After an early morning sail from Volos, our ship arrived in Skopelos, covering approximately 65 nautical miles across the Aegean Sea. This island, with its stunning landscapes and charming port town, is perhaps best known as the idyllic setting for the movie Mamma Mia!

Wandering the Port Town

As soon as we stepped off the ship, we were greeted by the intense heat of the Greek summer, making our exploration of the charming port town a bit of a challenge. The narrow cobblestone streets, usually inviting, felt more like an oven.

After a bit of wandering, we found a shady spot at a local café with a comfortable breeze blowing off the bay. It was the perfect refuge from the heat and offered a great vantage point to people-watch and marvel at the skill of the ferry captains maneuver their vessels into the tight marina.

A Taste of Skopelos: The Famous Cheese Pie

While relaxing at the café, Chris couldn’t resist trying Skopelos’ famous cheese pie, a local specialty we had heard so much about. The pie, with its flaky pastry and tangy cheese filling, is a staple of the island. Whether it’s famous or infamous depends on your palate—some find it deliciously indulgent, while others might say it’s a bit too rich. Jen couldn’t get past the shape of this tangy delicacy. Chris, however, enjoyed (forced himself to eat half) every bite as we continued to take in the scenic surroundings.

Afternoon Relaxation on Board

After our time in town, we headed back to the ship for some much-needed pool time. The cooling water and comfortable deck chairs were the perfect antidote to the earlier heat, allowing us to unwind and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Dinner at The Med Club

As evening approached, we dressed for dinner at The Med, one of the ship’s Mediterranean-inspired dining venues. The dining room, elegantly designed with soft tones and modern decor, provided a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere for our meal. The dishes were fresh and flavorful, reflecting the best of Mediterranean cuisine and offering a perfect end to our day in Skopelos.

Ending the Night with Piano Melodies

We concluded our evening at one of the ship’s cozy lounges, where we enjoyed a few drinks while listening to live piano music by Francesco Parrino. The lounge’s ambiance was both elegant and intimate, with soft lighting and plush seating, making it an ideal spot to unwind before heading to bed. Adding to that ambiance was a lightening/thunderstorm as we sailed towards Thessaloniki.

Looking Forward

As we sailed away from Skopelos, our thoughts turned to the upcoming leg of our journey. Tomorrow, we’ll arrive in Thessaloniki, a city rich in history and culture. Although our originally planned excursion was unfortunately canceled by Explora, the destination team went above and beyond to assist us. They worked with us to plan a private tour to a winery that was part of the original excursion. We’re excited to explore Thessaloniki, and the winery visit is something we’re particularly looking forward to.