The second biggest island of the Sporades complex and combining blue seas, sandy beaches and green landscapes as far as the eye can see.
According to legend, Stafylos was the first coloniser of Skopelos. His mother was Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos of Crete who fell in love with Theseus and gave him a ball of thread to find his way around her father’s labyrinth. She left Crete with Theseus only for the ungrateful scamp to dump her on Naxos and sail away. Not to worry – Ariadne instead bagged the God Dionysos instead, and together they had Stafylos. All good fun of course, except that in this case myth and reality converge. A 1936 archeological excavation on the headland that divides Stafylos beach from nearby Velanió, unearthed a grave dating to 1500BC – around the time of the legendary King Minos. The Minoan grave produced some a number of extraordinary Bronze Age findings, including a the gold handle of a sword displayed in the Athens Archeological Museum.
Skopelos the second biggest island of the Sporades complex and is the ‘’greenest Greek island’’, combining blue seas, sandy beaches and green landscapes as far as the eye can see. However, until recently, it was still one of the best kept secrets of the Greek tourist industry. All that changed of course after Mamma Mia hit the box office and instantly transformed Skopelos into one of the hottest destinations worldwide.
Even before the Mamma Mia phenomenon, Skopelos was always on-the-radar for those seeking adventure. It offers beautiful beaches, landscapes like no other and a scenery for great adventures: sailing, hiking and diving to name just a few! Its smattering of traditional villages and beautiful Chora complete the ideal scenery which is perfect for a great vacation.
This small church gained a huge reputation after the Hollywood movie Mamma Mia was released, where many scenes from the wedding were actually filmed there. The impressive rock is linked to the rest of the island through a narrow path with 110 steps carved into the stone.
On Skopelos, you will find some of the most beautiful Aegean sea beaches and many of them are only accessible by boat, making them the perfect place to swim away from the busy crowds. They are all famous for their crystal clear blue-green waters, as well as the fact that they are surrounded by countless pine trees.
Situated on the northwest side of the island –3km above its harbor of Loutraki – you’ll find Glossa town. Typical and tranquil, this amphitheatrical village – with traditional houses and narrow cobblestone streets where no cars can venture into– enjoys some of the loveliest sunsets.
There’s no better way to enjoy the stunning scenery of Skopelos than paddleboarding to its many beautiful bays and beaches! with Sporades SUP. If you’d prefer to sit down on your watery explorations, Kayaking Greece offers a great variety of trips around the island. Expect to visit deserted beaches, rugged cliffs, sea caves and uninhabited islands on various trips, usually stopping for a relaxing picnic and some snorkeling. Skopelos offers the ideal background for such adventures and the usually calm seas will lure in even the most faint-of-heart.
For sunset, we recommend paying a visit to Brachos – the view towards the old port from its terrace makes it a really special place to enjoy your cocktail. Afterwards, there is no way you can miss enjoying a night out and good food at Anatoli Ouzeri. High up on the ‘Kastro of Skopelos’, you will find George Ksintaris and his sons playing rempetika. The party and great food will just melt your troubles away!
Skopelos is well-known for its beautiful beaches. The twin grey sand beaches of Milia and Kastani are the most famous beaches on Skopelos as it was here that the cast and crew of the musical Mamma Mia! were based for a month. Kastani was where many scenes where shot: Donna’s bar was on the south side of the beach, while the jetty where Sky is snatched for his bachelor party was built at the centre. Once you’ve visited these superstars, check out beautiful Glysteri and Panormos next. If you are seeking peace and quiet, we’d recommend paying a visit to the more peaceful Chovolos and Aggleto beaches.
From breakfasts of Greek yoghurt and honey, to Kefalotyri goat-cheese pies for lunch and fresh fish straight outta the sea for dinner – this Greek island draws on the natural larder of the island. To find the best restaurants in Skopelos, head uphill from the harborfront of Skopelos Town to stumble across bougainvillea-draped tavernas; try Glifoneri or Anna’s. If you’re in Glossa, don’t miss Agnanti. Olive oil is the island’s ambrosia, with local producers like Antoniou Family Olive Press offering tours and tastings.
To escape the tourists at Kastani Beach, hire a motorboat in Panormos and head north to the stunning (and quiet) beaches of Hovolo, Ftelia or Neraki, accessible only by boat.
The Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria is built on the slopes of Mount Palouki and can be found around 3 km east of Skopelos Town. This monastery is widely regarded as the island’s most important Byzantine monuments and dates from the 18th century. Apart from its architectural beauty and the interesting artworks found within its walls, the monastery is also known for the fantastic views it offers towards Skopelos own and the Aegean Sea.
Would you like to find out more about this destination or speak with one of our Epicureans about the best options in Greece? Reach out to one of our experts who can tailor an unforgettable experience that will be the envy of your friends.