Skopelos is the second largest island of Northern Sporades (95.8 sq.km) with a population of 5.700 people. It’s a typical greenblue island of Agean Sea in Greece, green because of its pine tree forests, and blue because of its beautiful beaches. Skopelos is located 60 nautical miles far from Volos port, and its beaches are suitable for people that seek either relaxing or extremely fun vacations. Some of these beaches are Velanio, Kastani, Panormos, Agnontas, Armenopetra, Stafylos, Chovolo, Milia, Neo Klima, Antina, Agios Ioannis, Limnonari and Glisteri.
One of the most significant tourist attractions of Skopelos is the medieval castle, that was built on the ruins of the ancient main town of Skopelos, as well as Agios Ioannis of Kastri, a small church built on a rock in the sea, its where the ”Mama Mia” movie was filmed. There are 360 churches found in Skopelos, while 120 of them can be found in the main city of Skopelos. You can read our article of 10 things to do in Skopelos.
Skopelos town includes traditional side streets, hotels and rooms to let, stone built houses that are in the same condition for many years now thanks to locals’ care. The same type of architecture can be found in the second largest city of Skopelos, Glossa, as well as vineyards and eleonons, and a rare kind of sheep, Glosses. Other villages on the island are Palio Klima (mountainous village with gorgeous views), Neo Klima and the settlements of Agnontas and Panormos, excellent choise for daily trips. Local people are excellent shipbuilders, carpenters and tilers, and there is a great tradition in weaving. Sunset spots in Skopelos: village Palio Klima, Milia beach, village Loutraki.
Accommodation in Skopelos – Hotels in Skopelos – Rooms to let
You can find beautiful hotels, apartments and rooms to let in Skopelos town, Stafylos, Panormos, Neo Klima, Glossa and Loutraki. Book now at the available hotels in Skopelos.
Transportation – Bus – Taxi – Rent a car in Skopelos – Ferry tickets to Skopelos
Note that there are no buses beyond about 21:00, so an evening in Skopelos would require a taxi or hire a car. You will find 3 ATMs right on the waterfront in Skopelos Town. Also, many rental companies don’t allow you to take a car off the island if you would like to travel to Skiathos or Alonissos. Also you will find many rental car companies to rent a car while you are staying in Skopelos in cheap prices. Book now your rental car in Skopelos here. Download here bus timetables in Skopelos.
Ferry tickets to Skopelos – Book now your ferry tickets to Skopelos
“Express Skiathos” Hellenic Seaways – departure at 07:45, arrival in Skopelos at 11:40. ticket costs 30euros, car ticket costs 85euros, motorbike tickets costs 17euros.
“Protefs” (or Proteas) from ANES LINES – departure every day from Volos at 08:15, arrival in Skopelos at 12:45, ticket costs 25,70euros.
“Erato” (Highspeed) Aegean Flying Dolphins | departure every day at 14:00 from Volos, arrival in Skopelos at 16:10. Ticket costs 35euro.
“Flying cat 6” (Highspeed) from Hellenic Seaways | departure every day at 16:00, arrival in Skopelos at 18:45, tickets costs 52 euros. (See all ferries and timetables to Skopelos using our main menu at your left)
Ship routes to Skopelos – Read our detailed article with ferry routes to Skopelos from the ports of Volos – Thessaloniki – Mantoudi – Ag. Kontantinos – Kimi
Sights in Skopelos Town
– Folklore Museum
Located at Skopelos town with traditional clothes, pictures and handmade small ships. Ticket costs 3 euros.
– History Museum
The history museum is at the house of Pavlos Nirvanas (his real name was Petros Apostolides).
– Center of Photography
The center of Photography is located at Skopelos Town and organises various exhibitions and the Photography Festival every year.
– Venetian Castle (13th century)
Located at the highest point of Skopelos Town.
– Vakratsa’s Residence
It’s a building of the 18th century located in Skopelos town and it is used as a museum with traditional clothes and objects of the everyday life of the locals.
Sights in village Glossa (or near Glossa)
– Museum of Cultural Inheritance
Located in Glossa and inside the museum you will see objects of the every day life of the local people of Skopelos.
– Agios Ioannis Chapel
At the northern side of the island the famous chapel of Agios Ioannis where Mama-Mia movie was filmed. Everyone has seen this chapel from many pictures around the web.
Sights in various areas
– Gourouni Lighthouse
It is one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece located at the north side of the island, just 10km from village Glossa. Its height is 18 meters and was built in 1889. Be careful there are many snakes around the lighthouse.
– Stafilos
Next to the beach of Stafilos you will see the walls.
– Drakoschisma rock
There’s a legend says that a big dragon killed all the residents of the island 800 years ago. Saint Riginos went on the island and the dragon was afraid of him so he jumped into the sea from that rock.
– Archaeological Site of Sentoukia
”Sentoukia” are graves of the kings and pirates from the Roman period. Access to the graves by path, duration 1 hour.
– Palaiokastro
Palaiokastro is an ancient area in Panormos. If you visit the area you will see the ancient walls. Also, it’s the starting point of a beautiful hiking route going to Cave of Pan. Pan was the protector of farmers and was the god that symbolized the power of birth and nature.
Activities in Skopelos include mountain bike, cayaking, hiking, boat trips etc. Read more at the activities section on your left. Especially for boat trips you will find all the boats that advertise their trips along the harborside and you will find one that suits you. Usually the boats depart at 10 a.m.
Water Sports
Try water sports at the beaches of Milia, Adrines and Kastani.
Scuba Diving
Explore the seabed of Skopelos and learn the secrets of diving from the diving centers that exists on the island. The diving center is at the main port of the island.
Sea Kayak
If you find yourself in village Glossa there’s Kayaking Greece that provides sea kayaking courses.
Hiking
Beautiful routes at a virgin scenery.
Hiking Routes:
Glossa – Loutraki (length 2.5km)
Skopelos – Stafilos – Velanio (length 5km)
Skopelos – Delphi (length 3km)
Glossa – keramotou beach (length 4.5km)
info: You will also find a map of five signed routes at the port of Skopelos. These routes are:
T1 Skopelos – Peak Palouki
T2 Vatos – Monastery of Holy Archangels
T3 Skopelos – Agios Konstantinos – Source Tzelali
T4 Palio Klima – Loutraki
T5 Loutraki – Glossa
Sea Excursions
Sea excursions are very famous amongst the visitors of Skopelos. You will find more info at the port of Skopelos, there are boats that organise excursions to the beaches of Skopelos and to Alonissos.
Mountain Bike
Try mountain bike you will be excited!
Gastronomy
Taste the traditional cheese pie from Skopelos, the virgin olive oil and local wine.
Where to eat
There are many taverns in Skopelos located in Skopelos Town, Loutraki, Glossa, Panormos and Stafilos.
Events
Late June – Skopelos Music Festival taking place from 2012. A five day festival with various music genres of pop, folk, classical etc.
July – International Youth Film Festival
24th of July – celebration in honour of Agios Ioannis Prodromos
July – Photography Festival with excibitions with different theme every year.
August – Loizeia in honour of great Greek composer Manos Loizos with concerts, theatricla shows and folklore dances.
August – according to the tradition one man with 1-2 musicians have to sing at his girl to express his love, in greek this called ”kantada”. This tradition takes place in Glossa and Klima.
6th of August – Fisherman’s Evening with lots of fresh fish and wine been offered at the visitors at the beach of Loutraki.
11th of August – Squid’s evening , where squids and wine are offered to visitors
15th of August – celebration of Virgin Mary
August – Skopelos Dance festival
Mid September – Wine Festival In Glossa
September – Poetry competition taking place from 2012.
October – a 2 day wine festival named ”StafiloFest” taking place in Glossa with wine competition, making Moustaleyria and live music.
