Chora ( Hora ) - Skopelos - Sporades Islands Greece
The main village of the island of Skopelos is Chora ( Hora ), or Skopelos Town, as it is also known. Chora is a very beautiful and impressive village, and one that attracts huge numbers of visitors each year.
In ancient times, the village was known as "Peparithos", the brother of the islands first King, who was also the first colonist on the island.
The village was built on a steep slope, and with it's very beautiful and traditional scenery, attracts many artistic visitors, such as painters and photographers, who capture the beauty of the town through their work.
The narrow valleys, charming and quaint houses, yards and gardens filled with colourful flowers, and the traditional and impressive mansions make the landscape and scenery here one that will provide you with unforgettable images. The picturesque port and the white stone churches provide an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
On the many houses in Chora, you will see the wooden balconies, and the white lace curtains on the windows, which is one of the most memorable images visitors to Skopelos take back home with them. One can find themselves totally submerged as they wander around through the streets, taking in the local architecture, traditions and customs.
There a few interesting archaeological sites in Chora, as well as a wide selection of monasteries, churches and monuments dating from the Byzantine period. There are over 100 churches that you will find here.
Another
characteristic of Chora are the many churches, most of which were built
around the castle. There are over 100 churches that you can visit here.Following a steep hill road, you can head to the Acropolis of the ancient city of Peperithos, where the views here are spectacular. The village of Chora as well the other villages on Skopelos are preserved habits, resulting in the chance for visitors to experience the traditional beauty of the island.
Skopelos is also famous for its traditional cuisine and cakes, pastries and sweets made with almonds, prunes and local honey, and of course, the famous cheese-pies. Visitors to Chora will be able to sample a wide variety of local cuisine.
The local wine is also worth mentioning and should definitely be sampled. Some local cuisine that is worth trying is fish stew with onions, known as Stifado, local yogurt and the various dairy products that are made with 100% ewes milk from the local stock of animals.
There are also many shops where you can purchase a selection of traditionally hand made ceramics and decorations, such as blown-glass, embroideries, woven articles and carved wood items.
Most visitors to Skopelos will at some point visit Chora. If if you are planning to stay in another part of the island, it is well worth planning a daytrip to Chora, where you can sample and experience the most famous village of Skopelos.
