S P O R A D E S I S L A N D S SKOPELOS - sunvil.co.uk The Villa... · Legend has it that Skopelos was founded by Staphylos, one of the sons of the god Dionysos. The island was a Cretan

S P O R A D E S I S L A N D S

SKOPELOSRelaxed and unpretentious, green and hilly Skopelos has spotlessly clean

pebbled beaches and a laid-back, generous atmosphere.

Kastani Beach

AG. GEORGIOSISLAND

MIKRO NISIISLAND

STAFILOS

DRAGON CLIFFS

PANORMOS

ELLIOS

KLIMA

LOUTRAKI

GLOSSA MACHALAS

SKOPELOSTOWN

DASIAISLAND

STROGILOISLAND

KASIDISISLAND

PLEVROISLAND

PAXIMADAISLAND

ARAPIS

AGNONDAS

MILIAKASTANI

PALOUKI MOUNTAIN

GLISTERI

SKOPELOS N

ANANIAS

RACHES

PEFKIAS

Reached by flying cat/ferry from Skiathos,stepping onto Skopelos it feels like you haveshed a life of hassle and manufacturedentertainment, and entered a world of simple,timeless pleasures: translucent waters,cerulean skies, star-filled nights and goodfood and wine in friendly company.

With a coastline of mostly steep cliffs, theisland’s beaches have a special

importance and are noted fortheir immaculate

condition.

The hillsides are made up of wild flowers andfruit trees, olive groves and pines, and aredotted with small churches and whitewashedmonasteries. The only sounds are the bells ofwandering goats and the calls of birds, andeverywhere you look there are dramatic viewsacross the Aegean Sea to neighbouringislands.

The steep, winding warren of Skopelos Townand the intimate tavernas under the lights ofthe waterfront are part of the changelesspleasures of Greek island life.

Skopelos Town SPORADES ISLANDS SKOPELOS 19

A romantic, heavily wooded island with a classicamphitheatrical capital and wonderful coves to exploreSKOPELOS TOWN

Nothing epitomises what a Greek islandtown should be better than Skopelos,the capital of this, the largest island inthe Sporades. Legend has it thatSkopelos was founded by Staphylos,one of the sons of the god Dionysos.The island was a Cretan colony in thelate bronze age. A town, with a currentpopulation of approximately 3,000,Skopelos was designated a traditionaltown of outstanding architecturalheritage in 1978.

Strict building regulations andpreservation orders have kept itcolourful, clean and tidy, with narrowclimbing streets, countless tiny chapelsand houses linked by bridges in thetypical architectural style of theSporades. No house is higher than twostories, all must have a traditional stoneor tile roof and all doors, windows andbalconies have to be made of wood.

Mulberry trees line the waterfront andshade numerous cafes and restaurantsand there are many good quality shopsselling local crafts.

As well as offering a really relaxingholiday in friendly and attractivesurroundings, Skopelos Town and itssurroundings offer excellent walking.There are some very good beaches tochoose from, most of them on thesheltered west coast and easilyreached from Skopelos Town by bus orhire car. These range from tiny coves(generally shingle) to long stretches ofdazzling white pebbles or sand/shingle,such as popular Stafylos Bay, 4kmfrom the town. The sea is sparkling andclear and the swimming excellent.

The countryside around SkopelosTown is dotted with historic churchesand monasteries (about 300 of them),three of which are still inhabited. Anideal spot to be in order to explore thispicturesque island by either bike, car orlocal bus.

GLYSTERI BEACH

Beaches are in much shorter supply onSkopelos than on its far busierneighbour Skiathos. Pines cover 80%of Skopelos and beaches here are ofpebble and shingle and tend to be onthe south coast. Glysteri is a small

pebble and shingle beach, fivekilometres from Skopelos Town set in adeep and secluded bay with emeraldgreen, crystal clear waters. Thesurrounding hillsides hold manywalking trails through unspoiltcountryside.

PANORMOS

Twelve kilometres and a 20 minute drivefrom Skopelos Town and through theever present pine forests is the seasidevillage of Panormos. On the south westcoast of the island, the bay ofPanormos is deep and sheltered andPanormos beach is one of the mostpopular on the island and tends to fill inthe peak season. Mostly shingle butexcellent for swimming, the beach hereshelves pretty steeply into the seawhich is crystal clear and of an emeraldcolour. The large bay has many othersmall coves and inlets which can bereached by walking around the bay andover rocks. You can, of course, alwaysswim or wade there.

Strung along the sea front, the villagehas a mini marketand is connected toSkopelos Town by a local bus service.

SKOPELOS 21For more detailed information & photos visit www.gicthevillacollection.com

Juno Cottage is simply charming. Perched on theedge of Skopelos Town, it exudes peace andseclusion – the perfect choice for couples in searchof a truly relaxing escape.

The cottage is compact and cosy, with a big sofa forputting your feet up, stylish décor, and a brightbedroom. Step outside and you enter your own littleparadise of a patio. With the perfect balance ofshade and sun you can choose to enjoy a romanticbreakfast under a canopy of climbing plants or soakup the warmth in the little suntrap.

Pack a beach bag and walk just 350m, and you’redipping your toes into the Aegean or tasting Greekspecialties at a little taverna in the town centre. Withshops, restaurants and an authentic small-town viberight on Villa Juno’s doorstep, there is no need to hirea car unless further exploration is desired.

While Villa Juno is a couple’s paradise, whencombined with the larger neighbouring properties ofVilla Lena or Villa Joanna, it can also offer a delightfulescape for a group of friends or extended family. Itgives you plenty of individual privacy and space withall the fun of a group getaway.

J U N O C O T T A G ESKOPELOS TOWN • SKOPELOS

Sleeps up to 31 bedroom (1D)1 chair beds (1S)1 bathroomAir conditioningWiFiEarly booking offer

The setup• Open-plan living room with kitchenette • Double bedroom• Bathroom

22 GIC – THE V ILLA COLLECTION

Thalassa Vista is a whitewashed neo-classical villawith Mediterranean elegance. Its perfect location, ashort walk from Skopelos Town, offers the idealbalance of tranquillity and the gentle hubbub of thecapital on the doorstep.

Thalassa Vista has a unique interior layout, making itperfect for a family or group of friends. The open-planliving and dining areas on the ground floor will bringloved ones together, while the first floor offers privacywith its extra open-plan living space. The harbourviews from the balcony are stunning too.

In the garden, the scent of oleander wafts on thewarm air and the swimming pool twinkles in thesunlight. It’s a special space, where families will creatememories splashing in the pool and dining al fresco.

Hire a car or explore on foot – the choice is yours, andthat’s part of the charm.

T H A L A S S A V I S T ASKOPELOS TOWN • SKOPELOS

• PREMIER

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Sleeps up to 73 bedrooms (3D/T)1 sofa bed (1S)3 bathroomsSwimming poolAir conditioningWiFiEarly booking offer

The setupGround floor: • Open-plan living room with dining and kitchen area • Bathroom• Reception room• Cloakroom• Double bedroom

Mezzanine floor:• Twin/double bedroom with en suite bathroom

First floor:• Bedroom with designated living area, en suite bathroomand private balcony

• Swimming pool (6m x 5m)

Thalassa Vista



Within gated grounds and just a short walk fromSkopleos Town is the magnificent Villa Joanna.Families or a group of friends will feel instantly athome here – drop your bags and head straight for adip in the swimming pool.

The villa is spacious, with a fresh, white décor, open-plan ground-floor living space, and large bedroomswith modern en suite facilities and garden views. Winthe coin toss and get the downstairs double to be infor the treat of being able to go from your bed to thepool in a few steps.

Days at Villa Joanna can be spent lounging in the tree-filled garden and walking to the nearby beach andgetting to know the town’s locals in quaint littletavernas. The adjacent Villa Lena and smaller VillaJuno offer the option to bring the whole family or largergroups together in the Skopelos sunshine. One of thejoys of this enviable location is not needing a car, but ifyou are so inclined there are stunning remote beachesand wild landscapes to explore on day trips.

V I L L A J O A N N ASKOPELOS TOWN • SKOPELOS

• PREMIE

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Sleeps up to 73 bedrooms (1D-1T-1T/D)1 sofa bed (1S)3 bathroomsSwimming poolAir conditioningWiFiEarly booking offer

The setupGround floor: • Open-plan living room with kitchenette• Double bedroom with doors to the garden and pool• Bathroom

First floor:• Twin bedroom with en suite bathroom• Twin/double bedroom with en suite bathroom

• Swimming pool (3.7m x 7.0m and depth 1.10m-1.60m)

Villa Joanna


V I L L A L E N ASKOPELOS TOWN • SKOPELOS


Villa Lena is a tranquil retreat just a stone's throwfrom the shops, cafes and tavernas of SkopelosTown. The villa is modern and exceptionally pretty, itswhitewashed walls and sunny patio contrasted bythe turquoise of the swimming pool. It is the perfectplace for families or groups of friends who want toskip the hire car, enjoy peaceful time together and bewithin walking distance of beaches and eateries.

Dine poolside under the oleander and breathe in thefresh sea air, or get together for family meals aroundthe large indoor dining table.

Spend your days splashing in the pool or readingunder a parasol, or head off on day trips toexperience the beauty of the island. The harbour frontis just a 350m walk from the property's walledcourtyard, where Villa Lena meets its sisterproperties, Villa Joanna and Villa Juno. Hop on a boatto explore the beautiful Sporades Marine Park andsee dolphins and monk seals.

• PREMIER

•PR

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P E R T Y

Sleeps up to 73 bedrooms (3T)1 sofa bed (1S)3 bathroomsSwimming poolAir conditioningWiFiEarly booking offer

The setupGround floor: • Open-plan living room with kitchenette• Two twin bedrooms both with en suite bathroom• Cloakroom

First floor:• Twin bedroom with en suite bathroom and balcony withpool view

• Single sofa bed on the landing

• Swimming pool (7m x 3.7m and depth 1.10m-1.60m)

Villa Lena



Perched on a hilltop overlooking Skopelos Town andthe sea, The House of Dimitri promises a relaxingholiday with a view. With an elegant traditional charm,beautiful outdoor spaces and a magnificent pooloverlooking the bay, it's the perfect spot for couplesor families.

During World War II, this hilltop home was used as asecret radio communications centre between theisland and British submarines. Today, however, it's allabout a more peaceful vibe. Swim to the pool’s edgeand look towards the island of Alonissos to imaginethe villa’s past life.

The interior of the house is unusual in its layout, withthree levels, four entrances and private balconiesallowing for quiet time to relax.

Outside is stunning. While the views take centrestage, the pool and sun loungers are perfect spotsfrom which to enjoy them.

H O U S E O F D I M I T R INEAR SKOPELOS TOWN • SKOPELOS

Sleeps up to 42 bedrooms (1D-1T)2 bathroomsCar hire includedSwimming poolAir conditioningWiFiEarly booking offer

The setupGround floor: • Sitting room• Kitchen• Cloakroom

First floor:• Double bedroom• Bathroom• Kitchenette• Balcony overlooking the pool and garden

Second floor:• Twin bedroom with en suite bathroom and a Juliet balcony

• Swimming pool (8m x 5m and depth 1m-2.6m)

House of Dimitri



Set off on an adventure to one of Skopelos’ mostdramatic spots in your very own castle. Perched atopa cliff on the island’s northeast coast is Villa Pyrgos, aspecial place where the views are endless and the airthe freshest you will ever breathe.

A jeep is included in the rental of this magical, remotevilla, for one is necessary to traverse the bouncynarrow road to the top. But the journey is more thanworth it. The villa is a maze of artistry and intrigue,thanks to its local artist owners.

From every angle the views take your breath away,and none is more spectacular than the one acrossthe sea towards Alonissos. Because of its locationVilla Pyrgos isn’t suitable for small children, butfamilies with older children will appreciate the annexe.However, Villa Pyrgos comes into its own for couplesseeking romance and adventure with a dash ofquirkiness thrown in.

V I L L A P Y R G O SNEAR GLYSTERI BEACH • SKOPELOS

Sleeps up to 52 bedrooms (1D-1T)1 sofa bed (1S)2 bathroomsJeep hire includedSwimming poolAir conditioningWiFiEarly booking offer

The setupThe villa: • Open-plan sitting room • Bathroom

Gallery floor:• Sitting area• Double bedroom

Independent annexe (a few metres away):• Twin bedroom • Bathroom

• Swimming pool (7.5m x 3.5m and depth 0.90m-1.80m)

Villa Pyrgos



Villa Mourtero is nestled in the hills and valleys that risefrom the waters of Skopelos’ west coast. The villa ischarmingly traditional, with its whitewashed walls, red-tiled roof and wooden shutters. Surrounded bygnarled old olive trees and with an inviting swimmingpool and panoramic views, this is a wonderful spot onSkopelos for getting away from it all.

Cool off in the pool, play a game of cards on theterrace or head up to the roof terrace to soak upsome staggering views across the pine trees andolive groves towards Skiathos. There is a barbecueand outdoor dining area tucked into the gardens forrelaxing al fresco meals.

Inside Villa Mourtero is fresh and airy. High woodenceilings bring a sense of openness and space, andthe décor, with terracotta floor tiles and white sofas,is understated yet traditional. Couples will find asense of romance at Villa Mourtero, while families willenjoy time to be together and to explore the islandsbeaches.

V I L L A M O U R T E R ONEAR PANORMOS • SKOPELOS

Sleeps up to 53 bedrooms (1D-1T-1S)2 bathroomsCar hire includedSwimming poolAir conditioningWiFiEarly booking offer

The setup• Open-plan sitting room with dining and kitchen arealeading to the pool terrace

• Double bedroom with en suite bathroom• Twin bedroom• Single bedroom• Bathroom• Rooftop terrace

• Swimming pool (7.5m x 3.5m and depth 1m-1.90m)

Kastani Beach


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S P O R A D E S I S L A N D S SKOPELOS - sunvil.co.uk The Villa... · Legend has it that Skopelos was founded by Staphylos, one of the sons of the god Dionysos. The island was a Cretan