Drosia Villa

More on Glossa, Skopelos

Picture a postcard-perfect Greek island village. What do you see? Green mountainside? A jumble of whitewashed houses? Charming, stepped lanes? Glossa is everything you imagine and more. Here, among the tangle of cobbled lanes and the mimosa-shaded main square, time seems to have stood still. Explosions of colourful flowers trail from wooden balconies, casting welcome shade for dozing cats. A few kafenions and tavernas buzz quietly with life. And a painted, frescoed church awaits curious, tiptoeing visitors. Glossa’s harbour area – known as Loutraki – is probably the liveliest spot with a handful of traditional tavernas and ouzeries. Pull up a chair and tuck into a sticky pastry and coffee while you watch the trail of ferryboats unload groups of visitors for an hour or two. Wander intrigued around the ruins of Selinus, the ancient town on whose site Loutraki stands. Or roll out your towel and park yourself on the pebble beach to bask in the turquoise waters and breathtaking views over Skiathos. When you want to get out and about, strike out along a mule track to visit the tiny Byzantine monastery of Taxiarches perched in the forested hills. Or plan a day’s snoozing at one of the nearby unspoilt coves and beaches, each one as pretty as a jewel and washed by intensely clear waters. And as dusk creeps over the horizon, start the evening with a well-timed ouzo before feasting on fresh seafood under the stars. Delicious.