Many reasons exist for to choose to move to Skopelos. As a marine biologist, I had been first attracted to the National Sporades Marine Park. But I soon found Skopelos had much to offer and plunged into buy a house inside the old town.
The marinelife reserve which first attracted my attention is actually centred on neighbouring Alonnisos and her surrounding islets. But Alonnisos proved a little too quiet for me. And Skiathos, featuring its airport, rather too busy. Skopelos strikes the ideal balance. Indeed; Skopelos is off the beaten track, but not too remote. It's not at all too large, but not not big enough. And it's also modern and cosmopolitan, but has kept its traditional character. Exploring Skopelos further you soon realise that it is rightly referred to as 'green and blue' island of Greece. Hawaii in the Cyclades have a lot allure, but few trees. The Ionians are green - but at the cost of wet, wet winters. Skopelos has it really right. The hole emerges by 5 million pines and thousands olive trees. Along with trails throughout these lush hills and valleys, the walking and cycling is great.
Nonetheless it was the 'blue' bit that really got me. Skopelos includes a fabulous, varied coastline of sweeping beaches and rugged cliffs. Almost a few of the beaches are made up of pebbles - which suits the snorkeller all right. Sand makes for poor visibility, in addition to attracting the tourist hordes. The rockier bays and inlets of Skopelos, using caves and submerged rocks, supply the snorkeller more to explore. This varied underwater habitat means an increased selection of beasties, with; sea urchins, squid, Octopi and dozens of species of fish frequently seen. You shouldn't have to dive down deep or swim nutty to determine such wildlife treasures, plus a taverna is always nearby should you fancy eating a variety of it.
The marine park is really a short boat ride away. And here you can readily see one of several world's most endangered mammals; the Mediterranean Monk Seal, of which there are just 600 approximately left. The nice and cozy seas with the Mediterranean in many cases are strangely with a lack of seabirds, but here in the Sporades they may be impressive, together with the effortless flying with the shearwaters being especially so.
But if marinelife is not your main interest, and you are more fascinated by traditional life, or modern bars, or walking, or good beaches... Skopelos features a little of it all. It turned out this care-free balance of the things I liked about Greece that led me to stay on Skopelos. From 1400 Greek islands I picked Skopelos. Naturally, I am unable to say I explored all of them before choosing. Some ought to.
