 Skyros island | Skopelos is the greenest island in Greece. Here, where the green of the pine-trees and the dense forest mix with the deep blue of sea and sky, creating the picture of unrivalled nature beauty, you will find yourself in an idyllic land, in a small paradise in the very heart of Greece. Because the island of Skopelos is defined by lush green forest and the blue of the sea the International Organization of Biopolitics, on July the 5th 1997, officially proclaimed it "Green and Blue Island". More than 50% of the island area is covered by a virgin forest of pine-trees. A forest which, when you visit Skopelos, will also need your love and care in order to maintain the natural beauty and ecological balance that has survived for nearly 4000 years. Similarly the town of Skopelos, by presidential decree, (19/10/1978 Presidential Decree 594,13-11/78). was honored as a Traditional Settlement of outstanding beauty. (The Greek equivalent of a site of Outstanding Architectural Inheritance). Geographically Skopelos is an Aegean island situated in the central-northwest Aegean, east of Pelion and north of Evia. It has 67km of rich rugged coastline, being 17km long and 8km wide. The population is approximately 5.700 native Skopelitans and is the second largest island in the Northern Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos and Skyros). The capital, one of the most picturesque of all island towns, is built on the slopes of a hill right on the sea. At its highest point lies the Kastro district with its remains of the Venetian castle erected by the Ghizi (13th c.). Here lived the modern Greek writer Pavlos Nirvanas; his house has been made into a museum. Here too are a ceramics workshop and the island’s famous ovens where plums are dried into prunes. Of the many lovely churches, most noteworthy are those of the Panayitsa, Agios Nikolaos and the Evangelistria (17th and 18th c.). The island is dotted with chapels and monasteries, the most important being the monasteries of the Evangelistria (18th c.), Agia Varvara (1648) and the Metamorphosis (1600). The beautiful beaches of Stafylos, Agnonta, Panormos and Velani can be reached either by car or caique. Generally speaking Skopelos is a delightful, wooded island offering both quiet pleasures and sophisticated attractions. |
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