GREECE & CYPRUS SPORADES DESTINATIONS


decor,” says Hilary Honess, co-owner of The Independent Holiday Shop. “It’s so light and breezy, and easy on the eye.” Up in the old town, we viewed the


eight-room, boutique-style Konstantina Studios. “The rooms are gorgeous,” says Anne Mercer, owner of Mercer Travel. “But being in a more remote location, it would benefit from a pool.” For independent types, the rustic


and romantic Limani Cottage in the fishing village of Steni Vala should delight. Sue Hunter, owner of Braunton Travel, says: “It’s really close to the beach and footsteps away from tavernas, but has a sense of seclusion.”


◗ SKOPELOS Sell: The A-lister of the archipelago, Skopelos is the setting for Mamma Mia! But stardom hasn’t changed it much. The largest of the three, tourism isn’t the only string to its bow. Skopelos is a working island with a busy port, and Skopelos Town remains a maze of cobbled streets where bakeries, potteries, churches and craft shops


thrive, while tavernas spill out on to piazzas and the waterfront. “The harbour is lively, but the side streets are quieter,” says Laura Dyer of Launceston Travel. “There’s more activity than on Alonissos, but Skopelos is more reserved than Skiathos.” Skopelos can be reached by flying cat or ferry from Skiathos, with a transfer time of between 50 and 90 minutes. See: Pine forest carpets the interior and narrow lanes lead you down the clifftops to pebble beaches with clear waters that make great snorkelling spots. Whether you prefer a bay with a bar and restaurant, or a secluded cove and a picnic, Skopelos can accommodate. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the monasteries and scenic villages such as Glossa in the northwest, and of course, to follow in the footsteps of the cast of Mamma Mia! Fit fans of the film should make a beeline for Agios Ioannis in the northeast of the island, where a pint- sized church on a rocky outcrop played wedding venue for the characters. Just


be warned, you’ll need to climb more than 100 steps to reach it. Stay: Those who like to stay centrally could consider a villa in Skopelos Town. They’re not immediately apparent as you stroll around, but occupy walled courtyard gardens giving privacy in a convenient location. Many also have pools. We visited Thalassa Vista Villa, which sleeps seven and has three bathrooms. Gabriele Scholes, travel consultant at Hallmark Travel, says: “The way the property is divided up could suit several couples or a family with older children, as there are lots of separate spaces, a mezzanine floor and rooftop terrace.” Elsewhere, midway between town and the peaceful Stafilos Beach, Alkistis Hotel Apartments offers 25 sizeable self-catering units that also give families the opportunity to spread out. “The large pool and gardens are attractive, plus kids can run free and it’s easy to keep an eye on them,” says Samantha O’Connor, assistant store manager for Fred Olsen Travel.


ASK THE EXPERT


CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Skopelos; Thalassa Vista Villa; Atrium Hotel


Graeme Neil, Sunvil, overseas manager “The Sporades stand out from other Greek archipelagos because of the ease of access from UK cities and daily ferry links between the islands. Skiathos is touristy and ideal for active families, with all amenities in easy reach. Clients can arrive and get into holiday mode immediately. For those who don’t mind waiting times and early-morning connections, Alonissos and Skopelos remain unaffected by mass tourism and offer the chance to experience ‘old’ Greece but with the accommodation standards of the ‘new’ Greece. A twin-centre, of course, provides the best of both worlds: recharge your batteries and then enjoy some vibrant nightlife!”


3 January 2019travelweekly.co.uk61


PICTURE: C DRAZOS PHOTOGRAPHY


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