An orchard among the waves, this most populous island of the Sporades is also the most fertile with vines, olive groves, almond and prune trees renowned for their excellence. Skópelos has numerous churches and chapels, including the 9C St Athanasius, as well as 17C-18C monasteries, their white silhouettes stark in the green landscape. Like its neighbour Skíathos, the island has inlets and sandy or pebbly beaches bordering an emerald sea.