Greece - Korina Miller [539]
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SKOPELOS TOWN
Skopelos Town is one of the most captivating ports in the Sporades. It skirts a semicircular bay and clambers in tiers up a hillside, culminating in an old fortress and a cluster of four churches. Dozens of other churches are interspersed among dazzling white houses with brightly shuttered windows and flower-adorned balconies.
Orientation
The town’s waterfront is flanked by two quays. The old quay is at the western end of the harbour and the new quay is at the eastern end, used by all ferries and hydrofoils. From the dock, turn right to reach the bustling waterfront lined with cafes, souvenir shops and travel agencies; turn left (20m) for the bus stop. Less than 50m away is Plateia Platanos, better known as Souvlaki Sq.
Information
BOOKSHOPS
International newsstand ( 24240 22236; 8am-10pm) Opposite the bus stop.
EMERGENCY
Health Centre ( 24240 22222) On the ring road, next to the fire station.
Police ( 24240 22235) Above the National Bank.
Port police ( 24240 22180)
INTERNET ACCESS
Blue Sea Internet Café ( 24240 23010; per hr €3; 8am-2am) Beneath the kastro steps.
Orange Net Café ( 24240 23093; per hr €3; 9am-midnight) Next to the post office.
LAUNDRY
Blue Star Washing ( 24240 22844) Next to the OTE office.
MONEY
There are three ATMs along the waterfront.
POST
Post office (Platanos Sq; 7.30am-2pm)
TRAVEL AGENCIES
Madro Travel ( 24240 22300; www.madrotravel.com) At the end of the new port, Madro can provide help with booking accommodation and ticketing, and arrange walking trips, island excursions, cooking lessons, even marriages (partners extra).
Thalpos Holidays ( 24240 29036; www.holidayislands.com) The helpful staff at this waterfront agency offer a range of standard services including apartment and villa accommodation and tours around the island.
Sights
Strolling around town and sitting at the waterside cafes might be your chief occupations in Skopelos, but there are also two small folk museums. The handsome Folk Art Museum ( 24240 23494; Hatzistamati; admission €2; 10am-10pm) features a Skopelean wedding room, complete with traditional costumes and bridal bed. At the 2009-opened Bakratsa Museum ( 24240 22940; admission €3; 11am-1pm & 6-10pm), find out how young women and men, married and unmarried, dressed in days gone by new.
Tours
Day-long cruise boats (€25 to €50) depart from the new quay by 10am, and usually take in the Marine Park of Alonnisos, pausing en route for lunch and a swim. There’s a good chance of spotting dolphins along the way. For bookings, contact Thalpos Holidays or Madro Travel on the waterfront.
Sleeping
Hotel prices quoted are for the July-to-August high season, but are often reduced by 30% to 50% at other times. An energetic kiosk (‘Rooms’) next to the ferry dock can help with accommodation. Also enquire at Madro Travel or Thalpos Holidays.
BUDGET
Sotos Pension ( 24240 22549; www.skopelos.net/sotos; s/d €35/50; ) The pine-floored rooms at this charming waterfront pension are each a bit different; an old brick oven serves as a handy shelf in one. There’s an interior courtyard, whitewashed terrace and communal kitchen, all neatly managed by the welcoming Alexandra (Alex, for short).
MIDRANGE
Hotel Agnanti ( /fax 24240 22722; www.skopelos.net/agnanti; s/d/tr incl breakfast from €45/65/90; ) Theo and Eleni run the show at this inviting 12-room oasis on the far bay, with ceiling fans, period furniture, ceramic decorations, plus a paperback lending library in the rustic lobby.
Alkistis Studio Apartments ( 24240 23006; www.skopelosweb.gr/alkistis; d/apt from €90/120; ) Located between Skopelos Town and Stafylos Beach, this beautifully landscaped and family-friendly complex features huge studio and apartment units with modern bathrooms, comfy beds and satellite TV.
Hotel Dionyssos ( 24240 23210; www.dionyssoshotel.com; s/d/tr incl breakfast €100/120/130; ) The low-key Dionyssos occupies a quiet street between the ring road and the waterfront,