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.

Independence Day

Greek National Day, March 25, is both a national (revolution against the Turks) and religious holiday (The Feast of the Annunciation). March 25 is the nameday for Vangelis or Evangelos and Vangelio or Evangelia or Eva. The day is celebrated with pride not just in Greece itself, but in every Greek community around the world.

Greek National Day is a big day for the children of Skopelos. It's a great opportunity for them to learn the history behind the Independence Day, as well as aspects such as dance, food, community and religion which play an important part in Greek culture. This passing on of Greek traditions to the next generation is an important responsibility for most Greek families.

In Skopelos, as in in every town and village throughout Greece, there is a school flag parade. All the schools take part and march along the paralea, with the chosen honour student carrying the flag. There is also a big armed forces parade in Athens , the capital of Greece .