Petaloutha greeted us at sundown on a warm May evening. We opened a bottle of red (purchased along with all our other stores on our short journey up from the ferry at Loutraki from Yannis’ supermarket on the way) and watched spellbound at the fiery sun setting behind Mount Pelion miles away on the mainland from the Petaloutha’s west facing balcony. It was pure magic and a mind-blowing welcome to Skopelos.
I can’t think of anywhere else that I have ever been that comes as close to my ideal of paradise as Petaloutha. It’s comfortable, well furnished, architecturally different, and occupies a very beautiful, commanding position overlooking the neighbouring islands and the mainland – all of which seem to float in the Aegean and all at a distance, giving a feel of a theatrical romance. You have to be there to understand this.
While staying at Petaloutha, we visited many parts of the lovely island, but were always keen to get back ‘home’ to the villa; for sitting out (there is somewhere to sit in the sun or in the shade, as you prefer, at all times of the day) reading, daydreaming, eating, drinking, chatting, listening to nature, looking - doing whatever you like to do; and of course swimming in the crystal clear pool…….. ALL without anyone overlooking you.
We went out to eat on a few occasions. Quite the best place for lunch and evenings, for us, was Agnanti in Glossa. A proper foodie restaurant serving good ‘non taverna’ dishes at prices which compare very favourably with others on the island.
This villa is the perfect escape but is still close to the beautiful town of Glossa (we walked there and back many times) as well as the beaches, especially our favourite, Perivoliou - a short 10 minute drive away.

After a long day's travel, you are met at the port by the excellent managers, Matt and Sarah. They escort you to the property and after the adrenalin settles after attempting the drive for the first time, you have arrived at the house at the top of the hill. You drink in the views, straight from the tourist brochures, and feel the relaxation coming on strong. Remember what the Milky Way looks like; remember what it feels like to eat a fruit picked off the tree; remember the sound of silence. Listen to the sound of a bell on a farm animal and the ships' horns far, far away on the sea. Hold your glass of wine up and let the setting sun shine through it. Learn why the villa is so named. Tough to take. There is lots to do, all the more enjoyable because the island is not packed with other tourists. Ideal for a romantic getaway or for families. You will go back.

Skopelos is such a beautiful and unspoilt island and Petaloutha commands an unparalleled position atop swathes of olive and pine trees. The location and view make it a magical place, but at the same time you feel very much at home and completely at ease because the house is so comfortable. With just the sounds of nature filling the warm air, we could relax and unwind fully, and loved being able to take a plunge in the pool whenever we wanted. You definitely need transport and the road up is quite an adventure at first, but you soon get used to it. The hardest thing was leaving!

What a beautiful house on an even more beautiful location . We have enjoyed every minute of it, the peace and quiet, the awesome views and surreal sunsets.

The house is breathtaking, set at a high point with ocean views to both east & west. The large circular sitting room is immediately comfortable, with doors opening onto a terrace at the front, and a garden behind. The trees were heavy with apricots when we visited. The whole place has been built with attention to detail, so that it’s easy to settle in and really relax.

There are walks in every direction though we used the car to make our way to the several delightful beaches around the island. The nearest had no other bathers, it felt like our own private haven. When the sun got too hot we made our way back to the house, and gazed from the swimming pool at the panorama.

Getting groceries and catering for ourselves was a pleasure, but there are several tavernas in the little town below, and a couple of really excellent restaurants too. The people were friendly, the food was good and the surroundings just lovely.

It’s hard to imagine an easier place to sleep at night. With no light pollution the dark skies are spectacular and the views at sunrise are a tonic for the traveller. We loved our holiday at Petaloutha and we all talk of going again soon.

We have stayed many times at this house. It is a fantastic spot. Outstanding views, beautifully quiet and peaceful. Untouristed at the untouristed end of a relatively untouristed island. That is why we love it. The service is great and the amenities absolutely fine. It is clean, very well kept and full of character. A real gem.