Some of the more frequently asked questions about Skopelos:
- Are There ATMs (Cash Machines) On The Island?
- What Is Driving Like In Skopelos?
- How Long Does It Take To Get To Skopelos?
- Is The Water Safe To Drink In Skopelos?
- I'm Vegetarian, What Food Can I Expect In Skopelos?
- How Much Can I Expect To Pay For A Restaurant Meal In Skopelos?
- Will My Mobile Phone Work In Skopelos?
- Where Can I Access The Internet In Skopelos?
- What Is The Currency In Skopelos?
- Do I Need To Learn Greek?
Are There ATMs (Cash Machines) On The Island?
Yes. Cash machines are available in most of the major towns/villages in Skopelos.
What Is Driving Like In Skopelos?
As with elsewhere in Greece, vehicles in Skopelos drive on the right. The main roads on Skopelos are metalled, however the roads high up in the mountains are mostly gravel. Most roads within the major towns are streetlit, however there are few, if any, roads outside of these areas that are lit at night. Many of the roads are quite twisty, so care needs to be taken. The centre of Skopelos Town can become congested at peak times, though most of the roads in Skopelos are usually fairly quiet.
How Long Does It Take To Get To Skopelos?
Flight time from the UK to Skiathos is typically 3¼ hours. From Skiathos, the hydrofoil takes approximately 25 minutes to reach Loutraki and 40 minutes to reach Skopelos Town.
Is The Water Safe To Drink In Skopelos?
The water is safe to drink, however it has a very high mineral content and so is not very nice to the taste and will fur up a kettle very quickly. You may prefer to use bottled water for drinking, which is widely available and relatively cheap.
I'm Vegetarian, What Food Can I Expect In Skopelos?
Most main dishes in Skopelos include meat or fish though there are often a range of very good vegetable dishes on the starters menu.
Recommended dishes include: Yigantes (giant butter beans); Kolo-ki-thakia (fried courgettes), Melit-zana (fried aubergines) or Melit-zana-salata (aubergine salad); Saga-naki (fried cheese); Horta (wild 'greens') as well as many more.
The easiest way to ask for vegetarian food is by saying 'horas kreas' which literally means 'without meat' or 'horto-fagos' which translates as 'vegetable-eater'.
How Much Can I Expect To Pay For A Restaurant Meal In Skopelos?
Restaurant and Taverna meal prices in Skopelos vary, just as they do anywhere else in the world. Typically, menu prices are a similar amount in Euros that you would expect to pay in UK Pounds.
Fish dishes can seem expensive, though keep in mind the fact that many places price fish per kilo, not per portion. Local wines are good value, whilst imported labels can be expensive.
Will My Mobile Phone Work In Skopelos?
Most, if not all, of the UK mobile phone networks have arrangements with one or more of the Greek networks, so your mobile should work OK. Keep in mind, however, that the cost of making and receiving a call with a British mobile whilst abroad can be ridiculously expensive. Reception in the more remote parts of the island may be patchy at best, though in the main resorts, reception should be OK.
Most supermarkets and mini-markets sell phone cards for use with the public pay phones. These can work out a lot cheaper that using your mobile. There are payphones located all over the island. Typically there are several in each resort, with most of them being open air.
Where Can I Access The Internet In Skopelos?
There are several internet cafes in Skopelos, mostly in Skopelos Town. Many of the hotels on the island have internet facilities available to guests.
What Is The Currency In Skopelos?
Skopelos, as does the rest of Greece, uses the Euro €. Check with www.xe.com for the latest currency conversion rates.
Do I Need To Learn Greek?
No, though if you make the effort to at least attempt to speak some Greek, it will be greatly appreciated. Most restaurants, tavernas, shops, banks and post offices will have staff that speak English - usually very well.