Skopelos Town (in Greek: Σκόπελος) is the capital of the island of Skopelos, and is nestled around a semi-circular bay on the south east coast of the island, which is lush and covered with vineyards, pine forests, olive groves, almond cultivations and prunes: all products that are then found in the typical dishes of the island.
The city of Skopelos was officially named "traditional settlement" due to its extraordinary beauty, with a presidential decree dated 19/10/1978 signed by the president of Greece Konstantinos Tsatsos. It represents an exceptional example of traditional architecture that makes it unique among the Greek islands. However, this honor implies some restrictions imposed on new buildings and renovations within the town. No new building can have more than two floors, the roof must be tilted in the traditional style and doors, windows and balconies must be exclusively in wood.
Once you arrive in Skopelos Città we recommend you get lost in the maze of cobbled streets full of flowers, among the white houses with slate or earthenware roofs and bougainvillea coming down from the walls. Admire the projecting wooden balconies and white lace curtains behind the painted windows. You might see local women leaning out of their windows, intrigued by the strolling of tourists, while they embroider the outfit of some grandchildren of wedding age. This small town will give you an intimate, protected and almost family atmosphere.
Two piers delimit the waterfront: the old pier is located on the western side of the harbor, while the new pier is where the ferries and hydrofoils from the neighboring islands dock and is located on the eastern side.
The seafront is teeming with cafes where you will probably come often if you stay in Skopelos.
What to see in Skopelos Town
We recommend a relaxing walk in its historic center, built on a steep slope, which is largely inaccessible to vehicles. Walking through the narrow streets you can explore some of the 120 Byzantine churches and the ruins of the 13th century Venetian fortress.
Definitely worth a visit is the church of Santa Maria of the castle, located near the port of Skopelos Town. To get to the church you will have to climb 70 steps, but the effort will be completely rewarded by the breathtaking view that you can admire, really impressive!
In contrast to the tranquility of the surrounding area, the port, located within a beautiful bay, is lively and buzzing with life. With a lively coming and going of ferries, yachts, hydrofoils, excursion boats and fishing boats. On the waterfront there is no shortage of cafes, bars and taverns sheltered by huge plane trees and mulberry trees, which hide characteristic little shops. The refined collection of boutiques, jewelers and souvenir shops reflects the sophisticated side of Skopelos.
In Skopelos Town traditions are preserved with care and the shop signs keep the traditional style. Here, in fact, most shopkeepers have kept the traditional way of presenting their business: with hand-painted wooden signs.
The small island capital has something for everyone: quiet little squares with breathtaking views, picturesque churches with magnificent scenery, restaurants, shops, cafes and lively bars with loud music for those who love nightlife. Walk here and there and visit what you prefer, without losing the sunset that is always a fairy tale from here!
Vakratsa Museum of Skopelos
Don't miss a visit to the Vakratsa Museum, an 18th century mansion converted into a museum. The ancient residence was inhabited at the time by a doctor and his family. Inside the museum you will find the original furnishings and traditional clothes of the time. Inevitable the showcase with the tools of the trade among which, in addition to the many needles of various sizes, you will find a speculum, scalpel blades and a sphygmomanometer of the time. And again books, diaries of the doctor and objects of everyday life. You will feel like you are traveling back in time .. especially when you will admire the traditional clothes that give an idea of the insight into the life of the Greek middle class of the time. The visit is completed by the well-kept garden with jars, colorful flowers, lemon and fig trees. The traditional wooden balconies and the beautiful panoramic terrace frame this splendid house-museum.
The opening hours are as follows: 10.00 am - 2.00 pm and 6.00 pm - 9.00 pm.
The entrance ticket costs only 3 euros.