SKOPELOS TRAVEL GUIDE

SKOPELOS > MYTHOLOGY

MYTHOLOGY

Skopelos was initially inhabited from Minoan Cretes, ruled by King Stafylo, whose grave was discovered in 1927 in the region of Stafylos. Cretans introduced vine and olive cultivation to the island.

According to mythology, in 13th century BC, semi-mythical Thessalian king of Iolkos, Pelias, who usurped the power of his brother Jason, turned the Cretans away and extended his sovereignty on the island. Pelias was the one to force his nephew -Jason who arrived wearing one sandal to claim the throne- to organise the Argonauts expedition and bring him the Golden Fleece from Kolhida, so as to be able to rule.

Stafylos area is found in the southeastern part of Skopelos and is 4 km from the island’s capital. It is a small rounded peninsula named Nisi linked to the main island by a ‘neck’. In the lower part of the “neck” two beaches are formed, that of Velanio and Stafylos. On this part of the land a Mycenaean grave with offerings was discovered. It is believed that Peparithos was a Minoan colony in the region of Stafylos as the area was suitable for settlement. The first settler was Stafylos, from Crete who according to legend was the son of Dionysus and Ariadni-the daughter of King Minos. The grave is named The Grave of Stafylos.