Skopelos Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay and eat, local culture and customs, and essential travel tips for Skopelos Island, Greece.


Skopelos is a picturesque island located in the Sporades Islands group in the Aegean Sea. It is known for its lush greenery, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and charming small villages. Skopelos is a popular destination among travelers looking for a peaceful and relaxing holiday away from the crowded cities. In this travel guide, we will explore the must-visit places, things to do, local culture and customs, where to stay and eat, essential travel tips, and much more.

Introduction to Skopelos

Skopelos is a small island, but it has a lot to offer to its visitors. Its natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and charming villages make it an ideal destination for a relaxing holiday. Skopelos is also known for its beautiful beaches, museums and historical sites, outdoor activities, and local culture.

List of Places to Visit in Skopelos

Skopelos offers a lot of places to visit and explore. Here are some of the must-visit places in Skopelos.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Skopelos Town: Skopelos town, also known as Chora, is a beautiful village located on the eastern side of the island. It is a charming village with narrow streets, white-washed houses, and colorful flowers. The town is known for the numerous churches and the Venetian castle.
  • Agios Ioannis: Agios Ioannis is a small chapel located on a cliff overlooking the sea. It gained fame after a wedding scene from the movie Mamma Mia was filmed here.
  • Monasteries: Skopelos has many monasteries that are worth visiting, the most famous being the Monastery of Evangelistria. It is located in a picturesque location surrounded by pine forests and offers stunning views of the island.
  • Archaeological Museum: The museum is located in Skopelos town and exhibits artifacts from the island’s ancient history.

Natural Attractions of Skopelos: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Beaches: Skopelos is known for its beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and golden sand. Some of the most famous beaches are Panormos Beach, Stafylos Beach, and Milia Beach.
  • Mount Palouki: Mount Palouki is the highest point on the island, and it offers panoramic views of the island.
  • Sea Kayaking: Sea Kayaking is a popular outdoor activity on the island. It allows visitors to explore the island’s hidden coves and secret beaches.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Skopelos

Skopelos offers many hiking and biking routes, allowing visitors to explore the island’s natural beauty and stunning landscapes. Some of the popular trails are the Skopelos to Glossa Trail, the Skopelos to Stafylos Trail, and the Palouki Trail.

Best Things to Do in Skopelos: Activities and Tours

Skopelos offers many activities and tours that cater to visitors of all ages. Some of the best things to do in Skopelos are:

  • Boat Tours: Boat tours are a great way to explore the island’s remote beaches and hidden coves.
  • Sailing: Sailing is a popular activity in Skopelos, and visitors can rent a sailboat or join a sailing tour.
  • Cooking Classes: Skopelos is known for its delicious cuisine, and visitors can take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Greek dishes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Skopelos

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Skopelos, here is a suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Skopelos town and explore the town’s charming streets and churches.
  • Day 2: Take a boat tour to explore the island’s remote beaches and coves.
  • Day 3: Visit the Monastery of Evangelistria and enjoy the panoramic views of the island.
  • Day 4: Spend the day at one of the island’s beautiful beaches, such as Panormos or Milia Beach.
  • Day 5: Explore the island’s hiking or biking trails.
  • Day 6: Take a cooking class and learn how to prepare traditional Greek dishes.
  • Day 7: Relax and unwind at your hotel and enjoy the island’s peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Food and Drink Scene of Skopelos

Skopelos is known for its delicious and traditional cuisine, which is characterized by fresh seafood, vegetables, and herbs. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Skopelitian Cheese Pie: It is a traditional pie filled with cheese, onion, and herbs.
  • Grilled Octopus: Fresh octopus grilled with olive oil, lemon, and spices.
  • Lobster Pasta: Pasta served with fresh lobster and a tomato sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Ouzo: It is a traditional Greek drink made from anise and is often served with mezes or appetizers.
  • Wine: Skopelos produces some of the best wines in Greece, and visitors can enjoy the local wine at many taverns and restaurants.

Where to Stay in Skopelos: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Skopelos offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some of the popular hotels in Skopelos are Adrina Beach Hotel, Skopelos Holidays Hotel and Spa, and Blue Green Bay.

What to Buy in Skopelos: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Skopelos is known for its traditional products and souvenirs. Visitors can bring home local products such as olive oil, honey, herbs, and hand-made soap. Souvenirs such as jewelry, ceramics, and traditional clothing are also popular among tourists.

Local Culture and Customs of Skopelos

Skopelos has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can learn about the island’s history and customs by visiting its museums and historical sites. Skopelos is also known for its traditional festivals and celebrations, such as the Feast of Agios Riginos and the Festival of Amorevo.

Best Time to Visit Skopelos

The best time to visit Skopelos is from May to October when the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea is calm. July and August are the busiest months, and the island can get crowded during these months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Skopelos

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Sample the local cuisine and drink.
  • Explore the island’s natural beauty.

Don’t:

  • Litter on the beaches or streets.
  • Disrupt the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the island.
  • Wear revealing clothing when visiting churches or monasteries.

Safety and Health

Safety in Skopelos

Skopelos is a safe destination for travelers, and the crime rate is low. However, visitors should take usual precautions, such as not leaving their valuables unattended on the beach or in public areas.

Health in Skopelos

Skopelos has a well-equipped hospital and medical facilities. Visitors should take usual precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated during the summer months.

Getting to Skopelos: Transportation Options and Logistics

Skopelos is accessible by ferry from the mainland ports of Volos and Agios Konstantinos. Visitors can also fly to Skiathos Airport and take a ferry to Skopelos.

Airports Near Skopelos

The nearest airport to Skopelos is Skiathos Airport, which is located on the nearby island of Skiathos.

Bus Stations Near Skopelos

Visitors can take a bus from Athens to the mainland ports of Volos and Agios Konstantinos.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Skopelos by private transfer or taxi from the mainland ports or Skiathos Airport.

How to Get Around in Skopelos

The best way to explore Skopelos is by car or scooter, which can be rented from various rental agencies on the island. Taxis and buses are also available for transportation on the island.

Where to Go Next from Skopelos: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some nearby destinations and excursions from Skopelos are:

  • Alonissos: Alonissos is a nearby island known for its stunning beaches and marine park.
  • Skiathos: Skiathos is a nearby island known for its lively nightlife and beautiful beaches.

Conclusion

Skopelos is a beautiful island with stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. In this travel guide, we have covered the must-visit places, things to do, local culture and customs, where to stay and eat, essential travel tips, and much more. We hope this guide helps you plan a memorable trip to Skopelos.

View of Skopelos town View of Skopelos town


    Glossa
    Skopelos (town)