Sailing to Skópelos

We left Órmos Peristéra on 15 June with the aim of turning southwest and sailing around the south side of Nísos Alónnisos. However, looking to the east we could see a charter yacht with no sails up apparently just drifting. It seemed quite odd so we kept an eye on it for a few minutes. We did see someone pop up on deck, do something by the steering position and then quickly dart back below and concluded that perhaps they were having engine problems. Turning east we motored for about 5 minutes and caught up with them. We called out to the chap now back at the steering position to see if they needed any help but he said everything was fine and started shaving. We continued our turn around them and headed off to the southwest happy that we had done our good deed for the day. The yacht continued to drift for at least the next hour until we lost sight of it behind Nísos Peristéra.

Patitíri

Alónnisos’ hóra

With our route taking us around the south side of Nísos Alónnisos we got another look at Patitíri harbour. Better still, when we cleared the south side of the island we could look back up for an even better view of the hóra perched on the hilltop.

Islands between Alónnisos and Skópelos

The islands here are very picturesque. There are lovely golden colours in the cliffs, pretty bays and green peaks. We turned west towards the islands between Alónnisos and Skópelos just enjoying the views. There wasn’t much sailing going on because the wind was calm so it was a gentle motor over almost glassy seas.

Approaching Skópelos

Skópelos town is on the north side of Skópelos island set into a deep bay. The town, which is built up the side of the hill, appears at the last minute as you round the headland. Being on the north side of the island means that the bay is open to the prevailing winds. Even through a large, modern concrete breakwater forms a protective barrier our pilot book warns that the harbour can be uncomfortable in strong northerly winds and that the shallow bay can become quite dangerous. In such conditions even the ferries don’t go into Skópelos but instead go to Agnóndas on the south side of the island. The forecast was for strong northerly winds in a few days time so we planned to stay in Skópelos for a couple of days and then move around to the south side of the island to find a more sheltered spot.

Skópelos harbour

Once inside the harbour we reversed up to the breakwater and made ourself secure. The town looked like it was going to be fun to explore with numerous little chapels scattered around, cafés and restaurants on the seafront and narrow streets between the houses built up the hillside.

Skópelos, Greece