SKOPELOS
Area: Small Islands
Country: Greece


Location:
7 miles E of island of Skiathos and 4 miles W of island of Alonissos. 106 miles N of Athens. Nearest airport in Skiathos.

Telephone code from UK:
30 24240

Position:
In E Aegean, towards the W edge of the Sporades Islands.

Description:
A sizeable island, Skopelos is roughly 12 miles long and 6 miles across at its widest point, dominated by a range of high hills that descend dramatically to the shoreline. Most of the island is covered in woodland or cultivated olive groves and orchards. Skopelos Town, the only conurbation and principal resort, rises steeply from Skopelos Bay in the SE corner of the island and looks out over wooded hills and open sea. A short climb up narrow streets and lanes reveals a town of considerable charm. In the old quarter, an architectural mix of chalets, pagodas and overhanging third-storeys prevails. Other main roads run behind and above it, leaving the centre remarkably free of traffic. Terrace bars and tavernas line the seafront road, with excellent views over the bay. The town is also home to 123 churches.

Suitability:
Not for backpacking island-hoppers. Geared to middlemarket families and couples. Singles will probably remain so.

Accommodation:
Mainly B-grade hotels, a number of apartment villages and unremarkable C-grade establishments. "Rooms to let" signs on most gates in the interior.

Shopping:
Scores of small shops in town lanes. Gold and silver can be flashy but replica ancient Macedonian designs are well made. Handicrafts better than usual. Ceramics a long tradition and plates and jugs are very collectable. Supermarkets, pharmacists and greengrocers abound.

Beach:
300 yards of sand and pebbles in front of Skopelos Town, a bit close to the port, where the water is murky. Discarded plastic water bottles and cigarette stubs are a nuisance. A smaller pebble beach farther round the bay is cleaner. Stafilos Beach in the S and Panormos on the W coast are clean, popular and have access to tavernas, but the former is reached via a steep lane. Some small coves can be reached only by boat.

Entertainments:
Daytime: folk art museum puts on regular exhibitions. Ceramics workshop of renowned Rodiou family is world famous. Most churches and monasteries open to public but no guided tours. Beach Boys Club at Milia Beach on W coast gives tuition in water and airborne sports. Nightlife: discos are unobtrusive. For most, nightlife means long, late dinner and nightcap. Few hotels provide entertainment but some cafe-bars feature bouzouki nights.

Eating:
Scores of tavernas, restaurants and cafes. Greek cuisine dominates but international dishes widely available. Fast food catching on slowly.

Public-transport:
Buses run half-hourly to main beaches from near the port. No inland services. If the meter is turned on, taxis are inexpensive. Regular ferry (1» hours' journey) and hydrofoil services (35 minutes' journey) to island of Skiathos.

Local-excursions:
Barbecue and swimming boat trips around island are popular. Day cruises to nearby Alonissos combine beach with visit to ancient hilltop settlement. Night-time squid-fishing trips _ "you catch, we cook" _ with salad and wine. Day cruise to neighbouring Ikos includes mule ride after lunch. Athens (day trip); Delphi (day trip); Meteora, with Byzantine monasteries (day trip).