Hotels in Skopelos

In high season, Skopelos is becoming nearly as popular as Skiathos. If you've arrived without reservations and need help, talk to the Skopelorama Holidays agency or to the officials at the town hall. Look at the room and agree on a price before you accept anything, or you may be unpleasantly surprised. To make matters confusing, there are few street names in the main, old section of Skopelos town, so you'll have to ask for directions to find your lodging.

In Skopelos Town -- Handsome, traditional-style Hotel Amalia, along the coast, 500m (1,640 ft.) from the port's center (tel. 24240/22-688; fax 24240/23-217), is largely occupied by groups but should have spare rooms in spring and fall.

In Panormos -- This pleasant little resort is on a horseshoe-shaped cove along the west coast, about halfway between Skopelos town and Glossa. Here you'll find several cafeteria-style snack bars and minimarkets. We recommend it as a base, especially because one of the best hotels on the island -- Adrina Beach Hotel -- is just above it. As for restaurants, a particularly lively taverna, Dihta, is right along the beachfront.

Panormos Travel Office (tel. 24240/23-380; fax 24240/23-748) has decent rooms to let; offers phone and fax services; exchanges money; arranges tours (including night squid fishing); and rents cars, motorbikes, and speedboats.

If you can't get a room at the Adrina, try 38-unit Afrodite Hotel (tel. 24240/23-150; www.afroditehotel.gr), a more modern choice about 100m (328 ft.) across the road from the beach at Panormos.

In Glossa -- There are approximately 100 rooms to rent in the small town of Glossa. Expect to pay about 40€ for single or double occupancy. The best way to find a room is to visit one of the tavernas or shops and inquire about vacancies. You can ask George Antoniou at Pythari Souvenir Shop (tel. 24240/33-077) for advice. If you can't find a room in Glossa, you can take a bus or taxi down to Loutraki and check into a pension by the water; or you can head back to Panormos.