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International Sailing Week, 6-13 August

2011-07-28T23:17:00.004+03:00

NORTH AEGEAN INTERNATIONAL SAILING WEEK

NATIONAL (open) OFFSHORE CHAMPIONSHIP 2011

Cultural Events / Loizeia 2011

2011-07-20T17:16:00.009+03:00

The Cultural Association of Glossa Skopelos, keeping the tradition of the last thirty years, organizes once more this summer cultural festivities, “Loϊzeia 2011”. The four day programme (July 30 - August 2) is as follows:

Saturday 30/07: Pantelis Thalassinos in concert, start time 21:00

Sunday 31/07: The dancing group of the cultural association of Glossa and the Thace dancing group from Drama, start time 21:00

Monday 01/08: Theatre evening a) the children of the primary school present the play “Othos Oneiron” (Street of Dreams) start time 20:30, and b) The children of the secondary school present the play “Our little town” by Thornton Wilder, start time 21:30

Tuesday 02/08: A traditional evening in Loutraki, Glossa with music and dance along with the participation of the Cretan Association of Volos, start time 21:00

The first three days of the cultural events will take place in the court of the schools of Glossa, while the fourth will be held in Loutraki, Glossa.

Entrance fee:

20€ - for the first three days.

15€ - for the first three days. This is a special price for school children 12 -18 years old, for students and unemployed people (student card and valid unemployment card will be asked).

7€ - for the second day, on 31/07/2011.

5€ - for the third day, on 01/08/2011.

0€ - for the fourth and last day in Loutraki (free for all).

(Source: Loϊzeia 2011)

N.A.I.S.W. 2011

2011-07-19T18:50:00.005+03:00

NORTH AEGEAN INTERNATIONAL SAILING WEEK
NATIONAL (open) OFFSHORE CHAMPIONSHIP 2011

Thessaloniki Offshore Racing Club (Th.O.R.C) is proud to announce that the North Aegean International Sailing Week (N.A.I.S.W.) for 2011 will be held in Skopelos island, simultaneously and in combination with the National Offshore Championship, from 6 to 13 August.

Boasting years of experience, Th.O.R.C.’s Organizing Committee is well familiar with the recipe for a successful carrying out of its crown event, the N.A.I.S.W. This year, faced with the additional challenge of organizing the National Offshore Championship in parallel with the N.A.I.S.W., the Committee has strategically appointed an island of exquisite beauty -situated conveniently in the center of the Aegean Sea- in an attempt to accomplish the best possible outcome for all parties involved.

The fact that more than twelve Nautical Clubs from throughout the country are expected to be represented, guarantees that the National Offshore Championship will turn out to be the year’s top sailing event and at the same time will provide the basis for a fundamental upgrading of the institution in the coming years. With a confirmed interest to enter from the country’s most competitive boats and crews within the ORCi and IRC classes and with additional incentives given to the ORCi GPH>700 class -which will enjoy separate race courses -total entries are estimated to exceed 40, securing that the three National Champions (IRC, ORCi and ORCi>700) will emerge from the most representative sample of the country’s racing fleet.

TH.O.R.C and the National Offshore Committee, in collaboration with the local Nautical Club of Skopelos and the neighboring Offshore Sailing Club of Volos have already begun preparations aiming to achieve a successful event both in the water as well as ashore, where a wide array of events is scheduled to take place, with the support of Skopelos Municipal Authorities.

Th.O.R.C. invites everybody to this fair, tough and enjoyable regatta in the center of Sporades Island Complex, the hospitable and picturesque island of Skopelos, where the pine trees reach the seashore, the beaches are beautiful and the magnificent island tradition oozes from every part of the Capital and the rest of its villages.

(Source: N.A.I.S.W.)

North Aegean International Sailing Week

2011-07-15T17:50:00.001+03:00

NORTH AEGEAN INTERNATIONAL SAILING WEEK
NATIONAL (open) OFFSHORE CHAMPIONSHIP 2011

Wedding Photography

2011-06-24T01:47:00.004+03:00

Professional wedding photography by local photographer Virgilios Tsioulli.

Contact details:
Virgilios Tsioulli, telephone: (0030) 24240 23511, mobile: 6981 279 431, email: info@skopeloswedding.gr
Address: Skopelos Island, Magnisia, 37003, Greece
Web Site: www.skopeloswedding.gr

FAROS SKOPELOU - 2.

2010-10-02T00:01:00.001+03:00

INVITATION
Faros Skopelou is organizing an event in Skopelos together with the Greek cancer charity "Be Strong". This event will comprise a public talk (in Greek), which will look at how we can provide psycho-social support to someone who has cancer. The event will take place on Saturday 9th October 2010, 7.00 p.m. at "Rigas Hotel" in Skopelos.

The speakers are:

The charity’s founder Panagiotis Michael who has experienced cancer twice, and through his experience decided to help others with cancer, by providing accurate information and support. He will present a theme with the title: “I am what I am thinking”. He is the author of an autobiography about his experiences called “We are Tourists”.
Mr. Michael Patrikareas who is a psychotherapist-sociologist and he will present two other themes with the titles: “The exhibition of truth to Cancer patients” and “Cancer stigma”.

Information about "Be Strong" can be found at www.bestrong.org.gr

the Skopelitian American chef Cat Cora - 2.

2010-10-01T17:00:00.000+03:00

Dawn above Skopelos' harbour...

2010-07-31T00:10:00.000+03:00

at 5.12am

Traditional Costumes of Skopelos

2010-07-15T17:00:00.000+03:00

You are welcome to admire those old, hand embroidered costumes at the Folklore Museum of Skopelos, which is located in the centre of the town.

← click on the photo to view it larger

FAROS SKOPELOU - 1.

2010-07-10T20:00:00.000+03:00

INFORMATION ABOUT FAROS SKOPELOU CHARITY.

We are a non-profit making, registered charity which was founded in 2006.

Our mission is “To help the individuals and community of Skopelos face the challenge of cancer and other life limiting illness, through support, advocacy, and education.”

People who are living with a serious illness such as cancer, advanced heart / renal failure, dementia, and other neurological conditions on Skopelos face many challenges. The geographical distance of the island from the main treatment centres and from support services available on the mainland can deepen the sense of isolation and fear that people with serious illness (and those caring for them) commonly experience. This is compounded by the taboos and apprehension found in the wider community which are perpetuated by misunderstandings or lack of available and accurate information.

We aim to support individuals and the community as a whole, using four main spheres of activity:

Providing ongoing practical, emotional, social support to patients and their families, and to provide them with information to help them to cope with serious illness.
Raising of awareness amongst the island communities of issues surrounding serious illnesses, (e.g. their prevention, treatment and how to care for individuals with serious illness), in order to reduce the fear and misconceptions that surround cancer and other serious illness.
Increasing cooperative working with other national charities & organisations to improve patients’ and families’ access to specialist services, information and support.
Facilitating access for the community’s health and social care professionals to education and training in the care of people with serious life-limiting illnesses, with the goal of encouraging sensitive and holistic care.

Our recent activities on Skopelos include a Dementia awareness weekend, and a cervical cancer prevention and information weekend.

In order to carry out all of our activities, we rely on donations from individuals and charitable foundations.

HOW TO CONTACT US: Our Information Office is situated in Skopelos town, next to the local Post Office. You can also reach us by telephone on (0030) 24240 22341 or by email to faroskopelou@gmail.com.
For more information about us, please do take a look at our website at: FAROSSKOPELOU.GR

---article sent by Faros Skopelou

An Island Sanctuary: A House in Greece

2010-07-02T23:39:00.003+03:00

[Hardcover]
by John Stefanidis

The photographs in this book give me a proper idea of colour and space in this lovely house. Go to page 100 when you have bought the book and just look at the brilliance of the blue striped cushions against the whitewashed walls, the mass of flowers and beyond a plain stone table. Indeed every page is a delight; views of the country surrounding the house and the garden are breathtaking. I particularly like the juxtaposition of Millington-Drake paintings with the photographs. I can recommend this book to anyone interested in the art of perfection. ---V. Mcdonaugh

St. Peter's Bay

2010-06-28T10:00:00.003+03:00

A safe natural heaven...

Aghios Petros (St. Peter) is a deep bay to the south of Kyra Panagia, the first island to be met in the northern part of the National Marine Park of Northern Sporades; St. Peter's bay is a safe, natural haven.

Thessaloniki → Skiathos

2010-06-25T20:00:00.004+03:00

This summer you may fly with ATHENS AIRWAYS direct from THESSALONIKI to SKIATHOS

PERIOD
01 July 2010 - 12 September 2010

Athens Airways is a new private owned airline, entering dynamically in the Greek air transport industry. Always with respect to the passenger, aiming at covering his high demands, Athens Airways intends to raise the bar in air transport services being offered in Greece, as well as to serve Greek passengers with safety, credibility and consistency. Direct contact with the customer, high quality service standards, constant improvement and the excellently trained personnel constitute a strategic bet for Athens Airways.

The lighthouse on Psathoura Island

2010-06-22T17:15:00.028+03:00

A 19th century monument

- Type of construction : Circular
- Year of construction : 1895
- Height : 28.90 metres - Focus : 40
- Coordinates : 39°N30, 24°E11
- Signal : a white flash of 1 sec / 10 sec
- Illumination Range : 17 nautical miles

The lighthouse was first operated in 1895 and is located on the North side of the uninhabited island of Psathoura, which is part of North Sporades chain. This impressive stone building is one of the tallest in the Aegean Sea and was constructed from 1893 to 1895 by Skopelite stone builders who used the local dark volcanic stones of the island.

The Psathoura lighthouse belongs to the Lighthouse Network of Magnesia consisting of five stone lighthouses; the lighthouse on Trikeri, the lighthouse of “Gourouni” on Skopelos, the lighthouse on Psathoura, the lighthouse "Argyronisiou" and the lighthouse of “Repi” on Skiathos.

In 2001 it was characterized as a monument for historic preservation by the Ministry of Culture.

Bird Watching Binoculars

2010-06-21T12:37:00.005+03:00

The most important tool for every birder is a good binocular. Your first pair of binoculars can be really exciting. Nothing else -except the birds themselves- is so important for good bird watching. You’ll see wildlife much closer, in more detail and you won’t scare it away.

. . . .

Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) - 3.

2010-06-20T20:07:00.003+03:00

The excellent scavengers...

Gulls are not good fishermen, but they are excellent scavengers and will eat nearly anything. They are important in cleaning up harbours and beaches. They are known to pick up shellfish and drop them from the air into a rock, road, house or car to crack them open. Although they can swim passably well, they cannot dive or swim under water.

You might also like to view:
Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) - 1.
Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) - 2.

Hellas Speed Cat

2010-06-17T18:17:00.015+03:00

2 Daily Sailings to Sporades, from Agios Konstantinos

Hellas Speed Cat, operates the high speed catamaran Speed Cat 1, and offers 2 daily sailings from the port of Agios Kostantinos to Skiathos - Skopelos - Alonnisos (round trip).

Travelers can continue their trip from the Agios Konstantinos port to the center of Athens, by using the daily bus service that is offered to the Speed Cat Catamaran passengers, in cooperation with the port agent of Agios Kostantinos.

For all information, time tables and port agents, please visit their Web Site

Travelling from Kymi with "Achilleas"

2010-06-13T18:20:00.026+03:00

If you have a car, or if you prefer to travel to Skopelos using a cheaper route, it is possible to do so by the “Skyros Shipping Company”. Their ship “Achilleas” sails from Kymi (Evia) to Skopelos, twice a week and the boat trip is only 3h 40min. Below are the Summer 2010 itineraries.

"Achilleas" was constructed in Japan on 1987 and completely renovated in Greece on 2004. It offers satisfactory capacity for passengers and vehicles. There are three spaces available for passengers, two of them as economy and one as distinguished class. It also has three bars, one of them open, on the main deck.

MIDDLE SEASON

16 June 2010 - 11 July 2010
03 September 2010 - 13 September 2010
■ KYMI → SKOPELOS
every Tuesday and Saturday at 10:00’’

■   SKOPELOS → KYMI
     every Tuesday and Saturday at 13:45’’

HIGH SEASON
12 July 2010 - 02 September 2010
■ KYMI → SKOPELOS
    every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00’’
■ SKOPELOS → KYMI
    every Tuesday and Thursday at 13:45’’

Contact Information
_____________________________________________________________________
For Information and Reservations from Kymi, contact the “Agency of Kymi” in Kymi.

Telephones : (0030) 22220 22020, 22220 22522

Office Working Hours

a) from 01/01 to 31/05 as well as from 14/9 to 31/12: 09:00’’-13:00’’ and 16:00’’-19:00’’

b) from 01/6 to 13/09: 09:00’’-13:00’’ and 15:00’’-19:00’’
_____________________________________________________________________________
For Information and Reservations from Skopelos, contact the “Lemonis Agency” in Skopelos.
Telephone : (0030) 24240 22363

Marc Held - the architect

2010-06-12T20:30:00.015+03:00

Marc Held is both architect and designer. The full range of this creative work is remarkable -everything from small spoons to entire factories, with houses, cars, ski outfits, porcelain and furniture in between. Although Marc’s studio was based in Paris for a long time, his work has been commissioned and sold all over the world.

A number of his creations are exhibited in Museums of contemporary art, and some of the rarer pieces -always supposing one is lucky one to find them- feature in Mayor public auctions.

Today, one of Marc Held’s main preoccupations is the relationship between traditional and modern architecture. Marc Held’s principal residence is now in Skopelos Island, which has become his second homeland.

Marc Held’s book "SKOPELOS, the landscapes and vernacular architecture of an Aegean island" was published in 3 languages; English, French and Greek. It is a hard cover book of 211 pages (size: 25cm x 25cm) and is available for sale on local shops and the Folklore Museum of Skopelos at € 42.

Kastani beach

2010-06-11T09:09:00.002+03:00

Tender Moments in Mamma Mia...

An other true gem among Skopelos's beaches. Hidden in deep forest, Kastani has a dirt road access, and a calm atmosphere. Ideal for couples.

Skopelos POOL CENTER

2010-06-05T23:59:00.018+03:00

We specialise in swimming pools and our services include: Equipment and Spares, Repair and Cleaning.

We can supply everything from pool maintenance services to pool equipment, spares and chemicals;

for commercial and domestic clients in the Sporades islands.

Contact details : Pachis Bros.

Mobile : (+30) 6988042516

Telephones : (+30) 2424024374‎, 2424024153

Visit our web site for all the details → SKOPELOS POOL CENTER

Today's sunset, from KARAVOS cottage

2010-06-03T23:38:00.017+03:00

Photos were taken from the yard and dining room of KARAVOS cottage, opposite Skopelos' Town. Located in a wonderful position, this lovely cottage combines the charm of a traditional house with modern comforts. The outdoor areas, with private swimming pool and traditionally built barbeque, make it a comfortable retreat and it is perfect for those who want to be close to the town and yet enjoy living in the countryside. The house has beautiful views across the bay to Skopelos town and the surrounding mountains and offers 4 bedrooms and 2 wc/shower rooms.

Greek chairs, in blue colors...

2010-06-02T02:17:00.003+03:00

RYANAIR’s new routes to VOLOS

2010-05-30T22:44:00.049+03:00

RYANAIR to bring really low fares to Volos for the first time...

Ryanair, the world’s favourite airline, gave the Greek Economy a much need boost as it launched its guaranteed lowest fares on two new routes to the airport of Volos (Nea Aghialos National Airport) for the first time.

From Nea Aghialos Airport, local buses from the public transport KTEL depart for Volos town and port. The bus ticket is €3,00.

If you wish to search for available flights from/to Volos (VOL) with Ryanair and ticket fares, visit their web site → RYANAIR

Ryanair’s new routes will operate in 2010 from / to:

■ Milan (Bergamo) → Volos, and Volos → Milan (Bergamo). Every Thursday and Sunday until the 31st of October 2010

■ Frankfurt (Hahn) → Volos, and Volos → Frankfurt (Hahn). Every Thursday and Sunday until the 31st of October 2010

CHERRY TREE cottage in watercolours

2010-05-25T23:00:00.010+03:00

The original cottages in Skopelos are called "kalivia". Traditional stone buildings of simple rectangular shape, in two floors. In the past they were used as dwellings by agricultural workers who moved there with the whole family including their animals, during the harvest time. Today the old cottages are been lovingly restored and are mostly used at weekends and celebratory feasts or, as holiday accommodations.

web page : Cherry Tree Cottage
A marvellous hideaway for walkers, painters and lovers of good food, wonderful scenery and a gentle pace of life.

the Skopelitian American chef Cat Cora - 1.

2010-05-18T22:07:00.026+03:00

Both of her families -her family in Jackson, Mississippi, and her family on the island of Skopelos in Greece- share a love of good food, a passion for gathering around a table for long conversations with family and friends, and a generosity of spirit that reaches from the Aegean Sea to the American South. Her dad, Spiros, born in the Missisipi Delta two months after his parents left Skopelos, has the warmth and fun-loving appetite of a Greek and the humor and charm of a Southern gentleman.

In 2005, Cat Cora made television history on Food Network’s Iron Chef America as the first and only female Iron Chef, and in November 2006 Bon Appetit Magazine bestowed her with their Teacher of the Year Award, an award she calls, “the greatest recognition she could achieve as a chef”.

Cat Cora's Kitchen - (order this book on line)

Favourite Meals for Family and Friends

The dinners of her childhood inspired her to write this book, to pass along the idea that good cooking can spring from modest budgets. Greek home cooking -whether on Skopelos or in Jackson- has always meant wonderful fresh flavors from inexpensive ingredients.

Ancient Skopelos' coin

2010-05-11T10:18:00.003+03:00

This very rare flat silver tetradrachm from the ancient Greek island of Peparethos (Skopelos) from 500-480 B.C is exhibited in the British Museum.

OBVERSE: Running winged figure in incuse square. This figure is probably Agnon, the runner Olympic winner.

REVERSE: Large bunch of grapes between two small leafs in a dotted circle.
The type of this coin suggests trade relations with other cities, chiefly with Chalkidiki and Cos island, where some of them have been found.

around Stafilos bay

2010-05-10T17:15:00.022+03:00

It was a lovely day today, however not enough wind for sailing! Photos were taken from the private balcony of KALITHEA studios. These newly built accommodations are located vertical above the popular beach.

Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) - 2.

2010-04-27T18:42:00.002+03:00

The true seagull...

To many people all the birds seen near the sea are "seagulls." Actually there are many different kind of birds who make their living from the sea. There are shags, eagles, sea doves, and a host of others.

This, however, is a true seagull, a Herring Gull (Larus argentatus), one of the most familiar seaside birds on both Skopelos coasts and inland areas. For the so-called seagull is just as apt to follow a tractor and pick up grasshoppers on a farm as it is to pick up clams and crabs from a beach.

past: Young Women’s Portraits

2010-04-26T19:43:00.004+03:00

Old photos present a unique view of our past...

Here it is a glimpse of Skopelos’ past in the form of old photographs. The past is idealized by presenting its faded photographic remains as proof of an irrevocably lost simplicity and innocence.

Paradise for Children

2010-04-25T18:02:00.006+03:00

Welcome to the Paradise for Children...

Skopelos Island is a lovely place, a small world of enchantment, where children learn through play and exploration… In this secure, safe environment, kids are led through an exciting and a stimulating round of activities every single day.

photo art: "Bateaux de Skopelos"

2010-04-23T16:17:00.012+03:00

by Pedro Uhart

The Polaroids of Pedro Uhart, draw lines between symbolism and images of representations, about recovering that which is contiguous; through the long digression of work and its load of memory, they will be the “evidence” in our library of images, an imaginary museum of the instantaneous.

from Pedro's Uhart Website

Spring is here again !

2010-04-12T03:20:00.003+03:00

with all its lovely flowers...

Throughout April and into May, spring flowers will be in bloom, brightening the whole island.

old, crystal Glasses

2010-04-11T22:00:00.005+03:00

You are welcome to admire those old, hand made crystal glasses at the Folklore Museum of Skopelos, which is located in the centre of the town. Such a lovely, detailed work indeed!

← click on the photo to view it larger

ABBA - I have a dream

2010-04-10T23:57:00.004+03:00

I have a dream, a song to sing
to help me cope, with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
you can take the future even if you fail

I believe in angels
something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
when I know the time is right for me

I’ll cross the street, I have a dream

I have a dream, a fantasy
to help me through reality
And my destination makes it worth the while
pushing through the darkness still another mile

I believe in angels
something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
when I know the time is right for me

I’ll cross the street, I have a dream

N.I.K.O.S. - the local marine association

2010-04-09T18:10:00.003+03:00

Sailing with N.I.K.O.S. in Skopelos' harbour.

N.I.K.O.S. is the local "Marine, Sailing, Swimming Association" of Skopelos island.

beautiful Daisy

2010-04-08T01:49:00.013+03:00

Daisy found us when we were on holiday on Skopelos island in 2001. She was an abandoned dog who begged round cafes but had malnutrition and had been very badly treated.

We were cat people, and left money for her to be fed over the winter. It was a bad winter and so when the local Cat Protection Society (SCAN) phoned and said she would die since it was so cold and no one would take her in, we decided that Daisy belonged with us. With the help of SCAN, Daisy arrived in England three months after we met her.

Daisy lives with us in New Zealand now and is a most beautiful dog with a lovely nature. She has been a therapy dog, featured in our local calendar, has won ribbons for best mixed breed, and best sit down dog!

---by Ann Allen

Traditional Wedding Costume

2010-04-07T00:26:00.034+03:00

The collection of Greek costumes, at BENAKI MUSEUM in Athens, includes complete outfits from many different regions. Between them we spotted an authentic traditional wedding costume of Skopelos.

← click on the photo to view it larger

The Benaki Museum ranks among the major institutions that have enriched the material assets of the Greek state. It is also the oldest museum in Greece operating as a Foundation under Private Law. Through its extensive collections that cover several different cultural fields and its more general range of activities serving more than one social need, the Benaki Museum is perhaps the sole instance of a complex structure within the broader network of museum foundations in Greece.

Dűsseldorf → Skiathos

2010-04-06T14:20:00.021+03:00

This summer you may fly with AIRBERLIN direct to SKIATHOS from DŰSSELDORF

PERIOD

11 July 2010 - 05 September 2010

Amarandos coves

2010-04-05T18:07:00.005+03:00

On the main bus road, between Stafylos and Agnondas, there is a dirt road though the forest, which leads to several, secluded small coves, ideal for snorkelling. Pine trees sweep right down to the water's edge offering privacy and shade.

The Mamma Mia! effect

2010-04-04T15:14:00.007+03:00

Some want weddings. Others want champagne receptions at sunset on their own private beach. Others, still, want to take a leaf straight out of the film script and "dance and kiss on the beach."

It's called the Mamma Mia! effect. And nowhere is it felt more keenly than on the Aegean isle of Skopelos, where the capacity for life to imitate art has gone full throttle since the release of the film version of the hit Abba stage show.

Source: guardian.co.uk

photo art: "Biblioteque de vins Skopelos"

2010-04-03T18:07:00.003+03:00

by Pedro Uhart

On l'appelait: "La bibliothèque des alcools de Skopelos" cet extraordinaire fenêtre grecque. -- P.U. -- (technique : polaroid)

from Pedro's Uhart Website

Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) - 1.

2010-04-02T01:40:00.015+03:00

Creatures of shorelines...

Although generally thought of as marine creatures, gulls are really creatures of shorelines. Omnivorous, opportunistic scavengers, the proliferation of open garbage dumps has provided more than ample feeding grounds for such familiar species as the herring gull. This has led to a great increase in their numbers.

You might also like to view:
Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) - 2.

Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) - 3.

Flora of Skopelos

2010-04-01T18:07:00.004+03:00

Skopelos is home to several species of wild flowers. Springtime offers travellers lower prices, empty beaches, less people, and wildflowers as the island awakes from winter. If you've ever considered a spur-of-the-moment trip to Skopelos, do it now.

Throughout April and into May, spring wildflowers will be in bloom, brightening the whole island. Visitors who are interested in plants will be amazed by the abundant variety of different shrubs and flowers (freesias, orchids, poppies, irises, lilies, etc.) grown here, some of them endemic.