Skopelos Town

Encircling the harbour, the island’s eponymous capital has something for everyone; tranquil small squares with marvelous views, quaint churches in magnificent settings or bustling bars with loud music. Its traditional architecture makes it unique among Greek islands.

A maze of narrow flower-filled cobbled streets climb the hillside between white washed houses with slate or terracotta-tiled roofs and bougainvillea cascading down their walls. The overhanging wooden balconies and the white lace curtains behind painted windows create an intimate atmosphere.

Built on a steep slope, the old town it is largely inaccessible to vehicles. For those staying in the town a car is not a necessity. You may wander for hours in the quiet neighborhoods exploring the 120 Byzantine churches with the carved temples, or the ruins of the 13th century Venetian fortress.

In contrast with the upper vicinity, the harbour side with its port – situated on a spectacular bay – are busy and active. Inter-island ferries, yacht flotillas, hydrofoils, day-trip cruisers, fishing and excursion boats are coming and going. All along the waterfront are cafes, bars and taverns sheltered by huge plane or mulberry trees, and behind these are some marvelous shops. The fine collection of boutiques, jeweler’s and souvenir shops reflect the sophisticated side of Skopelos. You will be amazed to notice the beautiful shop signs that enhance the local spectacle. Particularly here most of the business owners have maintained this traditional way of graphic art form on wooden, hand-painted signs.

Skopelos town is located on the east side of the island and according to the last census in 2011 it had a permanent population of 3.090 inhabitants. The town has been designated as a traditional settlement by Presidential Decree in 1978 and new building must retain the old style. In traditional settlements neon and other luminous signs are banned.

Map of Skopelos Town