Explore this treasure of the Sporades Islands with 9 must-sees in Skópelos. Páme!
Imagine… 95 km² of heavenly beaches, traditional « tavernas« , ancient ruins and bucolic walks. Welcome to Skópelos! Because on this island in the north of the Sporades archipelago in the Aegean Sea, you’ll find everything you need for an unforgettable vacation.
In fact, the famous musical Mamma Mia starring Meryl Streep used Skópelos as its main setting. Thousands of tourists flock here every summer (and winter!) to enjoy the island’s gentle lifestyle.
So we’ve put together a guide to the 9 must-do things to do in Skópelos that will satisfy both idlers and heritage buffs.
1. The rock of Agios Ioannis
Photo Credit: Shutterstock – Pit Stock
Head to the north-east of Skópelos, where you’ll discover the charm of an almost untamed corner of paradise: Agios Ioannis. Here, you’ll find a wonderful beach and a strange 100-metre cliff. It overlooks the Aegean Sea and its turquoise waters.
In fact, it’s much more than a cliff, it’s a real chapel built into the rock! You can get married here, or if your plans are less extreme, simply visit. To do so, you’ll have to climb the 110 or so steps leading up to the religious building, then explore the site and admire the panorama.
2. Relax on idyllic beaches
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Georgios Tsichlis
Skópelos boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Sporades! So it would be a shame to miss out on some sunbathing and a vitamin D cure. For example, Stafilos is a must-visit beach in Skópelos.
The latter is located in the south of the island and is a delight for travellers looking for relaxation. The color of the water and the green surroundings make for a dream vacation! A ten-minute drive further on, you’ll find a small bay just as charming as Stafilos, albeit a little wilder: Limmonari.
And if you head a little further north, you’ll find Panormos beach. Here, you can not only dip your feet in the crystal-clear water, but also enjoy the entertainment. In fact, you’ll find a number of bars and restaurants right on the edge of Panormos. Last but not least, Panormos offers absolutely fantastic sunsets!
3. Enjoy a Skopelitiki
Greek culture can be admired, but it can also be tasted! Believe us, tasting Skopelitiki is a must in Skopelos. This traditional dish, which you’ll find in small, traditional tavernas, is a kind of filo pastry pie with cheese fried in olive oil.
With every bite, you get the very best of Skópelos (and Greece) and the very best of local produce! The advantage of this choice dish? It can be eaten at any time of day. In fact, you’ll be surprised to find a Skopelitiki on your breakfast table, but you can also find it on the starters menu in a restaurant.
4. Visit the monasteries of St. Riginou and Mount Palouki
Photo Credit: Shutterstock – Digalakis Photography
Between two beach sessions, you can discover Skópelos’ religious and spiritual heritage. To kick off this tourist pilgrimage, we’ll take you to the monastery of St. Riginou, or Agios Riginos, just ten minutes from the center of the island’s capital. A tribute to the island’s patron saint, the monastery is a must-see in Skópelos.
Firstly, it dates back to 1728 and bears witness to the architecture of the time. Secondly, you’ll be able to find local products made by the local monks and nuns. For example, you can buy olive oil and wine. If you’d like to continue your journey through churches and monasteries, then we invite you to visit Palouki.
This mountainous peninsula lies in the south-east of the island. Head for Mount Palouki, where you’ll find numerous religious buildings. You’ll also be surprised by the splendid view of Skópelos from this high-altitude area. Don’t miss Timios Prodromos, the highest monastery on Mount Palouki!
5. Explore the village of Glossa
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Georgios Tsichlis
Want to discover an authentic village with just 1,000 inhabitants? Head for Glossa, in the north-west of the island! This amphitheatrical village is a must-see on Skópelos.
The town has charming cobbled streets and small squares where you can enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. Glossa is also a mecca for local farmers, producing olives, plums and almonds. Stroll through this small fishing village and stay until the famous sunset.
The name « Glossa » also comes from the goats that roam the surrounding rocks, known as Glousses. They’re famous for their wool!
6. Getting lost in the streets of Skópelos
Photo credit: Shutterstock – leoks
The town’s capital has the same name as the island, although it also appears as « Chora »(ΧΩΡΑ if you know Greek). It lies between the sea and the mountains, offering a beautiful landscape.
Start by exploring the port of Skópelos, where fishing boats and ferries arrive. Then lose yourself in the town’s pretty alleyways. You’ll discover traditional whitewashed houses connected by small arches. From the open windows, you can sometimes smell a traditional Mediterranean dish, coupled with incense or jasmine!
You can also visit the white Panagista tou Pirgou church, which offers a splendid panorama of the island’s capital. The Skópelos Folklore Museum is also worth a visit if you want to learn more about the island’s culture.
7. Admire local crafts
Do you love local craftsmanship? Then you’ve come to the right place! If you like pottery and colors, you’ll find family-run stalls where you can find what you’re looking for.
Because the art of pottery is often a family affair. If this isn’t your thing, you can discover miniature boats built with meticulous attention to detail. The island is also populated by lantern makers, with the Lithadiotis family setting the standard! The lanterns are sometimes covered with copper and lead decorations and stained glass. Some lanterns also feature borders and flowers.
Last but not least, art lovers will also be well catered for. You’ll find a number of small galleries where local artists exhibit their work: paintings, sculptures and even photographs.
8. Stroll around Cape Amarandos
Photo credit: Shutterstock – MuamerOsmanbegovic
Cape Amarandos lies to the south of Skópelos, where you can enjoy the beauty of the Aegean Sea. It’s off the beaten track and offers idyllic wilderness.
Although the famous « three trees » are now burnt, Cape Amarandos holds other promises: turquoise waters where you can dive, for example. So bring your mask and snorkel and let yourself be surprised by the seabed. And if you’re a keen swimmer, you can explore the caves, while keeping an eye out for rocks and sea urchins. Of course, this spot also offers epic sunsets!
9. A boat trip
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Constantinos Iliopoulos
Once you’ve visited the island of Skópelos and made the most of the wonders it has to offer, there’s one last must-do before you leave: a boat trip! Hiring a boat in Skópelos offers a wide range of excursions, each more sublime than the last…
Near the island of Skópelos is Alonissos, which you can visit with the services of a skipper. Afterwards, you can spend the day discovering some of the island’s treasures, such as the port of Patitri, the village of Votsi, and some wonderful beaches like Steni Cala or Megali Mourtia.
If you feel like it and have the budget, you can also take sailing trips around Alonissos and from Skópelos.
Find a boat to rent in Skópelos
How to get to Skópelos
From France
If you’re flying from France, in particular Paris, you can take a flight to the island of Skiathos. From there, it’s a 50-minute ferry ride to Skópelos. To estimate fares by season, check departures from other cities and estimate stopovers, you’ll need to use a comparator such as Ulysse.
On the island
The three main options for getting around Skópelos are car, motorbike/scooter and public bus. While cars and two-wheelers remain the most practical, buses provide excellent access to the island’s main attractions.
All timetables are usually posted at every bus shelter. Also, keep in mind that distances are quite short on Skópelos, as it takes less thanan hour and a half to drive across the island!
Where to stay in Skópelos?
The capital, Skópelos Chora, has the largest number of available accommodations. This is also where you’ll find the majority of homestays, hostels and Airbnb. However, you can find some incredible villas on the outskirts of Glossa or Panormos, close to the beautiful beaches. The best way to find what you’re looking for is to use a hotel comparator, which will sort through your criteria in just a few clicks.
You can also avoid the tourist crowds by staying in the interior of the island, further from the coast, but in a perfectly tranquil and wild environment. What’s more, you’ll find accommodation to suit all budgets: from €350 a week to over €2,000. It all depends on your requirements. But be sure to book your accommodation well in advance if you’re planning to leave in high season.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Greece