The Greek island of Skopelos may not have the spectacle of Santorini or ooze glamour like Mykonos, but it has a quiet confidence that gets under your skin. Silvery olive groves give way to sprawling vineyards and plum orchards, the bounty of which can be found on taverna menus across the island.
Part of the Northern Sporades archipelago, this forested speck can only be reached by boat – but that’s part of its charm. It’s remote and peaceful, with a rugged beauty that caught the eye of the location manager for Mamma Mia, the 2008 film adaptation of the Abba musical.
In this guide, we highlight what you can expect from a Skopelos holiday. This helpful Skopelos travel guide includes how to get to Skopelos and why it’s worth visiting. We also showcase some of the best hidden gems and things to do in Skopelos that will make your villa holiday all the more spectacular.
If you’ve been thinking about a holiday in Greece and want to try something different, read on to discover why Skopelos could be the perfect Greek island for you.
How to get to Skopelos, Greece
Getting to Skopelos can be quite a challenge, but its secluded location does fend off the masses. The nearest airport to Skopelos can be found on the overcrowded island of Skiathos, which has one of Europe’s shortest runways. You will then need to embark on an hour-long ferry ride to reach this unspoiled gem.
Otherwise, you can catch a ferry from Thessaloniki or Athens’ port of Volos (via bus from the airport). Ferries to Skopelos run very regularly in the summer months, with services becoming less frequent in the off-season. The journey can take 2-4 hours depending on your point of departure, so be prepared to spend some time on the water.
When to Visit Skopelos
The best time to visit Skopelos is during the summer months, from June to August. This is the peak tourist season in Skopelos, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. It’s the ideal time for swimming as the Aegean Sea is delightfully warm and you can jump into thrilling watersports if you desire the rush of adrenaline.
Skopelos is one of the few Mediterranean destinations that doesn’t get too overcrowded in July and August, but if you want the island at its most quiet it’s better to visit in June or September. These months have slightly lower temperatures than summer, 15°C to 25°C and 20°C to 30°C respectively, meaning you can still make the most of the pristine beaches and waters.
Is Skopelos Worth Visiting?
Picture-perfect towns
Skopelos may only be sprinkled with a handful of towns, but they more than make up for it in charm. Skopelos Town, a hillside sprawl of chalk-white houses and terracotta roofs, is the main hub of the island. The Chora is a charming maze of narrow alleys and blooming bougainvillaea that reveals traditional tavernas and cultural attractions.
Another town in Skopelos that appeals to visitors is Glossa, whose steep slopes are worth the slog for the fine views. It is the island’s second-largest settlement and delights with its ocean views and splendid natural surroundings. As you wander through the port you can even find ancient Roman baths and the ruins of Athena’s temple.
Fabulous Food
From breakfasts of Greek yoghurt and honey to Kefalotyri goat-cheese pies for lunch and catch of the day for dinner, this Greek island draws on the natural larder of the island. To find the best restaurants in Skopelos, head uphill from the harbourfront of Skopelos Town to stumble across bougainvillaea-draped tavernas like Anna’s or Glifoneri. If you’re in Glossa, be sure to stop into Agnanti, a traditional taverna serving fresh local dishes with breathtaking ocean views.
Olive oil is the golden elixir of the island and you’ll find it in every restaurant on Skopelos. Local producers like Antoniou Family Olive Press offer tours and exclusive tastings – one of our favourite things to do in Skopelos.
Natural beauty
With its emerald-green forests and lapis lazuli waters, Skopelos has the subtle swagger of a film star. The beauty of it is that, despite Mamma Mia fame, the island hasn’t lost its authenticity. A far cry from overcrowded beaches and themed bars, it’s more about unspoilt island life.
Skopelos is larger, but less visited than neighbouring Skiathos and its craggy scenery is more pristine and less developed. This is one of those rare places you can unplug from modern life and enjoy an idyllic retreat in the Aegean.
Beaches
Skopelos is lined with picturesque sand-and-pebble beaches, backed by bottle-green hills. The most pristine stretches hug the western coast, although the southern counterparts tend to hog the attention.
The best beaches in Skopelos are Panormos Beach and Skopelos Town Beach, which have plenty of amenities to ensure a gorgeous beach day.
If you’d prefer beauty and seclusion, then Kastani Beach Skopelos, of Mamma Mia fame, is one of the prettiest. Likewise, Armenopetra is just as breathtaking and enjoys fewer crowds so it’s perfect for some relaxing time in the sun.
Hidden gems
Secluded spots
To escape the tourists at Kastani Beach, hire a motorboat in Panormos and head north to the stunning (and quiet) beaches of Hovolo or Ftelia & Neraki, accessible only by boat. These beaches will make you feel like you’ve arrived in your own slice of paradise, with minimal development that emphasises their unspoiled beauty.
Eat like a local
While most of the best restaurants in Skopelos Town are away from the harbourfront, the exception is Molos in the Old Port – a favourite of in-the-know islanders. This traditional Greek restaurant is celebrated for its quality food and live music events. Imagine dining on fresh seafood with the perfect pour of Ouzo while taking in views of the picturesque port, that’s what you can expect at Molos.
Rooftop drinks
For drinks with a view, hotfoot it to the rooftop bar of Vrachos, shaded by gnarled olive trees and overlooking the port. This unique cocktail bar is the best place to spend your evenings in Skopelos. You’ll need to make it up the 102 steps to reach Vrachos, but the inviting ambience and fresh fruit cocktails certainly make it worth the effort.
Things to do in Skopelos
When it comes to things to do in Skopelos, you are truly spoiled for choice. There are activities on the Greek island that will suit any preference or desire, making Skopelos the ideal place for a Greek holiday. With stunning hiking routes, fascinating museums and the pleasures of Skopelos Town at your fingertips, you won’t find yourself wondering what to do in Skopelos.
Wander Skopelos Town’s labyrinth of cliff-clinging streets
The main port of Skopelos Town, on the southeast coast, is a beauty unlike any other. This vertiginous jumble of whitewashed buildings, colourful shutters and terracotta roofs is crowned by the Kastro, a crumbling Venetian fortress. Climb the web of pedestrianised streets to discover tavernas spilling out onto jasmine-scented courtyards and tiny churches with chiming bells.
You can also explore the culture of Skopelos by visiting one of the museums in Skopelos Town. The star of the show is the Folklore Museum, where visitors can browse displays of paintings, artefacts and archaeological discoveries from across the island. The museum offers a real look into the history and lives of the island’s inhabitants, allowing visitors to more meaningfully connect with local culture.
Experience authentic Greek island life in Glossa
In the far northwest of the island is Glossa, whose whitewashed houses hug even steeper streets. The pace slips down a few gears here: men play backgammon outside kafenios and elderly women sweep the steps of their homes. It’s a great place to visit for a laid-back day out on Skopelos.
A couple of dozy shops sell plums, almonds, oil and wine, but many of these establishments will close during the high heat around midday. Strolling this picturesque town where time appears to stand still is one of our favourite things to do in Skopelos.
Follow in the footsteps of Meryl Streep
Mamma Mia fans can take a self-guided tour of the film locations that thrust the island into the limelight – singing optional. First up, shimmy across the sands of Kastani Beach, also known as Mamma Mia beach as it was the setting for most of the dance scenes, before a cool drink at the beach bar.
Next, head to the improbably located church of Agios Ioannis Kastri, perched atop a 100m-high rocky outcrop, where the wedding scene was shot. For both attractions, visit either early morning or evening to avoid the coach loads of tourists.
Hike the mountainous interior to magical monasteries
Skopelos is peppered with monasteries; tranquil havens with icon-adorned chapels and intricate altars. While you can loop around these ecclesiastical sites by car, scenic hiking trails connect some of the more off-grid places of worship.
Set off on foot from the 16th-century Sotiros monastery and join the T1 walking path, which weaves through the forest-pocketed mountains and offers dramatic views over the island of Alonissos. You’ll end up at the abandoned monasteries of Taxiarches and Anna, partially shrouded by huge walnut trees.
Visiting Skopelos offers a Greek island holiday unlike any other. While it may not have the trendy allure of other Greek islands, this quiet spot in the Sporades is the ideal place to soak up some sun and relish Greek hospitality. As it’s only accessible by boat, you can reap the benefits of a Greek island holiday without having to worry about thronging crowds.
Skopelos Town offers a glimpse of island life with its gorgeous port and traditional restaurants. Glossa offers more seclusion and slower-paced living. When it comes to things to do in Skopelos, you can lounge on the immaculate beaches and escape into the island’s scenic natural beauty.
No matter how you choose to spend your holiday in Skopelos, you will find yourself longing to return time and time again. If you fancy a slice after reading our Skopelos travel guide, check out our luxury villas for a beach holiday you won’t forget in a hurry. Contact our concierge team for any extras for your Skopelos holiday, including private chefs, massage services, car and boat hire and tours, activities and experiences!
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