Panormos Bay

With a long beach and sheltered inner cove ideal for yachts, Panormos is fast becoming a holiday village, although so far this stretch of the coast retains a quiet charm. The little town has a long provenance and was founded in the 8th century BC by colonists from Chalkis; a few well-concealed walls are visible among the pinewoods on the acropolis above the bay. Inland, the interior of Skopelos is green and lush; not far from Panormos Bay, traditional farmhouses called kalivia stand in plum orchards. Some are occupied; others are used only for family holidays and feast-day celebrations. Look for the outdoor ovens, which baked the fresh plums when Skopelos was turning out prunes galore. This rural area is charming, but the lack of signposts makes it easy to get lost, so pay attention.