Kastini beach and Skopelos

Today we went to the beach, differently. The hotel has its own beach for guests it's true, but we thought we'd slum it and visit a local beach to see how it was done. The coast line of Skopelos for the most part is pretty rocky and unapproachable, but is some of the more sheltered coves there are pebble and course sand beaches. Kastini beach is one of the more popular ones and this was also used in the scene from "Mama Mia" where she is running bare-footed down a beautiful seashore. Frankly it would take a lot for a beach to impress anyone from Australia, we take sandy white beaches so much for granted. This one was in a lovely setting with course grey sand and well supported with lawns, a kiosk more like a taverna and lots of sun lounges and umbrellas to laze around on. There were also large sun beds with canopies and cushions to laze around in in groups if you preferred. From the kiosk you could buy sandwiches and snacks, soft drinks and beers, borrow games like chess or backgammon and generally kick back and relax.

Here is something we didn't expect to see though. Just near the toilets and sheltered under the eaves was a swallow's nest. Inside was her brood of chicks. There must have been 5 or more of the dearest little things packed in there with all their little heads up all waiting expectantly for her to come back with some food. They must be well used to human contact as the nest was not in any sense remote or protected.

We left the others to slob around at Kastini (after a few hours of slobbing around there ourselves of course) and caught the bus to Skopelos to do some errands and generally have a good look at the town. The souvlakis we had for lunch there measured up to expectations as did the home made ice creams. We did a bit of shopping for gifts and such for the folks back home in the small shops and stalls near the harbour front. There are plenty of them there and they aren't ridiculously priced like some tourist spots are. Best of all they didn't toute but were kind and helpful when we did make a purchase. We spent a bomb there anyway.

We took the bus back to the resort just in time for a freshen up and sunset drinkies while we decided which of the many restaurants we should try out tonight. What a waste of time. They're all terrific, economically priced and with lashings of the yummiest tucker you could eat.

Click here for pictures of Kastini beach and Skopelos.