Why Skopelos Is Worth Visiting

Often known as the Mamma Mia island, Skopelos has grown in popularity for tourists since the films release. It is still however, less busy than its neighbour Skiathos. The island serves as a perfect mix of its two neighbouring islands, the aforementioned Skiathos and the tranquil Alonissos. As we say at The Greek Specialist however, each island is completely different, which is why in this article we’ll be telling you what Skopelos has to offer and why it is worth visiting.
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How To Get There
You can’t fly directly to Skopelos as it doesn’t have an airport, the nearest being on Skiathos. From there you can get one of the ferries which run regularly between the closest three Sporades islands. You can fly directly into Skiathos from London City, Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle and London Gatwick. 

A Greek Ferry

​The Town
The main settlement on the island is called Skopelos Town. It is here where the main port is and where most of the ferries come into. Despite its recent increase in tourism, Skopelos has still managed to maintain its traditional atmosphere. In the town this can be seen in its architecture, which still reflects the islands history, as well as many tavernas found throughout the streets and waterfront, serving up authentic dishes. It is something you get a sense of when you step off the ferry for the first time. The town has plenty to see, for example it has over 360 churches within its limits. The best of these is the Church of the Virgin Mary, which from its tower you get a wonderful view across the town and marina. For a different view visit the Venetian Castle. It was built in the 13th century and stands on top of the ancient city of Skopelos. Now just ruins, this site gives you an insight into the history of the island. With loads of narrow streets filled with shops and cafes, the best way to explore the town is to wander around soaking it all in as you go. 

Skopelos Town

The Beaches
As with all the Greek Islands, Skopelos has a large number of beaches. Most of the beaches on Skopelos are pebbled which means the water stays beautifully clear and is perfect for snorkeling. The best beach on the island is Panormos which is on the western side of the island next to a peaceful village of the same name. There are plenty of tavernas to keep you happy whilst there and there are some hotels and apartments if you want to stay somewhere quieter. On the other side of the island, just north of Skopelos Town are the isolated beaches of Glisteri and Vathias. There are no settlements next to them but if you are looking for somewhere you may end up being alone, then they are the way to go. The far north of the island also has a stretch of more isolated beaches, but if you’re looking for something with more around it, visit the beaches by the villages of Agnontas and Stafylos. 

Glisteri Beach

The Villages
The villages are where the smaller and even more traditional side of the island really come out. We have just mentioned some of them in the beaches section such as Panormos, Agnontas and Stafylos. They are a nice place to visit for a day or stay in if you want somewhere a little quieter. The largest village on the island is Glossa. It sits on a hilltop in the north of the island from which you can see Skiathos and down to the small port of Loutraki. It is a good place to stay on the island as there are lots of restaurants and tavernas which offer great views and an authentic flavour. Lovely to walk around, the villages traditional architecture is a picturesque sight. 

Glossa

Sightseeing
The most famous sightseeing spot on the island, Agios Ioannis Church, is in the north of the island. It was here that the church scenes were filmed in Mamma Mia and it is perched on top of a large rock that offers great views of the island. In nearby Glossa there is the Museum of Cultural Heritage, which shows visitors what life was like on the island through the centuries. There also a number of museums in Skopelos Town that are worth visiting. Just outside the town there are a few monasteries which are nestled amongst the green hills. They are best visited on a hike from the town. Finally in the far south of the island is the Tomb of King Staphylos, said in myth to be on of the founders of the island. This tomb is situated right next to village and beach of the same name.  

Agios Ioannis Church

​We hope this has given you some idea of what there is on Skopelos and shown you why it is somewhere you should visit. To find out more about the rest of Greece, take a look around our website or call us on 01156547795. If you know where you’re looking to book, call us, email [email protected] or fill in our contact form with what you’re looking for. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to Skopelos, where was your favourite place? What was the best thing you did, or do you think we missed anything? Let us know in the comments or on social media, just click the buttons below which take you to our social pages

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