Weather in Skopelos
May 21, 2012, 1:34 am
Mostly clear
Mostly clear
18°C
real feel: 18°C
current pressure: 101 mb
humidity: 77%
wind speed: 0 m/s N
wind gusts: 0 m/s
sunrise: 6:07
sunset: 20:37
 
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.
Thought for the day
Honesty is the best policy. - Aesop (c.620-560 BC)

Triantafyllos Boundalas was born in Skopelos 1927, into a  family of naval carpenters and shipbuilders whose  art has been handed down from generation to generation. His great-grandfather was born in the Kostantza in the Black Sea: a master craftsman, he had two shipyards,  in Kostantza and in Vraila, and made many boats. His grandfather was also a good shipbuilder.

His father went to America taking with him his wife and son. He developed  his own shipyard and later returned to Skopelos where he continued working in shipyards.

Triandafyllos  started learning the trade at the early age of 15 years. He  loved the craft, even though his family had originally intended him for the priesthood.

When the shipyards began to close in Skopelos, and wooden ships were succeeded by metal ones that were cheaper and easier to build, Triantafyllos turned his attention to model boats.

All the model boats are precision made copies of real boats and are able to float on the sea. The creation and manufacture of a faithful model boat takes 8 months or more.

This traditional art is continued by his son Yannis Boundalas and his wife Ourania.

Triantafyllos Boundalas and his children can be visited (by appointment only) at their workshop on the Main regional road of Skopelos. His yard is located in a regional street of Skopelos, where you can admire his work, or even buy one of his splendid boats.