Guide to Skopelos

"Skopelos, the largest of the Sporades islands, reserves her beauty for those who are not deterred by the additional sea crossing required to reach this beguiling island. That said, the fast hydrofoil service from Skiathos takes a mere 20 minutes to reach the small port of Loutraki at the island's north-western tip, and less than 45 minutes to reach Skopelos Town itself."

Skopelos Town is one of the most picturesque and best preserved harbour towns in the whole of Greece. Simple whitewashed cottages and elegant balconied mansions tumble down along steep cobbled lanes from the old Venetian hilltop castle, past flower-filled courtyards and brightly painted shutters. In the evenings, the wonderfully open and welcoming local residents and holidaymakers alike can be found filing into the charming tavernas, cafes, bars and ouzeries that set out their tables under ancient plane trees.
To explore the many faces of this beautiful island, you could forsake your hire car and the local bus service and ramble through the olive groves and plum orchards that have been the main pillar of the island's economy for centuries, to stumble upon the handsome old farmhouses known as 'kalivia'. Alternatively, you could follow the example set by the village elders in the local kafenion and do nothing, except perhaps for playing a game of backgammon and sipping a glass of chilled retsina.

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