The ultimate Skopelos travel guide

Planning your next Greek island adventure and wondering if Skopelos is worth a visit? Spoiler alert: it absolutely is! This detailed Skopelos travel guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the must-do activities to the logistics of planning your trip. Let’s dive into the emerald waters and lush landscapes of Skopelos!

If you’re looking for a Greek escape away from the crowds, this overlooked and underrated island in the Northern Sporades can turn your dreams to reality.

Though it’s better known than its low key (but incredibly gorgeous) neighbour Alonissos, Skopelos certainly isn’t a part of the usual Greece tourist trail. While the rest of the world flocks to Santorini and Mykonos for their whitewashed villages and Instagrammable viewpoints, Skopelos offers a relaxed but authentic alternative, as well as far better value for money.

The middle of summer does see the island turn into a bustling hub of travellers, many domestic visitors or international travellers on organised package tours, but outside of July/August and beyond the main tourist spots I can guarantee you’ll be able to find a slice of paradise just for yourself.

I visited Skopelos on my fifth trip to Greece and swiftly fell in love, Greece was already one of my favourite countries in Europe but this island gem pushed it even higher on my list.

I couldn’t find a huge amount of information on the Sporades islands due to the lower tourist numbers there so I wanted to put together a detailed Skopelos travel guide to help you plan your trip!

In this travel guide I’ll give you loads of practical info on Skopelos, share some of the island’s best things to do, see and eat, and give some suggestions on where to stay too.

Quick summary: The perfect Skopelos itinerary

Day one: Skopelos walking tour or self-guided exploring with dinner in the old town

Day two: Mamma Mia tour or self-drive to see Agios Ioannis, Kastani Beach and Amarandos Cove

Day three: Full day cruise or diving trip

Day four: Hiking day to see the monasteries and some more beaches

Day five: Full day beach hopping (Milia and Limnonari are easily accessible, or head to Hovolo and/or Glysteri to avoid the crowds and families)

Stay: Spiros Rooms for somewhere cheap, Panormos Beach Hotel for mid-range or Adrina Resort & Spa to treat yourself

All you need to know about Skopelos, Greece

Is Skopelos worth visiting?

100% it is! With its untouched natural beauty and a calm vibe that’s increasingly rare in popular Greek islands, Skopelos is more than worth visiting. It’s got decent infrastructure that make it accessible and easy to travel around, plenty of untouched beaches to explore, a brilliant local culinary scene and loads of authentic character.

What is Skopelos known for?

Aside from its lush scenery, Skopelos gained fame as the filming location for the 2008 hit ‘Mamma Mia!’. The island’s cinematic history draws some movie buff international travellers, and there are organised filming location tours to tick off the key spots you’d recognise in the film.

Where is Skopelos, Greece?

Located in the Northern Sporades, Skopelos lies east of mainland Greece, nestled between the islands of Skiathos and Alonissos.

How to get to Skopelos

There’s no airport on Skopelos, but you can catch a one hour ferry from Skiathos (an island with the nearest airport) or a 2h 45m ferry from Volos on the mainland (which is accessible by plane or bus).

How to get around Skopelos

It’s best to rent a car, scooter or quad bike to explore the island at your own pace.

There are local buses that go to most of the main tourist spots, but the schedule is limited so if you get to a beach and change your mind due to the crowds, you might need to wait a couple of hours until the next bus comes past.

If you don’t want to drive then the easiest way to see the island would be with organised tours, there are various operators that run different routes like beach-hopping trips, the Mamma Mia bus tour or hiking tours.

How long to visit Skopelos

Ideally a 4-5 day Skopelos itinerary allows enough time to soak up the island’s beauty, but if you have more time then a week would let you fully embrace the laidback island lifestyle.

I visited for three days and felt a bit rushed to see and do everything, an extra day or two would’ve made it a more comfortable trip.

When is the best time to visit Skopelos

Late spring (May/June) and early autumn (September/October) are ideal. You’ll enjoy warm weather and fewer crowds. July and August are peak tourist months, so expect more hustle and bustle, more tour buses and inflated prices.

Weather in Skopelos

Skopelos enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, while springs and autumns are mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring and beach-hopping.

Busy season in Skopelos

July and August are the busiest, which means higher accommodation rates, busier restaurants and packed beaches. It’s nothing like what you’d see in Santorini and Mykonos in those months, but it’s definitely not going to show you the island at its best.

If you prefer a quieter experience, aim for the shoulder months when the weather is still lovely, but the crowds have thinned.

Is Skopelos safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, Skopelos is generally safe for solo female travellers and I felt comfortable the entire time I was there.

Like any travel destination, it’s always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, but the island’s laid-back and friendly atmosphere makes it a welcoming place for everyone.

Where else can you visit near Skopelos?

Consider hopping over to Skiathos or Alonissos. Each island has its own unique charm and is well worth a visit if you have extra time in the Sporades.

Where to stay in Skopelos

Budget | There are some excellent places to stay in Skopelos even if you’re on a tight budget. Consider Stolios, Dafni Studios, Studios Filippos, Irene’s Paradise and Spiros Rooms for a cheap sleep.

Mid-range | Aegean Wave, Fasolaki, Niki Apartments, Aperitton Hotel and Panormos Beach Hotel are all top-rated mid-range options.

Luxury | Adrina Beach Hotel, Skopelos Holidays & Hotel and Olia Green are luxury options with great reviews, or for a real treat you could consider Adrina Resort & Spa, a 5* beachfront paradise.

For a group | Villa Kingstone looks gorgeous and can fit four people, Stargaze Villas has space for eight adults and Villa Aelia can fit 11.

Things to do in Skopelos

Take a Mamma Mia tour

A Mamma Mia tour is one of the most popular things to do in Skopelos, and your trip won’t be complete without ticking off filming locations while singing along to ABBA’s greatest hits!

The two main movie spots that the tours visit are Agios Ioannis (the Chapel of St John), Agnontas and Kastani Beach, but some may include a couple more.

You can book this top-rated bus tour or this tour is a small-group option, or just rent your own vehicle and visit the locations on your own time.

Visit Agios Ioannis

Even if you’re not fussed about the fact it was featured in the movie, Agios Ioannis is still totally worth a visit. Perched on top of a 100m rock in the sea, you’ve got to climb 100+ narrow steps precariously carved into the stone to reach it.

The church at the top is tiny, but the view back towards the mainland is what really will blow your mind.

Cruise around the island

Seeing Skopelos by sea is a must-do, and there are a number of local operators who run incredible half-day and full-day cruises to different bays and beaches around the island.

Some cruises include a BBQ lunch or packed lunch, some might visit the nearby islands of Alonissos and/or Skiathos, most of them include at least one snorkel or swim stop, and most of them take you into the National Marine Park of Alonissos.

The boat schedules vary depending on the month and there’s not a huge amount of reliable information online, so your best bet is to head to the port in Skopelos when you arrive and talk to the operators who have stalls in front of their boats, or head into a local travel agency.

If you’d prefer to book a private trip for you and your travel buddies, this top-rated private boat tour has space for up to six people.

Explore the hills of the old town

Skopelos’ Old Town is a labyrinth of winding alleyways flanked by traditional white houses with flower gardens and colourful doors, you might think you were in Mykonos if it weren’t for the fact it’s so quiet!

Go for a walk and get lost in the historical centre, just be respectful of the fact these are people’s homes and don’t disrupt the locals.

If you prefer to learn about destinations from local guides, my top recommendation would be to do the Secrets of Skopelos Town tour, it’s rated 5/5 and includes a guided walking tour, local wine tasting and dinner in a traditional taverna. Dreamy!

See the church of Panagitsa tou Pyrgou (Holy Mary of the Castle)

Move over blue domes, this 17th century church has got to be one of the most Instagrammable buildings in Greece thanks to its traditional Greek architecture and magnificent panoramic outlook.

Standing above Skopelos Harbour and looking out to the Aegean Sea, the chapel is easily reached by a short but steep walk from the port area. The chapel interior is equally impressive, with frescoes and other religious artwork dating back hundreds of years. The church is meant to be open to visitors during the day but when I went (June 2023) it was closed, so I’m not sure if that was a one-off or just an island-time kind of thing!

If you do want to go inside you’ll need to wear appropriate clothing and ensure your knees and shoulders are covered.

Diving

Just like the neighbouring island of Alonissos, Skopelos offers incredible diving opportunities for those keen to discover the world below the surface.

The crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, combined with varied underwater topography of caves, coral reefs and shipwrecks, make it the perfect place to scuba for both beginners and experienced divers.

I spent a day on and under the water with the top-rated Skopelos Dive Center, they have a couple of bases on the island and they run snorkelling, scuba diving, freediving and paddle boarding trips.

Soak up the sun at the stunning beaches

Skopelos is home to countless beaches and bays, ranging from organised ones with amenities through to totally unspoiled ones hidden from the main roads.

Some of the beaches to add to your Skopelos itinerary are:

• Milia Beach – A popular one but for good reason, this has some of the clearest water I’ve ever, ever seen in my life (and I’ve seen a lot of clear water!). With striking white pebbles, stunning views out to Dasia island and plenty of space, it’s ideal for all types of travellers.

• Hovolo Beach – The photos don’t even do Hovolo justice, you really have to see this place with your own eyes. It’s a bit less accessible than most of the others on this list which means there are fewer people, just wear appropriate footwear (rock shoes would be ideal) and be careful not to slip.
• Limnonari Beach – My eyes almost fell out of my head as I drove into Limnonari, the view from the road as you wind around overlooking the bay is mind-blowing. There were lots of families here but there’s a beach bar with an adults-only area if that’s more your vibe (read more below).

• Kastani Beach – Perhaps an unpopular opinion but Kastani wasn’t my favourite beach on the island, it was gorgeous of course but the crowds were off-putting for me. Still epic to see and all Mamma Mia tours stop there (hence the crowds) but if you’re looking for somewhere to spend the afternoon then choose elsewhere.
• Amarandos Cove – Insanely blue water with pine trees stretching down into the ocean, Amarandos is a bit tricky to get to (easier for those with quad bikes) but it’s worth the journey if you decide to make it.
• Panormos Beach – A beautiful pebble beach with a bunch of tavernas and cafes dotted around it, great for a lunch stop with a swim afterwards.

Beach clubs

For those who like to add good tunes and party vibes to their beach holiday, there are a few beach clubs around the island serving up happy hour cocktails and epic views at the same time.

Some popular beach clubs in Skopelos are:

• Milia Beach Bar – beautifully clear water, great snorkelling and some water sports
• Limnonari Apanemo Beach Bar – a stunning bay with a sophisticated beach bar that includes an adults-only pool
• Kastani Beach Bar – loads of loungers (on both grass and sand) and other amenities, plus a decent food and drink menu
• Glysteri Beach Bar – a more upmarket beach bar option with good music, comfortable sunbeds and top-rated service

Expect to pay around 10-15EUR for a pair of shaded sunbeds, and some beach bars have a minimum food/drink consumption in the busy season

See the monasteries

Beyond the wonderfully picturesque beaches and charming old town, Skopelos is also home to several historically significant monasteries hidden amongst the hills.

Each of the monasteries offers a unique glimpse into the island’s past and present culture, and when you see the views from them you’ll understand why those spots were chosen!

Please note that the monasteries are sometimes open for visitors but often this is dependent on who is around rather than a specific schedule, so don’t be disappointed if they’re closed when you get there. Take something to cover your shoulders and knees if you do want to go inside.

Some of the best monasteries to visit are:

• Monastery of Evangelistria
• Monastery of Agios Riginos
• Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa
• Monastery of Timios Prodromos
• Monastery of Sotiras Christos
• Monastery of the Metamorphosis

Hiking

Skopelos’ diverse terrain offers numerous hiking trails that cater to all levels.

There are plenty of easy trails along the gorgeous coastline, or for a more challenging trek the Monasteries Tour is a 7.4km moderate-difficulty loop track along paths that connect ancient monasteries and historical settlements, or the hike up Palouki Peak offers divine views after a bit of a slog to get there.

There’s a guided hiking tour for those of you who’d prefer to hike with a guide.

Rent a boat

Renting a boat in Skopelos offers the freedom to explore its stunning coastline at your own pace. Discover secluded coves, swim in crystal-clear waters, and even visit nearby uninhabited islands (be sure to check any local regulations to protect wildlife).

Boat rentals are available online or you can organise them at the main port, with options ranging from small motorboats to larger yachts, and many do not require a boating license.

Indulge in local cuisine

There’s plenty of places to eat in Skopelos, and because it’s less of a touristy island, the value for money is brilliant.

My favourite spots are:

• El Atrio (my absolute top recommendation)
• First Creperie and Pizzerie (fantastic pasta)
• SPIRA Brewery
• Plateia for a super cute dinner setting
• Magali for cheap and cheerful gyros
• Paraporti and Vrachos for cocktails
• Decimo for a delicious brunch and great WiFi

There you go, your complete Skopelos travel guide with helpful and practical suggestions to make sure you can make the most of your trip! Whether you’re ready to book your trip now or you’re just dreaming about a future visit, I hope this blog has helped you plan out your Skopelos itinerary.

If you have any questions then, as always, let me know in the comments.

Other posts you might want to read:

• Planning a trip to Greece: The ultimate guide
• What it’s like to sail Greece with seven of your friends
• The ultimate Alonissos travel guide
• How to spend two months in Europe
• 27 European holiday ideas