Sailing Calista10 June 2023 – 11 June 2023
Leaving the anchorage on Skiathos Island, we motored over to Skopelos Island, arriving shortly after 11.00am. There were already a couple of tourist boats in the anchorage but we managed to find a sandy spot where we were able to drop anchor. There were so many rocks and not alot of sandy patches, if the wind was blowing on shore, anchoring in the bay wouldn’t be an option so we were very lucky on this day that we were able to anchor here and climb to the Chapel.
We lowered the two paddleboards and decided to paddle to shore as it was very rocky and there was no where suitable to leave the dingy.
Once safely on shore we were able to lift the paddleboards out of the water while we climbed up to the Church.
There weren’t too many tourists about and we climbed up to the Agios Ioannis Kastri (Mamma Mia Chapel) with Paul leading the way.
There were about 110 steps carved into the stone and it was relatively easy going. I did however have to take a couple of rest stops on the way up and also take a few photos.
Who couldn’t resist posing ringing the bell …
The size of the chapel appeared much smaller from what was portrayed in the movie.
I lit a candle in memory of my parents.
Calista is sitting at anchor all by herself, she looks so small.
Leaving the anchorage at the base of the Mamma Mia Chapel, we headed around to the Skopelos Port where we would stern tie onto the town quay. A large ferry had departed from the Port as we were navigating our way in so we made sure we kept our distance. He was bigger than us. Surprisingly the town quay was pretty quiet so there was plenty of places to choose where we could dock.
We dropped our anchor about 40 metres out in the harbour then reversed slowly back towards the quay. We got caught out by a bit of crosswind first attempt at backing in and so Paul had to try again only this time backing up slightly into the wind to maintain a line into the berth. A fellow yachtie came and assisted with taking our stern lines.
There ferries would create quite abit of turbulence with their props and wake as the arrived and departed.
Once Calista was securely tied to the pontoon we set off on foot to find the Port Police at the far end of town to get our Transit Log stamped in and out as we would be departing the next day. The Port Police were very obliging and stamped us in and out with no questions asked.
On our way back from the Port Police we came across a lovely restaurant with an upstairs dining area. It was still very hot and the breeze was somewhat appreciated while we enjoyed our meals.
The harbour and town looked pretty with all the lights.
The following morning Paul and I went for a walk up to the top of town and through the narrow cobbled alleyways.
When we reached the top there was a small outdoor cafe. The elderly gentleman recommended a freshly squeezed orange juice, “they are the best on the island”. How could we refuse. At 6.00 euro each, we were stingy and only bought one to share.
We sat and enjoyed the orange juice while taking in the view and refreshing breeze.
The houses had mostly terracotta roofs.
I’m a sucker for a nice bouganvillea and there were plenty around.
It was a lovely town, very clean and so colourful with the bouganvilleas.
Wandering through the cobbled alleyways we came across some black pots painted with white ferns. We thought of New Zealand when we saw them.
There was the odd building shuttered up. More bouganvilleas in full bloom.
Most of the buildings appeared to be well maintained and the alleyways clean and tidy.
Typical house with the washing line strung up from the balcony. You wouldn’t want to drop any clothes while attempting to peg them out.
We met up with Malcolm and Trish for breakfast at one of the many taverns’s along the waterfront. The waiters were so friendly and we enjoyed a scrumptous breakfast of bacon and eggs.
Our time in Skopelos was brief but we did get to have a good look around. It was less touristy compared to Skiathos and much quieter.
