General Information
Relax and follow me through the Skopelos countryside. Learn about the island. Each hike, depending upon the temperature, is up to about 5 hours duration (including stops), has at least one picnic break (there are no way-side taverns) and has as many stops as required for taking photographs, admiring the view, watching birds/butterflies and picking fruit, nuts or herbs. Old cobbled paths and dirt trails are used whenever possible but they are often edged with scratchy scrub. The hikes are over varying terrain and inevitably some are more strenuous than others. Participants should be prepared for portions of uphill climbs. Make sure that you wear suitable clothing and footwear! Walking boots aren’t really necessary (unless it’s a personal preference of course). It would be helpful if you could pack your clippers. Please don’t expect all the paths to be open and clear. Unfortunately the volunteers can’t get round to clearing all of them. If you would like to volunteer, please let me know.
Singles and Groups
Have the countryside to yourselves and take advantage of perfect conditions. Get a group together and visit early May or mid / late October. Accommodation to suit every pocket can be arranged. For single ladies, I can particularly recommend Pension Kyr Sotos. Details, images and booking on www.skopelos.net/sotos. I take out a minimum of 2 walkers. My maximum has been 84! (I did enroll the help of two friends for that one!) I can also arrange transport and taverna catering for groups.
How to get here
Book via a tour operator or fly to Skiathos, Volos, Thessaloniki or Athens independently. Flights into Volos from UK can be via Ryanair with a stop-over in Milan. BA, Aegean and Easyjet fly into Thessaloniki and Athens. From there it’s a 3 hour coach trip to Volos (my personal preference) and Ag Konstantinos respectively then a further boat voyage of about 3 hours. It’s also possible to fly from Athens to Skiathos with Olympic Airways/Aegean or Sky Express or fly to Athens, catch a link bus to Evia-Mandoudi from where the ferry will take you to Glossa where there is a complimentary bus to Skopelos town. It may take a bit of working out, but huge savings can be achieved over the charter flights into Skiathos, which are getting less and cost more each year. Boat timetable agent – www.openseas.gr Timetables are not published very far in advance and are subject to last minute changes. You just have to keep checking. Don’t panic! Boats run all year from Volos and Evia but not from Ag Konstantinos. In windy weather, boats dock in Agnondas from where you have to make your own way to Skopelos town. If you are staying anywhere between Glossa and Panormos, disembark in Loutraki. Taxis meet each boat.
The walks and hikes run from the beginning of May until the end of October excluding July and August. Check out our Seasons page for more details.
THE HIKES OFFER
- The possibility of seeing rare or endemic species of flora and fauna, rural architecture of stone walls, mills, threshing grounds, arched bridges, chapels and springs
- Duration : All day walks between 4 and 5 hours, half day about 3 hours – including breaks
- Prices : Full day Euro 25 – Half day Euro 20 – Snacks and fares not included
If you need more information please send me an e-mail.