Madro Travel

Skopelos | Greece

Our island, Our future

In an age of greater awareness of the negative impact pollution has on our planet, tourism is one of the main culprits: transportation, over-development and depletion of natural resources help to make sure it is not an environmentally-friendly industry. Skopelos relies on tourism and is faced with these issues -- while attempting to maintain its own cultural heritage and a clean living environment. Madro Travel has a policy of raising the awareness of holiday makers to things they can do here on Skopelos which can make a ‘real’, and positive, difference to the destination and the people living here. As an agency, we wish to actively encourage discussion on and participation in sustainable activities on Skopelos. Madro Travel aims to promote "sustainable tourism." (nature and wildlife activities), ecotourism (promoting yet protecting natural areas from mass-tourism and development), and agrotourism (educational holidays in agriculture and culture to sustain rural population). In these ways, tour operators, local businesses and visitors alike can genuinely appreciate and respect the culture and natural landscape of our island. A holiday spent exploring the countryside and villages, learning about the production of local cuisine and crafts can be a refreshing and rewarding break from city life. The informed traveller can also be directly contributing to the sustainable tourism effort by supporting the communities working to preserve their local traditions. Remember, if we all work together, our message will reach more people, change more minds, and touch more hearts.

Loiza Festival

The Loiza Festival on Skopelos

Every summer, in Glossa village, on the northern side of Skopelos, there takes place the Loiza Festival, dedicated to one of the most famous and beloved music composers in Greece, Manos Loizos. It usually takes place at the end of July and the beginning of August and includes various cultural events such as musical concerts, photograph exhibitions, theatrical performances, fairy tale reading, traditional dancing performances and exhibitions of local or international organizations.

The Loizia Festival is organized by the Cultural Association of Glossa Skopelos since 1983, one year after the death of the composer. Manos Loizos (1937-1982) was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and died in a hospital in Moscow. He lived and made his career in Athens. He cooperated with famous singers, while his songs had a political view. He was part of the Greek Communist Party and fought for the rights of the working class. His songs were beloved by the Greek people and they are sung till today.