Summary
Skopelos, a lush island located in the Northern Sporades, gained cinematic fame in 2008 when it was featured in the ABBA musical “Mamma Mia!”. Visitors often arrive for a brief excursion from nearby Alonissos and Skiathos, attracted by Kastani Beach and the picturesque Agios Ioannis Church, both prominently featured in the film.
However, Skopelos offers a wealth of experiences beyond a mere day trip.
The island is home to over 360 churches and monasteries, with many adorning the scenic slopes of the Palouki or Delphi mountains.
Along the shoreline, the beaches comprise beautiful pebble coves nestled within softwood forests, accompanied by clear, azure waters.
Moreover, Skopelos proudly ranks as one of the most verdant islands in the Aegean, cultivating various fruits, such as plums, that feature in delectable traditional pork dishes.
Let us delve into the top attractions in Skopelos:
1. Skopelos Town
As the largest and most historic settlement on Skopelos, Chora consists of a multitude of whitewashed structures with terracotta roofs that cascade down steep hills next to a sheltered natural harbor.
The town center is devoid of vehicular traffic, featuring a labyrinth of alleyways and staircases adorned with traditional houses draped in vibrant bougainvillea.
Throughout Skopelos, visitors will always be in proximity to charming churches; this town alone boasts 120, with the oldest dating back to the 11th century.
Occasionally, a pathway will lead you to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the harbor and Mount Palouki, or to a tranquil square shaded by a majestic plane tree.
2. Agios Ioannis Church
Even if the wedding scene featuring Sophie had not been filmed at this church in “Mamma Mia!”, Agios Ioannis would still be an essential site to visit.
This church is perched on an impossibly steep outcrop, exposed to the elements of wind and waves.
To access the church, visitors must ascend 198 steps from the isthmus below, rising 100 meters above sea level.
While the climb may be challenging, all effort will be forgotten once you reach the terrace, where the delightful cove and bobbing yachts in the crystalline waters below provide a breathtaking view.
Following the film’s release, the church has transformed into a focal point for a thriving wedding industry and houses an icon of St. John, which, according to local legend, was discovered alone atop the rock.
3. Churches and Monasteries
The Agios Ioannis Chapel represents just a fraction of the stunning religious sites found on Skopelos.
Visitors cannot walk more than a few steps without encountering a chapel, church, or monastery.
With over 360 such sites, this is an impressive count considering the island’s size.
Most are privately constructed and may be closed upon your visit, but the views are worth the effort, especially those situated in the natural park surrounding Palouki in the southeast.
Among the 360, 40 are monasteries, which generally follow a universal opening schedule of 08:00-13:00 and 17:00-19:00 if still inhabited. As is customary with any Eastern Orthodox site, respect should be maintained by ensuring shoulders and legs are covered.
4. Panormos Beach
Located at a small resort bearing its name, Panormos Beach is situated in a cove that extends several hundred meters inland.
This location is approximately 12 kilometers from Skopelos Town by road, and the beach is accessible via the island’s bus network.
Despite its modest size, the Panormos resort provides a multitude of amenities, including tavernas, cafes, a mini market, an ATM, and a water sports center, all located near the shoreline.
Facing west, Panormos also offers picturesque sunsets, which can be enjoyed between the pine-covered hills framing the cove’s entrance.
The beach features pebbles, and the tranquil waters exhibit varying shades of blue, depending on the depth.
5. Kastani Beach
Offering a view of the rounded silhouette of the small Dasia Skopelou island on the western side of Skopelos, Kastani Beach boasts several appealing features.
Primarily, it contains more sand than any other beach on the island, though a subtle band of small pebbles lies along the water’s edge.
Kastani Beach served as a filming location for “Mamma Mia!” in 2007, and tour boats frequently arrive throughout the day, transporting sightseers and those seeking solace in the glistening waters.
Notably, Kastani remains free from mass tourism, with no beach bars or commercial establishments. Instead, the beach is bordered solely by aromatic coniferous forests on the higher slopes and a small grassy area.
6. Agios Riginos Monastery
Perched in the hills above Skopelos Town lies the monastery dedicated to the island’s patron saint.
St. Riginos, who lived in the 4th century, was the inaugural bishop of Skopelos and took part in the Council of Serdica, a significant assembly of approximately 170 bishops that condemned the teachings of the presbyter, Arius.
St. Riginos was martyred in 362 under the Emperor Julian’s orders, and his sarcophagus now resides within the monastery’s beautifully maintained courtyard.
The existing structure dates back to 1728, yet it is built atop a Byzantine monastery with roots extending much further back in history.
On the feast of St. Riginos (25 February), a substantial pilgrimage takes place at the monastery, attended by worshippers from Alonissos and Skiathos—an event worth experiencing firsthand.
Although the monastic community has since dissipated, the shop offers products such as honey, olive oil, and wine crafted by monks and nuns across Skopelos.
7. Milia Beach
Not far from Panormos, Milia Beach features a pebble and coarse sandy coastline extending over a kilometer.
Those seeking comfort may find amenities at the beach bar located at the north end, complete with sun loungers and waiter service.
Conversely, for those desiring solitude, wandering south along the beach will often lead to secluded stretches of sand near the rocky areas.
The aquamarine waters are remarkably clear, allowing visibility of the seafloor in sharp detail.
The beach is lined with a mix of scrub, dense pine forest, and is free from any residential developments.
As with Panormos and Kastani, staying at Milia Beach into the evening grants visitors a chance to witness an enchanting sunset.
8. Hovolo Beach
Situated on the northwestern coast, Hovolo is a serene pebble beach located in front of towering white limestone cliffs adorned with patches of lush green vegetation.
Located at the southern end of Neo Klima, reaching Hovolo requires some determination, as there is a bulge in the cliffs between Hovolo and Neo Klima, necessitating a close approach to the rocks and wading through shallow waters.
Upon traversing a few meters, the beach expands, revealing crystal clear pale blue waters and a pebbly shore interspersed with small outcrops.
While Hovolo lacks any facilities, the absence of commercial distractions adds to its charm, and it is merely a short stroll back to the resort at Neo Klima.
Nonetheless, this hidden gem rapidly fills up during the summer months.
9. Venetian Castle
Located at the historic site of Peparithos in Skopelos Town, the remnants of the town’s castle can be explored.
This castle was restored by the Venetians in the 1200s but has been fortified since ancient times.
Although little remains beyond the original walls, they stand prominently above Skopelos Town.
Nevertheless, the hike up the stairs from the waterfront is worthwhile, as the castle offers the finest vantage point over the town and Mount Palouki across the harbor.
On busier days, visitors often queue for photographs or selfies in front of this stunning vista.
10. Limnonari Beach
It is a rare occurrence to sunbathe while witnessing wild goats bounding from rock to rock, yet this is precisely the experience Limnonari Beach offers, positioned less than 10 kilometers from Skopelos Town.
The beach’s name translates to “small lake,” likely alluding to the tranquil waters of this cove, where private yachts anchor just offshore.
Featuring a pebbly shore, selecting a sun lounger enhances the experience; these are managed by the beach bar and a neighboring taverna, each requiring a purchase of food or drinks.
The serene waters also make it a safe haven for families with children and an ideal spot for snorkeling.
11. Evangelistria Monastery
Situated on the picturesque slopes of Palouki, 3.5 kilometers from Skopelos Town, lies another monastery within a breathtaking landscape.
The Evangelistria Monastery, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, dates back to 1712, but it stands on the foundations of an earlier monastic settlement established in 1676. At the time of writing, two nuns inhabit the monastery, and the historic defensive wall continues to encircle the grounds.
The courtyard features a covered fountain with an inscription honoring Hadji-Stefanis Daponte, the 18th-century founder and father of the renowned writer Kaisarios Daponte. The church’s interior is notable for its abundant gold leaf, an impressive 18th-century iconostasis crafted in Constantinople, and 14th-century icons and frescoes depicting narratives from the Old and New Testaments.
12. Sendoukia Carved Graves
Near the summit of Mount Kyra, expansive bare rock surfaces exhibit signs of historical human activity in the form of ancient graves carved from the stone.
In total, there are four graves, each approximately 2.5 meters long, partially covered by large slabs of slate that have been overturned, indicating they were disturbed long ago.
The exact age of the graves is undetermined, but they are likely dating back to Roman or early Christian periods.
Kyra is additionally recognized for its pristine mountain spring, while the Monastery of Efsthathios is a brief walk down the slope from the graves.
Moreover, the viewpoint offers captivating views across the strait to the island of Alonissos.
13. Boat Trips
Due to the close proximity of the Northern Sporades, visitors can effortlessly explore both Skiathos and Alonissos within a single day.
The most effective and flexible means to embark on such an excursion is by chartering a private or semi-private yacht from the harbor at Skopelos Town.
For a larger shared vessel, Ena provides trips to uninhabited bays along with snorkeling amenities.
If fortunate, travelers may glimpse a pod of dolphins or seals in the clear waters, accompanied by a barbecue lunch prepared onboard.
A more personalized option is the smaller Aegea, captained by the seasoned sailor Vasilis, who, alongside his swimming dog, Pirati, will guide you to your desired destinations, requiring assistance with trimming sails as necessary.
14. Water Sports
With its coastline adorned with cozy coves, Skopelos serves as an excellent destination for water activities requiring calmer waters, including kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.
In particular, stand-up paddleboarding has seen a surge in popularity over the past decade, with a dedicated paddleboarding center located in Panormos.
Sporades Stand-up Paddle Boarding capitalizes on the 700-meter inlet at Panormos, which features two branches.
This activity welcomes participants of various ages, and most individuals find balance within half an hour of guided instruction.
Due to its location on the west coast, the center also provides special sunset tours, which visitors can conclude with refreshments at one of Panormos’ tavernas.
15. Diving
The exceptional clarity of the waters surrounding the Northern Sporades should undoubtedly be included in your holiday agenda for diving activities.
The Skopelos Dive Center maintains bases on both shores, specifically in Chora and Panormos, offering PADI training and excursions to dive sites around Skopelos, as well as distant locales.
For those deeply committed to acquiring skills, completing online e-learning courses may allow one to achieve full PADI certification in less than a week.
Experienced divers have the opportunity for refresher courses or to work towards professional licensing in Skopelos.
If adequately qualified, excursions lead divers to reefs, sea caves, wrecks, uninhabited islands, and the marine life-rich waters beneath the iconic Agios Ioannis Chapel featured in “Mamma Mia!”.
