SKOPELOS TRAVEL GUIDE

SKOPELOS > OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW

Skopelos is a green Aegean island rich in golden sandy beaches and covered in pinewoods and olive trees. The intoxicating aromas of oregano, thyme and pine resin can fill everyone’s heart with joy.

The island covers an area of 96 km² and a coastline of 67 km. It is mountainous with its highest peaks of Delphi at 680 m and Palouki at 566 m. The main capes are Gourouni, Myti, Velona and Kiouto. The island’s population is about 5,000 residents 3,000 of which live in the capital Hora while, the rest live in the settlements of Glossa, Elios (Neo Klima) and Loutraki.

Skopelos is one of the most developed Greek islands. Its residents were capable seamen who travelled all over Mediterranean and Black Sea, and got into contact with other civilized cultures. That had a positive impact on their way of living fortunately, without affecting their traditions. Today the residents of Skopelos are distinguished for their hard work, their hospitality, and their interest related to social life; moreover, pottery, painting and music especially “rempetiko” were some of their favourite hobbies as they have a tendency towards arts. The island’s climate is mild during winter and warm during summer.

Skopelos is covered in dense forests that sometimes reach its beautiful beaches. The island is full of forests like pine and plane trees, olive groves, almond and lots of other fruit trees. In ancient times, the island was called Peparithos named after Ariadni’s and Dionysus’ son.

Hora, the capital, was declared a traditional settlement by the Greek government. It is a traditional town with characteristic architecture placed in the north-east part of the island. The island has a great amount of old traditional churches, and monasteries specifically; there are 360 churches of which the 123 are in Hora. Finally, some other villages are Elios or Neo Klima, Palio Klima, Glossa and Loutraki.