Skopelos is an amazing island situated between Skiathos and Alonissos. Its picturesque setting and its untouched charm make Skopelos a best holiday destination, particularly for families and couples. Skopelos has become popular as one of the filming places of the Hollywood film Mamma Mia. In fact, the picture- splendid church of Agios Ioannis Kastri, where the marriage scenes of the movie were filmed, is known as the Mamma Mia church!
The two main settlements of Skopelos are Chora and Glossa. Settled on the top of a hill, these two villages boast a extraordinary panorama of the Aegean Sea. As for beaches of Skopelos, they are out of this world! Diving into their crystal clear waters and sunbathing under the sun are some of the best things to do during your Skopelos holidays!
If your holiday priorities are serenity and comfort, resting and natural beauty, then make your way to Skopelos in the Sporades. Green is fabulous: a pine-tree-studded coastline and hidden bays with their fishing boats, winding paths through dense virgin forests.
Skopelos Town – Chora 
Skopelos Town – Chora
Spend timeless afternoons wandering around the picturesque main town, a cluster of cobblestone streets, tiny chapels and neoclassical buildings. Art comes to life everywhere here in Skopelos: in the hand-crafted vases and hand-painted plates, in the embroidery and miniature model boats. The star of the hit musical Mamma Mia, which gave the island its recent fame, will also be the star of your holiday.
Where is Skopelos
Skopelos is a Greek island in the western Aegean Sea. Skopelos is one of several islands which comprise the Northern Sporades island group, which lies east of the Pelion peninsula on the mainland and north of the island of Euboea.
How to get to Skopelos
Ways to travel to Skopelos island, Greece: Skopelos is a beautiful location of the Sporades island complex. On this post, you will find out in which ways you can reach and discover this unique island!
Flights to Skopelos
There is no airport on the tiny island of Skopelos. The nearest one is located in Skiathos. Skiathos International Airport “Alexandros Papadiamantis” receives flights from Athens International Airport all year round. The flight time from Athens to Skiathos is about 30 minutes. The airport also receives some seasonal flights from different places around Europe.
Upon your arrival, it is a good idea to take a taxi for your transfer, since the airport is located about 5 km away from the city center of Skiathos. There are always many taxis at the airport’s entrance.
Ferries to Skopelos
Ferries depart for Skopelos from Agios Konstantinos port in Volos and from the port of Volos Town. During summer, there are some extra ferry routes to Skopelos from Kymi in Evia. Ferries to Skopelos also depart from Mantoudi port in Evia. Notice that there are no direct ferry routes from Athens to Skopelos.
In case you are traveling from Athens, you need to reach Volos or Evia by KTEL bus and then you can take the ferry that will transfer you to your destination! You can find out further information about the itineraries of KTEL buses on www.ktelattikis.gr.
Skopelos is also connected by ferry with Skiathos.
Map of Skopelos
Detailed and high-resolution maps of Skopelos Island, Greece for free download. Travel guide to touristic destinations, villages and beaches.
What to do in Skopelos
Very green, very serene
Here your holidays will be painted green and blue. About 80% of Skopelos is covered in thick forest. The sea and the trees become one. Milia, Panormos, Elios, Velanio, Glysteri, Agnontas, Pethameni, Armenopetra, Antrines: beaches where the pine trees embrace the Aegean Sea, providing them with shelter and shade.
A picturesque labyrinth: Skopelos town
You will see the town as soon as your ferry moors. It is the capital and harbour of the island. Spreading out across the cove, it follows the landscape and climbs towards the ruins of a Byzantine castle. Flagstone streets with whitewashed stairs, flowers on the patios, arches and pretty windowsills. Well-kept homes built by rich merchants, sailors and landowners. Tucked in among them, 40 little chapels. This is the main town, and it promises to fill your holidays with unforgettable memories. Immerse yourself in its beauty, then take a break at an ouzeri, cafe or bar and have a drink under the mulberry trees.
Keeping old traditions alive: Glossa
A small community built into the hillside on the northwestern part of the island. Walking around its sleepy streets, you will come across the church of Panagia Eleutherotria (The Liberator). It is here that a shipwrecked sailor would come to pray for his safety. The story goes that he found the Virgin Mary’s icon and was saved. In the little alleyways of the village you will find a pottery workshop that keeps the old tradition alive.
The plums of Skopelos
Three different varieties are cultivated here: avgato (a dessert plum), sour (used for cooking and jams) and Agen (the French variety, used in cooking, desserts and also dried as prunes). Discover the sweetness of Skopelos.
Things to do and see in Skopelos
A pretty port: Loutraki
The second port in Skopelos was built upon the ruins of Ancient Selinountas. It took its name Loutraki from the Roman loutra (baths) that used to be here.
The artisans
Family traditions continue in the workshops: black- and red-figure vases, miniature models of boats, cast iron knives, oil lamps, embroidery, hand-painted plates. Bring-home gifts with character … unique and traditional.
Agios Ioannis Monastery: Mamma Mia Church
In Kastri, Agios Ioannis – once a Catholic Monastery – is built at the tip of an impressive rock (you’ll have to climb 110 steps!). Although small, it is now world-renowned thanks to the movie Mamma Mia, where the final wedding scene was filmed.
Villages of Skopelos
The villages in Skopelos are magnificent due to the abundance of pine trees that create an enchanting landscape. Most of the villages (Chora, Glosa, Neo Klima) are nestled on a hillside with superb views.
Beaches of Skopelos
Beaches in Skopelos are known for their crystal waters and the marvelous green landscape that surrounds them. Skopelos has a rare quality because it is rich in vegetation, mainly pine trees, that grow densely until the water edge. Among the most popular Skopelos beaches are Stafylos, Hovolo, Panormos, and Elios. You will find below a list with the best beaches in Skopelos island.
List of all beaches of Skopelos island
Discover our guide to 20 beautiful Skopelos beaches. They are all presented with a detailed description, photos and their location on a map of Skopelos. For the most popular spots, we also provide information about sightseeing in the area, a selection of hotels and reviews.
Where to stay in Skopelos
Hotels in Skopelos are spread in various places around the island. For a central accommodation, have a look in Glossa, Loutraki and Skopelos Town. For something quieter and right on the beach, pick an accommodation at the beaches of Elios, Hovolo, Panormos, and Stafylos.
Hotels in Skopelos town
- Aggela Guesthouse on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Akti Fine Rooms on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Evagelia’s Villas on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Hotel Rigas on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Adonis Rooms on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Smile Stella Studios on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Hotel Antonios on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Aktaion Guest Rooms on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Yellow Stella Studios on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Axion Esti on booking.com
Hotels in Neo Klima on Skopelos
- Machi Studios on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
- Twins on booking.com and hotelscombined.com
