TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE DIARIES

Just a few pictures of Glossa, the second largest town on the island of Skopelos in the Sporades (Greek Islands). We visited Skopelos Island twice but it was on our second visit that we checked out the town of Glossa in the northern part of the island. Many boats and ferries ply the Skiathos Port to Loutraki-Glossa route (and onwards to Skopelos town) on a daily basis between May and October. I will tell more about our visit another time when I have sorted out my pictures. For now, just posting a few ones! Location of Glossa in Skopelos: Many boats and ferries depart from Skiathos to Glossa (Loutraki Port). One narrow winding step cobblestone alley in Glossa. This is the first public square in the old town of Glossa. There is a second one at the church square which is reached via the cobblestone stairs. A very charming Glossa. Must visit if one is visiting Skopelos. More of Glossa soon! Travel Period: June 2017 Destination: Glossa, Skopelos ...

For a small island as Skiathos, it has unbelievably over 60 beaches! But many of the beaches on the island are unorganised beaches and some are even called virgin beaches because they are very difficult to reach. We tried locating a beach we were eyeing in the north but decided to give up when we realised there is no road to get there. One will have to hike. We have not visited all the 60+ beaches, but Dutchman and I have for sure our own favourites. We tend to fall for smaller, cosy and organised beaches that have a cool taverna and a smattering of sunbeds with parasols. Throw in some cool music and we are happy beach campers. On top of our favourite list is Vromolimnos Beach located in the southern part of the island on the corner of Kanapitsa cape. Dutchman and I discovered this lovely beach one afternoon when we were surveying the south on our scooter for beaches. We have seen many beaches on this particular day including the famously long and sandy Koukounaries Beach whi...

Dinners in the Greek Islands are what I always look forward to during the summer island holiday because for sure it is going to be alfresco. I am very fond of eating outdoors especially during the warm holiday season when everyone seems to be living outside their homes. In the Netherlands, people would flock to the city and village squares for a drink and locals would be dining on their balconies or gardens. I don’t take the sun for granted these days, I revel when she shines and I work steadfastly my agenda around her. This is the product of 15 years living in gloomy and wet Netherlands where any outdoor activities and social plans are mostly controlled by the darn unpredictable Dutch weather. For me, there’s just an overwhelming sense of excitement and living the life when you are sitting outdoors clinking chilled glasses and forking your lunch or dinner on a terrace with stunning views of the horizon or at a busy harbour during a holiday or even on the beach with the relaxing...

For this Greek island summer holiday, we have visited neighbouring island Skopelos twice. The first time was on an organised boat trip from Skiathos with Agios Nikolaos boat tours to its 2 nearby sister islands, Skopelos and Alonissos. We have only visited the capital towns of each island, Skopelos Old Town and Patitiri. The second time we visited Skopelos, we did it independently taking the scooter with us on board on the ferry to Loutraki nearby Glossa, the 2nd largest settlement in Skopelos. It was a day to visit some of the highlights of the island and its beaches which I will for sure post an entry about in the near future. For this post, these pictures were taken on our first trip to the island, during the organised boat trip. These are just a few pictures of the bazillion pictures we took of Skopelos! Hopefully, you will be inspired to visit the Greek Islands with these pictures! Especially the Sporades group of islands. This is the old town of Skopelos Island. ...