Skopelos with its a rugged coastline and steep cliffs, is the largest island in the Sporades group. Although larger, it is much less touristy than its more visited neighbour Skiathos, and so retains much more of the traditional Greek way of life.

To get to Skopelos, there are charter flights that land at the nearby island of Skiathos, and then a hydrofoil or ferry from the port in Skiathos town. Another option is to catch a ferry from either Volos or Ag Konstantinos on the mainland.

Many consider Skopelos to be the prettiest island in the Sporades. The capital, Skopelos town, also known as Chora, is where where you will find what goes for nightlife on the island. The town has a very good selection of bars and taverna's, plus a reasonable choice of shops, but if it's all night partying you are after, this may not be the island for you. One of the islands specialities is cheese pie, another is the local form of walnut pie which is usualy served in the taverna's with ice cream.

Glossa, situated in the north of the island, is the second largest town on Skopelos. Built amphitheatrically on the side of a mountain, overlooking the sea, and surrounded by pine forests, this picturesque village with its narrow lanes and quiet, laid back atmosphere, is easily reached using the regular bus service from Skopelos town. Below the town is the pleasant, equally laid back, port of Loutraki. which is where the bus service terminates. Close by are ruins of both a Roman bath and a temple dedicated to Athena, dating from the 5th century.

Stafylos beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island. The bus that runs from Skopelos town, stops on the main road above the cove, leaving a long, fairly steep walk down to the beach. Close to where the bus stops, is a good taverna, with another about half way down the beach road that has good views over the sea. The beach itself has its own snack bar. Being so popular results in this narrow beach becoming quite crowded during the high season.

Velanio beach can be reached by walking along the length of Stafylos and making your way over the headland via a rough path. The beach, which has its own snack bar, is divided into two by a large boulder. On the far side the beach is a little less comfortable, but its comparative seclusion makes it popular with naturists.

History

Skopelos, known in ancient times as Peparanthos, was first inhabited in around 2800 B.C. By 1600 BC it is known to have been under Cretan rule, governed by Prince Stafylos, whose tomb is believed to have been found at the bay that now bears his name. Skopelos fell into decline and suffered from pirate attacks. Prosperity returned in the Classical era, with an increase in demand for the islands oil and wine. Along with an alliance with Athens, came democracy. In 338 B.C. the island was conquered by the Macedonians, followed in 146 B.C. by the Romans, followed by the Byzantium, and then Ottoman empires. In 1538, the pirate Barbarossa is believed to have slaughtered the entire population. Prosperity came to the island throughout the 18th and 19th centuries due to the expansion of trade throughout the region. Between 1821 and 1826, during the struggle for Greek independence against the Turks, the islands population soared due to inhabitants from the mainland fleeing to the island in an attemps to find refuge. In 1830 Skopelos became a member of the new Greek state.