Skopelos, the most densely vegetated island of the Aegean Sea, is an absolute paradise of green and blue. Pines cover the island from coast to coast and merge with the crystal-clear blue waters that surround it, creating a picturesque view that is beyond breathtaking. The lush island’s beauty is enhanced by dozens of trails and old cobbled paths that cross its natural terrain, making it a leading destination for trekking and adventure.
One can’t help but wonder what makes the pine trees of Skopelos thrive so vigorously. There seems to be something unique in the soil and air of the island that suits the growth of these trees, which have covered the island since antiquity, from its hills to the coastline.
Skopelos’ first settlers, who came from Halkida, northeast of Athens, toiled to clear the pine forested areas and create fields, leading to successful viticulture activity on the island. This, in turn, resulted in the production of one of Greece’s most celebrated wines, the renowned peparithio wine, named after Skopelos’ ancient name, Peparithos.
The island’s success in wine production, according to ancient legend, was owed to Stafylos, the island’s first inhabitant and son of Dionysus and Ariadne. His devotion to wine led to the development of viticulture on the island, with ancient winemakers establishing trails through the forest for access to their vineyards. They even learned to pave ways through the seas to export their renowned wine to other parts of the Aegean and the Black Sea. This trade brought enough wealth for the island’s wine exporters to mint their own silver and copper coins, a testament to their success in the ancient world.
The locals now focusing on high-quality olive oil, dried plums, and sweet preserves. The island has managed to preserve its authentic beauty, thanks to the absence of large hotels, airports, and tarmac roads, and the conversion of farm huts into excellent rental properties.
Despite decades of neglect, Skopelos’ impressive network of cobbled paths and trails, thanks to the efforts of Heather Parsons and other volunteers, has been saved and now makes it a leading destination for trekking and adventure.
The Skopelos municipality’s plan to develop a network of eighteen signposted trails covering 110 kilometers will transform the island into a must-visit trekking destination, extending its tourism season into the spring and autumn months. While all 18 trails are impressive, there are five particularly beautiful routes that should not be missed.
1. Hora – Agia Marina – Sotiros monastery – Hora
This popular trail on Skopelos covers a distance of 5.8 km and has an altitude difference of 320 metres, taking around two hours to complete. Its circular route begins and ends in Hora, the island’s main town, and offers trekkers picturesque views of the old chapels of Agios Georgios, Profitis Ilias and Agia Marina, each featuring a stone tap with cold water all year round.
With an exceptional view towards the main town from an elevated position, the trail also passes the Sotiros monastery and cuts through the old fields of the Myloi region, as well as the pine forest covering the Palouki hill slopes west of the monastery. These features make it one of the most popular routes for trekking enthusiasts.
2. Sotiros monastery – Palouki peak – Sotiros monastery
This exceptional trekking and climbing route offers nature lovers a chance to experience Skopelos’ breathtaking natural beauty, covering a total distance of 4.6 km and ascending 400 metres to the top of Palouki hill. The trail, which can be comfortably completed in an hour and 45 minutes, passes through stunning kermes oak tree forests, towering pine forests, and is adorned with a wide array of wildflowers and mushrooms during autumn and spring.
Along the way, the trail opens up to gorgeous vistas of the island’s main town and the sea, with several forest clearings offering panoramic views. After reaching the top, trekkers can easily return to their vehicles by taking a short 300-meter walk to the tarmac road.
3. Hora – Koimisia – Psalidi – Hora
This 10 km trekking route provides an excellent and rewarding experience, spanning an altitude difference of 380 metres and taking around three-and-a-half hours to complete. Starting from Skopelos’ main town, the trail takes trekkers through cobbled paths in neighbourhoods filled with charming old stone houses, mansions, and lush gardens with lemon trees and bougainvillea plants. The trail leads to the Kabos region, where trekkers will find the Ekiskopi monastery and Agios Ioannis monastery.
The route then ascends towards Koimisia creek, where villagers still use an old track to reach their fields on the eastern and western slopes of the creek. The highest point on the route is the Petraki region, where trekkers can take a dirt track through the forest leading to Agnontas beach. On the return journey to the main town, hikers can follow a path through the dense pine forest in the Psalidi area, passing by the ancient Profitis Ilias monastery and concluding with the Agios Riginos monument, which commemorates the island’s patron saint.
4. Palio Klima – Agios Ioannis at Kastri – Palio Klima
This 6.4 km route, starting and finishing at the charming village of Palio Klima, is perfect for trekkers who enjoy natural beauty and stunning vistas. With an altitude difference of 430 metres, this route takes around two-and-a-half hours to cover, and follows an old cobbled path that runs uphill on the village’s eastern side, crossing old fields with olive groves and vineyards.
The route then takes trekkers through forest and farm tracks, as well as sections of old trails through a dense pine forest, culminating at the Agios Ioannis chapel in Kastri, which gained popularity following its appearance in the film “Mamma Mia”. The location, built on a rock at a cape, offers breathtaking views and a superb pebble-covered beach, perfect for a refreshing swim before the return journey.
5. Glossa – Keramoto beach
This short and leisurely trail, which covers a distance of 2.1 km, offers easy access to a secluded beach that is flanked by an impressive rocky coastline. The route follows a refreshing and verdant creek, which meanders through old fields and stone huts, offering hikers a glimpse into the island’s bucolic past.
(Stephanos Psimenos is the head cartographer at the TERRAIN cartographic company. For Skopelos, TERRAIN has created a 1:25,000 scale map that presents all the island’s trails, beaches and attractions with great precision. It is available in both printed and digital forms at http://www.terrainmaps.gr/#products)
