The rugged beauty of Skopelos streams through to its beaches, most of which are pebble and shingle stretches, backed by dense pines and cragged cliffs. The southern beaches tend to be the most popular, thanks to the ease of access from Skopelos Town.
However, the most picturesque stretches for a Skopelos holiday can be found to the west, and the further north you head up the coastline, the more secluded and deserted the beach. But to go off-grid, you need to head east or rent a boat to find those off-the-beaten-path beaches only accessible by foot or sea.
To help you determine which slice of paradise will be perfect for you we’ve created a list of the 9 best beaches in Skopelos. We include the most popular beaches in Skopelos that have excellent amenities as well as the best beaches for families and swimming. If you’re seeking a more isolated coastal escape, we’ve also included some of the best beaches for relaxing which are much more remote.
To start this article, we thought it best to discuss the most popular beaches in Skopelos. These beaches are teeming with tourists in the high summer months and are some of the best places to visit on Skopelos Island. From the stunning shores of Panormos Beach to the easily accessible sands of Skopelos Town Beach, we divulge everything you need to know about these gorgeous stretches of coastline.
One of the most popular beaches in Skopelos, Panormos is a long, undulating shingle-and-pebble stretch on the west coast. This beach is located 12 km north of Skopelos Town and draws in countless visitors every year. It is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Skopelos as it is backed by a wall of lush green foliage and features azure waters that beckon with their clarity.
The beach is well organised with parasols and sun chairs available to rent. The nearby town of Panormos also has some delightful tavernas and shops, plus some of the best restaurants in Skopelos. It’s one of the best beaches in Skopelos for those seeking sunshine and a lively beachside atmosphere.
Panormos Beach is a popular spot on the island for catching the sunset, which is one of the best things to do in Skopelos. However, if you have your heart set on watching the bronze sun dip below the horizon you best arrive early to secure a good spot.
Located on the southern side of Skopelos, Stafilos Beach is one of the most desirable retreats on the gorgeous island. It is just 5km away from town and can be accessed via a local bus, which makes it one of the most popular beaches in Skopelos. The pebbled bay and fine sand perfectly complement the sapphire sea water, so much so that it is often listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
Upon arriving at Stafilos Beach, you will notice that there is a lively taverna serving fresh seafood and refreshments. While there are sunbeds and amenities, half of the beach remains completely unspoiled and is backed by high cliffs that offer scenic views and natural shade. If you want to visit Stafilos Beach, it is best to arrive early as the shores quickly fill up with visitors during the summer months.
This beach in Skopelos is located right on the edge of the main town near the ferry quay. It is one of the most popular beaches in Skopelos as it is a hub for accommodation and nightlife, which gives it a much more animated atmosphere. It is rather over-developed and slightly polluted, which has affected its beauty.
However, the benefit of this beach is that you have easy access to restaurants in Skopelos Town, meaning you can enjoy the coastal views while dining on local Greek Cuisine. What’s more, the ruins of the temple of Asklepios are just 200m east of the port, allowing you to explore an ancient site. Excavations of the ruin have unearthed some fascinating artefacts which are housed in a small building near the site.
If you enjoy diving into crystal clear waters and exploring the wonders of the underwater world, Skopelos has some incredible beaches that are perfect for swimming. Some of the best beaches in Skopelos for underwater enthusiasts include Kastani Beach and Armenopetra Beach. These beaches are unmatched in their beauty and are truly inviting, making them some of the best beaches in Skopelos for anyone who desires a dip in the refreshing waves.
You may recognise Kastani Beach from Mamma Mia, the 2008 film adaptation of the popular ABBA musical. This picturesque bay, with its turquoise waters and lush pine forest, provided a backdrop to many of the dance scenes in the movie, such as ‘Does Your Mother Know’ and ‘Lay All Your Love On Me’. Shimmy across the sands to the waterfront bar, but be warned, this beach is one of the few spots on the island that can get quite overcrowded.
Kastani Beach is located 15 km west of Skopelos Town, it can be a challenge to get there but local buses run from town fairly regularly. The cyan waters and soft sand make it a haven for anyone wanting to spend some time in the dazzling seas of Greece. The gently sloping shoreline and calm waters make it ideal for swimming and the water is very clear so it’s perfect for snorkelling.
For more secluded swims, head to the isolated Armenopetra Beach which is about 20 km west of Skopelos Town. It is a beautiful, unspoilt beach that rarely receives visitors, so you’ll likely have the pristine waters all to yourself. Here, two white-pebble beaches, kissed by limpid waters, meet at a rocky promontory making it one of the best beaches in Skopelos for swimming in crystalline waters.
Armenopetra means “sailing rock” in Greek – a nod to the bulbous landmark that guided sailors to shore. If it’s too breezy, continue on foot to the second, more sheltered beach, Kalives – one of the quieter beaches in Skopelos. The beach doesn’t have sunbeds or umbrellas which gives it a natural allure and there are no beach bars or tavernas so be sure to bring your own snacks if you plan on spending the day there.
Skopelos is a great Greek island for families and the beaches are no different. With calm, clear waters and shallow shores, there are some excellent Skopelos beaches for families looking for a safe day by the sea. The following beaches are great for families and have some excellent amenities which make them the perfect place to enjoy some sunshine on a family holiday.
One of the best beaches in Skopelos for families is Milia, a beautiful kilometre stretch of golden sand backed by verdant pine trees. It is around 13 km away from town on the western side of Skopelos. The beach has sunbeds and umbrellas that you can rent as well as a charming beach bar serving cold drinks and light bites.
Looking out over the islands of Dassia and Skiathos, this long, straight arrow of shingle beach is one of the west-coast favourites. It’s a great beach for families visiting Skopelos as the shallow waters are very calm and the entire area has a relaxed atmosphere. The soft sand and gentle waters are perfect for children, allowing them to safely swim and play in the clear blue sea.
One of the closest beaches to Skopelos Town, Glysteri is tucked away at the end of a narrow inlet. Glysteri Beach is just 4km away from town and is accessed via an olive tree-lined road that weaves through an oleander-scented valley. The shallow entry to the sea makes it ideal for families with young children and the laid-back ambience makes it much more suitable than other bustling beaches in Skopelos.
This pebbly beach has a taverna and popular beach bar, where you can rub shoulders with locals over a glass of ouzo while the children play in the calm waters. Nearby, you will find the Cave of Tripiti, which is a splendid sea cave that you can explore as a family. The emerald waters and verdant cliffs make this Skopelos beach feel enchanting and is a great place to visit while on a family trip to Greece.
One of the main reasons to head to the beach is for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. But this can be difficult when Skopelos beaches are teeming with tourists looking for some fun in the sun. If you don’t mind exploring off the beaten path, the following beaches are very remote and the perfect place to soak up the refreshing Mediterranean sun without being interrupted or disturbed.
Further up the coast of Skopelos, the cliff-flanked beach of Hovolo is one of the island’s most secluded shores. It can only be reached by sea, but that’s the beauty of it. You can rent a boat from Panormos and head north to this fine-shingle arc, where you’re unlikely to bump into another soul.
Hovolo Beach is around 18 km from Skopelos Town and the distance keeps most other visitors away. There are 3 hidden coves along the stretch of sand which are perfect for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors. There are no amenities here unlike other beaches in Skopelos, but this adds a natural charm and makes it one of the best beaches for visitors seeking serene relaxation.
If you really want to get off the beaten track for some uninterrupted beachside bliss, venture east to Aggeletou Beach. Accessible only on foot, this wild, untamed shingle crescent is backed by wind-sculpted cliffs and cragged rocks. There aren’t any bars, taverns or rental equipment, but that’s the point – you’ll have the whole beach to yourself.
This remote beach is situated on the northern coast of the island, approximately 25 km from Skopelos Town. The bay is just next to Perivoliou Beach and is rarely visited, making it truly tranquil and ideal for those who want to escape the crowds. It’s one of the best beaches in Skopelos for visitors who want to explore the wilder side of the island and escape modern life.
The beaches on Skopelos are some of the most enchanting in all the Greek Islands. All of them enjoy clear waters and stunning surroundings which make them some of the most beautiful beaches, perfect for any traveller. The most popular beaches in Skopelos are ideal for lazy days by the sea, but they can get quite crowded during the summer months.
Skopelos has some amazing beaches for swimming, like Kastani and Armenopetra, which feature clear waters and immaculate shorelines. The best beaches in Skopelos for families include Milia and Glysteri Beach, which have calm, shallow waters ideal for family fun. If you’d prefer a more remote beach in Skopelos for some deserved relaxation, Holovo and Aggeletou Beach are hidden gems that provide you with your own secluded paradise.
What did you think of our pick of the best beaches in Skopelos? For a beach break on this beautiful island, check out our luxury villas in Skopelos. For more holiday inspiration, read our Skopelos Travel Guide and Top 10 Things to Do in Skopelos. Get in touch with our concierge team to discuss any extras that will make your Skopelos holiday truly special!
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