We discovered Skopelos with great pleasure and here we share with you some of the must-see things to do and see on Skopelos in Greece. So, what to see skopelos in Greece?
Skopelos is an island in the Sporades archipelago in the Aegean Sea. Greener than the Cyclades because covered in pine trees, its islands (Skopelos, Skiathos, Alonissos and Skyros) are the stuff of dreams. In fact, some of the scenes in the film Mamma Mia! were shot on these islands.
1 – Visit the port and town of Chora
The port of Skopelos is very pleasant. Stroll along the paved quay. There are many bars and restaurants… very touristy bars alternate with a few traditional cafes where only men gather.
Don’t hesitate to wander into the alleys behind the port and discover old Chora… it’s charming.
And don’t forget to get up high to admire the view. From the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Panagitsa Tou Pirgou) at the far end of the port, you can climb up to the ruins of the kastro (ancient Venetian fortress).
And after the effort, why not have a drink at Vrachos or, more modestly, at the small Anatoli bar?
2 – Climb to St John’s Chapel (Agios Ioannis)
Don’t miss St. John’s Chapel, or Agios Ioannis in Greek, at the very north of the island. You’ll have to climb some very steep steps (199!) to get up there, but the view is magnificent and the shade of the olive trees welcome you on arrival.
Down below, there’s a snack bar where you can quench your thirst and grab a bite to eat.
Don’t miss a swim at the foot of the rock. Umbrellas are available for a fee, but you can also sit on a piece of rock, or for the lucky ones, on the small stretch of sandy beach.
3 – The beaches of Skopelos
Of course, one of the island’s greatest attractions is its beaches. The center of the island is mountainous and wooded with pine trees. While the steep coasts are lined with small paradises.
Vegetation borders translucent water, and white rocks dot the coastline.
Our favorites:
Kastani: famous for being the beach in the film Mamma Mia, this photogenic beach boasts sand and, above all, a magnificent sunset. There’s a (rather noisy) beach bar tucked away, where you can enjoy a good cocktail !
Limnonari: a sandy beach in a protected cove to the west. Two tavernas line the beach, with deckchairs and catering available.
Agnontas: a pretty fishing port with a pebble beach. Lined with numerous tavernas, we particularly liked Korali, chic and delicious.
Agios Ioannis: near Chapel of St John (Agios Ioannis), don’t miss this tiny, windy beach. A few deckchairs are also available in season.
Mila: very close to Kastani paralia (Greek for beach), Mila beach is windier. The pebble beach is also magnificent and, above all, larger.
To the south, you’ll also find 2 large beaches, Stafilos and Velanio. Access with parking at Stafilo, not easy to park the car, you have to walk a little. Beware, there’s little shade on this pebble and rock beach, so umbrellas and deckchairs are welcome. If the first beach is full, follow Stafilos beach all the way to the end and you’ll find its twin, Velanio, a little further on.
4 – Discover the monasteries of Skopelos
The hillside accessible from the port of Skopelos is also covered with monasteries. A visit to the island’s monasteries is therefore undoubtedly a must-do and must-see in Skopelos. It exudes a sense of tranquility, far removed from beach tourism.
We enjoyed the short walk from the Moni Sotirou monastery to Moni Timiou. You can park at the first one and take the path at the rear, which begins with a paved driveway.
5 – Take the plunge (or not): boat trip, snorkeling, diving…
The seabed around the island is magnificent. The Alonissos Marine Park preserves the crystal-clear waters.
Numerous boats offer day trips around Skopelos. If you want to make a reservation on Manawa, don’t miss the boat cruise and snorkeling around Skopelos. Or you can walk along the harbour in the evening. They’re all here! Don’t forget to book at the beginning of your stay.
There’s also a diving center offering introductory dives and dives for all levels. Private outings can be organized.
To discover Skopelos’ secluded coasts and beaches, you can also hire a boat, with or without a skipper, even if you don’t have a boating license. You’re bound to find a Click&Boat offer that’s right for you.
6 – Take a day trip to Alonissos and Skiathos
The islands of Alonissos and Skiathos are less than 30 minutes away by boat, and can easily be reached by day trip from Skopelos.
- By ferry: you can book your ferry tickets in just a few clicks on the easy-to-use Ferry Hopper website.
- Or organized excursions from the port.
You may even be lucky enough to encounter dolphins or monk seals!
7 – Experience a Mamma Mia day!
The famous film Mamma Mia! was shot in northern Greece in 2008: partly on Skopelos (Kalokairi in the film), but also on the neighboring island of Skiathos and the Pelion peninsula.
So fire up your best Abba playlist and sing your way through the film’s various locations on the island of Skopelos:
- Kastani beach, a famous filming location. You won’t see the wooden pier and bar, which were erected especially for the film and later dismantled.
- The Agios Ioannis chapel where Sophie and Sky’s wedding took place
- The 3 pines or “Tree Threes” on their rock jutting out into the sea beyond Amarantos beach
- The area around Glysteri beach: the cliff above the beach, site of the fictional Villa Donna hotel, and the rocks from which Sophie and her fathers jump into the sea.
We spotted this Skopelos excursion : visit to Mamma Mia Island. To the sound of Abba, the guide takes you to the film’s various locations, with explanations and anecdotes about the film and the island in general (in English). We haven’t tested it, but it has very good reviews.
Whether you’re a fan of Mamma Mia, Abba or just Greece in general, let yourself be tempted by this beautiful green island in the Sporades.
Skopelos, here I go again!
And for more information on transport and accommodation, we tell you everything in our article Skopelos: how to get there Where to stay?
Sophie B.
Updated April 17, 2024
