Skopelos Things to Do

Whether you’re a fan of Mamma Mia! or not, a visit to the Church of Agios Ioannis at Kastri is one of the very best things to do in Skopelos! Perched on top of a 100-meter-high rocky outcrop jutting out from the shore, this lovely chapel is surrounded by sparkling waters that take on a variety of mindblowing hues. No wonder it was chosen as the shooting location of the film’s iconic wedding scene!

The sublime views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding verdant hills will reward you for each and every one of the 106 steps you will need to climb to reach the top. At the foot of the rock, you will find a heavenly cove, the Beach of Agios Ioannis, where you can enjoy the sun and the sea in one of the most scenic swimming spots in Skopelos!

Discover the church of Agios Ioannis in Kastri

The mesmerizing beaches are hands-down Skopelos’ biggest attraction, and taking the time to explore them is, unquestionably, one of the best things to do during your stay on the island! Officially proclaimed a “Green and Blue Island,” Skopelos stands out for its unique palette of emerald, turquoise and dark blue hues, as its shoreline is hugged by verdant hills and lush forests that reach all the way to the shore. The result is an idyllic setting that invites you to relax your mind and body, soaking up this sublime beauty! Ranging from sandy to pebbly and from well-organized to completely pristine, the beaches of Skopelos have something to offer for all tastes. Here are some of the top swimming spots on the island:

• Ranking among the very best beaches in Greece, the golden-sanded Stafilos stretches in the heart of a crescent-shaped cove fringed by verdant cliffs. Despite being organized, it still retains its tranquil atmosphere, striking the perfect balance between comfort and unspoiled natural charm.
• The alluring Kastani, which has skyrocketed to fame as the shooting location of several emblematic Mamma Mia! scenes, is another excellent choice. Some of the top reasons to visit it include the striking natural surroundings, the availability of beach amenities, as well as the magnificent views of the wooded Dasia islet.
• Enclosed by white verdant cliffs that give it a wild kind of beauty, the secluded Hovolo is just the place to go if you’re eager to escape the large crowds.

Explore the beaches

Sprawling amphitheatrically on the slopes of no less than three hills, Skopelos Town enchants visitors with its maze of narrow bougainvillea-draped alleys, domed galleries and traditional houses. Around its cobblestone streets, one can find some of the island’s most noteworthy sights, such as the ruins of the Venetian Castle or the picture-postcard Church of the Virgin Mary, one of the best viewpoints from which to marvel at the fiery sunset.

A number of interesting museums like the Museum of History and the Vakratsas Mansion —a traditional residence that has been transformed into a folklore museum— are also scattered around Skopelos Town, offering you a chance to immerse yourself in the local history and culture. One of the best things to do is to take a walk around the Old Harbor, soaking up its special ambiance.

Discover the villages

Looking for a place to stay in Skopelos? The island offers numerous fantastic options! These are our favorite hotels and accommodations on the island:
• Conveniently located near the center of Skopelos Town, Christine House is a traditional residence blending luxury and comfort with an authentic Skopelitan ambiance. The highlight is its outdoor swimming pool, which boasts marvelous vistas of the island and the big blue.
• For a luxury stay, one of the best choices is the Natura Boutique Hotel in Loutraki, the picturesque port of Glossa. The complex is complete with spa facilities, as well as its own restaurant.
• Villea Apartments is another option for combining a central location with an authentic holiday experience. This whitewashed accommodation with its blue window panes, wooden decorations and lush bougainvilleas is great for those who prefer a relatively budget-friendly choice without sacrificing comfort.

The best hotels in Skopelos

Going on a Mamma Mia! island tour is one of the best things to do to create memories that you will cherish for a lifetime! Hop into a comfortable van and head for the Church of Agios Ioannis at Kastri —the so-called Mamma Mia! church— and feel as if you’ve stepped right into the universe of the film. Then stop at Kastani Beach for more in-depth information about the film and the shooting, and finish your day in the captivating Agnontas, where you will have the chance to swim in the crystalline waters of a magical bay and enjoy lunch in one of the local taverns.

Book your Mamma Mia! tour

Located a stone’s throw away from Skopelos, the verdant Alonissos is beckoning travelers to hop on a ferry and discover its jaw-dropping natural beauty. Carpeted with luxuriant vegetation, Alonissos boasts heavenly beaches, a stunning Blue Cave, and a Marine Park that ranks not only as the first of its kind in Greece but also as the largest marine protected area in Europe! Comprising a total of 22 uninhabited islets, it is the natural habitat of the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal, one of the rarest animal species on the continent. Overall, the Alonissos’ enthralling landscapes, charming traditional villages and profoundly peaceful atmosphere make a trip to the island one of the very best things to do before leaving the Sporades!

Book your ferry tickets to Alonissos

On an island blessed with a plethora of top-quality products, indulging in the local gastronomy is, beyond the shadow of a doubt, one of the best things to do! Besides the distinctive spiraling pies that figure prominently among the most typical delicacies of Skopelos, visitors will have the chance to taste a number of traditional Greek recipes cooked with a completely unique twist. For instance, sweet and sour plums are literally omnipresent in Skopelitan cuisine, accompanying such dishes as pork, chicken, groupers or even lentils! Look out for exquisite confectionery creations like avgato, hamalia and rozedes, which will surely leave you craving more!

One of the best choices for relishing the flavors of Skopelos is Zoupa, a tavern tucked away in the garden of the old olive oil factory of Skopelos Town. Agnanti is also recognized as one of the top restaurants in the Aegean, while the historic Anatoli, built by the great musician Giorgos Xintaris, allows you to accompany mouthwatering mezedes with fine rebetiko music.

The top restaurants in Skopelos

Hiking is one of the best things to do to explore the dreamy beaches, sights and landscapes of Skopelos. Characterized as the greenest island in the Aegean, the mountainous 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 even if you’re new to hiking! Reconnect with nature and unwind, while reaching secluded coves, mountain peaks with sublime sea views, or some of the island’s Byzantine monuments.

See the hiking trails

Wondering what options you have for a great night out in Skopelos? In Skopelos Town, you will find a number of lovely waterfront or hilltop lounge bars, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the magnificent views of the island and the sea. For an authentic experience of the Skopelitan nightlife scene, seek out taverns organizing Greek folk or rebetiko music nights and get a glimpse into the country’s contemporary musical tradition.

About the nightlife

Looking forward to squeezing as much of the enchanting Sporades as you can during your Skopelos vacation? If the answer is yes, catching a water taxi to the neighboring Skiathos is definitely one of the best things to do! Water taxis will take you to the quaint Skiathos Town, whence you can reach some of the top swimming spots like Koukounaries or Lalaria. Strolling around the Old Town, exploring the sights and soaking up the beauty of the Bourtzi peninsula, which separates the old from the new port, also make for a one-of-a-kind experience in Skiathos.

About the water taxis

Throughout Skopelos, there are numerous monasteries that present considerable architectural interest and stand in breathtaking locations with magnificent views. The vast majority of these monuments date from the post-Byzantine era, and visiting them is one of the best things to do to discover the island’s cultural heritage. Some of the most noteworthy sights include the Monastery of Evangelistria and the Monastery of Agia Varvara, which stand out for their fortress-like architecture, as well as the Monastery of Timios Prodromos with its remarkable gilded altarpiece.

Discover more sights

With a plethora of diving sites available around the coasts of Skopelos, trying your hand at snorkeling or scuba diving is definitely one of the best things to do! Dive alongside imposing walls and canyons, swim through underwater tunnels and marvel at the spectacular seascape of caves, wrecks and reefs teeming with marine life! Don’t hesitate to head for one of the local diving centers, where you will find a variety of programs addressed to people of all ages, regardless of prior experience.

Scuba diving centers in Skopelos

One of the best things to do for an authentic glimpse into the island’s cultural heritage is to attend one of the fairs and festivals that take place in Skopelos, keeping traditions alive from generation to generation. Colorful celebrations are organized on the occasion of a saint’s feast day, the most notable one being that of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary on the 15th of August. Rebetiko music and lively traditional dance festivals are also held during the summer months. The festivities are invariably accompanied by local delicacies, music and dancing, as well as copious quantities of excellent local wine, and visitors are more than welcome to attend and join in the merry-making.

Learn more about the local festivals

But that's not all! There are a lot more things to do, from participating in a relaxing yoga session to enjoying your coffee in one of the local cafes!
We invite you to explore even more options that the island has to offer: