Greek Islands

Skopelos (Island)

Skopelos General View

Welcome to Skopelos!

Larger than Skiathos and smaller than Skyros, this incredibly green island belongs to the Sporades group, which lie off the eastern coast of the mainland, just north of Evia. You can reach this island by ferry from two mainland ports, Volos and Ai. Konstantinos, which are connected by bus to Athens. You can also fly to nearby Skiathos, and then take one of the frequent ferries across to Skopelos.

It’s a beautiful island of 95 square kilometers, carpeted with vegetation and green trees, primarily pines, with an abundance of olive, nut and fruit trees. The island has two ports, Loutraki or Glossa on the northwest coast, and the capital, Skopelos or Chora, on the north coast, about midway along the length of the coast. Since most ferries do stop at both ports, be sure to stay on the boat if you are looking to go to the capital, as that is usually the second stop (or ask a crewmember to be sure that you are disembarking at the right stop).

From Chora there are paved roads leading to the southern beaches and along the west coast as far north as Glossa. A decent bus network, especially in summer, will get you just about everywhere. From stops along the main roads, there are often lovely walks leading down to the beaches, plus great walks along the coast connecting two or more beaches. Plenty of tavernas will be found at most of the main beach/resort areas, but there are also lots of pretty coves offering solitude, privacy, and an ideal environment.

Skopelos has an excellent tourist infrastructure, though the pace and ambience is less frenetic than nearby Skiathos, for instance. Skopelos has encouraged tourism, but not let it run rampant! There are currently about 4,500 year-round inhabitants on the island, who make their living through farming, fishing, and tourism. The fertile land with which the island is blessed, plus an abundance of water, has led to a high level of production of fruit and nuts. Notably are pears, plums, and almonds.

In general, you cannot but be impressed with what nature has endowed to this superb island. For crafts, the island has an important name in ceramic design and production, as well as for a variety of handcrafts, such as weaving and embroidery.

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