Glossa is a picturesque Greek village situated at the northern end of the island and is basically the second town on Skopelos. It is also the town where Rosie's mother was born and bred before coming to Australia. (Rosie is our Greek-Australian friend in the group). A quick bus ride to Glossa revealed one of the best kept secrets in the Greek islands. It is absolutely idylic in its rustic charm, colours and it's layed out like an ampitheatre around the small harbour at the foot of the hills on which it is built. It is also the most hospitable town we have ever visited but more of that later.
As we mentioned, Rosie was revisiting her mother's home village with the rest of her friends in tow and naturally got in conversation with the locals. Since most had lived here nearly all their lives there were no shortage of people who remembered her mum, was related to her in one way or another or had a story to tell about her. Rosie was over the moon to hear so much about her mum from her childhood and soon the conversations were lengthening appreciably as was the emotion and the laughter. To make us all feel welcome they asked us right inside their home (all 9 of us) and within minutes out came the Ouzo. Greek hospitality is legendary. Nine total strangers invited in for conversation and Ouzo. With lots of tears and well-wishes we eventually had to leave Glossa but not before a coffee at a local taverna. Being set up on the hillside as it was it had an extraordinary view over the harbour and the Agean sea beyond to compliment a fine coffee and delicious almond cake.
For those of you who have seen the movie "Mama Mia" you will no doubt remember that tiny chapel where the wedding scene took place. The movie was shot here on Skopelos and that chapel is for real. It is called Agios Ionnis and stands high on a rock out in the sea. It is a hell of a climb to reach it and the chapel itself is tiny, holding no more than maybe 10 people at max. I seriously doubt whether any church in the world ever had such 360 degree spectacular views like this one does though.
As usual, at dinner time we all ambled down the road for our ritual pre-dinner drinks and to watch the sunset over the islands. The village is called Panormos and seems to be completely composed of restaurants with tables under umbrellas setup right on the beach. If you ever saw the movie "Shirley Valentine", well it looks just like that. Enjoy the pics.
Click here for pictures of Glossa and Agios Ionnis chapel
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