Skopelos became famous as the filming location for the 2008 film Mamma Mia!, and the clifftop chapel of Agios Ioannis — where the wedding scene was filmed — has become one of the most photographed spots in Greece. But Skopelos is far more than a film set. It is one of the most beautiful islands in the Sporades: densely forested, traditionally built and possessed of a natural beauty that the film, for all its charm, barely captures.

The Island

Skopelos is medium-sized — around 96 square kilometres — with a permanent population of around 5,000 people. The landscape is extraordinarily lush — dense forests of pine, olive and plum trees cover most of the island, running down to a coastline of dramatic cliffs and beautiful coves. The main settlement is Skopelos Town (also called Chora), a beautiful traditional town of stone houses and blue-domed churches climbing a steep hill above the harbour.

Sights and Attractions

Skopelos Town is one of the most beautiful harbour towns in the Sporades — a maze of stone-paved lanes, traditional houses with wooden balconies and over 120 churches. The Venetian Castle at the top of the town offers panoramic views. The Folklore Museum has an excellent collection of traditional costumes and household objects.

Agios Ioannis on the north coast is the island's most famous sight — a small chapel perched on a dramatic rocky outcrop above the sea, reached by 112 steps cut into the rock. The views from the top are extraordinary, and the chapel itself is beautiful. It is best visited early in the morning or at sunset.

Glossa is the island's second settlement — a traditional village in the hills with a character quite different from the coastal town.

Beaches

Skopelos has excellent beaches. Stafylos and Velanio (the latter clothing-optional) are the most popular near the town. Panormos is a beautiful bay with a sandy beach and a taverna. Milia is one of the finest beaches in the Sporades — a long, sandy bay with clear water backed by pine trees.

Eating and Drinking

The food on Skopelos is excellent — the island is famous for its plums (used in everything from jam to tsipouro), its almonds and its cheese pies (tyropsomo). Anatoli in Skopelos Town is the local favourite for mezedes; Perivoli serves excellent traditional cuisine in a garden setting.

How to Get There

Skopelos is served by ferry from Volos and Agios Konstantinos on the mainland (around 3–4 hours) and connects to Skiathos and Alonnisos.

Best For

Skopelos suits travellers who want a beautiful, green Sporades island with good beaches, excellent food and a traditional character — those who want to combine natural beauty with cultural interest and who are happy to explore on foot or by scooter.

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Thinking about Skopelos? Talk to us — we can build it into a Sporades itinerary that takes in Skiathos and Alonnisos.