Skopelos, the most densely vegetated island of the Aegean Sea, is an absolute paradise of green and blue. Pines cover the island from coast to coast and merge with the crystal-clear blue waters that surround it, creating a picturesque view that is beyond breathtaking. The lush island’s beauty is enhanced by dozens of trails and old cobbled paths that cross its natural terrain, making it a leading destination for trekking and adventure.

One can’t help but wonder what makes the pine trees of Skopelos thrive so vigorously. There seems to be something unique in the soil and air of the island that suits the growth of these trees, which have covered the island since antiquity, from its hills to the coastline.

Skopelos’ first settlers, who came from Halkida, northeast of Athens, toiled to clear the pine forested areas and create fields, leading to successful viticulture activity on the island. This, in turn, resulted in the production of one of Greece’s most celebrated wines, the renowned peparithio wine, named after Skopelos’ ancient name, Peparithos.

The island’s success in wine production, according to ancient legend, was owed to Stafylos, the island’s first inhabitant and son of Dionysus and Ariadne. His devotion to wine led to the development of viticulture on the island, with ancient winemakers establishing trails through the forest for access to their vineyards. They even learned to pave ways through the seas to export their renowned wine to other parts of the Aegean and the Black Sea. This trade brought enough wealth for the island’s wine exporters to mint their own silver and copper coins, a testament to their success in the ancient world.

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