For walkers and explorers

Skopelos' best kept secret is the marvellous, varied countryside, still undeveloped. Those who have already made the discovery, return again and again at every given opportunity.

The ideal climate, quite rainy from November to February, in combination with the fertile soil, conserves a lush vegetation. Mountains covered with natural dense forests of pine and other wild trees alternate with olive groves, plum or almond orchards and vineyards.

Resin, charcoals, chestnuts, oil, olives, prunes and wine have been the source of the island prosperity for centuries. During April and May the whole island is carpeted in wild flowers (freesias, orchids, poppies, irises, lilies, etc).

Indigenous herbs and flavourings grow in abundance according to the season; chamomile in June, Oregano in July, sage in August, crocus in October, rosemary and bay all year.

Apart from the villages, the rest of the island is sparsely inhabited and there are plenty of places worthy of exploration. It's well worth taking your walking boots and, using the ANAVASIS map  of Skopelos, trying the different routes suggested.

You can walk or even hire a car or moped to visit the various ancient monasteries, the forests and the springs, the archaeological sites, the traditional prune kilns and the original country lodges. Everywhere you will be pleased by wonderful views.

There are also some marvellous opportunities for walkers, as miles of old mule tracks criss-cross the interior through forests and orchards. The water all over the island is good to drink, so if you feel thirsty whilst walking, don't hesitate to use any way spring.

Please note that when visiting inhabited monasteries - which are closed between 2 and 5 PM - that they prefer the ladies to wear skirts, although they are provided if you forget!

If for some reason you are walking without a map and you loose your sense of direction, a useful tip is to look around for a shrine or even a church. As you face its iconostasis you will be looking to the east.