Cheap Holidays to Skopelos
Skopelos is a green and scenic holiday destination, oozing with beauty which has to be seen to be believed. The biggest island of the Northern Sporades archipelago, Skopelos remains unblighted by mass summer crowds, making it truly peaceful Greek refuge.
This lush island is full of virgin pinewoods and olive groves. Also, it has its fair share of pebble bays, natural harbours and solitary coves. It’s a great place to explore and discover its medieval monasteries, mysterious pirate graves and tiny rock chapels.
Skopelos Town is unspoilt and untouched by mass tourism, so it is still a place that retains its natural charm. This postcard town is a capital worth visiting.
Things to do
The hilly pine forests, olive groves and plum orchards, honeycombed with trails that have walker reaching for their boots. It’s great hiking territory. There are 360 tiny churches and chapels on the island measuring 13 miles by 5 miles.
As most of the island is made up of forest and hills, Skopelos is an ideal location for mountain biking enthusiasts. There are plenty of challenging trails to keep you occupied!
The beaches are enchanting and are ideal to go swimming and snorkeling. Skopelos is definitely the place to find peace and solitude. The island makes a wonderful romantic retreat.
Skopelos town is a sleepy historic place that provides a worthwhile diversion from the beaches for a day of sightseeing. The best views are to be had from the prominent castle in the town, so take your camera.
Shopping
Skopelos is small, traditional and unashamedly Greek, so Shoppingextravaganzas won’t be found here. However if you’re lazing on the beach and doing some casual souvenir hunting, then you’ll be fine.
There are souvenir shops in places like Glossa and Agnontas, and the capital Skopelos Town. In the town you’ll find bustling Shoppingstreets and white stepped lanes riddled with glamorous boutiques and arty gift shops selling hand-made pottery, embroidery and local crafts. If you’re after traditional handicrafts, there is a selection of pottery shops to browse.
Like most of Greece, you’ll find chunky silver rings, pendants and bracelets which are big favourites.
Nightlife
Generally the island is very sedate, with romantic walks along the harbour sides or sitting outside sipping ouzos. This is fine, but if this is a little too laid back for you, head to Skopelos Town where the capital comes alive after dark. With a mix between refined and raucous, there are good times to be had in the town.
In kastro or old town, there are chic rooftop bars and terraces perfect for downing cocktails while drinking in the thrilling views over the bay. In the kastro and along the quayside, you’ll find little music clubs and disco bars playing jazz, soul and Greek pop.
Eating out
Skopelos serves up some fabulous traditional Greek cooking. You’ll find your usual Greek salads with feta and black olives, creamy moussakas and herb covered lamb chops. As with all the Greek islands, there is a plentiful supply of fresh seafood including delights such as swordfish, red mullet, prawns and octopus. There are special authentic Skopeliot recipes which are a real treat for the tastebuds. Plums are grown all over the island so are quite prominent in their menus.
Pavlos, Agnontas Beach is a popular beach tavern serving fish fresh from the sea. Whilst you eat you can enjoy the relaxing but beautiful panoramic views of the Agnontas beach and reflect on your lazy days in Greece.
The Walnut Tree in Staphylos is a basic no frills café but it’s worth a visit to try the cheese pie and walnut and yoghurt puddings they produce. But if you’re missing home, and fancy a tasty roast dinner, then pop along to Molos in Skopelos Town for your British treat.