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During my stay on Skiathos I decided to explore more of the Sporades Islands and venture out to Skopelos. I had heard so many great things about this island’s dazzling beaches, bustling waterfront, architectural heritage and, of course, the iconic setting for the film Mamma Mia! Therefore, a one-hour trip on board the ferry Ane for just under 10 euros seemed great value.
The ferry journey was pleasant. With a cool breeze and a bar, the time flew by. I even spotted a couple of dolphins!
Once I had arrived into Skopelos I made my way to the Platanos Jazz Bar to meet with Sunvil’s Rep, Nina. I ordered a Freddo Cappuccino, sat under the large plane tree cascading over the bar, looked out into the harbour and spent my time people watching.
I had only planned a 3 hour stay on Skopelos before my departure back to Skiathos on the Hellenic Ferry. To cut a long story short, travel times were misjudged and I missed the last ferry back to Skiathos.
Not to worry! Nina was very helpful and arranged a one night stay in a locally owned apartment. What’s more, I had a whole day and a night to explore more of this beautiful island. How does the saying go? ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’.
So, here comes my top 5 recommended things to do in Skopelos during a short stay…
1. Relax, take in the views and have a refreshing pint of Mythos at Glifoneri beach
A short walk from the Platanos Jazz Bar leads you to Glifoneri beach. Stroll passed traditional Greek houses and tavernas full of character. Take in the breath-taking views of the sea and all its splendour. Not to mention the birds eye view you get right at the top of the hill of the town’s buildings, harbour and mountain tops. You could take a taxi but then you wouldn’t be able to slow down and capture such fantastic images.
Glifoneri Beach is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike and has a family run taverna which offers free sun beds for patrons. Sample the Taverna’s home cooked food - between my partner and I, we devoured fried calamari, Greek salad, a roasted chicken and a carafe of wine.
2. Enjoy happy hour at one of the many bars on the harbour
There are many open-air bars dotted along the harbour, some with roof top terraces playing live music. Spoilt for choice I went to a few and took advantage of happy hour, where bar’s offer a range of cocktails and drinks at reduced prices, usually between 6-9pm. I was quite content dotting from bar to bar and relaxing into the summer breeze. My favourite was the Karyatis Bar which has incredible panoramic views of Skopelos. Here you can sit and watch the sun set behind the mountain.
3. Dine out at a traditional taverna
Ampeliki’s restaurant is a great find and rated number 2 of all restaurants on Skopelos on Tripadvisor. Offering traditional Greek cuisine and fish dishes at the far end of the waterfront promenade. The staff are extremely hospitable.
We were keen to taste a variety of food and the waiter was very helpful with his suggestions. We ate the local catch of the day, which was grilled and garnished, a large bowl of freshly steamed mussels, tomato salad dressed with olive oil and a generous portion of complimentary bread. All washed down with a cool Mythos.
The meal came to just under 30 euros, very reasonably priced considering all that we ate. After our meal we were treated with a complimentary pudding courtesy of the chef, yum!
4. Explore the winding backstreets of Skopelos
There are plenty of cobbled streets to explore in this town, just be prepared for a lot of steps. For those who prefer a leisurely stroll on the flat, you can walk along the waterfront from the Old Port to where the fishing and excursion boats depart. Alternatively, wander up and through the side streets where you will find shops, supermarkets, butchers, cafes, bakeries and local tavernas.
If you are up for a hike contact Sunvil’s Rep and Nina can provide you with a good map that details Skopelos’s hiking trails.
5. Devour some fresh pastries at the bakery
To be sure not to miss the ferry back to Skiathos, I ate breakfast at Koxyli, a bakery which is in good view of the port and has plenty of outdoor seating. Koxyli offers a nice selection of delicatessen goods at fair prices.
It seemed to be a popular spot, with many people enjoying a freshly baked pastry with their morning coffee.
31st July 2018
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