Skopelos Primeguide
Getting there
Travellers arriving in Skopelos will usually arrive by sea, be it by ferry, catamaran or hydrofoil on one of the regular connections from Either Aghios Constantinos or Volos on the mainland. Most, though will arrive by direct transfer from Skiathos, having arrived by Charter flight from other European destinations. Ferry’s usually call in at Glossa first and then to the sheltered bay on the northern side of the island which is home to the main town of Skopelos.
Skopelos Town
The town features a pleasant crescent shaped harbor front lined with Tavernas and lounge bars, backed by a variety of food outlets, bakery’s and souvenir shops. The harbor front really comes alive at night when both locals and visitors fill the tavernas, many of which will feature some live music.
During the day, though, head up into the streets and alleyways of the and get lost in the maze of streets. Skopelos town is home to over 120 churches (there are over 360 on the island) and a good place to start is the church of Panagitsa tou Pyrgou. Located at the end of the harbor front, the church is built in the shape of a cross and you can’t miss its distinctive white tower with tiled dome. Climbing to the top of the town will bring you to the ruins of the castle. Built in the 13th century, only the outer walls survive but you will also able able to see the church of 17th century basilica of Agios Athanassios. The views from the top of ‘Chora’ as the locals call it are amazing and in the evening, you can dine at the (NAME) restaurant which perches in the edge of the cliff, next to the castle walls.
Take a wander down through the streets and you will arrive back at the harbour front, more or less where you began.
Excursion idea-Take an evening walking tour around the highlights of the main town, finishing with a wine and Meze tasting at one of the harbor front Tavernas. Dolphin of Skopelos run and escorted tour on a Tursday (more info on www.dolphonof skopelos.com)
Agnondes
Leaving Stafilos, a further 3KM drive will bring you to the inlet of Agondes. Named after an islander who competed in the Olympics in 569BC, the village features a pleasant pebbly beach which is also home to one of the two tavenas which are located here. This is a really nice location for lunch where you can take in the views of the bay where some of the Mamma Mia production was filmed. Agnondes sheltered port enables visiting boat to the island to dock here when it’s too wing in the main town.
Limonari
Around 100 meters up the hill from the beach front, look out for the lkeft hand turn on the bend which will take you along the paved road to Limonari beach. The bay features a nice stretch of sand with sun beds and is backed by a taverna and beach bar. There’s some space for parking at the end of the beach as you arrive and its probably one of the best stretches of sand you’ll find on the island.
Milia
By far, one of the most will known beaches on Skopelos is Milia which stretches for around a kilometre and can be found by turning right at the signpost (when heading North). The pine forest rolls down to the beach which is cut in half by a small headland. Each side of this, the sand is pleasant with views of the islet of Dhasia and there’s a beach bar sunbed available for rent.
Kastani
Fans of the Abba Musical will recognize Kastani as one of the main dance scenes in the film. In fact, a whole section of the beach (to the left, when you arrive there) was laid with concrete and covered with a thin layer of sand so that the performers could dance on it. This, together with thew jetty has lond gone but a couple of local entrepreneurs have developed a very pleasant bar and taverna area with lawned gardens and palm trees. It leads straight onto the sandy beach where you will find sunbeds and umbrellas.
Many of the island tours stop here and its one of the main stop overs for the Mamma Mia Tours.
Excursion boats depart from both the harbor front adjacent to the tavernas or from the main port.
There are various rental agencies located here where you can rent scooters and cars to explore the island. Moto Center, located near the main junction near the harbor will be able to meet your transport needs.
Heading out
Stafylos
As you head out of town, take a left at the T junction towards Stafylos. Around 10 minutes and 5 km drive will bring you to the closest main beach (there’s a small one located in front of the Dolpin of Skopelos office) Its also the one that’s most accessible for those staying in town and its also accessible by bus.
Parking is at a premium though but out of the high season, you may be able to park at the bottom of the hill, close to the beach. A flight of steps lead down to Stafylos’ crescent shaped beach. The Minoen King Stafilos, is reputed to have disembarked here and was buried close to this spot.
Blo
The drive towards Panormos takes you through the countryside and Olive groves of Scopelos. Many of the islanders own homes here in vilages such as Loutsa. Traditionally, small houses which were used when the Olive crop was being harvested, many have now been turned into second homes or holiday villas.
Before you reach the bay of Panormos, to the left you will see the small inlet and collection of houses signposted, Blo. One time shelter of Pirates, which plundered the island over many years, Blo is a popular place for yachts to moor up and the inlet is also home to an old custom house.
Panormos
Just a couple of minutes further on from Blo, you will arrive at the bay of Panormos. Rather than being a traditional seas-side settlement as can be found elsewhere on the island, Panormos just operates in the summer months but retains the traditional atmosphere of a Greek sea side resort. Development is low key and the pleasant curve of sand features a good selection of beach side tavernas and bars backed by the coast road which runs along the bay. There's a small selection of supermarkets to keep the studios and apartments which are located behind the beach stocked and enough tavernas to keep you occupied in the evening
Excursion idea-Take a walking tour from the top of mount Defni, down to Panormos beach with an English speaking guide. Its an easy hike and there’s organized aqua Zumba if you still have the energy.
More details on www.dolphinofskopelos.com.
Elios and Hovolo Beach
One of the most un-usual of Skoplelos’ beaches is Hovolo, which can be found close to the small fishing port of Elios. Based around the small harbor Elios is a reasonable new development, born out to the destruction of the village when the Earth quake struck in 1965. Elios also features a town beach together with a collection of apartments and studios, all located close to the sea front.
A short walk to the left of the beach, though will bring you to the shore line where you can gain access to Hovolo beach. Keep the sea on youre right and the beach can be found after a couple of minutes. It can be a precarious task negotiating the rocks, but the effort is worth it.
Glossa
Glossa is the first port of call for many of the ferrys which continue to Scopelos town and on to the neighboring island of Alonnisos. Glossa consits of two parts, the busy port which can accommodate large ferries and the main town, which is located some 250 meters further up the mountain.
When arriving by bus or car, you will need to part at the top and then proceed on foot into the town, where you can wander the streets and alleyways. Wooden balconys overhang form whitewashed houses over the narrow streets, overlooking the short divide of water which separates the island from Skiathos.
Head up to the top of the village first (past the school house) and by turning left at the top, you can make your way down towards the square where you can turn laft and make your way back. Ruins of the Roman baths can also be found, further down near the port as well as the 4th century BC remains of the citadel of ancient Selinous and the ruins of a 5th century temple dedicated to Athena.
Agios Ionnis
By far, one of the most impressive sight on Skopelos is the small church perched on top of the rock out crop at Agios Ioannis. Also known as the Mamma Mia Chapel, it’s probably the location all ABBA fans will want visit. The church is actually tiny and would only accommodate around ten people comfortable. The film set was located in Pinewood in the UK but the location is stunning.
To get there. Follow the road signposted for Agios Ioannis from the junction at the top of Glossa. Its around a 15 minute drive along a narrow and winding road and the rock outcrop will be visible from the road above. There's a few places to stop and take photographs but its when you get down to sea level that the location really takes effect. A small bar is located on the road which serves drinks, which you’ll probably need after climbing the 199 steps which lead to the top.
Excursion idea-Take the Mamma Mia tour which takes in Kastani, Milia, Gossa, Agios Ioannis and Agnondes. Dolphin run the only land based tour and can be contacted on www.dolpinofskopelos.com
Pirate Graves in Skopelos
At Sendoukia on mount Karia, in the centre of the island can be found the graves of Pirates. These ancient graves are carved into the rocks and legend has it that Barbarossa tried to plunder the island but the locals managed to defended it. The pirates who perished were buried in these ancient tombs together with 12 chests of gold. It’s rumored that the ghosts of the pirates defend the gold to this day.
The graves can be found above the Monastery of Saint Efstathios. The last part of the road is un-made so you will have to do some walking but the views of the neighboring island of Alonissos are stunning.
Skopelos has a lot to offer and the suggested areas would take two or three days. Skopelos had to offer away from the main town so head out and discover something new each day.
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Copyright- Paul Walters 2016 no part of this transcript may be reproduced without permission
