Big day of hiking, 23000 steps! We took walk no 3 from “Skopelos Walks” book. Eleni found and led this hike. Her GPS in their new google phones was very helpful because the walk description is a little confusing without the accompanying map. We started at the Asclepion archeological exhibit near the house, walked up through the village and then across the island along roads, through the recycling dump, along main road, through olive groves and through bramble trees up the mountain. There were some areas that were fairly steep and quite brambly. We did cross by a goat station. At the top of the ridge we could see the see to the other side of the island.
Our reward after 1.5 to 2 hrs was arriving at Agnondas Beach.Later in the week I talked to the woman who maintains the trails and the walking guide on the island – a British woman named Heather Parsons. She laughed when I told her the route we took through the dump – from a 2000 version of her book. She knew the path wasn’t maintained anymore. I bought the newest version of the book for next time!
A waiter walked out into the street to make sure we sat at his taverna. (Agnondas Mouri). A delightful setting with tables set on the beach under a huge plane tree. We only ordered drinks but the menu looked interesting. This beach is more of a little port rather than a swimming beach so after our drinks we set off to walk to the next beach, Limnonari.
Another peaceful stroll up and down a paved road along side of the mountains. And then this breathtaking view of the beach. A mix of sand and pebbles, just two little tavernas and beach chairs. We spent the whole afternoon on this beach, sunning, swimming in the very cold water, and a drink break at the taverna.
Around 5.30 we started the hike back to Agnondas to catch the local bus back to Skopelos Town. Impressed with the brand new bus. Much nicer than the one we took from Athens to Volos.
By now we had more than 20,000 steps on our phones. And I was very hungry. Platanos Taverna had a Souvlaki portion for takeaway… 4 chicken skewers no bread w tsaziki sauce. Perfect to hold me over till dinner.
Monday night we had planned our fancy dinner out courtesy of Nouna. The ladies all sported new outfits and jewelry. We hiked up the village looking for Perivolis but it is closed until June 1. We ended up in a fancy neighborhood with attractive newer big homes. Rodi was our second choice and it turned out to be a great meal. We were able to sit in the courtyard with a view of the rising moon. Eleni and Taylor took the lead in choosing our menu and it was all amazing.
House white wines in bottles with the mezedes (from Naoussa)
Mushroom sautéed in a balsamic sauce with cheese
Fennel balls w a dill sauce
Baked eggplant with cheese
Ordered two salads, both excellent: Oraia Eleni (Helen of Troy) and the Panoreia with a mustard dressing
Mains with house red wine also served in bottles
Pasta with chicken and roasted veggies
Oven roasted lamb w potatoes. .very tender
Pork dish…
Ordered one of each dessert available. An orange cake with ouzo flavored ice cream and a chocolate decadent pudding. Omg.
We toasted Nouna and Nouna for our special evening. The last thing Eleni and Taylor wanted to do was stop in at a little boutique bar called The Hidden Door just down the street. A cute little place with a variety of gin and tonic choices. The owner was playing an eclectic mix of Greek and Latin music, very funky.
All in all, a perfect day.