The island has many pretty villages and traditional fishing harbours including the town of Glossa on the northern side of the island whose little streets of white-washed houses cascade gently down the hillside to the deep blue of the sea below. The island is a paradise for swimming, snorkeling and sailing with many coves and beaches to discover. Inland, there are a myriad ancient tracks and mule paths making it an ideal island for walkers too.
On Skopelos, you will find great local fish, wine, olives, olive oil, honey, Feta Cheese, and the prunes and plums for which the island is renowned. With such great local fresh produce available, eating out in Skopelos is an experience to savour. There is a large selection of restaurants, tavernas and beach bars all serving local delicacies. Not surprisingly, fish is a popular menu item>>>>>
Skopelos Town & Kastro
This enchanting town (known as Hora) that seems to have sprung from a fairy-tale is probably the first village that the visitor will meet when arriving on the island since it is also the main port of the island. The town has lovely whitewashed houses with traditional terracotta tiled roofs, flower gardens with a profusion of scents and colours and romantic balconies above its little streets. Its fountains, and many pretty, white churches, its narrow streets and alleys and winding stone stairways, all add to the sense of timelessness and charm. Crowning the town is Kastro the Castle - built in 340 BC by Philip II of Macedonia and from which only ruins of the walls have survived. In the heart of Kastro is the oldest church of the town, the 17th century basilica of Agios Athanassios whose initial edifice was built in the 9th century on the ruins of a temple dedicated to Athena. The views from Kastro are sensational.
Glossa
This is Skopelos - second major settlement located on the north side of the island. Glossa is built amphitheatrically on the side of a hill about 250 meters above the sea. It is surrounded by pristine nature with pine forests, almonds and age-old plane trees.
The architecture in Glossa consists of two-storey whitewashed houses with wooden balconies and tiled roofs. The port of this lovely village is called Loutraki and is the second port of the island. Loutraki itself is very pretty nestled amongst a backdrop of virgin forests with traditional tavernas offering fresh-caught fish.
Ruins of Roman baths can be found near the port as well as 4th century BC remains of the citadel of ancient Selinous and a 5th century temple of Athena.
The church of Agios Ioannis Kastri
This is where the wedding scenes of Mamma Mia were filmed. The small church of Agios Ioannis is located in the region of Kastri, about 7 km east of Glossa town. This is a lovely church that used to be the katholicon of a monastery in the past. It stands on top of a rock and provides amazing view to the coasts of Skopelos and Alonissos. Its name actually means Saint John on the Castle, so it is thought that in former times there was probably a small castle there in the past to protect the islanders from pirates. The interior of the church has beautiful icons and old ecclesiastical items.
The Museum of Cultural Heritage & Library of Perseus Athineos
Located in Glossa, this museum dedicated to the history of Skopelos is housed in a handsome stone house which has been recently restored.
Folklore Museum
Located in Skopelos, the museum is housed in a traditional three-storey building, donated by the Nickolaides family to the municipality of the island in 1991. On exhibition are magnificent pieces produced by local artisans in the 19th & 20th Centuries such as embroidery, weaving and handicraft work, ceramics and agricultural tools are all on display.
Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria
Established in 1712 by monks from Mount Athos, this imposing monastery built on the side of the mountain has stunning panoramic views. The church has a huge, impressive gold plated 14th century alter screen from Constantinople as well as very interesting and valuable icons.
Monastery of Timios Prodromos
Located 6 km east of Skopelos Town. Constructed in the 17th century, this monastery is open to the public. It hosts a small museum with holy icons, ecclesiastical relics and official papers from the past>>>>>
Regular charter flights operate in the summer season from many European destinations to Skiathos. From there it is a short ferry ride over to Skopelos. You can also get to Skopelos by ferry from Aghios Constantinos and Volos. A limited service is also available from Thessaloniki. A good ferry website is www.danae.gr
Local bus services are well organized on Skopelos. There is a regular bus route from Skopelos Town to Glossa/Loutraki which stops at all the roads leading to the main beaches including Stafylos, Agnondas, Panormos and Elios. The journey time from Skopelos Town to Glossa is about 1 hour.
There are 3 buses daily from Skopelos Town which go directly to Milia beach (35 minutes) and 2 buses daily from Skopelos Town which go directly to Agnontas (15 minutes)>>>>>
The local people of Skopelos are proud of their heritage and actively try to preserve it. On religious feast days, the women wear the traditional costume of the island consisting of a long sleeveless silk dress with multicoloured embroidery on the edges, a fine short-sleeved silk chemise embroidered with gold and a head-dress with hanging gold coins. Traditional music, dances and local food and wine are offered in abundance.
Aghios Reginos, 25th February
This is the most famous feast day on the island since Aghios Reginos is the patron saint of the island.
Feast of Saint John the Baptist, 24th of June
Great celebrations take place at the monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos
Feast of St Barbara, 4th December
Celebrated in the monastery of Agia Varvara
Transfiguration, 6th August
Takes place at the monastery of the Metamorphosis (Transfiguration)
Music Festival
During the summer months, a musical festival is organized by the municipality of Skopelos . The famous singer Giorgos Xintaris from Skopelos sings rebetika
Loisia Festival
This takes place in Glossa and is dedicated to the Greek composer Manos Loizos
Plum Festival
Summer ends with the Plum Festival, where people dance, sing and bake plums while drinking local wine>>>>>
Health Centre: +30 24240 22222
Skopelos is perfect for walking, swimming, snorkeling, fishing and sailing
Windsurfing & Watersports
Watersports can be found at Panormos beach as well as Milia beach. Milia is also one of the best beaches for windsurfing
Walking
Skopelos has a network of footpaths and old mule tracks. Follow these ancient ways discovering history and tradition, wonderful nature, diverse fauna and over many species of wild flowers and herbs.>>>>>
Police: +30 22860 24240 22235
Port Police: +30 24240 22180
Pretty Good Beaches
Skopelos has some stunning and unspoilt beaches. Mostly of white pebbles with clear, limpid waters of deep azure contrasted by the intense green of the surrounding hills:
Panormos
Panormos is considered among the most beautiful beaches on Skopelos with its sandy beach, deep curving bay fringed by dense pine forests and its stunning sunset views. Boat hire is available from this beach and there are some tavernas locally
Stafilos
Beautiful bay surrounded by high cliffs with a mainly sandy beach. This is one of the more organized beaches with loungers and sun umbrellas. There are also a few local tavernas, a beach bar and a small shop for provisions
Agnondas
Delightful fishing harbour with traditional tavernas where you will see the octopus hung up to dry and the fishermen mending their colourful nets on the quayside. The beach is mainly pebbly and the water is absolutely azure blue and so, so clear
Milia
One of the longest beaches on the island with pristine white pebbles and turquoise water. Part of this beach is organized with sun umbrellas and loungers
Hovolo
Three sandy beaches with amazing coloured water. There is no road access and the path down is difficult but if you persevere you will be rewarded! The beaches are located below the main road from Kastani beach if driving towards the village of Elios
Aghios Ioannis
This is a pretty beach with a picturesque chapel on the rocks above - made famous by the Mamma Mia! Movie>>>>>