Skopelos Beaches
The island of Skopelos has plenty of beautiful beaches for
visitors to enjoy; in fact, it boasts some of the most beautiful
beaches in Greece. Some of them may be recognisable from the film
Mamma Mia which was shot on the island. Most are shingle beaches
lapped by clear blue waters, great for snorkelling, fishing and
swimming. There are usually sunbeds and umbrellas available at the
beach, and waterfront taverns nearby. It is ideal to hire a boat to
sail to private, secluded coves at one's leisure, but by car or
even bus one can still reach lots of great beaches.
Favourite Skopelos beaches include Stafilos, which is just just
under three miles (4km) from Skopelos town, and is a very pretty
beach with a bar and a lifeguard. There is parking for cars and the
bus does stop at this beach. Panormos is another favourite; the bay
boasts one of the most beautiful, natural ports in the world and it
is celebrated for its sunsets. Beware that the water on Panormos
gets deep quite fast. Milia is considered by many to be the most
attractive beach on the island - it is long and white and has pine
forests descending all the way to the beach. The Amarandos coves
are also a popular attraction.
Panormos Beach
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Folklore Museum of Skopelos
The Folklore Museum of Skopelos is housed in a traditional
building, its interior reminiscent of Skopelitian homes of the
past. The museum exhibits local 19th and 20th-century artefacts
focusing on three areas of handiwork practiced traditionally in
Skopelos: embroidery, weaving, and handicraft work including
ceramics, woodcarving, the making of knives, tools and agricultural
implements, and folk art paintings. There are also nautical
exhibits and model ships on display, illustrating the proud
nautical history of the area. The museum has recreated rooms and
outfits to give visitors an idea of how locals lived and looked in
centuries past. It is a small but charming museum and should'nt
take much time to explore; it is interesting to walk into this old
house and become immersed in the belongings and skilled produce of
past inhabitants. For those passionate about arts and crafts this
is a must. As the collection is modern and not ancient, those
tourists who wish to explore ancient Greece need not visit.
Address:
Skopelos Island, Sporades, 37003 - Magnesia
Skopelos
www.davidbaxendale.com
National Marine Park
The National Marine Park of North Sporades is a great attraction
for visitors to Skopelos. The park was the first designated Marine
Park in the country and is currently the largest marine protected
area in Europe. Besides the open ocean, the park includes
Alonnisos, six smaller islands (Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Gioura,
Psathura, Piperi and Skantzoura), and 22 uninhabited islets and
rocky outcrops. The waters are a conservation area as they are the
breeding grounds for endangered Mediterranean monk seals. There are
also a number of dolphin and whale species in the area, including
the striped dolphin and the long-finned pilot whale. The park is
very beautiful and there is lots to explore. One of the most
popular and beautiful beaches is Agios Dimitrios, a pebble beach
with stunning turquoise water, which has been voted several times
as one of the most lovely beaches in the world. There are many
wonderful beaches to explore in the park and several great walking
paths. On Alonnisos you will find Patitiri port, from where many
boats depart to all the beaches of the island as well as the rest
of the islands of the Marine Park, where access is permitted. Some
areas are kept completely free from human influence.
Address:
North Sporades (Alonissos)
A monk seal
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Like all the Sporadic Islands, Skopelos enjoys hot, dry summers
and mild winters. Temperatures in July and August range from 82ºF
(28ºC) during the day to 72ºF (22ºC) at night.
Rainfall is unlikely in summer but showers can be expected
between September and May. The heaviest rain falls in the winter
months. Skopelos does sometimes get snow, which can be rather
magical.
All of the northern Sporadic Islands receive a strong wind
blowing from the north. Consequently, most of their beaches are on
the sheltered southern sides.
Summer is by far the most popular time to visit Skopelos. That
said, spring and autumn are excellent seasons as well, with lovely
weather and far smaller crowds than during the peak summer
months.
Skopelos has sand and pebble beaches. Sometimes, a beautiful
blanket of snow covers the island during winter.
Among its attractions, the Folklore Museum of Skopelos will
appeal to culture lovers. Nature lovers will find the National
Marine Park both engaging and informative.
However, the island's beautiful natural landscapes define it as
a tourist destination. They create a wonderful setting for family
holidays or romantic getaways.
Visitors enjoy swimming and snorkeling at Staphylos and Panormos
beaches, and picnicking at Amarandos' deserted coves. Horse riding
and sailing trips round out the island's list of activities.