Villa Danai enjoys a most appealing location, looking directly out to the island capital, vibrant harbour and sparkling sea. Nearby beaches include Glyfoneri (2.5km) and Glysteri (5km), while the upper part of Skopelos Town with its little bars and restaurants as well as steps that bring you right down to the harbour front, is just 2.3km.
The elevated location of Danai offers up the fascinating panorama of Skopelos Town below, which has gradually evolved from a picturesque Greek fishing village to be the capital of the island, whilst retaining an unspoilt ambience and laid back charm. Whitewashed houses spread up the hillside from the port with bright red roof tops clashing specatularly with the cobalt blue of the Mediterranean Sea behind.
The impressive exterior, a mix of exposed stone, slate roof tiles and dazzlingly whitewash facade, blends seamlessly with the spacious terraces, where the sea views act as backdrop for breakfast or lunch around the pool. Scattered about the pool terrace, Grecian urns filled with colourful geraniums sit alongside olive trees, creating an air of tranquillity and harmony.
With an assured touch, the interiors are modern and fresh, creating a stylish, welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. On the ground floor, both contemporary and traditional influences can be seen in the décor and the generous living space has doors opening onto the front/dining terrace. The ground floor twin bedroom also opens onto the front terrace and enjoys similarly impressive vistas as the two double bedrooms on the first floor, each benefitting from the balcony in front - a lovely spot for an evening aperitif.
At the top of the town is the Kastro area (2.5km) where a handy mini-market, pretty coffee-bars and tavernas provide the perfect spot to view the ferries, yachts and fishing boats sailing into the colourful port. Getting out and about, a wealth of fantastic sandy beaches await; close to home Aghios Konstantinos (2km) is the nearest beach, just five minutes drive, whilst Glysteri beach (5km) and Glyfoneri with beach tavernas (4km) are close by.
Travelling north through the island, discover Milia and Kastani Beaches on the west coast, both fringed by pinewoods, enjoying crystal clear waters and perfect for snorkelling. Panormos and Agnondas ports have waterfront tavernas, the latter with a jetty haphazardly jutting into the water, so fishing is often the sport of the day, accompanied by a few tall tales over a cold beer about the ones that got away! Not forgetting Skopelos Town itself, which has a large selection of eateries, from simple tavernas hidden away in the narrow back streets to the impressive fish restaurants on the harbour front, serving up fish appestisers to the early hours.
One of the best things about this green, beautiful island is wandering along the timeless paths and tracks marked out by sheep and shepherds over the centuries, to explore the crumbling monasteries, blossoming plum orchards, abundant olive groves and hidden coves and bays.
An unusual plus for a stay on Skopelos is that it acts as the base for the National Marine Park, the biggest nature water reserve in Europe. It protects the Mediterranean Monk Seal as well as a whole host of sea birds, turtles and marine mammals, dolphins and whales. Boat trips can be organised to explore the seas and tiny islets shimmering in the noon day sun.
