ISLAND

Skopelos: a forest  thrown into the sea

This is in fact what  Skopelos is, the greenest island in Greece. The island where the ending of the blue meets the start of the green, where the pine forests meet the sea and marry the colors and elements to create images of great beauty. In 1997 was named officially as the "Green and Blue Island" by the International Organisation of Biopolitics and traditional settlement in 1978, a Presidential Decree. If you visit you will find a small paradise at the heart of Greece. The island is big enough and has to show a lot. Therefore, this will need several days to be able to explore it.

Starting from the capital (Chora)

The picturesque town of Skopelos composes itself a unique landscape where certainly you will enjoy the trails in narrow alleys. All the houses with the red or shades of gray tiles and the flowers steep cobbled streets decorate the island in a fascinating way. You will wander the narrow streets from Pigadaki, you will go up to the castle and from there you get off the harbor, stopping every so often to admire the breathtaking views. In case you think you have lost in the innumerable streets of Skopelos just go down any street and one of them will reach the port.

A beautiful city with a genuine traditional character, stretching from the port and ends at the ancient city of Peparithos. This is also the first name of the island. Peparithos was the son of Ariadne and Dionysus, an ancient god.

Arriving in Skopelos, one of the first things you have to do is visit the Venetian castle which overlooks the town as well as the medieval fortress built on the ruins of ancient Peparithos. Do not be surprised that everywhere there are churches. The religious tradition is unchanged on this island and its residents to ensure it till nowadays. 380 is the whole number while 25 of them are located within the area of the castle. Some of the most beautiful and best preserved is the St. Athanasius and St. Apostolos with magnificent frescoes of the 17th century, St. George, St. Michael, the church of Panagia faneromeni (virgin revealed)  and the monastery of the diocese built on earlier Byzantine church.

The Folk Museum is one of the attractions of which Skopelos can be proud. Housed in a neoclassical building, exhibits highlight the cultural heritage of the site. Additionally, you have to see  the famous "Sentoukia, where you will admire the, carved in the rocks, tombs from the Late Roman period. In Ampeliki  you will find Asklipieio where are preserved remains of the 4th century. Do not forget to admire the pictures of the monastery Evaggelistria which has a temple decorated with gold leaf.

Entertainment  and local events

For your relaxation and coffee, you will go to one of the coffee shops along the coast of the country whereas you will eat in the picturesque "ouzeri” (traditional restaurants, taverns) with delicious appetizers. And when the night falls the rhythms of the island, hit in various bars in town.

For those who are keen on tradition, island is not lacking in events. During the month of August do not miss the local festivals organized by the municipality in which is included the celebration of the plum. The biggest celebrations are on 26 June (St. John the Baptist) and 6 August (Sotiros, the Saviour).

You should also know that Skopelos is probably one of the few places in Greece where rembetiko (folk music) has remained alive and rooted in place since I was brought here by refugees from Asia Minor, early last century. It is therefore not surprising that the locals not only appreciate it much, but a feast or dance in Skopelos doesn’t exist without rembetika.

Aegean beaches

And because you are anxious to see the beaches on which you have heard so much, note the following:
By boat you will reach the beaches of Surrey, St. Constantine and Glisteri located north of the country. By boat you will also visit the cave Tripiti which has two entrances and exits.
At the settlement of Agnontas, a green village with a port, you will find Panormos and Staphylos. Bathing  in Panormos is a unique experience if you go in the sunset ,you feel that you swim in a river of golden water. As about Staphylos, a trial will convince you. This is one of the most popular and crowded beaches with crystal waters and it is offered for  complete holiday as it has everything. Behind this coast, there is a small promontory where lies the beach Valanios. It is accessible on foot, by boat or swimming from Staphylos. It's pretty great beach with fine sand and the principle of no umbrellas, deck chairs and a bar and attracts many nudists.

By boat you will reach Limnonari, one of the best beaches while next to Panormos, is located Milia, famous for the beach party that will keep you awake until morning. The beaches offer  activities like water spots but also various bars for evening outings.