Getting out and about

Skopelos Island is the middle of the three islands comprising the North Sporades, with Alonnisos to the east and Skiathos to the west. The island covers 96km², 80% of which is forest. Skopelos is also the name of the main town and port in the south-east, closer to Alonnisos. Glossa is the name of the smaller port and village in the north-west, closer to Skiathos.

Ysyhia is located approximately halfway between the village of Glossa and the lighthouse at the northern tip of the island. It is situated on a dirt track 1½km from the village of Glossa. It is an easy walk in and out of the village though we do recommend a car for convenience. Glossa village has an ATM, several places to eat out, supermarkets, bakeries, a butcher plus some shops you may care to browse. It is a very traditional village and remains unspoiled by tourism.

Beaches to suit all tastes are dotted along the island's south-west facing coast. There are far fewer on the rugged north-east coast but they are well worth a visit, especially when the wind is coming from the south.

If lounging around beside the pool or on a beach is not your style, there are plenty of other things with which to occupy yourself. Skopelos Island is very popular among walkers, but you can also hire bicycles from Skopelos Town. You could rent a boat for the day, go sea kayaking or paddle-boarding with the local specialists, or perhaps you may wish to join us for a jaunt in our own boat. There are also day cruises available from Skopelos Town to the marine park around Alonnisos where you are likely to see seals and dolphins.

The church of Agios Ioannis sto Kastri which provided the location for the wedding in the film Mamma Mia is close by. In the neighbourhood there are quiet unspoiled beaches as well as beaches where you can rent loungers, buy drinks and listen to music.

The Port of Glossa is situated in the hamlet of Loutraki where there are more places to eat and drink as well as another supermarket, bakery and beach.

Further down the coast-line is the modern village of Elios/Neo Klima where there is a small harbour/marina, an ATM, places to eat and drink, supermarkets, butchers, bakeries and beaches.

From Elios/Neo Klima you can take the new road across the mountain and through the forest to Skopelos Town. This is a stunning route providing superb views of the coastline as well as the island's interior. This route provides access to the footpaths leading to the watchtower at the top of Delfi and also the ancient sarcophagi at Sendoukia.

Alternatively, from Elios/Neo Klima you can stay on the old road which follows the coast and passes all the popular beaches; Kastani, Milia, Panormos and Limnonari before reaching the delightful little fishing village of Agnondas. Close to Agnondas is the beautiful coastline of Amarandos though the road to reach it is not the best and you may prefer to go there by boat.

About halfway between Agnondas and Stafylos lies Drakondoschisma – a gorge with a mythical history. It is not signposted and these days appears on fewer and fewer maps but in our opinion it is one of the island's highlights.

Just beyond the beach at Stafylos and over the headland is the beach of Velanio, the farthest end of which, behind a large rock is the island's only official naturist beach.

Finally you arrive in Skopelos Town with its gorgeous traditional waterfront. It is a bustling port with any number of places to eat, shops to browse, supermarkets, bakeries and cafés. From here you can take boat tours to Alonnisos and the surrounding marine park.