The Greek government has given the citizens of Greece until the 13th of December to register. Originally the due date was the 26th of November but that deadline could not be met.
I tried to do it online but got stuck on the last page. It is difficult to complete and the help line was not picking up and never called me back. I will try again and maybe call 211 12 12 032 again or I will write and email to census2021@statistics.gr.
Now that it is quieter on the island there is also more time to visit other places on the island and see the changes.
Part of the old road to Stafylos has been asphalted. It is a pity that on the island more and more paths/dirt road become “highways|. The road from Glossa to Perivoliou has been done too.
We get regular updates from the mayor and a lot has been done so far but I feel that for a Greek island to stand out from the many others and to endure through time, emphasis should be more on environmentally/eco friendly islands. I cannot phantom why some kind of recycling on this island cannot be organized? Is it up to individual initiatives to get something done? I don’t understand it. As of July 2022, municipalities which transfer waste to landfills will be charged higher landfill fees. Will fines be the incentive to start recycling, re-using? Why is being eco friendly not something that Skopelos could be known for and attract visitors?
The island has an amazing nature where dozens of paths are scattered all over the island and kept open by Heather Parsons and her volunteers. There are other entrepreneurs that promote cycling, diving, canoeing, running. These activities also make it possible, with a coordinated strategy, to have a summer where May and June and September are more busier. Is it a utopia?
As always the fall and winter show us different seas, beaches and most of all amazing skies. I cannot get enough of them. Another reason to be here all year round. It never gets dull.
skopelosnews 
Oh Daphne, I so agree with you. Leave all the dirt tracks – they are what makes Skopelos so beautiful and authentic. And cycling and walking in early spring – April, May – is such a special experience and should be a big part of promoting Skopelos. Miss you all .
Gosh I miss your island. So beautiful. Agree with everything you say. Thanks for the updates.
Well said, Daphne! It always amazes me the way councils find money to spend on things nobody wants or needs, but real improvements, “we cannot possibly afford”. Just the same carry on takes place here in the UK, probably even more so. A huge amount of money is wasted.
Hi Daphne, couldn’t agree with you and Amy’s post. Leave all the dirt tracks they are what we love about Skopelos and kept us coming back. They are part of the beauty of the Island.
Spot on comments!!
The photos are beautiful.
Who could not want to preserve this nature.
Victor
I so agree with the other comments. I worry a little that the asphalting comes from current adjacent property owners putting pressure on the local authority. I suspect many don’t walk to enjoy the countryside they are lucky to live in.
I think Skopelos needs to take a good long hard look at its neighbouring island Alonissos. Alonissos has just received recognition as being the second top eco-tourism destination in the world (by ABTA Magazine, the publication representing the UK’s largest Travel Association). They chose Alonissos due to the Marine Park, the underwater museum, and their decision years ago to ban use of plastic bags. Alonissos realised years ago that the island’s pristine nature both on land and sea was to be treasured-and maximised. Skopelos’ municpality seem not to be able to comprehend that ecotourism is no longer ‘fringe’ but mainstream. Booking.com’s report on how important it is for people to choose destinations where they can enjoy nature, protect nature and the destination’s authentic character and heritage is not to be ignored. Sadly Skopelos seems to be lagging decades behind, sticking doggedly to the idea that cement, tarmac, asphalt, and beaches with sunloungers, beach bars, loud music, and constant references to Mamma Mia are the way to go…
It really is incredibly sad and disappointing.
Sorry Lisa. Your comments are very harsh. My wife and I have been to Skopelos well over 20 times in the last 25 years and walk there a lot. You need to know what to look for on the island. Alonissos is a beautiful island too.
Barry I don’t mean to be harsh. I’ve lived in Skopelos for almost 30 years now, and have walked just about every corner of it, its not boasting to say that I actually know it better than most of the locals. I love this island with a passion. But I feel like the incredible and special beauty of this island is not being protected and cherished as it should be by the people who make the decisions over its future. Too much value is placed on the wrong things and you only have to look at the way some of its most stunning and unspoilt coastline has been changed (spoilt) over the past couple of years for evidence of that.
Barry I don’t mean to be harsh. I’ve lived in Skopelos for almost 30 years now, and have walked just about every corner of it, its not boasting to say that I actually know it better than most of the locals. I love this island with a passion. But I feel like the incredible and special beauty of this island is not being protected and cherished as it should be by the people who make the decisions over its future. Too much value is placed on the wrong things and you only have to look at the way some of its most stunning and unspoilt coastline has been changed (spoilt) over the past couple of years for evidence of that.
I have to agree so wholeheartedly with Lisa! Such a shame the tranquility and beauty of the beaches can no longer be enjoyed as nature intended.