Skopelos. The "calm force" of the Aegean
It is green, has amazing beaches with crystal clear waters and a beautiful country. In its own unique way, Skopelos, for decades, has managed to remain young, cool and, relatively indestructible, touristy. "Crammed" between the cosmopolitan Skiathos and the "alternative" Alonissos, she avoided imitating either of them, maintaining her own light style, which makes it so special and places it high on the list of the most attractive destinations in the northern Aegean.
For this reason, Skopelos attracts visitors from all over Greece and the world, small or large groups, families and couples, as everyone, apparently, is attracted by the charm of Skopelos and seeks to come to the island, wanting to live up close and taste the precious gifts of the island. The beautiful routes in the interior of Skopelos, with the dense pine forests and its abundant nature, offer an idyllic environment for every nature lover, who in combination with the stunning beaches and safe anchorages of Skopelos, stretched along the vast coastline, compose the pieces of an earthly paradise, capable of dragging all the senses to their inevitable climax. And Skopelos, this charming blend of nature and history, in the northern Aegean, takes care not to disappoint anyone, as it harmoniously combines all those elements that make it a magical destination and make a vacation trip unforgettable in the heart of every traveller.
So let's travel to Skopelos and discover together some of the reasons that make it so uniquely attractive and the ultimate travel setting for a truly unique vacation.
Skopelos Chora. Discovering its beauties
Skopelos Chora is built in the north of the island, in a small and picturesque port, protected from the weather. The narrow cobbled streets and the whitewashed houses with the red tiles, are spread in an amphitheatrical way, up to the three hills and the Castle. Chopratis Skopelos has been characterized as a traditional settlement since 1978 and justifies the characteristic nobility and grace of Skopelos, through its rich architectural tradition. Walking through the picturesque alleys of Chora, we have in front of us a wonderful patchwork of architectural styles and decorative motifs, which rewards this island state, with a special physiognomy, which, like it, is not found in the Aegean. Neoclassical mansions with marble lintels and small stone houses, with colored windows, coexist with the Venetian and Cycladic influences of the other buildings, which cause a great impression and steal the impressions.
And while the Castle, the old quarter of Chora, is located above the new settlement and is crowned by the ruins of the impressive Venetian castle, which was built on the site of the ancient Acropolis of the island, for purely defensive reasons, the 123 churches of the city like Panagia Papameletiou, of the 17th century, Panagia of Pyrgos, at the top of a rock, with a wonderful view to the port and Panagia Faneromeni, with its impressive bell tower-clock, highlight the traditional element of the island and provoke spiritual awe and, no doubt, peace of mind.
The tour of the island and the most important sights
Skopelos has a beautiful and pine-covered hinterland, full of unspoiled natural landscapes, which highlights, even more, its natural beauty and gives it the characteristics of an earthly paradise. Mountainous and coastal settlements emerge in every corner of the island, recommending beautiful residential complexes, full of picturesqueness and a traditional character, which makes them stand out uniquely and invite every visitor to get to know them up close. Stone alleys, well-kept houses and courtyards, compose the residential core of Skopelos settlements, along with small shady squares, beautiful chapels, traditional cafes and taverns, and come in perfect harmony with the warm and open-hearted residents, who welcome you.
Agnonas, Panormos, Stafylos and Loutraki are the busiest seaside villages of Skopelos, at a time when Glossa stands out from the mountain villages, with the wonderful houses of Macedonian architecture and the wonderful view to the sea, as well as the settlement of Klima, which is built in a green area, of great natural beauty. Another mountain route leads to Sedoukia, the traditional settlement, full of legends and traditions, which inspired the popular imagination of the inhabitants and made the settlement even more attractive in the eyes of travelers. In the most beautiful parts of the island are built the most important and most famous monasteries of Skopelos. The monastery of Evangelistria, the monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior and the monastery of Timios Prodromos, with the idyllic location that surrounds them, the stunning views they offer and the ecclesiastical treasures they host, manage to raise respect and strengthen the mystical atmosphere, which will arouse the senses.
Beaches. A symphony of blue and green
The wonderful travel canvas of Skopelos is completed in a unique way, with the many and excellent beaches of the island. Taken from the painting canvas of an inspired artist, the beaches of Skopelos claim a share of the admiration of every visitor, since they are among the most beautiful beaches of the Aegean. Crystal clear, turquoise waters touch golden and all-white beaches, with velvety sandy beaches or colored pebbles, while the pine-covered slopes of the mountains, which surround the creeks, put their own touch, creating the dreamy setting. The list of Skopelos beaches, which impress with their beauty is so long that it would be difficult to choose the most beautiful. It is enough, however, to mention the beaches of Panormos, Stafylos, Milia and Velani, which with their natural beauty and organized infrastructure, promise to fulfill every expectation. And, finally, Agios Ioannis-Kastri, which was the setting of the movie Mamma Mia, absolutely justifies its reputation as the most popular and most photographed beach of the island, as from the top of the steep rock, with the carved in stone stairs and the picturesque church of Agios Ioannis at the top, Skopelos overlooks the Aegean and charms those who chose visit it.
