Why Visit
Its length is 67 km of coastline. There are many picturesque bays, grottoes, small harbours and bays. In the Western and eastern part of the island is dominated by mountains. Much of the coastline of okantovyvaût rocks with steep cliffs. The island is impressive the number of churches and monasteries, a total of more than 300. In churches and monasteries kept ancient icons and frescoes. The most famous monasteries include the Monastery of the Annunciation Monastery, Baptist, Transfiguration monastery, the monastery of Episkopi and the monastery of Saint Regina.
The main city of the island is the chorus. It is located in the northern part of the island. The choir is one of the most beautiful cities of the Aegean. Its distinguishing feature is the architecture is located in the Amphitheater-shaped white houses with red tiles with bright greenery of the island. Over twenty beaches on Skopelos, among them sandy and pebbly, wild and well suited for snorkeling and underwater fishing. All of the quiet, isolated beaches. Majestic pines on the beaches provide a natural cool shade from the hot sun, ukryvaûŝuû. The most popular beach on the island is gal′čatyj Panormos. It is located 12 kilometers from the town of Chora, a small picturesque Bay. The length of the beach is 500 meters, the width is 30 meters. On the coast there are numerous restaurants and cafés. The most popular beaches include Adrines Stafilos and Velanio.
History
The history of Skopelos probably started in the Neolithic period, according to archaeological findings from the island. Its ancient name was Peparethos, as mentioned by Thucydides. Around 1600 BC, Minoans from Crete settled the island and their mythical king Staphylos, son of Dionysus and Ariadne, introduced the wine to the locals. After the Mycenaean period, Skopelos was occupied by the Dolopians (people from Thessaly) who used the island as a military base. Then people from Chalkis, Evia island, came and founded three colonies: Panormos (today called Glossa), Selinos (today called Loutraki) and Peparithos (the present Skopelos Town). They developed trade and Skopelos enjoyed a period of prosperity.
The 5th century marked the beginning of the Persian Wars during which the island remained neutral. At the end of the wars, Skopelos joined the Delian League and implanted a democratic political system. The winners of the Peloponnesian war, the Spartans, replaced the democratic system of the island with an oligarchic political system. During Roman times, trade reflourished and wine export expanded in other areas of Greece. In the 2nd century AD, Ptolemy the Geographer is the first one to refer to Peparithos as Skopelos, probably as a reference to the many reefs surrounding the island. Since then, the island kept this new name. Christianity appeared in Skopelos in the 3rd century AD and spread quickly.
In the 4th century AD, the seat of an archbishop was established and the first archbishop of Skopelos was Reginos, who later became a saint and the protector of the island. In 1207, Skopelos is occupied by the Venetians and after 1276, with the decline of the Byzantine fleet, the island becomes a shelter for pirates. The years that follow, from 1453 to 1538, Skopelos falls under the Venetian rule for the second time. The same year, the Turk pirate Barbarossa attacked the island and slaughtered its inhabitants. Some of them survived and escaped to Evia and Thessaly, returning years later to their homeland. In the location Sedoukia, there are the legendary pirate graves. The island is set free from the Ottomans after the Greek Revolution of 1821.
Museums - Archeological
Skopelos flourished during the Hellenistic and Classical period as it is proved by the plethora of archaeological findings in the area. Scupltures, statues and inscriptions were brought to light as well as the ruins from the sanctuary of Asklepios which date back to 4th century BC. Skopelos is famous for its folklore tradition as well.
The brilliant cultural heritage of Skopelos has found a home in an old stone building in Glossa. The Museum of Cultural Heritage aims to provide a real insight into the island's tradition and local history through a nice collection of folklore items. On the first floor the museum houses the traditional costumes, dresses and items of daily use. The balcony offers breathtaking views to the entire village.
The Folklore Museum of Skopelos is housed in one of the most characteristic mansions of 18th century. It includes the bridal bedroom, local costumes, icons, embroideries, ceramic vases, furniture and paintings. Of great interest is the Photographic Centre of Skopelos. It plays a major role in the cultural aspect of the island organizing many photography events and exhibitions to promote the work of new artists.
Beaches
Panormos, Stafilos, Agnondas, Milia, Hovolo, Agios Ioannis, Adrina, Armenopetra, Elios, Glyfoneri, Glysteri, Hodrogiorgis, Kastani, Limnonari, Loutraki, Perivolou, Town beach, Velanio
Religious Monasteries and Churches
Most of the churches that spread throughout the island of Skopelos date back from the post –Byzantine times until the Turkish occupation. The religious art of Skopelos can be seen in the austere chapels, the imposing churches and the isolated monasteries which are now a part of the island's monumental architecture.
Among the dozens of Byzantine monuments that are found in Skopelos, distinguishes the Monastery of Evagelistrias. Set high on the mountain slopes, 4 km from Chora, the monastery clearly relates to a fortress, built in 1712 over the ruins of an ancient monastery. It hosts valuable Byzantine frescoes and a breathtaking view to the bay. At the top of a huge rock in the sea lies the precious monastery of Agios Ioannis in Kastri with 110 steps leading to its entrance. It became famous while scenes from the Hollywood movie Mamma Mia were shot there. It offers striking views to the sea.
The oldest Byzantine construction of Skopelos is the monastery of Agios Riginos located 2km outside Chora. It is dedicated to the saint protector of the island whose tomb lies in the middle of the courtyard. He was the first bishop of Skopelos and died as a martyr in the 4th century. The church that can be seen today was built rather recently in 1960.
Not far from Chora, on top of the hills lies the abandoned monastery of Agia Varvara with beautiful 15th century frescoes and icons. It is found close to the convent of Saint John the Baptist. In the heart of the capital lies the monastery of Zoodochos Pigis famous as the home of the miraculous icon of Michael Archangel. Other churches with beautiful icons are Agios Athanasios, Agios Taxiarches, Birth of the Christ, the church of the Virgin standing on top of a rock on the south part of Skopelos and the monastery of Episkopi.
