The Music House
Palio Klima, Skopelos
Skopelos is an island in the Western Aegean situated between Skiathos and Alonissos. The group of islands is known as the Sporades. Formed of rocky, pine-forest clad mountains, olive groves and enticing beaches, some stony and some sandy, Skopelos is perhaps one of the most beautiful and unspoilt of the Greek islands, characterised by its abundance of greenery set against the blue of the sea and the sky. The underlying rock makes the water around the island crystal clear and the reflection of the forest often creates a beautiful emerald-turquoise sea-colour. Plum and almond trees have traditionally thrived here. Unspoilt nature is everywhere and makes this island a treasure for those who value this.
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The main town and port of Skopelos in the south-east of the island offers a lively harbour-life and plenty of shops, cafes and tavernas to enjoy. To the north-west of the island is the second town of Glossa, a picturesque hill-top village with houses and shops winding up old stone paths to the church and square at the top. Its small port, Loutraki, sits at the very bottom of the hill and is visited by ferries, catamarans and sailing boats as well as being a hub for local fishing boats. Both Glossa and Loutraki also offer plenty of tavernas and eating out on the island is a pleasure.
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Around the island are plenty of beaches to explore - some offer easy access by bus, such as Elios and Hovolo, Milia, Panormos, Stafilos and Limnonari. In high season they become busy but with the exception of Kastani (of Mamma Mia fame!) there is always space away from the crowds. Others - for example Armenopetra, Perivoliou and Agios Ioannis with its rock-top church (Mamma Mia, again!) - require a car or even a hike but are all the quieter for this.
Old stone footpaths across the island lead to various churches and monasteries set off the beaten track and make for a good week of exploring out of the hot season.
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You will find traditional Skopelos houses particularly in Skopelos and Glossa, characterised by their wooden balconies. The islanders are proud of their traditional heritage and their folk dancing groups perform from time to time, most notably at the end of August when the island hosts dancing groups from all over Greece at the folk dancing festival in Skopelos Town.
Throughout the year news from the island is posted regularly on
www.skopelosnews.wordpress.com.
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