The lovely island of Skopelos is part of the group known as the Sporades islands and is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful Greek islands. Skopelos attracts huge numbers of visitors each year from all over the world who come here to enjoy the fantastic beaches and excellent facilities.
The island is one that offers the perfect setting for visitors to simply unwind and relax and escape from the daily stress and noise of everyday city life. The beautiful landscapes and the peaceful and laid-back atmosphere makes it a perfect destination for a rewarding holiday.
Skopelos has some very interesting towns and places to visit such as the main town of Skopelos in the north, the beautiful town of Glossa in the west and the popular Stafylos beach area in the south.
Like the other islands that form the Sporades, Skopelos is a very green island and one where vegetation and nature thrive. You can find some lovely beaches on the island where olive groves lead all the way down to the sea.
Where to head to …
The best way to fully appreciate the charm and beauty of Skopelos is to simply head out and explore. The island is fairly small in size, so travelling around it is not too difficult. It would be best to rent a car or bike if you are not travelling on your own so that you can travel around the island at your own pace and make stops wherever you want. There are some really lovely parts of the island where you can enjoy some spectacular views stretching out over the Aegean.
The main town of Skopelos is a part of the island that everyone will visit. There are lots of great places where you can enjoy a tasty meal at a local restaurant or a relaxing drink and take in the gorgeous surrounding scenery and vistas.
The old town is a labyrinth of narrow roads and paths, with houses and buildings literally clumped on top of each other – though there is a lot of beauty in the chaotic setting. It’s a magical place to explore and as you walk you will pass by lots of quaint churches and small houses filled with colourful gardens.
Another very beautiful part of the island is Stafylos, where you will find a lovely beach that is ideal for swimming during the hot summer period. Stafylos is located in the southeast part of Skopelos and is easily accessible from the main town and port of Skopelos. Upon arriving at the port of Skopelos you will follow the main road from the town and head south towards Stafylos beach.
How to get there …
Getting to Skopelos is relatively easy. Though the island doesn’t have an airport, the neighbouring island of Skiathos does and caters for both domestic and charter flights from Europe. From Skiathos, you can easily and quickly take a ferry over to Skopelos or the nearby island of Alonissos.
There are also ferry connections with the port of Volos which is located at the foot of the beautiful Pelion peninsula.
Beaches in Skopelos …
The island is blessed with a huge choice of gorgeous beaches that you can enjoy during the summer. Whether you are looking for a quiet and peaceful place to relax in the sun, or a beach thriving with people and activity, Skopelos will have just what you are looking for.
Some of the most popular beaches on the island include Velanio, Panormos, Chovolo and many others. You will certainly be spoilt for choice!
When to visit Skopelos …
The island gets pretty busy during the peak summer months of July and August, so if you are looking for a place to unwind and relax away from the crowds, then you should probably look to visit the island in May or early June when the weather will be perfect, or at the end of the summer in September and early October.
These periods are the best if you want to avoid the crowds but also enjoy some great weather where the temperatures will be comfortable with refreshing evenings.
Things to do …
There are lots of activities that visitors to Skopelos can enjoy. Sailing is a very popular activity and many people from all around the world head to Skopelos to enjoy relaxing sailing holidays. For those who enjoy something a little more active, you can enjoy trekking around the island as there are many paths to follow taking you on a wonderful journey around beautiful scenery.
You can find a range of water sports to enjoy such as diving, kayaking and more. And for those who are creative, there are a number of artistic workshops operating on Skopelos where you can enjoy painting, ceramics and various other forms of artistic creation.
Hotels in Skopelos …
There are lots of excellent hotels and accommodation facilities on the island and there will be something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a simple hotel or apartment, or maybe even a private villa, you will be able to find good accommodation for everyone’s budget.
You can find more information about accommodation in our Skopelos accommodation section. There are lots of places to stay right next to the sea as well as some great hotels right in the heart of the old town.
Weddings in Skopelos …
The island is also a popular destination for weddings in Greece with the movie “Mamma Mia” playing a large role in bringing the beauty and appeal of the island to the attention of the world. The picturesque church of Agios Ioannis that features at the end of the movie is a particularly popular spot for visitors to head to, though the climb to the top can be pretty demanding for some people.
Once you have visited Skopelos, you will easily begin to see why so many people return back here year after year for their holidays. The island never seems too crowded or busy, unlike some of the other more famous islands of Greece.
