SKOPELOS: 5 Days Summer Itinerary
BEST TIMES TO VISIT
July & August
-Beach Weather & Less rainfall chance
-Not as much overcrowded as other summer destinations in Greece
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
Police Department: +30 2424022235
Skopelos Fire Department: +30 2424024199
Health Center: +30 2424022222
HOW TO GET THERE
- Fly into Skiathos Airport (JSI) and catch a ferry from Skiathos to Skopelos.
-Board a ferry from several ports in Greece, such as Athens, Mantoudi, Agios Konstantinos and Volos.
HOW MANY DAYS TO VISIT
To fully experience what Skopelos has to offer, a 4–7-day stay is recommended. This will give you enough time to explore the popular towns and beaches, savor the local cuisine, and engage in outdoor activities like hiking and water sports.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Renting a car, scooter, or quad bike is the best way to explore the island at your own pace. While local buses do reach most main tourist spots, their limited schedule might be inconvenient for visiting all the places you want at the times you prefer.
WHERE TO STAY
SKOPELOS TOWN (Chora)
Many travelers opt to stay in the delightful Skopelos Town, which offers a broad range of accommodations. Featuring Venetian-style architecture with balconies and terracotta roofs, Skopelos Town is interconnected by narrow, stone-paved pathways perfect for exploring on foot. You’ll discover a variety of artisan shops and boutiques, an array of grocery stores, the finest selection of restaurants, and practical services like car and bike rentals.
Alternative options: Glossa, Loutraki
DAY 1: TOWN EXPLORATION, NEARBY BEACHES & HIKING TRAILS
THE BEACHES
Glyfoneri: a spacious sandy beach (unorganized) dotted with pebbles, with shallow waters & very peaceful atmosphere. Its proximity to Skopelos town and its beautiful views of Alonissos and the Skopelos port make it a fantastic spot.
Stafilos: this picturesque bay features sandy shores, large rocks perfect for diving, and several captivating caves. Stafilos also has a beach bar and two taverns offering fresh fish and seafood.
THE CASTLE
While exploring Skopelos Town, you can’t miss the impressive Castle perched on the edge of the old port. To reach the Castle, you’ll need to ascend the steps next to Panagitsa of Pyrgos Church (Virgin Mary of the Tower), situated at the old port’s edge or, if you choose the other side of the castle, to ascend the steps near Castelo restaurant. You can also savor a meal at one of the characteristic tavernas near the castle, enjoying both the incredible views and delicious local cuisine.
NIGHLIFE
After dusk falls, the port area bustles with crowds enjoying a lively atmosphere of restaurants, bars, and local shops. If you fancy savoring cocktails, visit Paraporti & Skala cocktail bars in the town. You can find more nightlife options in our curated recommendations list of Skopelos.
THE TRAILS
Monastery of Timios Prodromos: You can try a hike to the Monastery of Timios Prodromos that is situated 6 km east of Skopelos Town. This monastery is open to the public and features a small museum showcasing religious icons, artifacts, and historical documents.
Consider joining an organized hiking tour.
DAY 2: MAMMA MIA DAY
If you love movies, immerse yourself in a day dedicated to exploring Skopelos’ iconic locations featured in the beloved film Mamma Mia! Visit the stunning beaches of Kastani and Glysteri, along with the picturesque chapel of Agios Ioannis, all of which served as memorable settings in the movie.
MAMMA MIA CHURCH
The church of Agios Ioannis Kastri on Skopelos is famous for being a filming location for scenes in Mamma Mia, including the wedding. Situated in Kastri, about 7 km east of Glossa in northern Skopelos, this charming church can be accessed via a narrow path with 110 steps carved into the stone.
What times to visit? Early morning or Late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
MAMMA MIA BEACHES
Kastani beach stands out as one of Skopelos’ most renowned spots, celebrated for its starring role in the film. This peaceful beach features fine white sand interspersed with small pebbles, framed by rocky cliffs draped in pine trees that overlook its turquoise waters.
Glysteri, located on Skopelos’ northern coast, offers a picturesque bay with dense pebbles. Accessible by car or boat from Skopelos port, Glysteri also provides an opportunity to explore the impressive nearby Tripiti Cave. Additional scenes from “Mamma Mia” were filmed in nearby Skiathos and on Pelion. Fans of the film can opt for a guided Mamma Mia tour, with opportunities for swimming and enjoying a delightful lunch by the sea.
DAY 3: SAILING TRIP TO ALONISSOS
For an even more unforgettable experience, consider embarking on a boat excursion to explore Skopelos and its neighboring islands. If you’re planning a cruise or sailing trip to Alonissos, it’s advisable to schedule it early during your stay, as weather conditions like wind or occasional rain may necessitate rescheduling.
From Skopelos town, a brief boat journey takes you to the neighboring island of Alonissos, surrounded by a National Marine Park that includes smaller uninhabited islands. Join an organized sailing trip to Alonissos for plenty of swimming, snorkeling, and exploration!
DAY 4: EXPLORE GLOSSA & NEARBY BEACHES
The quaint village of Glossa, the second-largest settlement on Skopelos, blends Macedonian and Pelion influences, offering a distinct contrast to Skopelos town. A highlight is Restaurant Agnanti, renowned for its panoramic terrace views and modern Greek cuisine, perfect for a special dining experience. While in Glossa, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the renowned Glossa Folklore Museum, showcasing the island’s folk traditions. Pair your visit to Glossa with a stop at Loutraki, its seaside port below. It’s advisable to avoid ferry arrival times when it can get busy, opting instead for late afternoon visits or dinners when the heat is also more tolerable.
Take time to explore the beaches on this side of the island. Recommended options include:
Hovolo: a secluded beach on the western coast of Skopelos known for its rugged beauty. White sand is framed by large white rocks, creating a striking contrast with the greenish waters. Bring water, beach mats, and snacks & be very careful with the paths leading to Hovolo as they may be slippery & should be avoided on windy days.
Milia: a spacious beach with clear waters, featuring both sandy and pebbled areas. Surrounded by lush forests and offering views of the green islet of Dassia, Milia is an ideal spot for snorkeling and water sports, known for its accessibility compared to other nearby beaches.
DAY 5: BEACH & RELAX DAY
Devote your last vacation day on Skopelos soaking up the sun and indulging yourself into the tranquil vibes of the island. You can find below our best recommendations that we didn’t mention before: Spend your final day on Skopelos soaking in the sun and embracing the island’s serene atmosphere.
Skopelos offers a variety of stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.Here are some recommendations we haven’t mentioned before:
Agnondas: a sandy beach nestled in a charming, pebbly, and calm bay on the southern part of Skopelos. During August, when the winds are strong, it serves as an alternative port for small boats and yachts because its waters remain calm. Agnondas is also home to numerous taverns serving delicious seafood.
Cape Amarandos: Amarandos is a vast woodland area featuring secluded natural rock pools. To reach Amarandos, follow the dirt path that veers off to the left of the main road into Agnontas, continuing through the woods. The footpath to the cape, will lead you to numerous sections where you can climb down through the trees to the sea and enjoy your own private cove.
Limnonari: a picturesque beach in a bay on the southern side of Skopelos, home to two taverns and a mini market. The beach features white sand and a few slippery underwater rocks in its shallow part. Limnonari often resembles a lake with its calm, crystal-clear waters. If you are driving, it is best to arrive early in the morning as free parking spaces are limited. Alternatively, if you plan to dine at the taverns, you can use their parking spaces and take advantage of their organized umbrellas.
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