Buying a house on Skopelos is not only about owning property in a beautiful location. It is about investing in a lifestyle defined by natural beauty, traditional culture, and a slower pace of living that is becoming increasingly rare in today’s world.

Whether you are looking for a holiday home, a retirement property, or a real estate investment, Skopelos offers many compelling reasons to consider it as your ideal destination.

One of the Greenest Islands in Greece

Unlike many Greek islands that are dry and rocky, Skopelos is famous for its lush green landscape. Pine forests cover a large part of the island and reach all the way down to the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea.

This unique combination of mountains, forests, and sea creates a landscape that feels vibrant and refreshing throughout the year. For property owners, this means enjoying beautiful views, fresh air, and a peaceful natural environment every day.

The island is also home to more than 50 beautiful beaches, many of which are surrounded by pine trees and dramatic cliffs. From well-organized beaches with tavernas to small hidden coves that offer privacy and tranquility, Skopelos has something for every taste.

Authentic Greek Island Atmosphere

One of the things that makes Skopelos special is that it has managed to maintain its traditional character.

The main town, Skopelos Town (Chora), is built amphitheatrically on a hillside overlooking the harbor. Whitewashed houses with red-tiled roofs, narrow stone alleys, and charming small squares create a setting that feels timeless.

Local life still revolves around traditional bakeries, family-run tavernas, and small cafés where people gather to enjoy coffee and conversation.

Unlike heavily commercialized destinations, Skopelos offers a genuine Greek island experience where visitors and residents quickly feel part of the community.

International Recognition and Charm

Skopelos gained worldwide attention as one of the main filming locations of the popular musical movie Mamma Mia!.

Since then, travelers from around the world have discovered the island’s incredible scenery, including its picturesque villages and stunning coastal landscapes.

Despite this international recognition, the island has managed to preserve its calm and relaxed character. Tourism exists, but it has not overwhelmed the island’s identity.

For property buyers, this balance is extremely valuable: Skopelos remains vibrant and attractive while still offering peace and authenticity.

Attractive Real Estate Opportunities

Compared with some of the more famous Greek islands, property prices in Skopelos remain relatively accessible. This makes the island particularly appealing for buyers who want to own property in Greece without paying the extremely high prices found in more saturated markets.

There are many different types of properties available on the island, including:

Traditional village houses

Sea-view villas

Renovation projects with great potential

Countryside homes surrounded by nature

In addition, many property owners choose to rent their homes during the summer season. Holiday rentals in Skopelos are increasingly popular, as visitors seek authentic destinations away from mass tourism.

This can provide a valuable source of income while still allowing owners to enjoy their property whenever they wish.

Easy Access While Remaining Peaceful

Although Skopelos feels like a peaceful retreat, it is still relatively easy to reach.

The island is connected by ferry to mainland Greece and nearby islands. The closest international airport is located on the neighboring island of Skiathos, which receives numerous flights from Europe during the summer season.

From Skiathos, visitors can reach Skopelos by ferry or water taxi in a short time.

This accessibility makes Skopelos ideal both for private homeowners and for visitors renting holiday properties.

A Better Quality of Life

For many people, the biggest attraction of owning a house on Skopelos is the lifestyle it offers.

Life on the island moves at a slower and more enjoyable rhythm. Days are often spent outdoors—walking through traditional villages, swimming in clear blue waters, exploring nature trails, or simply enjoying fresh local food at a seaside taverna.

Sunsets over the Aegean Sea, quiet mornings in the old town, and evenings by the harbor create a daily experience that feels far removed from the stress of modern city life.

Owning a home in such a setting is not simply a real estate purchase—it is a long-term investment in well-being and quality of life.

Find Your Home on Skopelos

If you are considering buying property in Greece, Skopelos Island is a destination that deserves serious attention. Its combination of natural beauty, authentic culture, and promising real estate opportunities makes it one of the most appealing islands in the Aegean.

Whether you are searching for a traditional house in the village, a modern villa with panoramic sea views, or a property with renovation potential, Skopelos offers a wide range of options.

Exploring the island and its real estate market could be the first step toward finding your own place in this beautiful corner of Greece.

Investment Requirements

High-Demand Areas: In the Attica Region, the Regional Units of Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini, and on islands with populations exceeding 3,100 inhabitants, the required investment in real estate is 800,000 euros.

Other Areas: In other parts of Greece, the minimum real estate investment is 400,000 euros.

The investment concerns only one property and a minimum area of 120 sq.m has been set. Buying a proportional share of a property is allowed if the share’s value meets the minimum investment thresholds of 800,000 or 400,000 euros, respectively.

Exceptions to Investment Rules

Conversion to Residential Use: If a property is converted from commercial (e.g., industrial) to residential use, the minimum investment requirement drops to 250,000 euros, regardless of the property’s location or size. This conversion should be complete before the application for the Golden Visa is submitted.

Restoration of Preservation Buildings: For properties located within buildings of historical significance that are under preservation, the minimum investment requirement is also set at 250,000 euros. The investor must undertake full restoration or reconstruction, and this must be completed for the initial renewal of the Golden Visa after five years.

Property Use Restrictions apply

Investors can lease out the properties they acquire, but short-term leases are prohibited. Properties converted to residences cannot be used as business headquarters or branches. Violation of these terms can lead to revocation of the residence permit and a fine of 50,000 euros.

Greek Golden Visa Program: Key Information

Transitional Period

Potential investors still have the opportunity to apply under the previous minimum investment threshold of 250,000 euros. To qualify, they must make a 10% deposit by August 31, 2024, and complete their property purchase by December 31, 2024. If the transaction is not finalized by the deadline, investors may still fulfill their investment in a different property by April 30, 2025.

The remaining provisions of the Golden Visa law remain unchanged.

Golden Visa Residence Permit Duration

The Golden Visa offers renewable residence permits every five years indefinitely, provided the main applicant retains full ownership of the real estate property. Extended periods of absence from Greece do not affect the validity of the permit.

Family
The main applicant can extend the benefits of the Golden Visa to their family members. These family members receive their own residence permits, which are synchronized with the main applicant’s permit for renewals and expirations.

Eligible family members include the spouse, children up to 21 years old, and the parents of both the applicant and the spouse. Children under 21 can obtain the Golden Visa alongside their parents. Upon reaching 21, they can apply for an independent three-year residence permit, which can be renewed every three years.

Benefits
Holders of the Golden Visa and their family members gain access to Greece’s healthcare system and public education, enjoying equal rights with Greek citizens. Additionally, with the residence permit, beneficiaries can travel freely across the Schengen Zone. However, this permit does not grant the right to work in Greece.

A Golden Visa enhances your visa-free travel options within the Schengen Area, providing greater mobility and convenience.

Legal Support
Our Law Office offers comprehensive legal assistance to non-EU investors seeking to obtain a Greek (EU) Residence Permit through real estate investment. We provide expert guidance and support throughout the entire application process.

Property on Skopelos Island is best found via a realtor, and that is where we, Skopelos Realty, come into the picture. We have been around long enough in the business to know what is being offered and, like any really good realtor should, we have good contact with the locals.

Planning ahead

Taking a fresh look at Skopelos realty is not a good idea during the months of July and August. This is because owners are more likely to either be on holiday somewhere else, or working their local businesses. It is never a good idea to bother people with matters that need a welcoming spirit of negotiation. Especially when the local population is hard-pressed by their business demands, stress and many people, they have other matters on their mind. All these are characteristics on the island during the high season. It is on the off-season that people relax, and take things easier having time, and calm to deal with interested parties. This is when it is easier for them to make and keep appointments. May, June, and September are the best months to visit Skopelos and take a good look at all available properties that interest you.

Over the years we have kept note of when people on Skopelos Island are more conducive to dealing with people who want to spend more time on the island. Naturally, the language is not a barrier for us, nor is gathering the right people to get renovations or building projects done right and on time. This can be a headache for people that are not present or know the language and local zoning laws. But, we have ready teams for that and intimate knowledge of these laws. However, that is not where the process starts. We know it starts at the right time, and that is more often than not when the seller is ready for the buyer.

You will no doubt agree that there is no point spending your hard-earned money, wasting your holiday time to find the owner of a property you like or negotiating for it at the wrong time. This is where we can step in a prime the owner feeling out whether he wants to consider and offer or indeed whether he is looking for one. And the most important part of this… you do not even have to be here on the island. If you have seen some property you like and are interested in renting or buying it while you were on holiday here, let us know. We will take care of the rest for you hassle-free. We will let you know what is going on, what offer to make, and when to make it.

Once you are done with the deal, if there are any changes to the property you wish to make, we can arrange all that for you. And if you want that property to make you some good money, we can manage that for you as well. In fact, there is nothing we cannot do for your property, all you have to do is point us in the direction you want us to go and we will get things done!

It is not easy to set a price for services and goods; they keep changing throughout the year. Tourist season brings a rise in most prices, as expected and during off-season months, they tend to get back to normal.

It is much harder and definitely more expensive to transfer food, clothes, building materials and fuel to an island, which explains why one has to consider the cost of living before deciding to move there.

There is a short list of questions that people often ask us. Their answer helps them in the selection of the property to purchase or its location. So, here they are:

Is Skopelos expensive to live in?

Cost of living in Skopelos may be higher than in Athens or other large cities of Greece, however, it is not an expensive island to live in. There are always options to get cheaper food, drinks or other goods, for those who decide to do some searching.

As for the food, there are now several mini and super markets. The growing competition brings prices down and that is what is expected to happen in Skopelos too.

How much does a flight to Skopelos cost?

At the moment, one can get to Skopelos either by ferry or by private sailing boat, motor boat or hydroplane. There is no airport at Skopelos, so nearest airports that carry tourists who wish to visit the island are on Skiathos and Skyros.

Flights to Skiathos during summer season may cost from 120 to 300 euros per person, depending on the month (low, mid or high season), the departure airport and the company. Please contact your travel agent for more accurate information on flight cost. We should also mention that flights to Skyros are, usually, much cheaper.

Skopelos ferry prices

Most tourists travel by ferry from various locations in Greece such as:

Agios Konstantinos
Mantoudi
Skiathos
Skyros
Thessaloniki and
Volos

Prices in Skopelos for ferry tickets start from 22 euros and may go up to 42 euros per adult. However, these prices may vary according to season and type of seat.

Please, keep in mind that from certain locations, there is no daily ferry connection to Skopelos. Early booking is always a great option for a smooth and trouble-free holiday.

Skopelos car hire prices

Depending on type of car and season, car hire prices in Skopelos start from 45 euros. Length of rental is also important as it may reduce rental price significantly, especially during middle and low seasons.

Skopelos taxi prices

Minimum price for a taxi ride is set to 4.4 euros and, depending on the route, it may exceed 40 euros (one way). From Skopelos Town you should expect to pay no more than 9 euros to get to Stafylos and a maximum of 20 euros for Panormos.

Cost of basic supermarket goods in Skopelos

Here is a short list of goods with their average price. We will keep adding more essential goods and include a minimum price as well.

Bottle or carton of milk: 1.20 to 1.40 euro/ litre

Gruyere or similar type of cheese: 8.00 to 15.00 euro/kg

A bottle of wine (750ml): 5.00 to 15 euro

Fuel prices in Skopelos

Should you decide to bring your car to Skopelos, please note that, during middle and high seasons, fuel prices rise significantly. For most people that limit their everyday drives this poses no problems.

If your intention is to buy a house in a remote area, where commute is a must for several times within the week, you should add fuel costs to your budget. Still, Skopelos is a relatively small island and most shops, restaurants and beaches are within easy reach.

Prices in Skopelos for long term house rental

Long term house rental prices in Skopelos start from approximately 250 euros and can get up to 600 euros per month or more. Prices increase with house size, location and amenities. As most locals rent their homes to tourists, most houses are not available for long term rental.

Contracts are for 2 years or more and most owners require 2 months’ rent as a security deposit. Please search well in advance to make sure you find a house to rent in Skopelos.

As in all other areas in the world, significant role in the price of a property play:

1. The location of the property
2. The view
3. The size of the property
4. Creature comforts provided
5. Accessibility to a local market for basic needs
6. The condition of the property

Finally, it all comes down to what each one would describe as an ideal home and what they would be willing to pay for it. Let us see each parameter and the role it plays in determining its sale price.

Property location

Location is of critical importance when selecting a place to live or even spend your holiday. Skopelos Island offers a variety of options to satisfy even the most demanding buyer.

Skopelos Town offers easy access to shops, restaurants and nightlife. This beautiful and traditional settlement, protected by strict laws in order to retain its authenticity, offers many houses for sale as well as cottages, land and commercial properties (hotels, villas, restaurants and bars). As Skopelos Town is one of the island’s most popular real estate locations, prices are expected to be higher.

The rural areas Glossa and Loutraki are also widely preferred for their amazing views, their traditional character and their rich vegetation.

Also, please, keep in mind that for those who seek peace and require more distance from noise and crowds, Skopelos is the ideal island. Its large number of beaches and small settlements as well as its dense mountainous regions will leave you speechless.

View of the property

A nice view is always a great plus, sometimes “paid in gold”. In Skopelos you will find properties of breathtaking views at reasonable prices.

But what defines a great view, you may ask?
The answer is simple: the client! Some would argue that there is nothing like having panoramic sea view while others would choose the traditional cobbled-stone alleyways or a view of the island’s lush forests.

Property size

Skopelos properties vary in size, starting from one room rural houses (cottages) or town studios to two-storey villas with many bedrooms and bathrooms.

Property maintenance is an additional factor that, over the years, might prove challenging. Depending on the available budget, one must choose wisely.

Creature comforts

The fewer creature comforts, the cheaper the property would be. Swimming pool, furniture, air conditioning, parking space, fireplace, central heating and others may cost you dearly in some cases.

Accessibility to shopping areas

This is a very controversial factor since easy access to super markets, bakeries and other shops are a huge plus for some and a great disadvantage for those who value their privacy.

Statistically speaking, more people would choose to have easy access to shops, which makes Skopelos Town even more popular, from a real estate point of view.

Property condition

Buying a new property will save you time and headaches. Buying a property that requires renovation will give you the home you have always been dreaming about.

We, at Skopelos Realty, specialize in house renovations and can make your dream come true. Our services also include house maintenance. Keeping your new home in great condition is, by far, the cheapest long term property value solution. Do not hesitate to call us at +30 6932 415 130 (also at Viber). Please, keep in mind that internet connection is not optimal and there might be issues. Alternatively, you may fill in our contact form and we will get back to you within less than 24 hours.

Conclusion

Choosing the right holiday home is not an easy task, especially when there are so many properties to choose from.  Natali our head realtor will show you what suits best to your requirements and your budget.

Here are 5 reasons to live on Skopelos:

Nature

Unlike the majority of the stark Cycladic Islands, Skopelos is green. Very green! Most of the vegetation is low chaparral and large sections are arboreal. Pine trees stretch all the way down to the beaches offering shade and a restful view both toward the sea and from the sea with a sharp contrast. The island is small enough to have day hikes and also offers itself for cycling if that is preferred.

Character

Skopelos has character! Because it is a small island that has little tourist development, it has managed to keep its identity. In fact, by law the two main towns are required to build and maintain their structures according to traditional styles. This adds immense charm to the towns, Skopelos and Glossa, both of which are also ports. These charismatic towns are both also built amphitheatrically on the slopes of the hills above the harbours.

The countryside inland and close to shore is quiet and offers fantastic vistas from almost anywhere. Building codes are more relaxed there but over the centuries, the locals have found the best way to do things according to climate and terrain. It would be wise to follow their lead in this.

Beaches

Being an island, Skopelos has quite a variety of beaches, but if you are just a fan of cooling off, anywhere will do as long as access is available. Some of the beaches are organized, most are not as of yet. One thing is certain, they are all magnificent, and the colours of the surroundings are pure magic. Any beach on the island is well kept and the waters are pristine. The tree lines behind most of them are fantastic if too much sun is not tolerated. Properties are available in many areas of the island close to the beaches, but a real estate agent is necessary to help find it and negotiate for it since language and paperwork can be an issue.

Lifestyle

Skopelos offers lifestyle. Often people equate the Greek islands with nightlife, frantic parties, nudist beaches, good food and a great time! What many fail to see is a truly unique quality of lifestyle. Skopelos is a place where the people live at a totally different pace and have a very good lifestyle. Almost everything is available on the island and what is not, can be brought in or found on the nearby mainland. It is an island built on community. Everything offers itself to a more personal relationship, people, businesses, services, schools a.s.o.

Environment

Skopelos is a closed environment because it is an island. The locals are fiercely protective of their island and it shows. Many of the houses on the property are hundreds of years old, they were built with care. This is why they are still standing today. The people have kept their landscape in good condition taking care not to destroy it. Their beaches are in fantastic condition and are clean; the waters that stretch out from the sands are crystalline. The combination of these, with the lifestyle it offers, make the island ideal to rent property on for holidays or even whole seasons. The option to buy or build your own house and then rent it or live in it permanently is a solid choice.

Renovations are common when owners purchase their “new” old holiday home. The condition of the cottage or holiday house may vary considerably, unless they have purchased a newly constructed structure.

House renovations on Skopelos Island can be a pleasure or a headache, depending on whom you have selected to renovate the property you purchased, and the condition it is in. the language is difficult so communication can be an issue. Being understood is important. “Greek Island time” is different to that of digital watch time. Someone must be present to make certain things get done on time etc.

Because the majority of purchases are those of older houses on sale, the personality and vision of the owner must be reflected in the structure and this requires renovation. The headaches start when people attempt to do everything on their own. As mentioned before, the language and customs of the island can be overcome when you use a responsible local, such as your realtor and their team, to handle the whole affair. Pleasure is best assured this way.

We strongly advise this avenue in the long term.

The property you purchase may be in a state of dismal disrepair but offers a terrific view or location or both. If the structure is in good shape but needs a better layout and your personal touch to suit your needs, you are fortunate. During the renovation, the house will have to have many different checks carried out. This job will need someone that will keep an eye on the people that carry out the work, whether it is structural, electrical, plumbing etc. these can be expensive if directions are not clear and concise. An overseer is a sure way to save money and take care of the issues you would otherwise have to deal with.

On the Greek Islands, Greek property laws often have restrictions in traditional zones and on the structures within them. Properties within these zones have to fit in with others around them. Structures must be built according to local zoning specifications. Having someone to help with this legal issue saving you from hassles and wasted money is very important long term.

However, once the renovations are done, the end result adds to the authenticity of your home. Saving money also adds value to your property because it is still “in pocket”. You can then choose to rent periodically, sell or enjoy the renovated house for yourself.

Renovations of Old Property

Many of the properties on Skopelos can be hundreds of years old, especially in the older island settlements. They were built with care and have history.

On Skopelos Island and in Skopelos Town many cottages in the country and old stone houses in the villages are for sale. These were sturdily built by stonemasons of repute. However, they may require some or even substantial renovation because they do not cater to your specific needs or tastes.

Renovations to these old structures may include restoring traditional features that characterize the building style of the area and the building. This may be part of the zoning laws and as such, it is illegal to change. Part of the job may be masonry that needs to be pointed, restoring stone arches and even reconstructing stone benches and fireplaces in some grander villas or traditional cooking ovens in the more rural ones. All must be restored to their former glory by law. The plus side is the added charisma of your newly renovated Skopelos home. This is best done with the help of your realtor who has the teams of professionals to do the job and keeps an eye on things in your absence.

Skopelos Realty specializes in this kind of work. Architects, stonemasons, and other construction experts, all working together transform your new Skopelos property into a home with lots of character.

The renovation process starts with you and Skopelos Realty. We will arrange a meeting with our collaborating architect and civil engineer. They will explain, in detail, what can be done to the property and suggest the options available.

Together we will finalize your requirements, and then you can enjoy an extended stay or go back home. For our part, you can be certain that we will take care of everything as per your specifications. You will be kept informed on the renovation process as it progresses. We will be sending you Photographs, Video, and written reports regularly on the work in progress.

Depending on your specifications, the time required for the completion of the renovation will vary. During that time, we will take care of everything necessary to the renovation for you.

In order to save more money on your renovation, we offer, project management and can also help you with design ideas, plans and renovation permissions, municipal requirements a.so.. In addition, for your rural cottage, neo-classical, town-house, or island villa, we can propose exterior and interior design ideas, colour schemes, tiles, ceilings, beams, period correct paneling, lighting, fireplaces, central heating, air-conditioning, electrical plans, new plumbing, ideas and plans for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, space-saving ideas, living and dining areas. The whole renovation package at a very fair price.

Depending on what you have in mind for the property you just purchased, and the condition it is in, house renovations on Skopelos Island can be a headache or a pleasure.

Because most purchases are those of older houses for sale, renovations are more than likely so that the property expresses the personality and wishes of its new owner. The headaches start when people who do not know the language and customs of the island attempt to do everything on their own. Conversely, the pleasure is best assured when you use a responsible local, such as your realtor and their team, to handle the whole affair.

We strongly advise this avenue.

The property you purchase may be in a state of disrepair that includes only 4 walls but a terrific view. Or, you may start with a structure that is in pretty good shape but needs your personal touch and layout to suit your needs. It any case, the house will have to have many different checks done to it, these need people that know their business, whether it be structural, plumbing, electrical etc.

Greek property laws on Greek Islands often have restrictions when it comes to traditional zones and structures within them. A property within such a zone will have to fit in with the rest of those around it. Houses will need to be built according to zoning specifications, and having someone to help with these so as not to infringe on laws is very important long term saving you from hassles and money.

The end result however, will most certainly add to the authenticity of your home once the renovations are done. Adding value to your property which you can then choose to enjoy for yourself, rent periodically or sell.

Skopelos Old Property Renovations

Skopelos has been inhabited since ancient times and many of the properties can be hundreds of years old, especially in the older settlements of the island. They have history and were built with care.

Many old stone houses in Skopelos town and cottages in the country villages on the island are for sale. Most of these were sturdily built by their original owners who used stonemasons of repute. Nevertheless, they may not cater to your specific needs or tastes requiring some or even substantial renovation. This is part of purchasing an older building.

Many of these old structures have traditional features that are illegal to remove since they would change the character of the building. There may be masonry that needs to be pointed, stone arches and even stone benches and fireplaces in some grander villas or traditional cooking ovens in the more rural ones. All can, and by law, must be restored to their former glory. The big plus side is that they add to the charisma of your new Skopelos home.

What we can do for you

Skopelos Realty specialises in this kind of work and has its own teams of professionals. Stonemasons, architects and other construction experts, who can perform the tasks of making your new Skopelos property into a home with loads of character.

Should you choose to undertake such a renovation process, Skopelos Realty will arrange a meeting with our collaborating architect and civil engineer. They explain, in detail, what can be done to the property and expand on the options available.

Upon finalising your requirements, you can stay or go back home, certain that we will take care of everything as per specifications. We will keep you current on the renovation process as it takes place. This will be done regularly by sending you Video, Photographs and written reports on the progress of the work.

The time required for the completion of the renovation will depend on your specifications. In the meantime, we will take care of everything for you as our experienced construction team undertakes the necessary renovation works for you.

We can also help you with design ideas, plans and renovation permissions, municipal requirements according to the exterior style of the house i.e. rural cottage, neo-classical, town house, and island villa. In addition, we can propose exterior and interior design ideas, colour schemes, tiles, ceilings, beams, period-correct panelling, lighting, fireplaces, central heating, air-conditioning, electrical plans, new plumbing, ideas and plans for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, space-saving ideas, living and dining areas and of course, project management.

Thankfully, this is not the case on Skopelos Island.

Perhaps one of the best bargains a person can find, meaning BANG for buck, is the purchase of a traditional house on Skopelos. There is a wide variety, from one that needs to be almost entirely rebuilt, to one that only needs a few changes to suit your personal needs.

The rebuilding of a house from a few standing outside walls has the advantage that you can be a part of the whole process. This means that the interior can be planned, designed and built exactly as you want it.

The purchase of a functioning traditional property is a slightly less time consuming option if there are only a few minor interior changes to be made. These changes can include knocking a wall down of erecting one in a different place, plumbing insulation electrical works a.s.o.

The final option is that of a newly renovated functioning traditional property. This may be a little costlier initially, but then all you have to do is move in! Then, decorate to taste and enjoy!

The exterior however, will have to conform to the zoning laws if the property is in either of the two towns Skopelos Town, the capital and main port and Glossa, the second port.

Skopelos Town also known as “Hora” a common name for all island capitals, is where most traditional properties will be found since it is the larger of the two towns. It is East facing. Glossa on the other hand may offer fewer opportunities but it has equally spectacular West facing views. Both towns are built on the slopes of the ports below them, so just about the only place to walk on a level plane are their waterfronts.

Evenings in both towns offer bars and restaurants with views to their respective harbours and coasts with the mainland in plain view of Glossa.

Traditional houses are not only found in these two ports but also in the more rural and outside zoning law areas. These offer a very different opportunity since they can be renovated entirely to choice. Fewer restrictions to zoning construction laws mean a different approach. However, people have been on the island for centuries and have tested their building over those centuries finding perhaps the best formula for their construction. Part of this formula is the design, and even the outward appearance of their abode. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make when it comes to country living on an island with rich traditional houses and architecture.

Far less commercialized and of easier rhythms, the makings of a quality lifestyle. It is a lifestyle that is reflected in a very different architecture that is closer to the rest of the northern Aegean sea and neighbouring Pelion, than that of the more austere and stark Cycladic rhythms.

People here on this little island have also managed to hold onto their traditions and local culture.

The history behind Skopelos architecture

Skopelos Town, the capital or Chora as it is known in the broader Aegean, is the settlement that best reflects the characteristic architecture of the island. For this reason, it has been declared as a heritage site maintaining its unique layout that consists of narrow streets and steps, many chapels, and beautiful whitewashed houses and yards with flowers.

The architecture of the island is characterized by two categories, vernacular (the Macedonian and Rural type) and the newer neoclassical, established after the island’s liberation from the Turks (mid-18^th to the 20^th century).

The local architecture has the main characteristics of narrow roads and stone-built houses with wooden roofs covered with Pelion stone plaques and wooden balconies over the main entrance. The early neoclassical architecture is distinguished by its large constructions with marble balconies and neoclassical features. These are with aristocratic facades, marble balconies, and rich decoration built by sea captains and merchants. Strong Venetian, Macedonian (from nearby Pelion) and newer Neoclassical influences are apparent.

The newer houses were built using local materials like stone and wood. They are two and three-storey buildings with wooden beamed roofs and ceramic roof tiles.

Surrounding Skopelos Town, outstanding architectural features are to be seen at any of the Byzantine monuments, and monasteries.

The architecture of Glossa the only other town and port is best known for its characteristic Macedonian features and the very picturesque green and white neighbourhoods.