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Skopelos island is part of the Sporades islands in the Aegean Sea to the east of mainland Greece. The Sporades islands offer travellers a different atmosphere to the usual Greek island getaways. Instead of bare hills and packed villages, the Sporades are pine forested and feature some of the best beaches along the Aegean. What is more striking is the difference in architecture that is less whitewashed and features stone roofs. Skopelos is known for its exceptionally gorgeous beaches, hidden away coves and crystal blue water. The capital city is charming and was built around a bay in an amphitheatre design.

The main towns of the island are the capital Skopelos town and the village of Glossa north of the capital. The beaches of the island are surrounded by characteristic pine forests, which provide a lush green accent to the blue water of the sea. While the island is bigger than the better-known Skiathos, it is well developed yet offers some of the quiet untouched spots of the less tourism-based Alonissos.

Skopelos cannot be reached directly by airplane, but flythomascook operates flights to Skiathos airport. You can take a katamaran or ferry to the northern port of Loutraki, only 15 minutes below Glossa, or the main port of the island, Skopelos town. The tiled roofs of the white houses of Skopelos town contrast with the blue and green of the natural landscape, providing a painting-like scene as the sun sets. The traditional charm of the town is not lost, even amid the tourist bustle and you'll find fountains, churches, narrow streets, alleyways and stairs that lead to the site of the Kastro, or castle. The walls of the original fortifications built by Philip II of Macedonia survive, and at the centre is a 17th Century basilica. The views offered from Kastro are magnificent and well worth the climb up the hill. The fact that Skopelos doesn't have its own airport actually makes it more attractive to go there. After all, your holiday in Greece wouldn't be complete without a boat trip, and it's a great oportunity to see both Skopelos and Skiathos.

The landscape of Skopelos is as varied as its human history, featuring pines, oak trees, flowers and numerous fruit trees and olive groves. There are two large mountains on the island, Delphi (approximately 680m) and Palouki approximately 550m). Most of the island's 6,000 inhabitants make their living through agriculture, fishing, and tourism.

Plums are a particular local favourite and are found in many of the dishes. The island is also known for its pure olive oil and fine wines. Try some of the local cuisine to get a taste of these interesting and exotic foods like blackfish casserole and cheese pie, Skopelos style. The islanders are trying to preserve their heritage and traditions. Observe or join in at many of the festivals that fall throughout the year, especially the Plum Festival at the end of summer, where dancing and plum baking go hand in hand with drinking the local wine.