Skopelos Hiking
Skopelos, the greenest island in the Aegean, is a true heaven for hiking enthusiasts. With lush forests that cover the greatest part of its surface and mountain tops with sublime sea views, Skopelos features, indeed, a number of fascinating trails of varying difficulty levels, so you’re sure to find a route that will steal your heart whether you’re an experienced trekker or not. This is a wonderful way to explore the island and reach not only dreamy beaches but also many of the island’s sights and religious monuments.
Below are all the recommended trails that one can follow in Skopelos.
We highly recommend that all hikers carry enough water, take the necessary sun protection measures, and wear shoes suitable for hiking. For longer trails, it is best to bring along food and basic first aid supplies.
Most popular routes
• Trail 1: The Monasteries Tour (circular route)
Starting from Skopelos Town, this route is highly popular as it takes visitors around the historic monasteries that dot the verdant slopes of Mount Palouki. Via a network of old trails that have been partially cleared and signposted, one can get to the Monastery of Metamorfosi, the Monastery of Agia Varvara, the Monastery of Timios Prodromos and the Monastery of Evangelistria.
Length: 7.4 kilometers
Duration: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail 2: Skopelos Town to Monasteries and Palouki Peak (circular route)
Longer than the previous route, this itinerary takes travelers not only to some of the most significant monasteries but also to the highest peak of the verdant Mount Palouki.
Length: 13.7 kilometers
Duration: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail 3: Palio Klima to Agios Ioannis at Kastri
Starting from the ruins of Palio Klima, a village that was destroyed some decades ago as a result of a tremendous earthquake, this old path passes through lush olive groves, vineyards and a thick pine forest, ending at the quaint Church of Agios Ioannis at Kastri, the chapel where the iconic wedding scene from Mamma Mia! was shot.
Length: 5.6 kilometers
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail 4: Skopelos Town to Stafilos Beach
This highly rewarding route crosses a scenic narrow valley and takes visitors to the magnificent Stafilos Beach, one of the most popular swimming spots on the island.
Length: 4.9 kilometers
Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail 5: Dhelfi Peak and Sentoukia Carved Graves
This is another popular route allowing visitors to explore the central part of Skopelos. Starting from the area of Pano Karya, near the Monastery of Agios Reginos, it follows a forest trail up to the top of Mount Dhelfi and then passes through the mysterious Sentoukia Carved Graves. From there, the sea vistas as far as Skiathos, Alonissos and Pelion are breathtaking.
Length: 4.9 kilometers
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail 6: Glossa to Cape Gourouni (circular route)
Crossing the unspoiled northern part of Skopelos, this trail starts at Glossa and ends at the edge of Cape Gourouni. It is the longest hiking route in Skopelos and rewards trekkers with a chance to marvel at the impressive Gourouni Lighthouse, as well as the stunning views of the rugged coastline.
Length: 13.6 kilometers
Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
• Trail 7: Neo Klima to Kastani and Milia
Take this route to get to two of the most popular beaches in Skopelos, the lovely Milia and the dreamy Kastani, where scenes from Mamma Mia! were shot.
Length: 5.5 kilometers
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail 8: Palio Klima to Loutraki
Starting from the area of Palio Klima, this route ends at Loutraki, the quaint port of Glossa.
Length: 2 kilometers
Duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail 9: Glossa to Keramoto Beach
Considered one of the most beautiful hiking routes in Skopelos, this trail traverses a verdant ravine and reaches a heavenly secluded cove by the name of Keramoto.
Length: 2 kilometers
Duration: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail 10: Skopelos Town to Profitis Ilias Monastery (circular route)
Perfect for those who would rather hike in solitude, this route passes by the Heliport of Skopelos and reaches the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, offering great views of Skopelos Bay.
Length: 11.3 kilometers
Duration: 3 hours and 5 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail 11: Skopelos Town to Agnontas
This trail passes through a series of rolling hills with stunning views of the entire island and leads to the small port of Agnontas.
Length: 10.5 kilometers
Duration: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate