The 9 things to do in Skópelos

Explore this treasure of the Sporades Islands with 9 must-see visits to Skópelos. Páme !

Imagine... 95 km2 of heavenly beaches, “ tavernas “traditional, ancient ruins and bucolic walks. Welcome to Skópelos! For in this island located north of the Sporades Archipelago on the Aegean Sea, everything is gathered to spend an unforgettable holiday.

Moreover, the famous musical Mamma Mia with Meryl Streep used Skópelos as the main decor. Also, thousands of tourists flock every summer (and winter!) to enjoy the sweetness of island life.

We have therefore concocted a guide of the 9 must-have things to do in Skópelos, which will satisfy the lovers of farniente as the most fetus of heritage.

1. The rock of Agios Ioannis

Head northeast of Skópelos, where you will discover the charm of a corner of almost wild paradise: Agios Ioannis. There you can enjoy a wonderful beach and meet with a strange cliff of a hundred meters. The latter overlooks the Aegean Sea and its turquoise water.

In fact, it is much more than a cliff that offers itself to you, but a real chapel built in the rock! You can get married, or if your program is less extreme, simply visit it. To do this, you will have to climb the 110 and a few steps that lead to the religious building, then explore the place and admire the panorama.

2. Relax on idyllic beaches

Skópelos has beaches among the most beautiful of Sporades! So it would be a shame to deprive yourself of a sunbath, and a vitamin D cure. For example, Stafilos is a beach to visit in Skópelos.

The latter is located in the south of the island and makes the happiness of travellers seeking relaxation. The color of the water and the green surroundings offer a dream holiday setting! About ten minutes away by car, you can find a small bay as charming as Stafilos, but a little wilder: Limmonari.

Moreover, if you go back a little further in the direction of the north, you will find the beach of Panormos. There you will have the chance to soak your feet in a clear water, but also to enjoy the animations. Indeed, you will find some bars and restaurants on the edge of Panormos. Finally, Panormos offers absolutely fantastic sunsets!

3. Dress a Skopelitiki

Greek culture is admired, but it also tastes! So enjoy a Skopelitiki is a must-see in Skopelos, believe us. This traditional dish that you will find in the traditional small taverns is a kind of pastry pie with fried cheese in olive oil.

Each bite offers you what Skópelos (and Greece) does better and more local! The advantage of this choice? He eats at any time of the day. Indeed, you will have the surprise to have a Skopelitiki on your breakfast table, but can also find it on the menu of the entrances to the restaurant.

4. Visit the Monasteries of Saint-Riginou and Mount Palouki

Between two beaches sessions you can discover the religious and spiritual heritage of Skópelos. To begin this tourist pilgrimage, we take you to the monastery of Saint-Riginou, or Agios Riginos, which is about ten minutes from the center of the capital of the island. This place in tribute to the island’s patron saint is a must-see in Skópelos.

Already, this last date of 1728 and attests to the architecture of the time. Then you can find local products made by the local monks and sisters. For example, you can buy olive oil or wine. If you wish to continue your journey through churches and monasteries, then we will give you an appointment on the side of Palouki.

This mountainous peninsula is located in the southeast of the island. More specifically head to Mount Palouki on which you will find many religious buildings. By making a tour in this altitude area, you will also have the surprise to have a splendid view of Skópelos. Don’t miss Timios Prodromos, the highest monastery on Mount Palouki!

5. Explore the village of Glossa

Want to discover an authentic village of just 1,000 inhabitants? Direction Glossa, northwest of the island! This amphitheatre village is a must-see on Skópelos.

Indeed, the latter has charming paved streets and small squares where you can drink a drink and restore you. Also, Glossa is a high place of local agriculture with olives, plums, or almonds. Flip into this small fishing village and stay until sunset that makes its reputation.

Moreover, the name “Glossa” comes from the goats that wander on the rocks of the surrounding area, named the Glousses. These are famous for their wool!

6. Losing in the streets of Skópelos

The city’s chief town has the same name as the island, although it also appears as “Chora” ( embodied if you master the Greek). The latter is between the sea and the mountains, offering a beautiful landscape.

Start by exploring the port of Skópelos where fishing boats arrive, but also ferries. Then lose yourself in the pretty streets of the city. You will discover traditional houses covered with lime and connected with small arches. Open windows sometimes escape the smell of a traditional Mediterranean dish, coupled with incense or jasmine!

You can also visit the white church Panagista tou Pirgou which offers a splendid view of the capital of the island. The Folklore Museum is also worth visiting in Skópelos if you want to deepen your knowledge of island culture.

7. Admire local crafts

Do you like local crafts? So you fell in the right place! If you enjoy pottery and colors, you will find family chores where you can find your happiness.

Because pottery art is often a family business. If it’s not “your thing”, you can discover miniature boats built with great meticulousness. The island is also populated with lantern trees, with the family Lithadiotis as a reference! Lanterns are sometimes covered with decorations and copper and lead stained glass. Some lanterns also have borderies and flowers.

Finally, art lovers will also be served. You can find a few small galleries where local artists exhibit their works: paintings, sculptures and even photographs.

8. Walking around Cape Amarandos

Cape Amarandos is located south of Skópelos where you can enjoy the beauty of the Aegean Sea. Indeed, the place is out of beaten paths and offers an idyllic wild environment.

If the famous “three trees” are now burned, Cape Amarandos holds other promises: a turquoise water where you can dive for example. So take your mask and tuba and let yourself be surprised by the seabed. And if you're a warrior swimmer, go explore the caves while paying attention to the rocks and urchins. Of course, this spot offers epic sunsets!

9. A boat ride

Once you have visited the island of Skópelos and explore the wonders that it can offer, there is a last must before leaving the island: the boat ride! Indeed, boat rental in Skópelos offers many possibilities of excursions all more sublime than others...

Near the island of Skópelos, Alonissos is located, which you can visit by using the services of a skipper. Then you can spend the day discovering some island treasures, such as the port of Patitri, the village of Votsi, and some wonderful beaches such as Steni Cala or Megali Mourtia.

If you like it and the budget follows, you can also do sailing tours around Alonissos and from Skópelos.

How to get to Skópelos?

From France

If you leave from France, and in particular Paris, you can fly to the island of Skiathos . Then you board a ferry for about 50 minutes to reach Skópelos. To estimate the rates according to the seasons, consult the departures of other cities and estimate the ports of call, a comparison such as Ulysses .

On the island

The three main options to move to Skópelos are the car, motorcycle / scooter and public bus. If the car and the two-wheel drive remain the most convenient, the buses serve very well the main spots on the island.

All times are usually displayed at each shelter. Also, keep in mind that the distances are fairly short on Skópelos, as it takes less than an hour and a half by car to cross the island!

Where to stay in Skópelos?

The capital, Skópelos Chora, has the largest number of accommodation available. It is also there that most of the accommodation is located in the living room, inns and others Airbnb . However, you can find incredible villas near Glossa or Panormos, close to the beautiful beaches. To find your happiness, the best thing is to use one Compare hotels which will sort according to your criteria, all in a few clicks.

Also, you can avoid tourist hues by staying inside the island, further away from the coast, but in a perfectly quiet and wild environment. In addition, you will find accommodation for all budgets: 350 € week to more 2 000 € . Everything will depend on your requirements. However, make sure to book your accommodation in advance if you intend to leave in high season.