Though famed for its starring role in the 2008 film Mamma Mia!, Skopelos, another fantastic island in Greece, has managed to hang on to its low-key charm. Pine forests, olive groves, rippling vineyards, and orchards of plums and almonds carpet the gorgeous island of Skopelos, which is notably wilder, artier, and more laid-back than neighboring Skiathos. The island’s hidden southeast coast harbors a series of beautiful sand-pebble beaches.
©Greeka
Reasons to visit Skopelos
- It would be best to visit it because of its tasty local cuisine. Skopelos’ plum, known worldwide for its antioxidant properties, is included in most traditional dishes you should try to taste.
- With dense forests covering almost 80% of its land, Skopelos is the greenest island in the Aegean. It has adequate tourist infrastructure and an unspoiled traditional character, making it a perfect place for biking or hiking.
- Skopelos is part of the marine park of the northern Sporades and is a refuge for seals. So, it’s possible to swim next to a friendly seal in one of your swimming endeavors.
- I want to relive the Mamma Mia movie while listening to Abba hits.
What to see and what to do?
Top Skopelos Villages
Skopelos Town
Skopelos town is the first village one sees while reaching the port. This little town, Skopelos’s capital, and main port are picturesque, with lovely whitewashed houses, flower gardens, and colorful balconies. You will love its narrow streets and alleys in the village’s beautiful setting.
At the bottom of the town, at the port where most activities occur during the summer, you will find plenty of restaurants, shops, and modern accommodations.
Numerous steep footpaths lead to some of the most beautiful sites of Chora (as the locals call it), like the 13th-century castle. Today only ruins of the outer walls have survived.
The town’s oldest church is inside the castle walls, the Basilica of Agios Athanasios. The panoramic view from the top of the castle is breathtaking and truly magical.
In the heart of the town, there are many churches and monasteries to visit and the beautiful Folklore Museum that displays a fine collection of ceramics, paintings, frescoes, photos, and other traditional objects from Skopelos.
©Dimitris Vetsikas
Agios Ioannis Kastri
This small church gained a considerable reputation after the Hollywood movie Mamma Mia was released, where scenes from the wedding were filmed. The impressive rock, linked to the rest of the island through a narrow path with 110 steps, is carved into the stone. A small beach is formed beneath the rock and gets pretty crowded in summer. The church’s interior has beautiful icons and old ecclesiastical items to see.
Glossa village Skopelos for its spectacular sea views
Glossa is the second major settlement of Skopelos, located 25 km northwest of the island’s capital. It is built amphitheatrically on the mountain slopes, 250 meters above the sea, surrounded by pine forests, almond trees, and plane trees.
Furthermore, Glossa charms its visitors with its two-story whitewashed houses and cute balconies overlooking the sea. At the bottom of the village lies the lovely port where ferries connect the town with the nearby islands and the isolated beaches.
Among the best sights of Glossa is the Monastery of Taxiarhes, which lies in a fabulous location amidst pine tree forests. The lovely verdant port offers hotel accommodation, rooms to rent, and tasty taverns offering delightful fresh fish.
©gogreeceyourway.gr
Skopelos beaches
There are plenty of good beaches on Skopelos. Too much, that’s why we will focus only on the few most beautiful.
Panormos beach
Panormos lies 12 km northwest of Skopelos Town. The sandy beach is in a stunning bay with two small islets. It is popular with beautiful surroundings, many facilities, and an impressive lush green setting. And lastly, close to the beach lies the village of Panormos, where you will find plenty of taverns, restaurants, and many local shops.
Note: Find out the best deals here.
Kastani beach Skopelos
Kastani is one of the most beautiful beaches in Skopelos, with stunning crystal waters and white sand, located 15 km west of Skopelos Town. It has a lovely setting surrounded by pine trees that reach the shore’s edge.
Its splendid landscape has made a worldwide tour with the American film “Mamma Mia”; most of the scenes were shot here. That’s why Kastani becomes quite busy in summer. A sloping dirt road, just 500 meters from the bus route, will lead you to the beach.
Velanio beach
You can find this lovely beach of Velanio 5 km southeast of Skopelos town and near the village of Stafilos. It is one of the island’s most gorgeous beaches with calm crystal waters and fine golden sand, protected from the strong winds. Notably, this beach is unorganized, surrounded by mountains and pine forests. Therefore, it is the only official nudist beach on the island and an absolute marvel.
Where to stay?
When booking your room, we advise you not to look just at the price. Remember, sometimes more is less. There are plenty of convenient accommodations in the main town and at the beaches close to the city. If you prefer lovely beaches, then book a room closer to a beach, that way you will save yourself long walks or even additional transportation costs (buses, rent car). However, if you prefer being closer to the town, perhaps stay there. We also recommend constantly checking reviews and the host’s responses (that will save you a lot of problems, especially if the hosts are labeled as super hosts).
Note: Find out the best deals here.
How can you get to Skopelos?
By plane
Flying from Athens to Skiathos airport is the easiest way to reach both islands. The flight is only about twenty minutes. From there, Skopelos Island is very accessible by ferry from Skiathos port (approximately 30 minutes by fast ferry).
By boat
You can catch a ferry to Skiathos and Skopelos from 4 ports in mainland Greece: Volos, Mantoudi, Agios Konstantinos, and Thessaloniki. The best and fastest way to reach the island is to travel from the port of Volos, as there is a high-speed vessel.
Notes: Try to use Ferry Scanner to book a ferry or Sky Scanner to book a flight.
How do you move around Skopelos?
Public buses and public transportation are affordable ways to explore the whole region!
The central bus station is located in Chora. From this point, buses depart with directions to the following locations: Stafilos – Agnontas, Panormos – Milia – Kastani, Elios – Glossa – Loutraki.
Note: If you want to learn more about Greece’s public transportation, click the following link.
Taxis and private transfers A taxi might be a more expensive option. However, it offers an easy and fast transfer to your destination. You can book one by calling 694 4820 468 or 697 2841 329.
Car and motorbike rentals
With a car or motorcycle, you can explore the island at your own pace and gain access to the most secluded spots! If you don’t have a vehicle, renting one for your sightseeing trips is an excellent idea! There are several car rental agencies in central locations around Skopelos.
Organized tours
You can join a memorable trip to the island’s most isolated spots and explore the beautiful coastline of Skopelos unforgettably! Also, boat trips to Alonissos and nearby destinations are frequently organized during summer.
Water taxis
Water taxis are an alternative way to move around Skopelos. You should arrange your transfer in advance if you need a water taxi. You can call on the following phone number: 0030 699 123 0230.
FAQ about Skopelos
Can you fly directly to Skopelos?
No, there’s no airport on the island. To get there, fly to neighboring Skiathos and take an hour-long ferry to Skopelos Town or Glossa Port.
What month is best to go to Skopelos?
Skopelos has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The hottest month of the year is July, with an average daily maximum of 30 C and an average low of 21 C. If you enjoy hot, perfect sunny days, the best time to visit Skopelos is between June and September.
Can you stay at the Mamma Mia Hotel?
The answer is no—and yes. Unfortunately, the Villa Donna on Skopelos was a movie set, and that same hotel does not exist. While some exterior sets were built on-site on Skopelos, these were removed after filming.
Is Skopelos LGBT-friendly?
Skopelos Island is waiting for all kinds of groups and couples. Over here, gay people feel at home, and there are a lot of gay-friendly hotels, bars, and beaches.
Take a look at
References and sources:
Photo credits:
Featured picture credits: ©Greeka