The original cottages in Skopelos are called “kalivia”. Traditional stone buildings in two floors, of a very simple rectangular shape. The main internal feature of a traditional cottage (kalivi in singular) is the top floor; here you would see the large sleeping platform and the characteristic Skopelete fire place in a corner. The sleeping platform was used by the whole family, while the number of mattresses used depended on how many people were staying there at the time.
In the past they were used as dwellings by agricultural workers who moved there with the whole family including their animals, during the harvest time. Today the old cottages are been lovingly restored and are mostly used at weekends or celebratory feasts, and occasionaly as holiday lettings.
