SKOPELOS - Island of Rebetiko Soul

Skopelos is considered the greenest island in Greece with 80% of its surface covered by dense vegetation (67% virgin pine forest) and this is something that the visitor realizes even before setting foot on the island. The first image from the ship, with Glossa, the second largest settlement, and its port, Loutraki, surrounded by green, is representative.

Its charms, however, are not limited to the wonderful natural environment. It has one of the most beautiful "Choras" (main towns) in the Aegean, countless beaches, a history that is lost in the depths of the centuries, important religious monuments, a plethora of options for adventure lovers but also for those of the dolce vita, who can choose between clubs with many bpm, relaxed jazz standards or "magical and dreamy nights", in the "temple" of rebetiko, the "Anatoli" on the Castle.

Traditional settlement of exceptional beauty

The capital of the island, the "City of Skopelos", the Chora, is an impressive, amphitheatrically built, island city. It has been protected since 1978, by Presidential Decree, as a traditional settlement of exceptional beauty. It is located in the position chosen by the first Minoan settlers to found the ancient city of Peparithos, which until Roman times gave its name to the entire island.

The Chora is a densely built labyrinth where cars do not fit. The uphill, cobbled streets and the stepped streets, will impose a slow pace of exploration, giving you the opportunity to enjoy countless picturesque corners, a feast of colors and a celebration of aromas. In the spotless courtyards, in the whitewashed neighborhoods, on the ledges of the houses, the always cheerful Skopelitisses continue to gather in the afternoons to "comment" on the news of everyday life.

Combination of architectural types

The architectural interest of Chora is great as it presents a great variety of buildings. You can see Venetian buildings (unfortunately few now, and ruined), mansions of Pelion - Macedonian style, neoclassical but also folk - "agricultural" houses. This seemingly mismatched combination does not seem strange, as everything seems harmoniously tied together in a special way. And if you are wondering where so many mansions came from, it is enough to mention that between the 17th and 19th centuries, Skopelos was among the 5-6 largest naval powers in the Greek area. If you want to see from the inside one of the traditional houses of Chora, you can visit the "Vakratsa Mansion", the house-museum of Pavlos Nirvanas or the Folklore museum.

You should not miss, no matter how tiring it seems, a climb to the Venetian castle, from where the Ghisi family ("Ghizi") ruled Skopelos and Sporades in the years of Venetian rule. So as not to get lost in the alleys, go up from the old port to the Panagitsa of Pyrgos, the beautiful church that is the most characteristic landmark of Chora and continue the ascent having the Aegean on your right.

Impressive beaches

The island has a plethora of beaches in all points of the horizon, but the eastern ones are more inaccessible, so visitors prefer those located on the western side. A common feature of all, whether they are sandy or pebbly, is the crystal clear waters and the intoxicating aroma of resin from the pines that reach almost to the sea.

A very popular option and due to its proximity to Chora is Stafylos, a truly impressive beach. At its eastern end, behind a small promontory, you will find Velanio, a quieter beach, which before being "organized" was a favorite of nudists. Further west, the small and sheltered beach of Agontas is preferred by those who want to combine their swim with ouzo and appetizers in one of the famous fish taverns of the settlement. Even further west is Panormos, one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the island, and next to it, the narrow bay of Blo, a favorite and safe anchorage for those who love sailing.

Continuing further north, you will find the largest beach on the island, Milia and almost next to it, Kastani. Hidden next to the village of Neo Klima ("Elios"), is Hovolo beach with the imposing white rocks on its "back". In all these beaches you will be able to enjoy magical sunsets.

Passing to the eastern side we reach the "celebrity" corner of the island, to Ai Giannis in Kastri. The beach here is beautiful but relatively small and owes its "recognition" to the imposing rock that lies at its edge. In the chapel at its top, 110 steps high, the wedding scenes were filmed for the blockbuster musical "Mamma Mia!" which gave Skopelos the "international career" it deserved, making it, in addition, a "wedding destination" for many couples from all over the world!

The reference to these beaches is indicative. On the island you will find many more that deserve your attention. Desire and time to have!

The small "Mount Athos"

The Skopelites are famous for their deep religious faith. The numbers are undeniable proof of this! The churches exceed 350, dozens of which are located in Chora. There are also many monasteries on the island, with the most important of these being concentrated on Mount Palouki, also called "Little Mount Athos". Most of the monasteries have a fortress character, reminiscent, even on a much smaller scale, of the corresponding Athonite ones. At a very short distance from each other, you can visit the monasteries of Sotir, Evangelismos, Agia Varvara, Timiou Prodromou and Pano Panagia. From Palouki you will also enjoy an impressive panoramic view of Chora.

Nature and Activities

On the wooded slopes of the mountains of Skopelos (Delfi, Palouki), extends a large network of trails, many of which were "rescued", cleaned and highlighted by a tireless British woman, Heather Parsons, who has lived on the island since 1986. There are also many routes suitable for mountain bike.

On the beaches of the island you will be able to indulge in water sports and diving. Many choose to explore unknown coves by kayak, while as mentioned above the relief of the coastline is ideal for those who love sailing.

Why "Rebetissa"?

Skopelos must be the place with the most "rembetadika" (rebetiko clubs) and the most "rebetes" (rebetiko musicians) per capita, in Greece! In support comes the annual festival "Rebetiko Days in Skopelos" which has now taken the form of an "institution". An evening at the top of the Castle, on a "balcony" above the Aegean, in the legendary "Anatoli" of the famous Skopelitis rebetis Giorgos Xintaris, accompanied by his sons, Antonis and Thodoris, with a select group of musical friends who alternate unplanned gathered in a corner that functions as a natural "soundboard" for the sweet, unadulterated and "straight" (without microphones) picks, can be for many, the ideal conclusion to a wonderful day on the island.