Sporades · The greenest Greek island
Skopelos
Skopelos, the second biggest of the Sporades, is often called the greenest Greek island, all blue sea, sandy beaches and pine landscapes, and it is where Mamma Mia was filmed. We design private Skopelos itineraries that mix the movie's landmarks with the quieter, boat-only bays.
Skopelos is the second biggest island of the Sporades, combining blue seas, sandy beaches and green landscapes as far as the eye can see. Until recently it was one of the best-kept secrets of Greek tourism; then Mamma Mia hit the box office and transformed it into one of the hottest destinations around.
The legend of Stafylos
According to legend, Stafylos was the first coloniser of Skopelos. His mother was Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete, who gave Theseus the ball of thread that guided him through the labyrinth, only for the ungrateful scamp to abandon her on Naxos. Not to worry: Ariadne instead won the god Dionysos, and together they had Stafylos. All good fun, except that here myth and reality converge. A 1936 excavation on the headland dividing Stafylos beach from neighbouring Velanio unearthed a grave dating to around 1500 BC, close to the era of the legendary Minos, and its extraordinary Bronze Age finds include the gold handle of a sword now displayed in Athens.
Explore Skopelos
Even before the movie, Skopelos was on the radar of those seeking adventure: beautiful beaches, landscapes like nowhere else, and a stage for sailing, hiking and diving, completed by traditional villages and a beautiful Chora.
The chapel on the rock
The small church of Agios Ioannis gained a huge reputation after the wedding scenes of Mamma Mia were filmed here. The impressive rock it crowns is linked to the island by a narrow path with 110 steps carved into the stone, and the climb is rewarded with unforgettable views.
Swim spots only reachable by boat
Skopelos hides some of the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean, many reachable only by boat, which makes them perfect for swimming far from the crowds. All are famous for crystal-clear blue-green water framed by countless pines.
Glossa
On the northwest side of the island, three kilometres above its harbour of Loutraki, sits Glossa, the island’s second largest settlement. Typical and tranquil, this amphitheatrical village of traditional houses and narrow cobblestone streets, where no cars can venture, enjoys some of the loveliest sunsets on the island.
Pairing Skopelos
Skopelos pairs seamlessly with its siblings: cosmopolitan Skiathos for arrival and nightlife, and tranquil Alonnisos and its marine park for the wilder end of the route.
Known first-hand
Our best picks on Skopelos
- Best Activity Paddleboarding with Sporades SUP
No better way to enjoy the scenery than paddling to the island's bays and beaches. Prefer to sit? Kayaking Greece runs trips to deserted beaches, sea caves and uninhabited islets, usually with a picnic and snorkelling stop, on seas calm enough for the faint of heart.
- Best Bar Anatoli Ouzeri
High on the Kastro of Skopelos, where George Xintaris and his sons play rempetika while the food and party melt your troubles away. Start with a sunset cocktail at Brachos, whose terrace view toward the old port is really special.
- Best Beach Milia and Kastani
The twin grey-sand beaches where the Mamma Mia cast and crew were based for a month; Donna's bar stood at the south end of Kastani and Sky's bachelor party jetty was built at its centre. Follow with Glysteri and Panormos, or quieter Hovolo and Aggelto.
- Best Dining Antoniou Family Olive Press
Olive oil is the island's ambrosia, and producers like Antoniou offer tours and tastings. For tables, head uphill from the harbourfront to bougainvillea-draped tavernas like Glifoneri and Anna's, and do not miss Agnanti in Glossa.
- Best Hidden Spot Hovolo, Ftelia and Neraki
Hire a motorboat in Panormos and head north to these stunning, quiet beaches, accessible only from the sea. You will likely share them with no one but the pines.
- Best Sight Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria
An 18th century monastery on the slopes of Mount Palouki, three kilometres east of town, regarded as one of the island's most important Byzantine monuments, with fantastic views over Skopelos Town and the Aegean.
Skopelos has no airport; it is reached by ferry from Skiathos, Volos or Agios Konstantinos, with Skiathos (JSI) as the nearest airport.
Design
Design your experience
Tell us the occasion, the season and who is coming. One of our Epicureans will come back with a first sketch of Skopelos, and will tell you if another island suits your dates better.