Feel the Tranquility of Greece’s Skopelos Island

Source Pixabay CC0 Creative Commons- Dimitris Vetsikas

by Gabi Ancarola, April 3 2018, Greek Reporter

Belonging to the Northern Sporades group of islands, Skopelos is one of those places that keeps enchanting visitors through the decades.

With its hilly and still green landscapes and thinner crowds compared to more popular Greek spots, it is a persistent draw for travellers.

Located rather off the beaten path, Skopelos can be described as unspoiled fairyland. A natural landscape that has remained untouched for centuries is one of the most valuable assets visitors find.

Skopelos Town is the main village of the island; it surrounds the harbor, offering wonderful views when the ferry approaches the island. The port is located on a spectacular bay, always busy, while the waterfront promenade is home to dozens of bars and tavernas.

In contrast, the scenery in the upper town is made up of tranquil lanes and alleys full of flowers, mazes ending in small squares and old Byzantine churches.

It is full of with traditional architecture of whitewashed houses with terracotta-tiled roofs and wooden balconies. Built on a steep slope, the old town mostly inaccessible to cars, adding to its tranquility.

One of the places to check out is the Sporades National Marine Park, which other than its unspoiled panorama, also houses endless examples of local underwater life.

Skopelos is also an island with breathtaking beaches, all of them sharing the character of other Greek beaches around the country, minus some of the excessive crowds.

Among the prettiest beaches is Stafylos, Panormos and Kastani, which are easily accessible from Skopelos Town. Agios Ioannis is another favorite beach located about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the island’s capital.

Agios Ioannis is one of the most picturesque areas of the island, boasting unique turquoise waters and a stunning landscape.

The church of Agios Ioannis is located high on the rocks surrounding the area, overlooking the small bay and offering spectacular views of the island itself as well as of the nearby Alonnissos.

Both the church and the beach of Agios Ioannis have become famous since it was the location where many scenes of the movie Mamma Mia! were shot.

Food in Skopelos is made of rich traditions and a few popular dishes hard to find in other places. Being as lobster is the rock star on the island, astakos giouvetsi is the must-try lobster dish, served with orzo pasta. Other seafood typical of Skopelos include sea urchins and grouper fish.

Feel the Tranquility of Greece’s Skopelos Island

by Gabi Ancarola, April 3 2018, Greek Reporter

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