Mamma Mia! Here I go again!

MAMMA MIA HERE I GO AGAIN

Island Hopping in the Greek Islands! Sounds so exciting and I was off to “hop” to three of the twenty four unspoilt islands of Alonissos, Skopelos and Skiathos which make up the Sporades Archipelago.

It was an easy journey from Gatwick to Skiathos with Enter Air. All very smooth and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful.

Skiathos Airport is small and after a short drive we were on the waterfront in Skiathos town.

We had time to walk around the harbour and town in the late afternoon sun. We ate outside and soaked up the atmosphere before boarding the ferry to Alonissos (which takes just under 2 hours). The sunset was spectacular from the ferry and approaching the small harbour in the early evening – its lights twinkling, was a welcoming sight. Our hotel, the Atrium was built on the hillside above the town with beautiful views over the Aegean Sea.

Our first full day in Greece was spent on a boat. Blue seas, blue skies - this of course is an iconic picture and a wonderful experience. We explored the Marine Park along the island, even spotted some dolphins. We dropped anchor and climbed up to a monastery where they made us feel very welcome and showed us around.

We had dinner in the old town of Alonissos perched high on a hillside with lots of lovely bars and tavernas to sample traditional Greek food with great views whichever way you looked!

The next day we explored the island by land, realising how many walking trails, beautiful pebble beaches, coves, small villages and beautiful vistas there are.  You can stay in small hotels but there are some lovely apartments and villas dotted around, some literally on the beach. The island has a good bus service – and if you are a keen “twitcher” it is famous for its birdwatching too!

My next island to explore was Skopelos – a 30-minute ferry away. Skopelos is the largest of the islands with a lovely busy town.

On arrival, we took a short bus ride to Agondas Beach where we had the most amazing fish dinner al fresco again –  ‘Shirley Valentine’ style!

Our highlight of the trip was visiting the areas where Mamma Mia was filmed – such stunning locations and, of course, we climbed up to the little church, without a donkey. Everywhere on the island the scenery was breathtaking, whether it’s up in the hills or along the scenic coastline, dotted with inviting tavernas and friendly faces always smiling to greet you.

Skopelos town has a large number of cafes, bars, tavernas and restaurants as well as lovely shops, lots of churches, a castle overlooking the sea, potteries, ice cream parlours and food outlets. It’s fun to get lost in the maze of narrow streets of the whitewashed houses filled with flowers and greeneries. Gastronomy ranges from cool and sophisticated cocktail spots to simple Greek restaurants right on the water’s edge.  We loved the food, lots of very fresh fish, mezes, lamb dishes and always a tempting sweet to follow.

We used a Hoverspeed boat to get back to Skiathos which took only an hour. It was an early rise but worth it just to witness the sunrise over Skopelos.

Skiathos Town is more touristy than the other two islands and of course the airport is there. If you plan a twin centre, which is a great idea, I would have the last stay on Skiathos to shorten the return journey which often has a short stop at Volos to refuel.

The island is easy to explore with a most efficient bus service and roads are well sign-posted and various hillside stops for the walks and hikes.

I would recommend you visit in May, June, September or October. It’s pleasantly warm and quieter in these months – July and August are busy and very hot.

Would I return? Yes! I loved the heart-warming Greek hospitality, the lovely beaches and the beautiful, beautiful hues of blue all around.

 

Let me get you Island Hopping too!