Skopelos’ settlements: Visit each and every one of them!

Beautifully located in the Aegean Sea, and more specifically in the Northern Sporades island complex, Skopelos truly constitutes a worth-visiting gem that, once visited, it will blow your mind with its grace. Skopelos’ natural shape resembles a saxophone with plenty of magnificent beaches stretching along it; moreover, it has few natural harbors and bays and quite a few plains. Skopelos has a growing economy based on tourism, but also on agriculture. Plums and almond orchards are very common and they accentuate the island’s beauty. It has three main settlements: Chora,which is actually the center of Skopelos, Glossa and Neo Klima (or “Elios”).

As mentioned above, Chora is Skopelos’ main and largest town. In Chora, there is the central port of the island and of course, there are many shops, restaurants and clubs that can satisfy any taste. Choras’ architecture is as traditional as it gets. The alleys are cobblestoned, having -here and there- stairs made of stone and the houses that surround those alleys have various hues of Skopelos’ traditional colour: brown (varying from tan to maroon). Nowadays, there are few houses that are painted with different and sometimes unexpected colours, making Chora an even more architecturally interesting place. There is also the Folklore Museum of Skopelos that clearly depicts the way people used to live in the past, along with Skopelos’ architecture.

As you stroll around Chora, you will find the exceptionally beautiful Venetian Castle. It is located in Peparethos, which is in fact Skopelos’ ancient settlement, upon a hill and one can see it from various spots on the island. Needless to say that the view from up there is amazing. The Venetian Castle of Skopelos is dated back to 13th century and today, there are only some remains of the walls that were meant to protect the people of Skopelos from the Pirates. In Chora, you can also find plenty of churches and monasteries, namely about twenty-four. One of the most impressing churches is the church of “Isodion tis Theotokou” which is located near to the port, upon a huge rock. Inside this gorgeous church, you can admire Christian Art that traces back to 17th century. Once in Skopelos’ Chora, even if you lose your orientation when strolling around its alleys, do not be afraid; you can easily find your way to the port.

Glossa is the second largest settlement of Skopelos, located in the northwestern area of the island. Probably Glossa’s name is given to this area due to the fact that Glossa (which is the greek word for ”tongue”) has indeed a shape that resembles tongue. This area has been inhabited since antiquity by the Cretans that arrived on this island. Archaeological evidence reveals that they built a settlement in there, named Knossa. In the area surrounding Glossa, there are also many sites of archaeological importance, such as ancient castles. Once in there, do visit the beautiful church of “ Agios Taxiarchis”,which is actually the oldest church on the island. In its yard, there are traces of a church that dates back to 4th-7th century. Glossa is fertile, having plum and almond orchards but also olive trees and vineyards that produce high-quality products. This settlement has still a vibrant traditional colour; you may encounter ladies that wear traditional costumes!

Neo Klima (or “Elios”) is located probably in one of the wonderful and full of green settlements on the island. This settlement was created after the desolation of another settlement due to a rockfall in 1981. This area is surrounded by a virgin, coniferous forest and it has astonishing beaches with crystal clear waters -Hovolo being the most prominent example-, hence it constitutes an ideal holiday destination for those that long for relaxing holidays. Many tourists prefer this side of the island to spend their holidays and there are many accommodation options available, such as the beautiful Hovolo Hotel Apartments that can guarantee a lovely accommodation that you will later vividly recollect with joy. Explore Neo Klima’s nature and go on hiking to Delphi mountain. If you be there on July 1rst, do not miss the feast of “Agioi Anargyroi”. You will have the chance to taste, both literally and figuratively, Skopelos’ tradition from first hand.

Do not wait any longer; explore Skopelos as soon as possible!