconies, wrought iron trellises, brightly painted shutter and a jungle of flowering plants. Many of the town shops are stuffed with the usual tourist tat but there is a higher than average shelf space given to locally produced crafts including extremely beautiful ceramics and nice wood carvings.. There is also an small Museum of Folk Art, recently renovated. The town's long, sand and shingle town beach may look inviting from a distance but closer inspection reveals it to be little more than a squalid, litter-strewn dump. Facing north against the prevailing summer wind, it attracts more than its fair share of flotsam. Rubbish regularly creeps round from the harbour, swept in by the current. The water is very murky and not recommended for swimming unless you are both desperate to cool down and have all your inoculations are up to date. Sewage pipes that once ran straight into the harbour now extend out to sea but it is hardly a solution to the problem. Fresh water from a covered culvert trickles into the sea. In the spring, many wading birds can be observed pecking their way through the debris and plastic. Nevertheless, in the high season, the beach is packed with holidaymakers - mainly Greeks. The back of the beach, once a nice area for walks, has now been built up with small hotels and apartments. There is another beach that is cleaner but it is very small and made up of stone and pebbles.	Skopelos Town Skopelos Town beach



		Skopelos resorts
		Skopelos is much less well endowed with sandy beaches than its noisier neighbour Skiathos. Most beaches are stone and shingle and can be found along the south coast between Stafylos and Loutraki. They are served by the island bus which runs the runs the length of the island along the single main road though many still require a longish walk down a track from the nearest bus stop. Not all of them are pebble however. There is good sand to be found in the many near-deserted coves for those who hire a moped or are prepared to trek along more remote footpaths. Other beaches, especially those in the blustery north can only reached by boat - daily caiques go to the most popular spots. With fewer visitors overall, Skopelos beaches tend to be more tranquil and less crowded and the further you get from the capital the more peaceful they become.


		Velanio
		This lovely beach at VELANIO used to be a favourite with nudists but they now tend to stay at the far northern end beyond a rocky outcrop and the beach is more public than pubic. The bay is wide and the beach bigger and steeper than the neighbouring (and more popular) Stafylos. It is a mixture of sand and shingle and, the further along the beach you go, the sandier it gets. The waters here are very clean and clear, ideal for swimming. It often takes the overspill from the family beach at Stafylos but it takes around 15 minutes to walk down from the bus stop on the main road and it has only one small cantina - and that does not open until high summer. Lines of sun beds occupy the more popular end of the beach; naturists must make do with their straw mats. The resort is said to take its name from old Roman baths 'valaneia' that were once reputedly sited here but locals say 'venanio' simply means acorn and dismiss the Roman link. There is a spring near the end of the beach but you must pick your way through the naturists to get to it.	Velanio Velanio north end


		Stafylos
		The island's main beach at STAFYLOS or STAFILOS is popular with families, but only because it is the nearest to Skopelos town - about 4km. It lies just around a rather impressive headland from Velanio. Access is off the main road, 500m down a dirt track with some stone steps. The narrow strip of sand and shingle is attractive enough - basking beneath steep and high scrub-covered cliffs with a small beach cantina at one end. Its popularity has grown recently and - if don't mind the noise and numbers - this is as pleasant a beach as any though the steep cliffs behind can seem oppressive, the narrow beach only allows for one or two rows of sun beds and the beach bar delights in playing loud music. On the road above there are a couple of tavernas with splendid views over the bay and there is parking for cars. Small hotels and apartments are dotted about the hillsides. A rocky limb that juts out to sea is home to the tomb of the former Cretan general Stafylos, who gives his name to the beach, and among the treasures unearthed at the site were a 15th century gold-plated sword which can now be seen in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.	Stafylos


		Agnondas
		A nice little bay and pleasant fishing harbour at AGNONDAS is enclosed by hills of lush pine forest. Several shoreline tavernas back onto the beach providing good food, especially fresh fish, and they make the place a pleasant spot for that seashore meal - at rather lower prices than you can find in Skopelos Town. There is a very narrow strip of sand and shingle in front to the tavernas. The beach shelves gently into the sea protected by the steep hills on either side of the bay so it is safe for children, although sea urchins are a nuisance. The beach turns to stone and shingle as you head around the bay and there is plenty of shade from trees that come right down to the shoreline. There are no sun beds. There is a mini market and a small tourist kiosk opens in the summer. Several small hotels and apartments have appeared in recent years and there is a regular bus service as well as taxis available.	Agnondas


		Amarantos
		South of Agnondas on the road Stafylos is a new dirt track which branches though the forest leading to several secluded small coves at AMARANTOS. Pines sweep right down to the water's edge offering both privacy and shade and, so they claim, freedom from the wasps that can plague the island.


		Limnonari
		This large crescent of white sand at LIMNONARI is considered one of the best beaches on the island. As a result caiques used to drop in here regularly with their cargoes of sunbathers and, though the service has recently finished, it may well start up again. You can also reach it by road - about 9km from Skopelos Town - although the bus stops some half-mile way giving a long and dusty walk along a dirt track. ~ Two waterside tavernas offer the basics though one has installed (bizarrely) a swimming pool. There are studios and apartments now backing the beach and sun beds are on offer outside the tavernas. The long, wide beach is of sharp white sand and it can shelve steeply into the water in places. The sand is so white it can be almost blinding at midday and it makes the sea a dazzling turquoise with the reflection.	Limnonari


		Panormos
		As the name suggests, PANORMOS is a beach with a view. The road threads through pine trees to a magnificent wide, sheltered bay riddled with small and secluded inlets reached by paths over the rocks, or by wading or swimming through the water along the shoreline. The beach is ideal for swimming, that is no sand anywhere but plenty of pebbles and it shelves pretty sharply. The sea also tends to be colder in this area than other Skopelos beaches. Access is directly off the main road and there is plenty of parking space. Buses and taxis also call in from Skopelos Town - about 15km away. There are several lively tavernas along the shore offering ranks of sun beds. There are also a few shops and a couple of mini markets to serve the growing numbers of hotels and apartments that have sprung up in the area. Panormos was once the site of an ancient city and sections of old wall can still be seen.	Panormos


		Adrina
		Walks through the wood north of Panormos and towards Milia will take you the area known as ADRINA with its has many small and isolated coves of shingle, often deserted and enclosed by pines. Land beside a hotel has been sold off and is now fenced, preventing access from the road. The only access now is a footpath from Panormos beach or by boat.


		Milia
		MILIA is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach on Skopelos. The visitor is greeted by a three silver swathes of tree-lined pebble and sand, crystal clear waters and a large taverna in the central beach. A beach bar has sprung up nearby and there are now some watersports available as well as sun beds. Access is down a dirt track off the main road about 18km from Skopelos Town and similar distance from Glossa, the island's second largest village. There are buses and taxis from both. If the main beaches gets too crowded there is a small cove to the north that is not often visited and, out to sea is the small, pine clad island of Dasia which is easily reached by boat. Another kilometre walk to the north brings you to the lesser known KASTANI which has a pleasant sand and shingle beach. You can get a car down to it but will have trouble turning around. A beach cantina sometimes spring up in the summer but not always and there are no other facilities.	Milia


		Klima
		KLIMA is actually two villages KATO KLIMA and ALO KLIMA. The 1965 earthquake forced most villagers out of their home to shelters built at nearby Elios on the coast. The derelict houses are being snapped up by mainland Greeks and foreigners at knockdown prices for holiday homes though many are still left untended. As a result the village fails to live up to expectations, it being so full of foreigners and without a proper village heart but it is pretty enough and worth a visit and has spectacular views over the bay.	Klima


		Elios
		Eleos means mercy and ELIOS is where the island's patron saint Reginus is believed to have delivered his flock from a fearsome dragon. The beach is pleasant enough but this part of the island is intermittently affected by deep earthly rumblings. The unsightly village was slapped up after the 1965 earthquake dislodged the hillside village of old KLIMA. No matter what people say about the ugliness of the village (and when will it ever be finished), it has to be said that the large beach is pretty good if a little shabby. You can drive right up to it and its the only one with showers. The village has plenty of tavernas and mini markets. There are also many sand and shingle coves along the coast, most notably the beach at HOLVOLO though access is difficult from the SW end of Elios beach.	Elios


		Loutraki
		An unattractive, unkempt and litter strewn pebble beach is all you get at the dull fishing port of LOUTRAKI which serves the much prettier village of Glossa perched high above on the hill. Many ferries pull in here after visiting Chora and what a disappointment it must be for visitors. However, there are secluded coves around the coastline here if you are prepared to scramble to them and there is always Glossa up the hill.	Loutraki


		Glossa
		The second main town of Skopelos is a picturesque village of 1,200 people with a stunning position high over the sea. There are ruins in GLOSSA dating from 400 BC as well as Byzantine walls to poke about in. The traditional village way of life has so far managed to stand fast against the annual and ever growing influx of visitors and the place oozes charm, unlike the drab port of Loutraki below. The houses are mostly two storey with wooden balconies and the fields are full of plum and almond trees. Several dirt roads lead out of the village to provide lovely walks to nearby sights of interest. There is the ugly monastery of Agios Ioannis which perches high on rocks overlooking a small cove, the monastery of the Agion Taxiarchon, built on the remains of a 7th century Byzantine church and the Gourouni Cape which has a lighthouse. Other roads lead to deserted beaches at Spelia, Mavraki, Keramoto and Chontrogeorgi but you are well advised to take food and water with you on your trip.	Glossa


		Glysteri
		GLYSTERI is virtually the only accessible beach in the north west of the island, about 60 minutes walk from Chora if you fancy the slog on foot. There is a small, stony beach in a very secluded bay with waterside cantina opening in the summer months. There is also a campsite in the nearby olive groves for those who prefer roughing it. The only drawback for those trying to escape the crowds are the fairly regular visits from caiques which drop off day trippers en route to the sea caves at nearby TRIPITI	Glysteri


		Sares
		Across the other side of the bay from Skopelos town is a narrow beach of stone and shingle backed by steep grey cliffs. SARES means steep and it is certainly is. A recent rock fall has made the beach virtually inaccessible unless you have a boat and there is not a lot when you get there - steep cliffs, stone and shingle. There are no facilities.	Sares



		SKOPELOS HIGHLIGHTS

		Monasteries & churches
		Walking to monasteries is one of the more popular pursuits on Skopelos, the other is just walking. Fortunately there are no end of churches and monasteries to visit. In Skopelos town itself there are around 120. The best are at Zoodochos Pigi which has an icon attributed to St Luke and at Chrisso with its splendid gilded interior and the dramatic 18th century church of Panagia Eleftherotria with a fountain beneath a huge plane tree and a slate roof dotted with brightly painted ceramics. Also close by is the Episkopi, a fortified Venetian monastery, left incomplete by the Ottoman invasion. There are also a clutch of monasteries to visit on the Mount Poalouki above the town. The route may be long and hot up a winding track but walkers are rewarded with lovely views. Tourist firms offer the usual overpriced excursions in the high season. Evangelistria clings to the rocks and enjoys the most magnificent views over Skopelos town and the bay. The monastery was founded by monks from Mount Athos in the 18th century but its huge and impressive gold plated alter screen is from Constantinople and dates from the 14th century. It is now occupied by nuns. More masochistic walkers can attempt the climb to the 16th century Metamorphosis, which stands aloft in a clutch of pines. It was been empty for around 20 years but is undergoing a revamp with just one monk in residence now. It has a small chapel set in a flower strewn courtyard and hosts one of the island's biggest festivals on August 6. Prodoromus can be seen from Metamorphosis just over the next hill. Built in the 18th century it is dedicated to St John the Baptist and inhabited by nuns. Ag. Varvara is a fortified monastery now unfortunately abandoned but notable for its 15th century frescoes.



		SKOPELOS MAP

Skopelos is 13 miles long, five and around 96 sq. km. On the north and east sides of the island the terrain is rugged with sheer cliffs on the coast, in contrast to the south and west shores where the hillsides slope gently. Mt Delfi (662m) in the west and Mt Palouki (556) in the south are the highest peaks. It is very hilly and cloaked in pine forest. SW of Skopelos town it is flat with fertile soil that has olive groves, plum orchards and vine plantations. Plums are harvested in June and dried in huge ovens to make prunes, for which Skopelos is noted. The island also belongs to a Marine Park, created mainly for the protection of the monk seal (monachus monachus).



		SKOPELOS WEATHER

Winter rains from November to February help to keep the island interior lush and green. May is the best month to see the island flora when everywhere is carpeted in wild flowers. Skopelos suffers from a major nuisance in late summer - wasps

JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC	TEMP (C)
11	12	14	16	20	25	26	26	24	20	15	12	Avg
9	9	10	12	16	20	22	23	20	17	13	10	Min
13	14	16	20	24	29	30	29	28	23	17	14	Max

Skopelos weather forecast (Skiathos)

JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC	RAIN (mm)
150	120	110	40	10	10	0	0	10	50	120	180	Avg
18	16	14	9	7	2	0	0	2	8	10	19	Days

JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC	SUN (hrs)
4	5	6	7	9	10	11	11	10	8	5	4	Avg



		SKOPELOS FACTS

Area telephone code: +30 24240
Skopelos Town
Port: 22180
Tourist Police: 22235
Medical Centre: 22222
Post Office: 33555
Taxis: 33715
Glossa Police: 33333
Loutraki Port: 33033

ATMs: Skopelos Town (3)



		The beautiful Greek Islands are renowned for their spectacular scenery, magnificent mountainous backdrops, stunning sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Holidays to the Greek Islands are often most cherished for this combination of sunshine, warm waters and beaches set against truly wonderful scenery. Whether it is a traditional beach holiday you would like or something with a little more history, you'll find that a break away to the Greek Islands is just the answer!


		Sailing
		From VOLOS Hellenic run hydrofoils twice daily (once Sunday) from Volos to Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and back.). It takes 100mins to Skiathos. AX runs car ferry once a day as above, journey time 3hrs To get from Athens to Volos: KTEL runs 9 buses daily from Athens - Volos from Terminal 260 on Liossion St (018 317186), 4 daily from Thessaloniki (031 543087) and 4 daily from Patras (061 222164). OSE runs 5 Athens-Volos buses daily from Larissa Station (018 231514) and 3 daily from Thessaloniki (031 517517) Trains to Volos leave Athens 7 times daily (015 240646) and 3 daily from Thessaloniki (013 517517) From AGIOS KONSTANTINOS Hellenic runs hydrofoil daily except Fri and Sun, Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and back - 90mins A Minoan Lines car ferry to Skiathos takes 3-4 hours. To get from Athens to Ag Konstantinos: Any number of buses leave daily for Agios Konstantinos. The quickest is probably the Thessalonki bus. Details can be found here www.athensinfoguide For details of ferry links, timetables, online booking etc visit Madro Travel based on the island. Flying Dolphins are for foot passengers only, and the journey time is usually half that of ferries. All dolphins are non-smoking with toilet facilities. Children 5-10 years inclusive pay about half price. Children up to age 5 years travel free. As Skopelos town is north facing, the seas can occasionally get rough and ferries will divert to the more sheltered harbour at Agnontas in the south. Caiques from Skopelos town will get you to the beaches at Agios Konstantinos and Glysteri and tourist offices usually organise excursions to the more popular beaches, though these are not usually cheap. From Agnontas you can also get a boat to Limnonari each day as well as Glyfada, Kanaritsa and Amouditsa.


		Driving
		A daily bus runs the length of the island from Skopelos to Stafylos, Agnontas, Panormos, Melia, Elios, Klima, Glossa then back through Loutraki, Milia and Agnontas. You can get a taxi by telephoning 23240 of finding one in Skopelos town. There are also the usual cars and mopeds to rent but don't expect to get them cheap here - the island is relatively expensive and you may be better off doing a deal with a package tour operator. The main asphalt road runs for around 35 km from Skopelos town goes through Stafylos (4 km) then Agnontas (8 km), Panormos (18 km) then Milia and to the village Elios (24 km) and Klima (28 km) then to Glossa (32 km) when it drops down into until Loutraki. The route is very attractive, wending its way through pine forests, olive groves and plum orchards often skirting the beaches.


		Flying
		There is no airport on Skopelos, nor any likelihood of one being built. Visitors usually arrive by boat after flying to neighbouring Skiathos.



		SKOPELOS PHOTO GALLERIES
		Skopelos photo gallery by MATEJ If you would like your photo gallery here then email details. It takes 10 photos to make a gallery and they can be of the whole island or of a particular resort.



		SKOPELOS SITES

		A personal pick of websites on Skopelos
		Skopelos Net : Premiere site for all things Skopelos. Scores of pages .... Skopelos : Hotels, studios and villas, food & fun, nicely laid out on this informative site ... Skopelos Holiday and Travel Guide : Foxy's guide to walking holidays on Skopelos Greece . - If you want your site considered email me

Home | Reviews | Contact

Skopelos Greece | tourist holiday travel guide

Skopelos resorts

SKOPELOS HIGHLIGHTS

SKOPELOS MAP

SKOPELOS WEATHER

SKOPELOS FACTS

SKOPELOS PHOTO GALLERIES

SKOPELOS SITES

A tourist holiday travel guide to the Greek island of Skopelos