Skopelos Travel Guide

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We used to love popping in to this taverna after we had been on our early morning walk either for a breakfast or a drink to quench our thirst. I could have sat here all day on the comfy orange chairs just people watching. Barramares is situated along the harbour front where you can also enjoy watching the ferries coming into port and the fishermen coming back with their daily catch. The staff were always friendly, polite and helpful although a couple of times there was only waiter on when it was quite busy.

Favorite Dish: My favourite dish here was the club sandwich which I had a couple of times at lunchtime. I also used to love trying the different ice-creams. This taverna was one of husbands favourites as they served Mythos on draught where most place you could only get in bottles.

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The nightlife on Skopelos is very low key and not as lively as on neighbouring Skiathos. However, there are plenty of bars, late night cafes and discos playing all kinds of music. There are a couple of nightclubs up in the hills and also in the back streets of the town, but as I say very low key. The pirate ship was a nice bar and it was always very lively as we made our way back home late at night. `

Dress Code: Dress Code casual as long as you are not in swimwear etc

If you need a taxi you will find the taxi stand on the Skopelos waterfront next to the bus station. The taxi's have fixed prices to destinations on the Island, so it is always best to ask how much it will cost first. If you have an early ferry back to Skiathos on your journey home make sure you check what time they actually start as the drivers tend to not be early risers!

This supermarket was the one we used the most while we were on holiday on Skopelos. The girls on the tills were really friendly and helpful and could speak good English which puts me to shame (I really should learn to speak greek). The shop sold everything you could need on holiday and we very rarely needed to shop anywhere else

What to buy: We noticed that there were lots of Jewellery shops on Skopelos. There were lots of colourful sea shells for sale but most of them were imported and hadn't got any connection at all to the Island. Also beware of buying any brand name products e.g handbags, t-shirts etc as most may be fakes.

What to pay: Prices are more or less same as any other Greek Island

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We walked past this no frills Kefeneon every day where the old men of the Island would sit most of the day drinking coffee and talking politics

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Luggage and bags: Lightweight suitase (recommended with new baggage allowance) luggage labels. Secure hand luggage containing passports, flight tickets, insurance documents, money, health insurance card, accomodation invoice.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Shorts, cut off trousers, summer t-shirts, sandals, walking shoes (trainers), nightclothes, underwear, sundress, waterproof jacket (in case it rains)

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Hairbrush, toothbrush toothpaste, deodorant, talc, flannel, sponge, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, shaving stuff, travel wash, nail scissors, tweezers, painkillers, anti-histamines, antiseptic cream, plasters, travel sickness pills, sun creams.

You can of course buy some of these items when you arrive at your destination to save on baggage allowance as most airlines have now lowered the limit from 20kg to 15kg.

Photo Equipment: Camera, camera case, spare batteries, battery charger, spare SD Cards, tripod, gorillapod, cloth to clean lens.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Swimming costume, swimming trunks, snorkelling gear, aqua shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, beach towel

Miscellaneous: Adaptor for electrical items, mobile phone, phone charger, GPs/PDA and charger,
music player (CD/MP3/Ipod), currecny converter, torch and batteries, travel kettle, (teabags, coffee)
travel games if you have children, hairdryer (check before you pack in case already in accomodation), map.

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Gourouni lighthouse is situated at the northern tip of the Island and was built in 1884. It is located 60m from the sea. There was always someone living in the lighthouse (on their own) who would be responsible for its right operation and they dedicated their lives in protecting the lighthouse. Since 1989 it has been worked by electricity so there is no need for anyone to stay there anymore.

We were told by someone that had aready been that it would be a challenge to drive up to the lighthouse in a 4x4 and they weren't wrong. It is a very rough drive along quite precipitous cliffs on your right for the last 2km and there were lots of bees about, but the peace and the views are amazing and it was well worth the effort. You can clearly see Skiathos and when the weather is really good you can see Halkidiki. The lighthouse is now fenced off unfortunatley but you can still get close enough to see it.

Favorite thing: Skopelos is easily reached from its near neighbour Skiathos. There are regular daily ferries, catamarans and hydrofoils at very reasonable prices. Depending which you choose, it takes up to 1hr 40 mins to Skopelos town.

If you plan to spend time on Skopelos, think about where to stay. Skopelos town is very pleasant and typical - whitewashed houses tumbling down to the harbour which is lined with hotels, restaurants, bars etc. But Skopelos is much quieter than Skiathos. We visited in mid September and some restaurants and bars had already closed down.

The bus service is reasonably good but note that the resorts are small. Panormos for example is one of the main resorts with a crescent shaped shingle beach and crystal clear water but it comprises a only handful of hotels, restaurants and bars. When we were there in midweek we were the only people on the beach.

It may well be different in July / August but off peak Skopelos is for those seeking peace and quiet. (and very nice it is too!)