SKOPELOS Island, just like Skiathos, is densely wooded in pine over its slopes. The capital of the island is called Skopelos Town (or Hora); it is also the main harbour of the island and is a real jewel built amphitheatrically in the heart of a bay, full of white houses with tiled roofs. Here, there is no marina and all the charter yachts are using the main harbour, located on the north side of the island.The place is again very close to the shopping area to bars and restaurants. Water & fuel is available on the quay.
The approach / anchorage we recommend more is Panormos on the west coast of the island, where you should drop anchor in the middle of the bay and reverse gear until you tie a long line to the rocks ashore (you see there is no dock in Panormos). Use your dinghy to reach the beach and the tavernas. Agnondas bay at the south part of the island has a small quay where you may moor alongside in good weather – almost never free in August, though.
Skopelos’ interesting beaches are Limnonari, Stafilos, and Milia almost all on the sheltered southwest and west coasts.
With your boat, you can get to know the entire coastline of Dasia islet, including deserted shores to the northeast and Trypiti cave.
Other nice beaches/approaches are Chryssi Milia, Elios (Neo Klima), Kokinokastro, Leftos Gialos, Vothanas, Koutria, Armenopetra, Hovolo, Andrina, Velanio which have pure white sand and Kokinonissi (a small islet). When calm, a boat can overnight in a bay/beach on the N-NE coast of Skopelos island such as Perivolou, Mavraki, Kastri, Vathias, Glysteri.
Facilities and support for sailing yachts and motor boats in Skopelos is set out in the following table.
|
Skopelos Island yacht facilities |
Technical assistance |
|||||||||
|
Fuel |
Water |
Provisions | Ice |
Engineer |
Electrician |
Plastic repairs |
Wood works & repairs |
Chandler store |
Sail maker (repairs) |
GSM Mobile Telephone COVERAGE |
|
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES |
NO |
NO |
NO |
YES |
NO |
YES |
The best SHELTER POINTS in Skopelos Island are Glossa port, Stafilos and Agnondas Bay.
HAZARDS and NAVIGATION ADVICE for Skopelos Island and nearby area
When strong N winds are blowing it is difficult and dangerous to enter or to leave Skopelos main port. Also, special care should be given when approaching any beach in Skopelos because of the numerous non-visible reefs scattered around.
WATER SPORTS in Skopelos Island
A very well organised beach for water sports is located at Hotel Adrina Beach in Panormos bay area. Milia Beach offers a variety of water sports and is also a popular beach for windsurfers.
SCUBA DIVING in Skopelos Island
Scuba diving in Skopelos is not allowed for the time without authorisation as there are many antiquities below water. Before practicing your favorite sport, you must refer to the local port authorities for authorisation.
RENT A CAR / BIKE in Skopelos Island
MOTOR TOURS Tel.: +30 24240 22986 E-mail: [email protected]
BUDGET RENT A CAR Tel.: +30 24240 23170 http://www.budgetrentacar.gr/
HISTORY Information for Skopelos Island
According to some findings discovered on the island of Alonissos, it is believed that Skopelos was first inhabited in the Neolithic period and that the ancient name of the capital of the island was Peparethos (son of Dionysos, god of wine according to Greek Mythology). The name Skopelos later appears for the first time in the texts of Ptolemaios who wrote in the 2nd century AD. The name is most probably a reference to the many reefs that surround the island. From the pre-Christian era right through to the 20th century, Skopelos was on a major shipping lane and has hosted almost every major conquering force. Thanks to its abundant fresh water, the island used to be one of Greece’s most important trading hubs, producing fine wines and olive oil, and building ships. This brought prosperity and progress to the island. In 1538 Turkish pirate Barbarossa murdered the entire population of the island; only a few managed to survive and escaped to Evia and Thessaly. Many years after the massacre, they returned to Skopelos that was still under the Turkish occupation but were self-governed and paid only tax to their Turkish invaders. Skopelos together with the rest of Greece was liberated in 1830. Today, the Skopelitans are industrious and prosperous people who seem quite happy to welcome tourists.
MUSEUMS and other interesting SITES in Skopelos Island
Exploring the narrow streets of the town and the harbour of Skopelos is for sure a MUST! It also offers a variety of attractions. Starting from the town, the main attraction is the Folklore Museum (Tel. 24240 23494). Its aim is to recreate a typical Skopelitan household in a three-story building. You can request a guided tour by the very helpful staff of the Museum. Other places of interest are Kastro (located on the site of the island’s oldest settlement; a Venetian fortress now mostly ruined) and the Monastery of Evagelistria (Tel. 24240-23230, situated 4km from town, one of the most important monasteries on the island, built in 1712).
For those who love hiking, the view from the rock that stands in the sea located on the northern part of the island will definitely reward you. Its 104 carved steps will lead you to the top of the rock where the chapel of Ag. Ioannis of Kastri stands.
LOCAL THINGS & STUFF to check or BUY in Skopelos Island
For some people, chartering a sailing yacht does not offer just the delightful joy of sailing itself, but a good opportunity to travel, explore, acquire different kinds of experience and broaden horizons. Shopping is sometimes included into the major package of sailing holidays in Greece and the Greek islands.
Skopelos has a variety of shops located in the heart of the town selling Greek and local ceramics, weavings, carved wood, jewellery, leather, local sweets, local wines, liquor and olive oil (The olive oil industry is still a major island asset, along with organic honey and delicious plums – the prunes are said to be the best in the world). Many boutiques are providing a vast variety of clothes, shoes, and accessories. Souvenir shops are also available in town and in every main village of Skopelos. And remember, you should not leave Skopelos before you try the famous cheese pie!! It is very delicious and it is also served in most taverns. Make sure that there is enough space in your luggage and onboard your sailing or motor yacht for all things you may buy from the island.
Photos from the island of Skopelos
Other names used for Skopelos are: Scopelos, Skopelo, Scopelo, Scopeli, Skopeli