Have you ever wondered how many Greek islands exist? I think they are innumerous and probably a life’s time isn’t enough to visit them. Nevertheless, some of these islands are so close to each other and so small that they can be explored in a few days. This is exactly what I did the previous August; I visited two islands of Sporades in a period of five days, by staying in Skopelos and having a cruise to the Sea Park of Sporades and Alonissos.
Skopelos is an island with green landscapes and beautiful, sunny beaches, which is exactly how it was filmed in the “Mama Mia” movie in 2008. Although three years have passed since that filming, there are still photos from that movie outside the town hall. It is true that there are places in Skopelos where you can have real fun and places where you can completely relax. I tried to combine both of them, by staying in the Chora of Skopelos, where the main port is. The architecture there is unique, as there are small, white houses built amphitheatrically in a hill, while restaurants, taverns, bars and coffee shops exist around the port. It is magical to have a walk around that port during a night with full moon, watching its mirror on the water and getting hypnotized by the sea melodies. And for those that are fans of traditional Greek music (rebetika), I suggest them to go to “Anatoli” tavern, which has live music. The food there is delicious and the view is fantastic.
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| View from Anatoli Tavern |
Speaking of beautiful sceneries, visiting Skopelos is a good opportunity to take photos of “green” and “blue” places. The green forest of firs is endless and it is amazing that the trees meet the beach, offering their shadow to the holidaymakers. But, if you are allergic to bee stings, be very careful because a lot of swarms fly inside the trees. Also, the sea is very warm and its blue water is so clear, that you can see the sea bed without any snorkeling mask. May be it is a good opportunity to get a water resistant camera and capture the marine life in this island. Who knows, you might be lucky and see some of the dolphins that swim close to the shore.
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| Green - blue scenery in Skopelos |
But let’s be more specific about Skopelos beaches. The most popular beach is Milia, which is a sandy one and it is well organized. If you like swimming long distances, you can go to the islet opposite to the shore. Also, you can explore the small caves at the end of the beach, but you will have to swim up to there. Close to Milia, is Panormos beach and although the landscape there is almost the same as in Milia, the sea is very deep and when the weather is windy there are waves. Stafylos and Limnonari are two other nice beaches. Stafylos is the closest nice beach to the Chora of Skopelos and Limnonari isn’t far from Stafylos. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t suggest to elderly people visit Limnomari, because there is a big, flat, rock which is really slippery. Lastly, for those that like beaches with pebbles, Xovolo and Neraki wait with their caves to be explored.
Beautiful beaches, tasteful food, friendly people and everything in a good price, these are my arguments why should someone visit this island. I wouldn’t lie if I told you that I spent only 25 euro / night for two persons in a two-star studio apartment, with A/C, TV and a small kitchen. The breakfast was not included, but I didn’t care about that as the big bakery next to the port had any kind of delicatessen. The only thing that I found a little expensive was the cruise to the Sea Park of Sporades and Alonissos, but this is another story that I will soon post.
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| Stafylos Beach |
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| Stafylos |
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| Milia Beach |
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| The islet opposite Milia |
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| Limnonari Beach |
