Paxos
from £ 631 pp
View All DealsHolidays to Skopelos are all about crystal-clear waters and natural beauty, not to mention the Greek charm of the authentic main town.
Skopelos is a lush green island off the eastern coast of Greece that's held onto its natural look. Whether you’re a hiker, swimmer or simply a sucker for rustic scenery, you’re sure to be bowled over by the hidden pebble beaches, fragrant forests and peaceful plum orchards that call this island home.
Skopelos is bursting at the seams with authenticity. Stafilos, just south of the island's capital, is a sleepy place where lofty pines and bougainvillea-covered houses fringe a modest, sandy bay. Head north-west to Glossa and you’ll effectively go back in time. With its colourful window shutters, unhurried vibe and classical Venetian towers, this old-world hamlet's right out of a history book.
The island's capital Skopelos Town overflows with Greek charm. Wander the hilly alleyways and you'll find lively jazz bars, quaint boutiques and fancy seafood restaurants just as compelling as the Byzantine churches and Venetian fortress. Tuck in to a local cheese pie at a welcoming taverna along the old port.
Boasting a coastline of rocky outcrops, discrete coves, sandy bays and pebble-dashed strips, no-one can accuse Skopelos' beaches of being all the same. Most visitors head straight for the scenic, sandy belts to the south and west — and they’re right to do so. The northern coast may not be as easy on the eye, but what it lacks in Insta-grabbing looks, it makes up for with rugged charm.
Nestled on the southern shore is scenic Stafilos Beach, a curved bay of fine golden sand and gently shelving water that’s as family-friendly as it is picturesque. After a long day chilling out on the sand, retreat to one of the cute nearby tavernas. They’ll serve up sweet bay views along with classic Greek eats.
Just around the corner from Stafilos and protected from the elements by surrounding cliffs, peaceful Velanio Beach can feel like something of a sanctuary. Perhaps that’s why naturists have their own designated area here.
The old town and harbour are the best places to pick up a bargain or two in Skopelos Town. The island’s famous black amphora bowls are the main prize, though locally made tablecloths are popular, too. Head to Glossa if you’re keen to stock up on top-notch Greek olive oil.
Shops in Stafilos are as well-stocked as they are well-kept, offering everything from sandals to leather handbags. Jewellery shops around this little village flaunt the wares of local artisans who specialise in Byzantine-style silver bracelets. Make the most of onsite engraving services to mark your purchase with a memorable message.
If you're a fan of all things fancy, the island’s capital is where your credit card needs to be. Along with bespoke pottery pieces, you’ll find everything from leather accessories to golden trinkets competing for your hard-earned euros. Original art's the way to go for a really lavish purchase – many of the region’s finest painters are based here.
Relaxed evenings are part-and-parcel of life in the countryside outside Skopelos Town. Family-run bars and restaurants put on a warm show with al fresco dining in picture-perfect surroundings. Choose a place high up on a hillside to get the best views of the island while you tuck in to your meal.
The music scene in Skopelos Town has a mature vibe, with buzzing café bars offering an eclectic menu of sounds. Don’t expect to hear much in the way of chart-toppers – this town loves its jazz, blues and 'rembetika' – an infectiously hip type of urban Greek folk music.
This huge, curling scroll of pastry, deep-fried and jam-packed with feta, isn't your average cheese pie. Beware – most helpings are ginormous.
Seafood lovers rejoice – this lobster dish is a delight. Most harbourside tavernas serve it with a side of orzo pasta and a whack of fresh basil.
Made from stuffed sea urchins, this popular local appetiser often gets served alongside gyro meat or bell peppers. Dine somewhere fancy and you may even get some quail eggs thrown in.
These syrupy balls of fried dough pair nicely with a mid-morning coffee. Find them on street stalls and in traditional Greek pavement cafés.
Accidentally concocted by bored monks back in the 1300s, this doozy of a distilled spirit fizzes with a knock-your-socks-off alcohol content. One shot of the stuff's plenty.
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