Skopelos miniature "Mount Athos"

Mount Palouki, rising to an elevation of 565 meters, is the second highest mountain on the island after Delphi (680 meters). It's situated on the southeastern side, directly opposite Skopelos Town. It's known as the little "Mount Athos" of Skopelos (and the Sporades) as it has been home to numerous monasteries and churches since the 13th century AD.

Coming from the town, the first monastery you'll encounter is the now-abandoned Panagia Livadiotissa dating back to the 16th century. One of the oldest and most impressive monasteries on the mountain is that of Agia Varvara, a veritable "castle-monastery." Equally old is the Evangelistria monastery, known locally as "Panagitsa." The monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior (Metamorfosi tou Sotiros) is famous for its intricately carved wooden iconostasis and its ecclesiastical relics. The Monastery of Prodromos offers the most beautiful view towards Chora and the Aegean Sea, which we recommend visiting during the Easter period, especially on Good Friday, to witness the procession of the Epitaphios, which takes place here at 3 pm.

The most well "hidden" and unknown monastery is that of the Taxiarchs, which is approached only by a path through the forest. Visiting the monasteries can easily be combined with pleasant and easy hiking routes in the "heart" of the mountain.