Skopelos island on the map of Greece. Open left menu skopelos. Skopelos: fun and active holidays

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Vast coniferous forests color Skopelos in shades of lush greenery. The island is larger and its coastline is more rugged. Tourism is almost as developed, but the concessions to this new business are less conspicuous and the taste is better. Although the large beaches already have sun umbrellas, sun loungers and equipment for water sports, small secluded coves have also been preserved. In the outback there is an abundance of olive groves and orchards in which plums ripen (Skopelos is famous for its prunes), pears and almonds.

Both larger villages - the city of the same name Skopelos (Chora) and Glossa - are among the most beautiful cities in the Northern Sporades: either streets or stairs, in a word, steps made of stone slabs climbing up the mountain, and houses under gray slate certainly have wooden balconies. At various stages of history, the island was owned by everyone, including the Romans, Persians, Venetians, French and, of course, the Ottomans. In the 16th century, the entire population of the island was slaughtered by the Ottoman pirate-admiral Hayreddin, nicknamed “Redbeard” (Barbarossa) - by the way, a Greek who went into service with the Turks.

Today, there are more Greek holidaymakers on the island than foreigners, as there is still no airport. Skopelos, especially the hills covered with coniferous forests along the western highway, is very attractive for hikers. An Englishwoman, Heather Parsons, who has lived on the island for a long time, arranges walking tours with guides for those interested, which often end with relaxation on the beach or in a restaurant. It is said that the island's coastline, especially the southwest coast, remains stunning and that it was used for filming some scenes in Mamma Mia!

The town of Glossa and the port of Loutraki on the island of Skopelos

The second city of Skopelos, sleepy Glossa, is only 25 kilometers away from Chora (of the same name) and is located on the northern edge of the island, but it seems that it is much further away, and very few visitors bother to explore this place. A village of noticeable size with well-built houses - there are also Cycladic cubes and mansions with wooden balconies, like in Macedonia - as if preparing to jump off a steep cliff.

The winding, narrow streets are mostly car-free, but you'll find a few coffee shops, a cool tavern, and a smattering of rooms to rent: they tend to be stuffy, hot, and damp, and the water pressure at the taps is very inconsistent. The exception is Kostas and Nina’s Place: simple, clean rooms, some with views. The same owners also rent out studios, but for a longer period. Signs and signs make it easy to find the central and justly popular Agnandi tavern, where the food is not just excellent, but with an innovative streak: order pork with prunes or almond cakes with elderberry syrup and go to the terrace, the views from there are fabulous.

Hydrofoils and some car ferries call at the tiny port of Loutraki (in shipping schedules it is listed as Glossa, the port agent is Triandafyllou), connected to Glossa itself by a three-kilometer steep and winding road. If there is anything in the town, it is only a narrow pebble beach with a couple of hotels and rooms for rent. If you need to stay, contact any hosts who rent out rooms - their advertisements are posted on the embankment.

Although the coastal taverns offer nothing worth the money they ask for, there are exceptions that prove the rule: Orea Ellas, by the harbor among beautiful shady chestnut trees, is inexpensive and pleasant, although the cooking is average, while Akrotiri in The port is visited mainly by Greeks. Perivolho Beach is a 90 minute walk from Glossa along the north coast. The walk itself is a rewarding undertaking: near the stone pyramid you will see a monastery in which there is a huge pile of human bones and skulls.

You will also come across an oak tree with a hollow, so huge that the oak tree seems to be hollow, and in the hollow there is a vessel with drinking water. The beach you are heading to is generally so-so, nothing special, but there is clean spring water and a cave in which you can hide from the sun. The dirt road from Glossa to the east will take you to the Church of St. John of Agios Ioannis sto Kastri, the place for which was chosen surprisingly well: on the top of a cliff above a cove with sandy shores, where you can swim. The nondescript house nearby spoils the impression (it turns out that the shrine is not so isolated from the world), but the walk itself from Glossa (the same 1.5 hours) has already pleased you with its beauty and brought peace to your heart, especially since you will almost certainly saw a hawk and heard a nightingale.

Traveling around the island of Skopelos

To the west of the town of Skopelos, old but renovated trails and paths, apparently designed for jeeps, will take you through olive groves and plum orchards to Mount Delphi and into the forests of Vatia, but you are free to go around the mountain at the foot, turning north-east to the higher ground Reviti, where there are many fountains and churches, and the ancient area of Karya is interesting with ancient graves carved into the rock - they think that the first Christians of the island are buried in these sendukya. Boat excursions departing from the town of Skopelos to the north-west take their clients to the small pebble beach of Glisteri, where there is no shade and the only tavern is full of locals on Sundays.

On the other side of the island, about 5 kilometers south of Chora, at the tiny horseshoe-shaped cove of Agnondas, you will find three fish taverns and offers to rent a room. Apartments Pavlina, just behind the beach, are four large, self-contained and tastefully furnished (wooden furniture) apartments with high ceilings. The best restaurant is Pavlos on the waterfront, where you can expect good, hearty grilled food and fresh fish. Then along a paved road you can reach Limnonari: 300 meters of fine sand on the shore of an enclosed rocky bay. Right on the beach at the Limnonari Beach Restaurant you can taste sumptuous local tiropites in the form of curlicues and rent a room.

Continuing along the same south-west coast, but to the north, you will find Panormos, a seemingly quite prosperous and commercially oriented resort: rooms for rent, taverns, camping, a marina and facilities for water sports. The local beach consists of small pebbles, and the bottom goes steeply into the depths, but nearby there are also more secluded coves with sandy shores. You can stay in one of the 30 rooms of the Panormos Beach Hotel, which, like the beautiful garden, is lovingly cared for and has good views, or at the Adrina Beach Hotel (from late May to September) next door, located in ivy-covered buildings: the hotel has a swimming pool swimming pool and tavern plus fabulous views and relative isolation from the rest of the world.

A little further on is the huge Milia beach, stretching for 1.5 kilometers: a scattering of small pebbles under a high steep bank on which pine trees grow, and opposite is the island of Dasya. Usually Milja is quiet - a kind of peaceful backwater, where it’s nice to escape from the crowds, although in recent years, lovers and organizers of noisy parties have become accustomed here, and the coastal bar is crowded with young men and women who are firmly determined to get as much pleasure from life as possible and therefore strive to spend their (endless) leisure as best as possible.

Even further north and 9 kilometers from Glossa, not so long ago a completely new medium-sized resort of Elios arose: an earthquake that destroyed mountain villages prompted the villagers to go down to the sea and settle in a new place, and then vacationers appeared - the local beach is very good. Behind Elios, in the village of Palio Klima, which has managed to recover, a beautiful trail begins that will lead you to Glossa in 40 minutes. Along the way, you will pass through the deserted village of Ayi Anaryri and the oldest village on the island - Ateato (aka Mahalas).

In contact with

Enchanting green landscapes, emerald waters of stunning coastlines, nature of extraordinary beauty, traditional architecture, majestic monasteries and a genuine island atmosphere - all this is Skopelos, one of the greenest islands in Greece. Almost 80% of it is covered with virgin pine forest. Fortunately, or vice versa, it is located a little far from frequently visited, popular tourist routes. Once here, you begin to think that paradise certainly has something of Skopelos, of the tranquility of the pine trees that create this green refuge in the middle of the Aegean vastness. Skopelos, a special place not only for its nature, but also for its history and culture, is calling to discover it!

Skopelos is the second largest island in the Northern Sporades archipelago, after Skiathos. It is located between Skiathos, which is 6-7 km, and Alonissos, 3-4 km. The length of the island is about 15 km, the width is only 6 km. The area of the island is 96 km2, and its perimeter is 67 km. Skopelos lies at the same geographic longitude (380°) with Sardinia, Spanish Mallorca and Ibiza, Portuguese Azores and California (USA). There are many small islands around it: Agios Georgios, Mikro, Dasia, Kasida, Paximada, Pleuro, Portes, Strongylo. Two mountains rise above Skopelos - Palouki (565 m) and Delphi (680 m). During rains, ravines and depressions around them turn into small streams and rivers. Geographically, the island is considered a continuation of the Pelion Peninsula, and administratively it belongs to the periphery of Thessaly. About 5,000 people live here permanently.

There are 3 main ports on the island: Skopelos, Agnonda and Glossa. It is connected to the mainland by regular flights from the ports of Agios Konstantinos and Volos. During the summer season, regular ships sail here from Thessaloniki. Constant communication connects all the islands of the Sporades. Skopelos has excellent tourist infrastructure. But compared to neighboring cosmopolitan Skiathos, there are fewer tourists here. Therefore, the island has been able to maintain its traditional character to a greater extent.

The beauty of Skopelos did not leave even Hollywood producers indifferent, who decided to film the film Mamma Mia here in 2008, making the island one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world! Skopelos still lives under the star of the popular musical today and dances to the music of Abba. In Ai Yanni, where scenes of the famous film were filmed, hundreds of tourists come every day to wander the streets where Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan walked.

Skopelos also lives to the sounds of Rebetiko, a special style of Greek music, because Rebetiko and Skopelos are inseparable. It is believed that this style originated here, and it is no coincidence that the island itself is shaped like a saxophone. The sounds of bouzouki from the tavern of the famous rembetis Giorgis Xintaris in the Kastro district of Chora even reach the city port.

The local cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes, prepared from fresh ingredients produced on the island. But the island is famous for its traditional specialty - “tiropita stripti”. This is a pie made from crispy puff pastry filled with local goat cheese in a spiral shape. Be sure to try it. “Rofos stifado” (fish in red sauce), meat with quince, pork with plums are some of the “specialties” that make the island famous. Various types of fresh fish and seafood and a salad made from the local kritamo plant are served in all taverns. Jams are another advantage of local cuisine. The most famous of them is “Avgato”, from one of the local varieties of plums. Plums are the main agricultural product of Skopelos. Be sure to try “Khaimalia” - a local sweet made from almonds, which is usually served at weddings.

Story

The history of the island, like all of Greece, goes back centuries. The oldest traces of human presence on Skopelos date back to the 16th century. BC e. According to myths, the first to settle here were people from Crete, from Knossos, led by Staphylos, the son of Ariadne and Theseus. This myth is an attempt to explain the origin of the famous Skopelos wine - Peparitio, the connection of the island with Athens, as well as the existence of a city called Knossos on the island. The myth is confirmed by traces of Minoan culture found in Staphylo - Mycenaean tombs and Asklepion.

At the beginning of the 5th century. BC e. The island was a strong city-state called Peparitos, which flourished through the trade of its famous Peparitio wine. It was also famous in the ancient world for the fact that its resident Agnon Peparitios won the running competition at the 53rd Olympiad in 568, which brought him immortality. Running was one of the main competitions of the pentathlon (pentathlon), which also included wrestling, long jump, discus and javelin throwing. The Pentathlon was included in the program of all other athletic competitions in ancient Greece, because these skills were necessary for a skilled warrior. Therefore, victory in the pentathlon at the Olympics was considered the most honorable, and the Olympics itself and the four years following it were named after the winner.

Sostratos, the Peparitian robber, was born on the island, who in 351 BC. e. captured the island of Kira Panagia north of Alonissos and made it his refuge and Dioklis Peparitios, a historian of the 3rd century. BC e.

The island is practically not mentioned in ancient sources. Towards the end of antiquity, during the Hellenistic period, it changes its name and appears under today's name. During the Roman and Byzantine periods, Skopelos was constantly subject to pirate raids and was a place of exile for criminals. As part of the Duchy of Naxos, it came into the possession of the Franks. Then again, during the reign of Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos, it passed to Byzantium for a short time. In 1204 the island was conquered by the Venetians and the Ghisi family ruled here. In 1538, Skopelos was conquered by the famous Turkish admiral Barbarossa, who completely ruined it and destroyed almost all the inhabitants. 16th-century travelers mention that the island was uninhabited for a long time after the disaster. The inhabitants of Skopelos took an active part in the national liberation war of 1821. Refugees from Macedonia, Thessaly and Evia settled on the island, and in 1830 it became part of the Greek state along with the other Sporades under the Treaty of London.

Maritime traditions and shipbuilding art played a very important role in the economic and cultural development of the island. The local sailors brought back stories and objects from distant cultures from their voyages, thereby opening a window to the world. Today Skopelos is less cosmopolitan than Skiathos, an island that has largely retained its traditional character. Combined with natural beauty, this makes it a unique destination, especially for those who enjoy a relaxing holiday.

Skopelos

The city of Skopelos (or Chora) is the capital of the island, located in its eastern part. The beautiful, amphitheatrically located city starts from the port itself and climbs up three hills. From the sea there is a breathtaking and forever memorable view of the city. Picturesque cobbled streets winding like snakes from Panagitsa Pirgu, near the port, lead to Kastro. Churches scattered everywhere, beautiful traditional houses of the Greek islands with courtyards surrounded by flowers, surround Kastro. The view of the city, port and church of Panagia Pirgu from the top of Kastro is enchanting. The old town has been declared a protected cultural monument. Traditional buildings attract the interest not only of tourists, but also of artists, photographers, creative people and specialists. Due to the steepness of the slopes, they cannot be reached by car. You have to climb steps, climb hills, walk enough to see 120 Byzantine churches, the walls of a 13th-century Byzantine fortress. and quiet, peaceful squares overlooking the Aegean Sea. Stroll through the streets full of flowers and colorful bougainvillea climbing the whitewashed walls, notice the beauty of each house, note the taste of the craftsman who built it, enjoy their diversity and simplicity. Admire the subtle decoration of the wooden balconies hanging over the streets and the impressive stone roofs. Feel the warmth behind the white lace curtains.

In contrast to the quiet neighborhoods, in the upper part of the city, in the areas around the port and waterfront, life is vibrant. There are restaurants, taverns, ouzeries, pizzerias, pancake shops, pastry shops, cafeterias and bars. There are many shops offering ceramics, handmade jewelry, clothing and beautiful souvenirs of high quality and aesthetics. All this gives the city a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Gloss

Glossa is the second largest settlement on the island after its capital. It is located 25 km north of it. “High village”, “covered with vineyards” - this is the name of this most densely populated village of the island. Narrow streets, rich traditional houses and colorful squares make up its picture. On the ups and downs there are many two-story houses, the architecture of which resembles Macedonian. It is a tranquil, picturesque village surrounded by vineyards and untouched by tourism, with magnificent sunsets. There is also its own breed of sheep, which is also called “glossa”.

The name "Glossa" is believed to be a corruption of "Knossos", because the first inhabitants of the village were Minoans. Local residents joke that when climbing such steep slopes, you involuntarily “stick your tongue out,” which is why the village is called that. "Glossa" means "tongue" in Greek. It is worth visiting the monastery of Agios Taxiarchis (St. Archangels), built during the period of the Turkocracy. The surrounding area of the village is of great archaeological interest. Remains of ancient towers and buildings were found here.

If you have time, also visit cosmopolitan Skiathos or tranquil Alonnisos, home to the marine park with the monachus monachus (white-bellied seal) seal.

More details

There is a lot to see in Skopelos. Lovers of hiking can enjoy the beautiful nature, which in itself is already a tourist attraction. Together with the wonderful nature, you will discover traces of history dating back to the Bronze Age. Skopelos is a place where long-standing religious traditions are carefully preserved. Monasteries and chapels of significant cultural significance are scattered throughout the island. Most of them date from the Byzantine era. Traditionally it is believed that there are 360 churches here - one for each day of the year, just like on the island of Ios. This, together with some important monasteries, makes Skopelos a unique destination of religious interest.

24 monasteries

The ancient monastery of the Annunciation (Evangelistria) is located east of Chora. It was restored in 1712. It is famous for its Catholic cathedral and the fortress wall protecting the monastery. From here you have a magnificent panoramic view of the port and the city of Skopelos. The Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord (Metamorphosis tou Sotira) was built in the 16th century. Next to it is the monastery of St. Barbara (XVII century), and 300 meters from it the monastery of St. John the Baptist (Timios Prodromos) with icons of the 16th century.

The monastery of St. Regin in the south of Skopelos is interesting, built on the ruins of an ancient temple. The Church of St. John in Kastri (Ai Yanni) in the north of the island is a beautiful church on top of a cliff. This is exactly the church where many scenes of the famous musical “Mamma Mia” were filmed. After the film was released in 2008, she became famous throughout the world. You can get to it via steps carved into the rock. The view from here is fantastic. Many come here to have a romantic wedding in the famous church.

The city of Skopelos is truly amazing with its countless number of churches. The most interesting of them: the Church of the Nativity, where the relics of St. Rigin are buried, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas Vrachu with icons of the 17th century, St. Athanasius in Kastri with frescoes of the 17th century, the Church of the Holy Apostles “Vrachu tis Rizanis” and the Church of the Nativity (Genisios tou Christou) – Skopelos Cathedral, famous for its unique carved wooden iconostasis of exceptional beauty, made in 1762.

Dracontoschism (Dragon's Crack)

One of the legends says that 800 years ago a dragon lived on the island. He devoured people, which is why the island was deserted. Then Saint Reginos, the patron and protector of Skopelos, began to pursue the dragon. Running to save himself, he fell into the gorge. The ground in this place opened up and swallowed him. Since then it has been called Drakontoschism (Dragon's Crack). In fact, it is a deep canyon that reaches the sea. Steep cliffs, pine trees hanging on its slopes and turquoise waters create a landscape of unique beauty. It is located on the central road from Stafilos to Amaranto. On the edge of the gorge, almost hanging over the abyss, stands a small church.

Episkopi

Venetian structure, which was intended for the Bishop of Skopelos. It remained unfinished due to the raids of the pirate Barbarossa.

Ethnographical museum

Located in one of the oldest buildings on the island, built in 1765. Exists since 1993. Most of the exhibits on display in the museum belonged to its owners, the Hadzistamati-Nikolaidi family, well-known on the island, while others were donated by island residents. The museum's collection includes local national costumes, a bed decorated for a wedding, household items, pottery, knives, paintings by folk artists and rich photographic material. Miniatures of ships and a model of the traditional Skopelos shipyard - tarsana, represent local maritime and shipbuilding traditions.

Asklepion of ancient Peparitos

Asklepion is the most important archaeological find of Skopelos and all of the Sporades. This is one of the oldest sanctuaries dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine, which dates back to the 4th century BC. e. In 1961, walls of ancient buildings were discovered, later destroyed by the sea. Subsequent excavations revealed the foundations of other buildings and the remains of ceramic vessels. The inscription "ASKL" on one of the found shells led archaeologists to the conclusion that this was the sanctuary of Asclepius. This assumption is confirmed by the place where it is located. Among the finds in the Asklepion: the head of a statue of a girl, the torso of a statue of a boy and a column with a relief image of human beings. Archaeological work continues today.

The island has a Mediterranean climate, influenced by winds blowing from the Aegean Sea. The average temperature in the summer months is about 30 o C. The heat is easily tolerated, thanks to the pine forests. The atmosphere is also refreshed by thunderstorms that are quite frequent here. In August, “meltemi” - seasonal northern winds - blow during the day, so a light sweater in the evening will not hurt.

The big “trump card” of Skopelos is, of course, its beautiful beaches with crystal water, playing with all shades of turquoise, dense greenery and wonderful landscapes. The green pine trees surrounding them approach the sea itself. They make Skopelos unique. This feature makes the beaches of Skopelos different from the beaches of Kaklad, to which we are accustomed.

Skopelos has beaches to suit all tastes: cosmopolitan, family-friendly, secluded for nature lovers and nudists, sandy and pebble. You can choose between crowded ones, organized with sun loungers, umbrellas, water sports, taverns and bars, and deep coves, ideal for exploring the beauties of the seabed with a mask or spear gun. Most of them are easily accessible and accessible by public transport. You can rent bicycles, motorcycles or take a taxi.

The island has many secluded bays and windless bays that cannot be reached even on foot. Remote and less known, they have so far escaped human intervention and remain in their original form. To get there, you can rent a boat with an outboard motor. In the same way you can get to the deserted island of Ai Georgi (St. George), located between Skopelos and Alonissos. Perhaps the best way to spend a quiet, relaxing day is to stock up on food, rent a small boat, choose a small deserted beach and share it with only seagulls.

In Skopelos in the summer there are usually no winds, the famous meltemyas do not blow, as in the Cyclades. But even if there is wind, you can always find a beach protected from it. With a north wind, the northern coast is an ideal place for lovers of big waves, while the southern coast, on the contrary, is calm, and vice versa. Scuba diving with oxygen tanks is prohibited on the island. It would be better to contact the port authorities for information before taking up your favorite sport.

Northern and eastern beaches

Agios Konstantinos(Glyfoneri)

Less known to the general public, relatively quiet, not crowded. Ideal for families. It is only 2.5 km from Skopelos town. The beach offers beautiful views of the neighboring island of Alonissos and the bay. Mrs. Stella's traditional tavern, located nearby, makes the best pitas on the island. The parking lot is full during the high season. You can get there by car. And if you are not in a hurry, you can also walk. Have fun!

Glisteri

This is a small and sheltered bay with large pebbles, 4.5 km from the town of Skopelos in the north of the island. Also not very famous among tourists, so not crowded and quite quiet. The beach has a traditional tavern, umbrellas and sun loungers for rent, and showers. Enough parking space even in August. You can get there by car along an asphalt road. Romance lovers can get there by sea by boat, which departs from the port of Skopelos at regular intervals.

Sares

These are two beautiful beaches with many seagulls, completely deserted. Humans have never intervened here, thanks to which they have preserved their original state and natural beauty intact. Located along the northern coast of the island, near the town of Skopelos, almost right next to the port. They can only be reached by boat. Every winter, strong winds and violent waves, combined with rain and landslides, create amazing beach shapes, pebbles and various grottoes. So next season the appearance of the beaches may be different from the previous one, but always impressive. Hundreds of shells live in huge smooth rocks, half hidden in the water and half protruding from the sea. The beaches are ideal for nudism.

Southern and western beaches

Most of the best beaches are located on the southern and windless coast of the island.

Miglia

One of the best beaches in Skopelos is Milia Beach. It is located 25 km northwest of Chora. This large coastline can be called exotic. Small white pebbles and turquoise water, characteristic rocks protruding from the water, the greenery of countless pine trees around beautifully complement the landscape and allow the eye to rest. A large rock divides the coast in two. The left side is crowded, the right side is calmer. The beach is organized, there is a beach bar and a rescue service. Directly opposite it lies the small green island of Dasias. Stay on the beach until the evening and you will be able to admire a magical sunset that will undoubtedly remain in your memory forever. From the capital of the island - Chora (port) to the beach 20-25 minutes. by car.

Kastani

The most famous beach of Skopelos. Located near Miglia, 21 km from Chora. The shortest road to it is 15 km. The beach has become famous all over the world due to the fact that many of the filmings of the famous musical Mamma Mia took place here. The beach is smaller than Miglia. Pine trees go down to the sea, the water is wonderful. Recently it has become one of the most organized on the island, with many amenities in the Kastani Bar and many landscaped areas. Getting to the beach is easy along a dirt road that ends at the parking lot. The distance to Chora is about 15 km (22 minutes by car).

Panormos

One of the most popular and crowded beaches of the island and one of the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean Sea. Panormos is a large windless bay with a shore strewn with small pebbles and crystal water, which sharply deepens right at the very shore. This is impressive and delights almost everyone. The beach is organized, there is a lifeguard. There are hotels, apartments, and restaurants along the entire length of the coast. There is a parking lot, which is relatively small. It is worth enjoying swimming on the beach in the evening hours when the sun goes down. The sunsets here are magnificent. In ancient times, on the hill of Paliokastro in Panormos there was an acropolis surrounded by a fortress wall, which is perfectly preserved. Panormos is located 18 km from Skopelos along the Stafilos - Agnonda road and 12 km along the shorter road from Agios Rigino. But don’t let the kilometers scare you – trips around the island are pleasant and short, and also pass through dense forests and areas of exceptional natural beauty. In addition, the words “traffic lights” and “traffic jams” are unusual here. From the capital of the island to the beach it is a 15-20 minute drive. The natural bay of Blo near Panormos is considered one of the most beautiful places, truly unique in natural beauty due to the natural bay. And from here you can admire the most beautiful sunsets on the island. Unfortunately, a forest fire broke out on one of the slopes visible from the beach several years ago. But the forest is restoring itself - new growth of pine trees has already appeared.

Stafilos

This is the first beach you come across, 4 km from the town of Skopelos - one of the most famous and crowded beaches of the island. It got its name from King Staphilus. This beautiful pine-covered bay with sandy and pebble coastline and clear water is an excellent choice for swimming. The beach is organized, with a beach bar, and there is a lifeguard.

If you take the bus (7 minutes from Chora), keep in mind that it stops at the top, on the Skopelos - Glossa road. From there you will have to walk about 500 m. Don't be alarmed: the path goes through a dense pine forest and is certainly impressive. Going down the steps you reach the beach. There is a restaurant with good cuisine right above it. There are 2 more restaurants nearby.

Velanio

If you follow Stafilo beach along the coast and the path at the top of the hill, you will find yourself at the second beach, Velanio, which is worth a visit, although it requires a short walk to get there. This is the only beach on the island where nudism is officially allowed (it has been declared a nudist beach). It starts right after the first rock, which in some way divides the shore. Of course, those who don’t want to swim naked also come here to relax, because the beach is one of the favorites among the population.

On the right side of the beach there is a beautiful cave, and water flows from the rocks at the end of it, a sign that there were ancient baths here in the Roman era.

Velanio has its own interesting feature: when the sun goes down and there are fewer swimmers, wild goats often come down to the edge of the beach to drink water from the sea. On the coast of Velanio, as on most of the beaches of the island, you will not find high-rise hotels and tourist infrastructure, which in general can change their natural beauty. It seems incredible, but it's true. Therefore, when you swim in its waters, you see only a beautiful coastline and a slope with a dense pine forest. This is the Skopelos of your dreams. The beach is very long. The further you go, the more beautiful it and the seabed become.

If you have a boat or boat and want to anchor offshore, be careful. You can't moor everywhere. Therefore, it is a good idea to carry detailed navigation charts with you. Distance from Skopelos town (port) – 4.4 km (about 7 minutes by car).

Limnonari

At a distance of 9.5 km from the town of Skopelos, one turn after Agnonda, you will see a sign that announces another beautiful beach - Limnonari.

There is a legend that the name of the beach comes from the name of the god of war Arisa (Lake Arisa), who was fascinated by its beauty. There is another option for the origin of the name. Since the bay is closed and completely protected from the winds, the name Limnonari, that is, a small lake, accurately describes the generally quiet and calm waters of the bay.

Either way, you will certainly be captivated by the turquoise waters and the fine white sand of the coastline left behind by the winter waves. After winter, there is a high probability that a strip of pebbles will appear on the beach for several meters to the water's edge, which you must cross or carefully enter directly into the water from a shallow area. But this is not an obstacle at all and you will undoubtedly enjoy the beach. Limnonari is one of the organized beaches of Skopelos: there are sun loungers and umbrellas, two small taverns next to the beach and a parking lot. The road leading to Limnonari is narrow and winding, so caution is required. You can get there from Skopelos in 15 minutes.

Agnondas

Below Amaranto, at a distance of 8 km from the city, is the Agnondas beach surrounded by pine trees. Here the pine trees literally embrace the sea, and the sunsets are unique. It received its name from the ancient Olympian from Peparitio Agononda, after he returned victorious in the pentathlon from Olympia in 568 BC. e. and disembarked from the ship at this place. The entire area was named in honor of the winner, and his image was minted on silver coins of the classical era.

Agnontas is also a fishing port. Every night, dozens of boats go out to sea to catch fish and squid, which you can also enjoy if you stop by one of its many fish taverns. Distance from the port of Skopelos 8 km - about 10 minutes. by car.

Island	How to get there	Beaches	Attractions
Amoulyani		Very little
	Moscow-Athens-Zakynthos		Moderately
	By plane with a transfer or direct flight to Athens, then by ferry	Moderately
Santorini	By plane with a transfer or direct flight to Athens, then by ferry
	By plane with a transfer		Moderately
		Moderately
	By plane Moscow-Chios, then by ship to the island of Psara	Moderately
		Moderately	Very little
Skopelos		Moderately
	By plane to Athens, by ferry or plane to Rhodes, Kos and then by boat to Tilos

Amoulyani Island

Amuliani is the only inhabited island on the famous island. Today, this place is the best suited for a comfortable, secluded holiday, although just a few years ago there wasn’t even a cafe here. The nature of Amuliani is amazingly beautiful: the clearest sea, picturesque bays and sandy beaches, small uninhabited rocky islands.

Amoulyani's attractions include a temple, a settlement with traditional Greek buildings, and a local port called "Arsanas". Fans of extreme recreation are offered various types of water sports and special walking routes. On the island, tourists can take advantage of both hotel services and private sector offers. Numerous bars, pizzerias, restaurants, and night entertainment centers are always open to visitors.

How to get there. To get to Amoulyani, you need to leave Thessaloniki, drive 130 km to the village of Tripiti, where there will be a ferry to the island. The ferry departs every half hour and travel time by sea takes 15 minutes.

Zakynthos Island

Another “pearl” of unexplored Greece is the island of Zakynthos - the southernmost point of the Ionian archipelago. This is not only a great place for a romantic holiday, but also an opportunity to get in touch with ancient Greek mythology. Zakynthos can be called a real exotic island of Greece: crystal clear blue water of the Ionian Sea, snow-white cliffs and huge sea turtles, which can be found here quite often.

The island has a beautiful multi-kilometer beach, and the local infrastructure is already developed enough to choose a vacation that suits your pocket, from the cheapest options to expensive luxury hotels.

Zakynthos is rich in attractions. The largest water park of Zakynthos, the Blue Caves, the village of Bokhali, Shipwreck Beach, the Church of St. Dionysius, the turtle island of Marathonisi, the Museum of Byzantine Art, the Askos stone park - all this can be seen here and you will get a lot of impressions.

How to get there. Getting to the island is not difficult, since the capital, Zakynthos Town, is only 4 km from the airport. True, it will not be possible to fly there on a direct flight yet - you need to make a transfer in Athens. Planes fly every day, sometimes several times a day.

Mykonos Island

Mykonos is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. Unlike Amoulyani and Zakynthos, it is unlikely that you will be able to relax in solitude here - people on the island like to organize noisy holidays and parties with a large number of guests. Mykonos amazes with its unusual buildings: dazzling snow-white houses, windmills, various churches with beautiful domes.

The infrastructure is well developed, so there will be no problems with choosing hotels and restaurants. Mykonos is a place for active people, so here you can go scuba diving at the diving center, horse riding, go on an excursion to the island of Delos, go boating or go on safari. Well, those who are afraid of extreme sports can take up dancing, yoga, or rent a bicycle for great walks around the island.

One of the main attractions of Mykonos related to its history is the municipal library with a huge collection of photographs and documents.

How to get there. There are no direct flights from Russia to the island of Mykonos - you need to make a transfer. Mykonos Airport is located 4 km from the main town of Chora. You can get to the island by ferry or speed boat. In the first case, the trip will take about 2 hours, in the second - only an hour.

Thira Island (Santorini)

This is perhaps one of the most romantic islands of “quiet” Greece in the Aegean Sea, which attracts with stunning views of nature and monuments of ancient history. A distinctive feature of the local architecture are small white houses, which make the island even more picturesque, as well as a large number of monasteries. Here you have the opportunity to visit the legendary volcano, which in ancient times caused the death of the Minoan civilization.

In Santorini you can enjoy a relaxing beach holiday or spend time actively - there is a large selection of sports centers and nightclubs. And, of course, there are many unique attractions: Cape Akrotiri with ancient ruins, the monastery of Elijah the Prophet on the top of the island, the unforgettable village of Ia with houses carved right into the rock and a wonderful view of the sunset, the medieval settlement of Pyrgos and other interesting places.

How to get there. You can get to the island of Santorini by plane with a transfer in Athens or by direct flight to Athens, then by ferry.

Skiathos Island

Skiathos is the westernmost island in the Northern Sporades archipelago. Lush forests, clear sea water and a huge number of beautiful sandy beaches make up the nature of the island. It is famous for its active nightlife, so the atmosphere here is sure to appeal to young people. The infrastructure has been actively developing recently, but Skiathos is considered one of the most untouched Greek islands.

On the island, a beach holiday can be perfectly combined with an active one. Water sports are very popular here - surfing, windsurfing, diving, parachuting, canoeing and kayaking, as well as beach games - volleyball, basketball, tennis, etc. Those who like a relaxing holiday can enjoy fishing. On Skiathos you can book excursions both on the island itself and beyond. In addition to the beautiful nature, there is a lot to see in terms of architecture, for example, the Church of the Archangels and the Virgin Mary and the 18th-century Evangelista Monastery.

How to get there. Yes, Skiathos Airport can be reached by plane with a transfer in Athens, and then by taxi to the town of Skiathos (located 4 km from the airport). You can also get there by ferry or high-speed boat from the seaports of Agios Konstantinos and Volos, but this route is more difficult due to the distant location of the ports from Athens and the possibility of cancellation of sea voyages.

Spetses Island

One of the most picturesque islands of the Argo-Saronic archipelago, Spetses, is located 2 miles from the Peloponnesian coast. Life on the island is very contrasting: a lot of secluded corners and a variety of nightlife, fishing boats and luxury yachts, following traditions and openness to everything new. That is why the local atmosphere attracts people from different parts of the world. It is worth noting that from May to September, cars are prohibited on Spetses, and other vehicles are used instead, including horse-drawn carts.

There are many ways to spend a bright, memorable holiday. For example, you can take a water taxi and go for a walk to a neighboring island, enjoy the view of the lighthouse, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride to the old port. Art lovers should not miss the opportunity to visit the museums of the island of Spetses and the Bouboulina Museum, as well as the Anargyros mansion.

How to get there. You can get from the island of Spetses by sea or by road through the Peloponnese. The first route starts from the port of Piraeus, which can be reached by bus or taxi from the airport in Athens (Venizelos). If you choose the road route, you need to get to Costa on the Peloponnese coast (about 3 hours), and then take a ferry or sea taxi to Spetses (5 to 15 minutes).

Psara Island

The small islet of Psara is located in the northern Aegean Sea and is the only inhabited place of the seven island complex. Unlike many other Greek islands, this mountainous place has virtually no vegetation, and the main occupation of the few local residents is fishing. The tourism sector has been developing rapidly in recent years. The islet of Psara is an ideal place for those who want peace and quiet.

The island has many wonderful beaches, including isolated ones, and interesting places to visit: the Paleokastro fortress, the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Church of St. Nicholas, the Archaeological Museum, the houses of admirals Constantine Canaris and Nikolis Apostolis.

How to get there. The island of Psara can be reached by ferry from the seaport of Piraeus via the island of Chios. You can also fly to Chios by plane (direct flight from Moscow, availability must be checked), and then take a ship from the port of Volissos to Psara.

Patmos Island

Another small island of the Aegean Sea, the northernmost in the Dodecanese archipelago, is called Patmos. Numerous cliffs, headlands with stunning sea views and impressive caves create a unique wilderness charm. Patmos has a religious history and over 50 churches and monasteries can be found here. If earlier the island was considered a place for a relaxing holiday, now it will also appeal to lovers of noisy fun - there are many taverns, bars, entertainment centers on the island, and folk festivals are often held.

Among the main attractions of the island is the Cave of the Apocalypse, which is a holy place for pilgrims, since it was here, according to legend, that John the Theologian, by God's providence, wrote his holy scripture. At the top of Mount Chora, next to the cave, is the monastery of St. John. The treasury and library of the monastery contain icons, frescoes, manuscripts and other historical values.

How to get there. There is no airport on the island of Patmos, so only the sea route is possible: by ferry from the port of Piraeus the trip will take about 7 hours. There is another option: fly by plane to other islands of the archipelago (Leros, Kos, Samos), then also by ferry to the island (from Samos to Patmos is just an hour's drive).

Skopelos Island

Not far from the island of Skiathos in the western Aegean Sea there is a very beautiful island of Skopelos that has preserved its pristine nature. It is literally “immersed” in pine forests, orchards and groves. There are also stunning beaches here, not yet spoiled by the large flow of tourists. If you want to relax peacefully and without fuss, enjoying the rich nature and ancient monuments of Byzantine culture, then this place is perhaps the best option.

The attractions of Skopelos are associated primarily with medieval churches and monasteries, of which there are more than 100. The most famous of them are the churches of Agios Athanasios, Panayia Papameletiou, the monasteries of Evangelistrias and Agios Ioannis Prodromos. There are a lot of picturesque old houses and mansions on the island, which are architectural monuments in themselves. Travel enthusiasts can easily rent a speedboat or small boat and admire the beauty of the rocky shores or go on hiking trails around the island.

How to get there. You can get to Skopelos from Athens or. There are two ways from Athens: 1) fly to Skiathos airport, then take a ferry or speed boat to Skopelos; 2) from there, take a bus to the port of Agios Konstantinos, then take a ferry (about 2 hours) or a speed boat (45 minutes - 1 hour) to the island.

Tilos Island

On the island of Tilos you can also spend your holidays relaxed and secluded, since there is no tourist rush here yet. This island belongs to the Dodecanese archipelago and is located near the famous Rhodes, in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea. Like other Greek islands, it is famous for its interesting ancient history and beautiful nature. In addition, in addition to bays, caves, clean sandy beaches, Tilos has a lot of springs with high-quality drinking water.

Tourist infrastructure is most developed in the capital Megalo Chorio and the village of Livadia. Sports, diving, snorkeling, fishing, tourist routes around the island and boat trips to other Dodecanese islands - these and other entertainments are offered to vacationers. Among the interesting objects to see are the temple of Taxiarch Lifos, the ruins of the medieval fortress of Agriosikia, the Harkadio cave, the monastery of St. Panteleimon, the Paleontological Museum of Tilos, etc.

How to get there. You can get to the island of Tilos from the port of Piraeus by ferry, but the trip will be very long (on average 15-17 hours). It is much more convenient to fly by plane from Rhodes or other large islands of the archipelago (Kos, Nisyros, Kalymnos), then take a ship to Tilos.

Photo: thinkstockphotos.com, flickr.com

Skopelos(emphasis on the first “O”) - an island in Greece, in the Aegean Sea, one of the islands of the Northern Sporades archipelago. The island is located in the western Aegean Sea and is 20 km away. from mainland Greece. The island is very small - about 20x5 km. The length of the coastline of Skopelos is 67 km. The population is just over 4.5 thousand inhabitants. At the same time, there are more than 360 churches and chapels on the island.

Northern Sporades

Skopelos is the second largest island of the Northern Sporades archipelago. In addition to Skopelos, the archipelago has three inhabited islands - Skiathos, Alonissos and Skyros.

Skiathos is located very close to the mainland, only 4 km from the mainland. There is an airport (JSI), tons of hotels and the best beach in Greece (according to TripAdvisor). Skiathos is both smaller and lower than Skopelos. There, the tourism industry machine is working at full capacity, which is why we didn’t go there.

Alonissos on the contrary, it is the quietest island of the archipelago. He is also smaller and lower. After a day trip, the island left a more country-like impression. Of course, there is a historical center there, but it is more like an attraction there. The main advantage of the island of Alonissos is a marine reserve with dolphins and fur seals;

On Skyros We weren’t there; it’s somewhat remote from the main group of islands.

In addition to three inhabited islands, there are 20 uninhabited ones in the archipelago.

Holidays in Skopelos

All accommodations on Skopelos can be divided into three types:

First– the historical part of the capital of the island, the city of the same name Skopelos. There are narrow pedestrian streets, small, tightly packed houses overlooking the bay, balconies overlooking neighbors, street cafes and restaurants. Very nice and atmospheric place.
Second– outskirts of Skopelos town. There are private houses and plots of 6 acres. Green gardens with tangerine trees, grapes, laurel bushes, pomegranates, olive groves, etc. The center is just a stone's throw away. There are no problems with shops, restaurants and cafes here either.
Third– nirvana. Lonely villas right on the beach. With a restaurant, a beach, an olive grove and almost no neighbors. If we had known that we would have to rent a car, we would have chosen this method of accommodation. It’s clear that there are a lot of people on the beaches during the day, but in the morning and evening it’s great in such places.

The main activity on the island of Skopelos is visiting the beaches. Most popular beaches can be reached by regular bus, which runs approximately twice an hour.

However, not all beaches can be reached by bus. Therefore, the majority of vacationers rent cars (~40 euros/day) or scooters (~20 euros/day). To rent a scooter you will need a license of category A1 or A, otherwise everything is the same as with us. Less active, but still quite common, are boats, ATVs and buggies. Also at quite reasonable prices.

Skopelos is much more interesting with a car. The number of accessible beaches increases sharply, beautiful mountain roads and most of the attractions become available.

There are several routes for hiking enthusiasts. Some of them are prepared. There are gazebos, it is clear where to go, in some places the bushes have been cleared and the paths are lined with stones. But some routes are only on the map - the paths are confused with goat paths and it is not at all clear where to go. The problem is that you won't know about it until you get there. So we walked 900 meters for 2.5 hours. Another problem is that almost all hiking trails are only accessible by car.

How to get to Skopelos

The easiest way to get to Skopelos is through the airport in Volos (VOL, Rynair flies there). From Volos 2.5-4.5 hours by ferry, depending on the type of ferry. We drove through Athens, but that's a different story.

Also, there is an airport (JSI) on the neighboring island of Skiathos, from there by ferry it takes from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. There are regular flights to Skiathos from Athens and some European countries. But most of them are charters from European tour operators. Almost all vacationers on Skopelos or clients of these tour operators are Greeks.

Flyingcat 6 is a passenger catamaran with 342 seats (without cars). Built in 1997, cruising speed is 50 km/h. The fastest way to get to Skopelos is from Volos, Agios Konstantinos or Skiathos Island.

We met Russian tourists only twice, and most likely they were not from Russia (there was some accent, there are many Russians in Greece). There are a lot of Italians, they come here in their cars. There is an active ferry service between Greece and Italy. We met cars with license plates from almost all European countries.

Sights of Skopelos

Skopelos town, central part

The historical part of the city is of interest. Here the roads are closed to cars. Many streets are a hybrid between a road and stairs. Small, tightly packed houses, laundry on lines and local pensioners. Lots of street cafes and restaurants. As mentioned above, a very atmospheric place. The main drawback is that after 30 minutes there is nothing to do here.

Zoodochos Pigi Monastery

I can’t say how it is in Russian. Located directly in the town of Skopelos. Accessible on foot.

Mount Palouki

The second highest mountain on the island of Skopelos. It offers views of the islands of Alonissos, Peristera and the Greek mainland. The height of Mount Paluoki is 567 meters above sea level. There are several organized hiking trails in the area and several monasteries worth visiting.

From Skopelos town it takes about 20 minutes. The last few kilometers are on dirt roads of varying quality.

Tombs of Sendoukija

A very muddy place. The second most popular after the monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos. In fact, these are just three square holes in the rock. Next to them are three stone lids. All the guidebooks say that no one knows what it is, why it is, or when it is. Something from the category of local mysticism.

From the town of Skopelos it takes about 20 minutes, almost the entire way on asphalt. The last kilometer will have to be walked. An easy path slightly uphill.

Mount Delphi

The highest mountain of Skopelos and the Northern Sporades as a whole is 681 meters above sea level. The place is poorly accessible. You will have to drive 20 minutes (2.2 km) from the Sendoukija tombs along a bad dirt road. At the end you will have to walk about 2.5 km and climb another 150 meters. Upon closer inspection, the mountain is replete with rocks. It’s better not to climb here if you don’t know the route. It is on the maps, but we were unable to find it on the spot. There are many goat paths and it is not clear where to go. They didn't take risks.

Monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos

The main attraction of Skopelos island. A small isolated rock with a church at the top. There are quite steep stairs to the church. There are railings, everything is quite safe. There are two magnificent beaches near the church. One of them is only accessible by ford, and as a result, there is almost no one there. One of two deserted beaches we were on.

It's about an hour's drive from Skopelos. Most of it is on the main highway, the last few kilometers are on a narrow asphalt road.

This monastery was used at the end of the movie Mamma Mia. This is one of two places on the island where this is somehow used. The cafe here is called “Mamma mia’s dream”.