Skopelos is situated in the northwest of the Aegean Sea, between the islands of Skopelos and Alonissos. The island spans a place of 96 square kilometres, being twice the scale of Skopelos, yet it remains exceedingly tranquil due to the absence of an airport. The capital of the island is the city of Skopelos, renowned for its waterfront bars and taverns. Skopelos is likewise famed for its Kastro antique town district and its slender pedestrian streets, making it in general a vacation spot for strolling tours. The island has numerous hiking trails.
Blessed with remarkably fertile soil, Skopelos Island is known for its cultivation of diverse crops, maximum extensively plums. The majority of the island's quaint taverns provide conventional dishes made with this fruit, together with dried plums, plums used in meat dishes, liqueur, and plum-based desserts. Do no longer omit the possibility of savouring this cuisine throughout your stay on the island!
Map of Skopelos Island
| Name | Skopelos Island (Greek: Σκόπελος) |
| Country | Greece |
| Region | Thessaly |
| Coordinates | 39°7′N 23°43′E |
| Area | 96.229 km2 (37.154 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC +2 |
| Population | 4,518 |
| Heliport | Skopelos heliport |
Access and Transportation
There are three distinct ways to reach the island of Skopelos via ferry:
- Departure from the port of Agios Konstantinos (Kamena Vourla). The distance between Athens and Agios Konstantinos is approximately one hundred twenty kilometres, with a riding time of approximately 2 hours.
- Arrival from Volos. The distance from Athens to Volos is around 300 kilometres inside a 3.5-hour journey.
- Departure from Thessaloniki (with a stopover)
- Departure from the island of Skopelos
Travelling to Skopelos via ferry is your finest preference, promising a lovely and exhilarating enjoyment, specifically in case you are partaking in island hopping. Greek islanders are ferry specialists and prefer this mode of transportation to and from Scopelos for its convenience and versatility!
Most ferries to and from Skopelos allow for the transportation of automobiles, albeit at an extra value, with kids typically paying half fare!
Ferry Ports of Skopelos:
The island boasts three ports:
- Skopelos Town serves as the principal port (in the city/chora).
- Glossa Port (additionally known as Loutraki Port), is located in the northwest of the island, close to Skopelos Island.
- Agnontas Port (southwest port, used on certain days when the north wind hinders entry to Skopelos Town).
Road Network of Skopelos:
The road network of Scopelos stretches from Chora (metropolis) to Glossa/Loutraki Port, covering a distance of 37 kilometres. Despite the numerous twists and turns, the path via dense forests is enchanting. Overall, the network is in an appropriate situation and paved with asphalt, making sure an easy adventure, despite some potholes.
Public Bus Service of Skopelos:
Throughout the year, there are four bus routes from Chora to Glossa and Loutraki Ports, with stops in villages and beaches along the manner. The adventure covers a distance of 32 kilometres, lasting about 55 minutes, with a fare of 6.00 euros. Buses additionally run each day from Scopelos to Stafylos, Agnontas, Panormos, Milia, Elios, and Klima, returning through Loutraki, Milia, and Agnontas. Several buses additionally journey to Agnontas. Additional bus offerings are provided at some stage in the peak season.
Bus Stations: Located 100 meters from the principal port of Skopelos, adjoining the taxi stand. Timetables are directly updated and normally refreshed on the first day of each month.
Activities
1. Chapel of St. John (Ioannis)
Journey to the northeastern part of Skopelos, where you may find the enchanting nook of paradise referred to as Agios Ioannis. There, you can bask inside the splendour of dazzling beaches and come across the majestic hundred-meter cliffs that neglect the Aegean Sea with its emerald waters.
Indeed, awaiting you is not simply cliffs, but a awe-inspiring church built into the rocks! You can pick out to trade vows there, or if your plans are less excessive, absolutely revel in the beauty of the vicinity. To reach this spiritual edifice, one should ascend approximately a hundred and ten steps, then explore the website online and respect the panoramic views.
2. Unwind at the idyllic beaches like a scene from a pastoral poem
Skopelos boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in this paradise. Therefore, it might be a disgrace not to take pleasure in sunbathing and Vitamin D therapy. For instance, Stafilos is a seashore in Skopelos that is nicely well worth a go to.
Situated inside the southern part of the island, it is a haven for site visitors searching for rest. The colour of the water and the lush green environment provide an idyllic setting for a dreamy vacation! Just a ten-minute pressure, in addition, you may encounter a captivating but greater rugged cove much like Stafilos: Limmonari.
Moreover, in case you mission a piece further north, you will discover Panormos Beach. Here, you will have the threat to dip your ft inside the crystal-clear waters and partake in recreational activities. In truth, you may find some bars and eating places on the edge of Panormos. Lastly, Panormos offers without a doubt spellbinding sunsets!
3. Indulge in Skopelitiki
Greek lifestyle is to be liked and savoured! Therefore, believe us whilst we say that tasting Skopelitiki is an ought to whilst travelling Skopelos. This conventional dish, located in traditional taverns, is a cheese pie fried in olive oil.
Each chunk gives you the best and most actual delicacies of Skopelos (and Greece)! What are the deserves of this dish? It may be loved at any time of day. In reality, you may be amazed to discover Skopelitiki at the breakfast table, however, you can also locate it at the appetizer menu in restaurants.
4. Explore the Monastery St. Riginou and Agios Riginos
Amidst your seaside tours, you could delve into the religious and non-secular heritage of Skopelos. To embark on this pilgrimage, we will manual you to the Agios Riginos Monastery, positioned about 10 mins from the island's capital. This location of reverence to the island's consumer saint is a need-visit in Skopelos.
This sanctuary's origins date back to 1728, bearing witness to the architectural fashion of that era. Subsequently, you could discover local merchandise crafted by clergymen and nuns within the surrounding place. For example, you may buy olive oil or even wine. If you desire to keep your exploration of church buildings and monasteries, we will rendezvous with you close to Palouki.
This mountainous peninsula is situated inside the southeastern part of the island. More exactly, journey to Palouki Mountain, where you will come across numerous spiritual edifices. As you traverse this accelerated location, you may be mesmerized by the impressive vistas of Skopelos. Do now not forget about Timios Prodromos, the very best monastery on Palouki Mountain!
5. Explore the village of Glossa
Would you like to discover an authentic village with the best 1,000 population? Head to Glossa, placed within the northwest part of the island! This amphitheater-fashioned village is a must-visit in Skopelos.
Indeed, Glossa boasts fascinating cobblestone streets and old-fashioned squares in which you can revel in beverages and food. Furthermore, Glossa is a sacred ground for neighbourhood agriculture, yielding olives, plums, and even almonds. Stroll through this small fishing village, lingering until its famed sundown.
Moreover, the call "Glossa" derives from the goats, called Gloousses, that roam the encircling rocks. They are famous for his or her wool!
6. Get lost in the streets of Skopelos
The capital metropolis shares an identical name because of the island, although it is also referred to as "Chora" (if you understand Greek, it is ΧΩΡα). It is nestled among the sea and the mountains, offering breathtaking surroundings.
Begin with the aid of exploring Skopelos Harbor, wherein fishing boats and ferries dock. Then, lose yourself inside the beautiful streets of the city. You will come across traditional houses embellished with whitewash and linked by way of small archways. At times, the fragrance of conventional Mediterranean dishes wafts out from open home windows, mingling with the perfume of incense or jasmine!
You also can go to the white Panagitsa tou Pirgou Church, from wherein you can recognize the incredible panorama of the island's capital. If you wish to deepen your know-how of the island's subculture, the Folklore Museum of Skopelos is likewise really worth a go.
7. Admire Local Handicrafts
Do you have an appreciation for neighbourhood handicrafts? Then you are in the right place! If you respect pottery and vibrant colours, you will encounter family stalls where you can locate simply what you seek.
As pottery craftsmanship regularly runs inside the family, if that does not pique your hobby, you can stumble upon meticulously crafted miniature ships. The island is likewise considerable with lantern makers, exemplified using the Lithadiotis family! These lanterns are from time to time adorned with decorations of copper and lead, at the side of colourful stained glass home windows. Some lanterns even have characteristic borders and floral motifs.
Lastly, art lovers may also be catered to. You can discover small galleries showcasing the works of neighbourhood artists: artwork, sculptures, or even photographs.
8. Stroll Along Amarandos Cove
Located to the south of Skopelos, Amarandos Cove offers breathtaking perspectives of the Aegean Sea. In truth, this region is hardly ever visited, providing a pastoral and wild setting.
While the famous "Three Trees" may have been burnt down, Amarandos Cove holds other guarantees: for example, the emerald waters are perfect for diving. So, don your mask and snorkel, and surprise at the underwater global. For the skilled swimmers, exploring caves is an option, however, do be careful for rocks and sea urchins. Of path, this vicinity also offers epic sunsets!
Climate and Weather
Skopelos enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with highly moderate and wet winters, and warm and sunny summers. The common temperature in January is 10°C, while in July and August, it reaches 27°C.
Due to its proximity to the mainland, Skopelos is susceptible to bloodless air intrusion inside the wintry weather, and in late spring and summer, occasional showers or thunderstorms from the identical continent may occur. The island is characterized using plains and hills, with an elevation of approximately 650 meters, creating lush greenery.
Rainfall follows a Mediterranean sample, with the maximum common showers from October to April, accumulating up to 630 millimetres of rainfall yearly.
