Weather in Skopelos
February 8, 2012, 5:52 am
Rain
Rain
4°C
real feel: -6°C
current pressure: 101 mb
humidity: 82%
wind speed: 9 m/s NNW
wind gusts: 13 m/s
sunrise: 7:26
sunset: 17:53
 
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)

Glossa Skopelos island









Glossa and Loutraki

At the same end of the island as Aghios Yiannis lies the second main town, Glossa, and its port Loutraki. Glossa is built high up on the hill, in amphitheatrical style. There has been human habitation on this site since ancient times; statues dating back to 600 BC have been discovered here, and to the north you can see the remains of observation towers dating back to the 4th century BC.

Much smaller than Skopelos' main town, Glossa has just a couple of cafes and tavernas. It's worth taking a wander around the narrow cobbled streets - the architecture is similar to that found in Skopelos main town, but the village has a more rustic, laid-back feel to it.

The traditional kafeneion is located in the town's central square and shaded by a mimosa tree. This is the meeting place for the older men, where they can drink a coffee, and talk politics.








Loutraki is the port of Glossa, and can be reached from there either by the road which winds its way down the hillside, or by the mule track which is cobbled in places, and which will take approximately 45 minutes walk.

Loutraki is a sleepy little place, built on the ruins of the ancient settlement, Selinous. You can still see the remains of the Byzantine walls to your right as you enter the village.

There are five or so tavernas, and a couple of cafes on the waterfront, which is a very nice place to sit and watch the occasional comings and goings of ferries, fishing boats and hydrofoils, and to admire the sun setting over Skiathos.