Skopelos Island
Skopelos is a Greek island located in the Aegean Sea and belongs to the Sporades island complex. It has an area of approximately 96 km² and a perimeter of 67 km. It has two mountains, Delphi (680 meters high) and Palouki (565 meters high).
Filled with dense pine forests that cover almost 80% of its area, it is considered the greenest island in the Aegean Sea. It has a good tourist infrastructure, but gathers less people than the neighboring cosmopolitan Skiathos and preserves to a greater extent its traditional character.
The name Skopelos appeared for the first time in the texts of Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD and it is probably due to the many reefs and shoals around the island.
Historical data of Skopelos Island
- In ancient times, Skopelos was called Peparithos. In Staphylos there is a Mycenaean tomb, while on the eastern side of Chora Skopelos there is an Asklepiion, a short distance from the sea (about 15-30 meters). In ancient times it was famous for its wine (Peparithios oinos). It is said that it was inhabited by Cretans, whose leader was Staphylos, son of Ariadne.
- In the 4th century, the bishop of Skopelos was Agios Riginos, who today is the patron saint of Skopelos.
- In 1207, during the Frankish period, the island was conquered by the Crusader Jeremiah Gizi.
- In 1538, after the looting of Skopelos by the corsair Barbarossa, the island was enslaved by the Ottomans, under whose rule it remained until 1830, when it was united with the newly liberated Greece.
Sights of Skopelos Island
Chora Skopelos is a traditional small town with characteristic architecture and beautiful cobblestone alleys. It has been declared a “Traditional Settlement” by Presidential Decree of 1978. Chora Skopelos and the entire island are full of old traditional churches, chapels and monasteries. A total of 24 monasteries are mentioned.
Beaches of Skopelos Island
On the North and East side of Skopelos Island the coasts are rocky, while on the South and West the slopes create the wonderful green beaches of the island. On the south side are most of the beaches: Stafylos, Velanio, Agnontas, Limnonari, Panormos, Milia, Kastani, Hovolo, Elios, Armenopetra, Katakalou in Glossa, the Glysteri and many others, “drowned” in the green of the pine forests.
Morphology of Skopelos Island
The Skopelos Island stretches about 15 km in the south-east to north-west direction, while only about 6 km from the south-west to the north-east side. It is located a short distance from Alonissos Island (about 3-4 km east at the closest point) and Skiathos Island (6-7 km west). On the eastern side of Skopelos Island, on the channel between Skopelos and Alonissos there are two islets: Agios Georgios and Mikro.
Skopelos with a “Hollywood” scent!
Seductive verdant landscapes, emerald waters on dreamy shores, Pelion architecture, natural beauties, hiking trails, imposing monasteries, the Natural Marine Park and an authentic island atmosphere make up the image of Skopelos, a green island, since most of it is covered by virgin pine forest.
The most important feature of Skopelos is definitely its wonderful beaches with turquoise crystal clear waters and the green pine trees surrounding them, but also its rich gastronomy.
However, no one can resist its traditional twisted cheese pie (Skopelitiki Tyropita), the fame of which has traveled all over Greece! This local delicacy is made from crispy “phyllo” and has local goat cheese as its main ingredient.
The beauty of Skopelos Island did not leave unmoved even the Hollywood producers who chose to shoot the movie “Mamma Mia!” here, thus making the island a world-renowned tourist destination!
We wish you happy and pleasant holidays!
