Skopelos; A Spectacular Paradise
PHOTOGRAPHY - Nikola Radojcic
“Skopelos is a little island paradise where you feel instantly that you have stepped back in time.”
Perhaps in most recent years brought to international acclaim for its location filming of Mamma Mia, Skopelos is a little island paradise where you feel instantly that you have stepped back in time.
Situated in the western Aegean Sea, it is one of several islands which comprise the Northern Sporades island group east of the Pelion peninsula on the mainland and north of the island of Euboea.
As part of the Thessaly region, Skopelos is one of the greenest islands, and offers pristine landscapes abundant with golden coasts and azure waters. The island is also known for traditional Pelion architecture, many historic and natural monuments, and pure unsurpassed beauty in virgin pine forests.
In Mamma Mia, most of the outdoor scenes were filmed on location at the seaside hamlet of Damouchari. The film's main location site in Skopelos was Kastani beach on the south west coast.
Even with its Mamma Mia fame, upon arrival it is easy to understand how the island is not overrun with tourists. The harder-to-reach location has ensured lower tourist numbers prevented the island from becoming as busy as its neighbours. Thankfully, it is one of the few islands where you can enjoy and observe authentic Greek life, enjoy empty beaches, and truly relax in simple island style.
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family holiday, a meditation retreat, an adventurous week of watersports, or something that offers a little bit of everything, Skopelos is a perfect holiday haven.
Two of its breathtaking villages Town and Glossa, are perched on the top of a hill with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. The island’s beaches are simply superb, and diving into their crystal-clear waters and lazing under the Mediterranean sun are certainly highlights of Skopelos stays.
Hóra (also known as Chora) is the capital of Skopelos, situated on the northern coast, and sprawled around a medieval castle. Its ancient name was Peparithos, after the son of the god Dionysos and Ariadne, who was the first inhabitant of the island. The castle offers sweeping views of Aegean, the stone houses with picture-perfect courtyards, narrow paved streets, and several Byzantine churches. Hora encapsulates the essence of a typical Greek island settlement. Well worth your time is a visit to the Folklore Museum, taking in the rich history of the island. The Museum is housed in a renovated mansion built in the previous century, with numerous historic exhibits.
Visit Ancient Monasteries and Monuments
Be sure to plan time to visit impressive Byzantine monasteries, like Evangelistría and Timiou Prodrómou, built in idyllic locations. The old Monastery of Evangelistría, east of Hóra, was renovated in 1712 and is famous for its fortress-like precinct and its breathtaking view of the Port and Hóra.According to Greek legend, more than 800 years ago, a dragon was killing the inhabitants and destroying the island. Ayios Riyínos, the patron saint of the island, chased the dragon to a cleft in the mountainside. The dragon fell into the deep valley and died. This cliff was named “Drakonstósxisma”, meaning Dragon cleft. Today the land sinks creating a steep gorge surrounded by the sea. Below it is a church built almost on the edge of the cliff. The steep rocks, the pines trees “hanging” over the rocks and the most alluring turquoise waters create a picture of unsurpassed beauty.
Another must visit is the pirates’ graves at Sendoúkia (ancient graves carved into the rock), and The Episcope, a Venetian building that was supposed to become the seat of the Bishop of Skopelos but remained unfinished due to the invasion of the pirate Barbarossa in 1538.
Take a Mamma Mia Tour
Aϊ Yiannis at Kastri, is the picture-perfect chapel built on the top of a steep rock. You can climb up the steps carved into the rock and enjoy an unforgettable view of the archipelago. The chapel became famous worldwide when the wedding scene from the film “Mamma Mia” was shot there. To this day, the chapel remains a very popular spot for young couples to be married.
There are several locations where the 2008 romantic comedy Mamma Mia was filmed. As mentioned, make sure to visit the beaches of Kastani, Glisteri and Milia (or Milies), the beautiful rocks of Cape Amarantos, the nearby small harbor of Agnontas, and of course the little church of Agios Ioannis at Kastri.
Spend Delightful Days; Sunning, Exploring, and Island Hopping
A summer in Greece is made for swimming and sunbathing on idyllic beaches, and Skopelos has several perfectly appointed beaches stretching uninterrupted along its pine covered coastline.
Two favourites we highly recommend are unbeatable.
Miliá (25 km south west of Hóra), considered to be one of the island’s best, is a beach covered with shiny white pebbles and surrounded by a pine forest.
Pánormos, 15 km west of Hóra and Stáfylos, is another perfect pebble beach with facilities for visitors, and only 4km from Hóra. The route to Stafylos through dense pine forests is magical.
Walkers and hiking will be in seventh heaven on Skopelos. The island is crisscrossed by a network of old mule trails through pine forests, olive groves and tiny villages with photo worthy houses and villas.
Visit the site Skopelos Walks to fine recommendations of trails and walks to explore on your very own.
Adventure time on Skopelos might include sea kayaking Visit the site Kayaking Greece for a wide range of activities for all ages and experience levels. Explore secluded beaches and coves, sea caves and uninhabited islands and islets, all perfect for picnic time and snorkeling.
Spend time bicycling on Skopelos too. While the island has only two main roads, it is crossed by a network of smaller roads and trails along hilly landscapes. There are plenty of natural springs along the routes where you can refresh yourself. Skopelos Cycling is worth a look as they have an impressive fleet to choose from.
Do not leave Skopelos without a taste of the traditional Skopelos cheese pie, a mouth-watering delicacy made of crispy phyllo pastry in a spiral shape, with local goat cheese.
If you have time, spend a day visiting the nearby island of Skiathos, a popular destination for young people, or Alónissos, a beautiful island where the seal Monachus Monachus is a common sight. These islands are easy to reach since there are frequent connections to Skopelos by ferry or speed boat
Valerie Paavonpera
Explore Skopelos
See filming sights from the Hollywood movie "Mamma Mia". Drive along the west coast and then head across to the chapel where the wedding scene took place. Walk up the 199 steps to the top, if you wish, or just take in the views of the ocean.
Getting There
There are ferries to Skopelos from Volos, Agios Konstantinos, Evia but also from other islands of the Sporades. The closest airport to Skopelos is on Skiathos island.
By ferry or high-speed boat from the port of Volos or Ayios Konstantinos
By ferry from the port of Thessaloniki (only during summertime)
Map of Skopelos
POSTCARDS FROM Skopelos
