Skopelos Island, Aegean

Skopelos is a Greek island with a traditional character that belongs to the cluster of islands of the Northern Sporades in the west of the Aegean Sea and is located near Alonissos and Skiathos. At the end of the Bronze Age (then called Peparithos) the island was inhabited by Cretans who taught viticulture to the locals. But over the centuries it has come under the domination of many conquerors.

The island became world famous from the Hollywood movie “Mamma Mia”, as it is not as famous and cosmopolitan as Skiathos.

The International Biopolitical Organization in 1997 officially declared Alonissos a “Green and Blue” island, as most of it is covered by mountains with dense pine forests and oaks that reach the blue-green sea with white sandy or colorful beaches, offering the visitor an ideal earthly paradise. Southwest there are natural bays and ports as well as many plains.

The visitor can do a variety of things during his stay on the island. Water sports, hiking, walking. There are many places to visit. Possibility for beautiful routes in the countryside with running water and ravines, a variety of flowers, shrubs and trees, both on the south side and in the north the most impressive. The island has a rich flora and fauna, with about 60 species of birds endemic and migratory, a variety of reptiles, frogs and lizards, as well as a countryside full of olive groves, fruit trees, plane trees, etc.

Wonderful forests for walks and endless beaches for swimming and relaxation. Boat rides or day boat trips to deserted beaches and nearby islands (Kyra-Panagia, Gioura, Psathoura, Blue Cave with stalactites) or by car to the unparalleled beauty of the island’s beaches in Milia, Kastani, Strait, Stafylos. Panormos, in Velanio (for anyone who loves nudism) etc. Visit to the marine park of the Mediterranean seal Monachus monachus.

The island is full of picturesque settlements such as Glossa, the old Klima, Elios, chapels, churches and monasteries such as Evangelistria, Sotira, the monastery of Prodromos Panagia Eliotissa, Taxiarchis, Agia Varvara and others. A visit to the manorial town of Skopelos is required, which stands out with the architecture of its buildings and streets (due to Venetian, Pelion, Macedonian, rural and neoclassical influences) and has been characterized as a traditional settlement with a presidential decree.

Take a walk in the ruined Venetian castle of Gyzi and the old Episkopi, also in Chora. In the mountain Karya (where there is a spring with the best water of the island) you will explore the carved tombs in Sentoukia and you will enjoy the view that reaches Alonissos, Evia, Skiathos and Pelion. Visit the ancient Asclepieion, the Towers and the farmhouses that are scattered throughout the island, the fortified Acropolis on the hill of Paleokastro, the Folklore Museum as well as the house of the writer Pavlos Nirvana.

Enter the traditional workshops of local artists and see how wood, metal, clay or glass work. Walk the countless narrow alleys of the island and shop at their beautiful shops, folk art items, jewellery, clothes, decorative items, giving gifts to yourself and your friends.

Enjoy your food in the taverns and restaurants of the island with traditional dishes and much more. Drink coffee or your drink in the cafes and bars of the island and indulge in the special atmosphere and special fun they offer.

In the port of Skopelos, Stafylos, Panormos, Neo Klima, Glossa and Loutraki, you will find a number of luxury hotels, rooms to let and holiday homes.

The distance between Athens and Skópelos is 127 km.

The duration of the ferry trip to Skiathos depends on the type of vessel that you choose. Indicatively, the conventional ferry takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, the high speed ferry takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes while the flying dolphin trip lasts a bit more than an hour.

It’s easy to get to Skopelos. Flights operate all year from several airports in Greece like Skiathos, Athens, Thessaloniki and Volos.

There is no airport on Skopelos, but a quick transfer can be done by the use of a helicopter either from Athens International Airport or nearby airports.