Article by Teddy Lupain
The Sporades islands consist of four islands (Skopelos, Skiathos, Alonissos and Skyros) that are grouped together near the Euboean Coast of the Aegean Sea. In fact, there are a lot of small islands and rocky outcroppings around the four main islands which number more than 700, of which only 9 are inhabited.
The islands are amongst the greenest areas in the Med with nearly three quarters of their grounds being covered by the Mediterranean pine. Many of the beaches in the Sporades have been awarded the European Blue Flag, which confirm they are amongst the cleanest waters and beaches in Europe. It is also one of the best sailing areas in the Aegean, with many protected coves and many islets to get away from it all!
Undoubtedly one of the greenest of all the Greek Islands, holiday rental accommodation in Skopelos can be found in many peaceful rural locations surrounded by the fragrant, pine-clad countryside that gives this island such a fresh and verdant quality – holiday apartments and villas in Skopelos being highly sought after by those with a love for the great outdoors, particularly when it happens to be steeped in an atmosphere of calm and drenched in the glorious sunshine that is guaranteed virtually all year round in the Greek Islands.
Holiday accommodation in Skopelos might not appeal to you so much if you’d prefer the ambience of a lively, cosmopolitan, coastal resort packed with bars, nightclubs and shopping malls – apartment and villa rentals in Skopelos are more likely to put you in the midst of a traditional fishing village where antique shops and family-run tavernas are about as contemporary as it gets, although you can still find all the modern conveniences you need if you really can’t bear the thought of renting holiday accommodation in Skopelos without having the opportunity to access your emails!
Skopelos remains a corner of unspoilt Greece. You won’t find any English breakfasts or Irish bars here, but what you will find are friendly people, beautiful scenery, an unbelievably blue sea, easily accessible beaches, spectacular bays, good food and a pace of life which lends itself to a totally relaxing holiday.
Most of the beaches on Skopelos shelve gently into the sea, and are a mixture of sand, shingle and pebbles, with the sandiest beaches being at Limnonari and Agios Yiannis. Panormos beach has all white pebbles and is edged by tavernas from which to admire the beautiful bay. There are also many sandy coves around the island which are accessible only by boat, a perfect way to get a beach all to yourself.
What makes villas on the Greek islands and mainland different from more mainstream areas is that they are mostly one-off houses, often on the edge of small villages or even out in the wilds, rather than the large scale developments and complexes found elsewhere. The positive side of this is that it’s easy to find an interesting house that puts you in touch with local life and the whole Greek experience. The downside is that you probably won’t get the swimming pools, tennis courts and golf courses taken for granted in other big tourist destinations.
About the Author
I write articles for Lupain Holiday Rentals.Browse our website to see the full range of self catering accommodation in Skopelos.Lupain Holiday Rentals for the best holidays in Skopelos.
