Skopelos monasteries a must see attraction

Walking to monasteries is one of the more popular pursuits on Skopelos, the other is just walking. Fortunately there are no end of churches and monasteries to visit. In Skopelos town itself there are around 120.
The best for sightseeing are at Zoodochos Pigi, which has an icon attributed to St Luke, and at Chrisso, with its splendid gilded interior. Also worth a visit is the 18th century church of Panagia Eleftherotria, with a fountain beneath a plane tree and a slate roof dotted with brightly painted ceramics.

Close by is the Episkopi, a fortified Venetian monastery, left incomplete by the Ottoman invasion. There are also a clutch of monasteries on Mt Palouki above Skopelos town.The route is long and up a winding track that seems to last forever but walkers are rewarded with great views and tourist firms will offer excursions to Episkopi in the high summer season.

Evangelistria clings to the rocks and enjoys the most magnificent views over Skopelos Town bay. It was founded by monks from Mount Athos in the 18th century but its impressive gold alter screen is from Istanbul and dates from the 14th century. It is now occupied by nuns.

More enthousiastic walkers can attempt the climb to the 16th century Metamorphosis, which stands aloft in a clutch of pines. It was been empty for around 20 years but is undergoing a revamp with just one monk in residence now.

It has a small chapel set in a flower strewn courtyard and hosts one of the island’s biggest festivals on August 6.Prodoromus can be seen from Metamorphosis just over the next hill. Built in the 18th century it is dedicated to St John the Baptist and inhabited by nuns. Ag. Varvara is a fortified monastery, now unfortunately abandoned, but noted for its 15th century frescoes.

The trio of Evangelistria, Prodromos and Metamorphosis are all are worth a look, even if only from the outside and all boast superb views over the sea. The mountain has a protection order on it and hunting is outlawed so expect to find nature unspoilt, with abundant flora and fauna to enjoy. Keen walkers can visit all three by following well worn mule trails.