Skopelos
Population: 4.960 (2011)
ISLAND OVERVIEW
Skopelos is one of the largest islands found in the Northern Sporades. It lies between Alonnisos and Skiathos. It has the shape of a saxophone, with the “neck” pointing northwest, and the “bell” lying to the east. There are not many bays and natural harbours, and cliffs fall steeply into the sea on the majority of the coast. Mountains dominate the western and eastern parts of the island and there are several plains. Skopelos is also the name of the main port and the municipal centre of the island.
Agriculture, once a staple of the local economy, is in decline; however, it is still famed for its prunes, while the Glossa region produces almonds. Wine production from local grapes is minimal ever since the phylloxera blight of the 1940s destroyed the vineyards. The locals make a feta type cheese called ‘Katiki’, produce their own honey and have a small fishing fleet. The nuns of the various convents produce loom, mover textiles, skirts and blouses. Despite this, the economy is now fully dependent on tourism, which supports construction and other development-related industries. Though tourism is greatest during the summer months, Skopelos is also a year-round retirement destination for Northern Europeans.
Skopelos contains about 360 churches, chapels, monasteries and convents. The island gained worldwide fame as the unspoiled and tranquil Greek island where Mamma Mia was filmed.
Currently being built on the island is The Olive Grove Retreat Centre. When it is completed it will be used for Bible school courses in the winter and spiritual retreats in the summer.
The Island & Its History
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In ancient times the island was an important Minoan outpost ruled by Staphylos and the Minoan ruler is said to have introduced vine making to the island. In the 1930s a tomb containing gold treasures and believed to be that of Staphylos was discovered.
The island once had a vital wooden shipbuilding industry and contributed many ships to the War of Greek Independence (1821–1831). Shipbuilding began to decline after the introduction of steamships. The Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition (1911) stated “Almost every householder in both islands (Skopelos and Skiathos) is the owner, joint owner or skipper of a sailing ship.” Today the art of building ships and boats in the traditional style is virtually nonexistent and is seen only in the repairing of small wooden vessels.
Skopelos Town has retained much of its whitewashed traditional appearance despite being badly damaged in the 1965 earthquake. Elios is a purpose-built village constructed after the great 1965 earthquake to resettle the displaced residents of the severely damaged village of (Old) Klima.
Prayer Points
- The people on the island will realize their need for God and their eyes will be opened to the truth and love of God through reading the Bible for themselves.
- The Lord will work in the lives of all the God-fearing religious people already living on this island, and bring healing & refreshment to their lives.
- For the new Olive Grove Retreat Centre to be completed and used mightily for His kingdom.
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