If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering around the island from the movie Mamma Mia!, you’ve found your destination. Skopelos Island in Greece is that green paradise with an emerald sea where Meryl Streep sang ABBA songs, and it’s still one of the calmest and most authentic islands in all of Greece. It lies in the Sporades archipelago, and its biggest asset is one seemingly trivial detail: it has no airport. And that works as the perfect filter against the crowds.
Skopelos is mountainous, incredibly green, and smells of pine trees and plums. The main town, with its white houses and grey slate roofs, ranks among the prettiest in the entire Aegean Sea, the beaches look like something out of an ad, and the atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming. No wonder people keep coming back.
In this guide I’ll show you 15 things to see and do on Skopelos, from film locations to the prettiest beaches, plus practical info on how to get there and when to go. Let’s dive in. ☺️
TL;DR
- Skopelos is green, calm and authentic. No airport, so no crowds, just an emerald sea and pine forests.
- The main town (Chora) is an architectural gem with white houses, grey slate roofs and 360 little churches.
- Mamma Mia! mecca: the Agios Ioannis sto Kastri chapel on a cliff (200 steps) and Kastani beach from the film.
- The prettiest beaches: Milia, Panormos and Kastani, all with turquoise to emerald water.
- The island smells of plums, with the local Avgato dried plums and their sweets as a signature specialty.
- How to get there: by ferry from Skiathos or from mainland ports, the island has no airport.
- When to go: ideally May, June and September.
Skopelos Town: the prettiest chora in the Sporades
The main town, Skopelos Town, known locally as Chora, is a genuine architectural gem, and the moment you arrive you’ll understand why people fall in love with it. Don’t go looking for the classic Cycladic blue domes here, though, they build differently in the Sporades.
The houses may glow with white plaster, but their roofs are covered in traditional grey slate and the balconies are wooden. The narrow lanes climb steeply uphill towards the ruins of the old Venetian fortress, and the whole town is woven through with dozens of tiny Byzantine churches, of which the island has an incredible 360. An evening stroll along the harbour, when the lanterns light up and the smell of the tavernas drifts through the air, has a truly one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
In the footsteps of Mamma Mia!
The history of modern Skopelos splits into before 2008 and after. That’s when a Hollywood production arrived with Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan to shoot the musical Mamma Mia!, and the island became a global sensation overnight. Film tourism is still alive and well here, and for fans it’s a real holy grail.
The Agios Ioannis sto Kastri chapel
The main draw is the little church of Agios Ioannis sto Kastri, perched on a dramatic rock jutting straight out of the sea on the northeast of the island. You’ll face a climb of roughly 200 steep steps carved into the stone, but at the top you’re rewarded with the small chapel where the famous film wedding took place and an absolutely breathtaking view of the sea. Head up early in the morning or towards the evening, as the sun beats down mercilessly during the day and the narrow staircase quickly clogs up with tourists.
Kastani beach
The second must-do stop for film fans is Kastani beach, the setting for most of the beach and dance scenes. Today there’s a modern beach bar with sunbeds and the sea is crystal clear. It is, however, a very popular spot, so if you’re after peace and quiet, wander over to the neighbouring beaches instead.
The prettiest beaches on Skopelos Island
Thanks to its dense greenery, Skopelos is one of the few islands where pine trees grow literally down to the water and provide natural shade. Here are the beaches you shouldn’t miss.
Milia is considered the most beautiful beach on the island. It’s long, lined with tall pines, and offers a fantastic view of the little island of Dassia opposite. The deep bay of Panormos, meanwhile, takes on a rich emerald colour from the reflection of the surrounding trees and is great for snorkelling. And if you love film nostalgia, the already-mentioned Kastani ranks among the prettiest even without the cameras.
💡 Tip: Skopelos beaches are mostly pebbly, so bring water shoes. In return you’ll get crystal-clear water and the shade of the pines, something you’ll struggle to find anywhere else in Greece. The ideal approach is to drive along the west coast by car or scooter and hop between beaches.
Evangelistria Monastery and the taste of plums
High above the main town, on the slope of Mount Palouki, stands the Moni Evangelistria monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It rewards you with panoramic views over the whole of Chora and the island of Alonissos opposite, and it’s a peaceful, spiritual place far from the bustle of the beaches.
And then there’s a flavour you’ll forever associate with Skopelos. While the rest of Greece smells of olives and lemons, Skopelos smells of plums. Several unique varieties are grown here, including the most famous one called Avgato, and you’ll find the local dried plums absolutely everywhere. In the tavernas be sure to try the traditional sweet dessert of avgato preserved in syrup or plum pastries. Vegetarians are in for a treat here too, with fresh vegetables, cheeses and salads straight from the local gardens.
A trip to Alonissos and the marine park
Being in the Sporades and skipping the third sibling, the island of Alonissos, would be a mistake. It lies just to the east and is synonymous with unspoilt nature. Around it stretches the National Marine Park, the largest protected marine area in all of Europe and the last refuge of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal.
For divers there’s a real gem too. Off the islet of Peristera, at a depth of around 25 metres, lies a giant ancient shipwreck from the 5th century BC, full of amphorae and nicknamed the “Parthenon of shipwrecks”. In 2020 it opened as Greece’s first underwater museum. Even if you don’t dive, a boat trip into this wilderness is worth it.
Map of points of interest for your phone
How to get to Skopelos
Skopelos has no airport, which is a bit of a secret behind why it stays so calm. Most often you’ll reach it via the neighbouring island of Skiathos, which does have an airport, served by major carriers such as easyJet and other seasonal charter flights, and from there you continue by ferry or fast boat (the crossing takes just under an hour).
The other option is a ferry from the mainland ports of Volos or Mantoudi on the island of Evia. Getting around the island itself is easiest by car or scooter, letting you tour all the beaches and mountain villages at your own pace. Public transport does exist, but you’ll be far freer with a car.
When to go to Skopelos
The best time to visit is May, June and September. In spring the island is gloriously green, in bloom, and the sea is already warm enough for swimming, while September offers water heated up over the whole summer and a relaxed atmosphere. July and August are the hottest and busiest, though even then it’s considerably calmer here than on islands with airports.
What’s more, thanks to its dense greenery and pine forests, Skopelos copes with the summer heat a little better than the parched Cyclades, because shade really is everywhere here.
Where to stay on Skopelos Island
💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We prefer to look for accommodation on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation policies. The specific hotels I recommend below were chosen based on real reviews across price ranges. For tours, boat trips and tickets, compare options on GetYourGuide.
The most atmospheric base is Skopelos Town (Chora), from where everything is close by. For a breathtaking view of the harbour and old town from your room I recommend Aperanto Galazio (expect steps uphill), while a quieter option with a pool above town is Denise Hotel, popular especially with couples.
The prettiest beaches lie on the west coast around Panormos bay. For a luxury stay, the design-led Adrina Resort & Spa sits right on its own beach, while the more affordable, family-friendly Panormos Beach Hotel is just a few steps from the sea. For peace among the pines above the beach, go for Stafylos Suites & Boutique Hotel with its seasonal pool.
A quieter and cheaper alternative is the north of the island around Glossa and Loutraki, close to the Mamma Mia film locations. A superbly rated apartment with harbour views can be found here at Casa di Levante. Accommodation right in Chora with a harbour view is pricier, but the atmosphere is worth it, so book well in advance.
Where to next
Before you set off, take a look at our other articles about Greece:
- Where to go on holiday in Greece: islands, mainland and tips
- The best beaches in Greece: TOP 20 + practical rules
- When to go to Greece: weather month by month
- Greek food: 20 specialties you must try
Frequently asked questions
What to see on Skopelos?
On Skopelos, you mustn’t miss the picturesque main town of Chora with its white houses and grey slate roofs, the iconic Agios Ioannis sto Kastri chapel from Mamma Mia!, and the most beautiful beaches: Milia, Panormos, and Kastani. The Evangelistria Monastery with its views and the neighbouring island of Alonissos with its marine park are well worth a visit. Be sure to try the local plums and the sweets made from them.
Which island was Mamma Mia filmed on?
Most of the 2008 film Mamma Mia! was filmed on the Greek island of Skopelos in the Sporades archipelago. The famous wedding scene took place at the Agios Ioannis sto Kastri chapel perched on a rock above the sea, and the beach scenes were shot at Kastani Beach. Parts of the footage were also filmed on the neighbouring island of Skiathos and on the mainland near Damouchari.
How to get to Skopelos?
Skopelos doesn’t have an airport, so you get here by ferry. The most common route is via the neighbouring island of Skiathos, which does have an airport, from where a ferry or high-speed boat takes just under an hour. The second option is ferries from the mainland ports of Volos or Mantoudi on Evia. The best way to get around the island is by car or scooter.
When to go to Skopelos?
May, June, and September are the best months. In spring, the island is fresh and green with flowers in bloom, the sea is already warm enough for swimming, and the crowds haven’t arrived yet, while September offers warm water and tranquility. July and August are the hottest and busiest, but thanks to the dense greenery and shade from pine trees, the heat on Skopelos is more bearable than on the barren Cyclades.
Is Skopelos worth it even for those who haven’t seen Mamma Mia!?
Absolutely. Skopelos is a beautiful and peaceful island even without the film fame. It attracts visitors with its lush greenery, emerald sea, pine-fringed beaches with shade, picturesque Chora, and laid-back atmosphere without crowds. The film locations are a nice bonus, but the island offers much more, especially for lovers of nature, tranquility, and authentic Greece.
What are the beaches like on Skopelos?
Skopelos beaches are mostly pebbly with crystal-clear, turquoise to emerald water, and are often lined with pine trees growing right down to the water, providing natural shade. The most beautiful include Milia, Panormos, and the famous Kastani. Water shoes come in handy because of the pebbles, but you’re rewarded with exceptionally clean water and a coolness you won’t find elsewhere.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
🚗 Car rental on the roadVerified rental cars in GreeceSearch with the DiscoverCars comparison engine — it compares prices from dozens of local and international rental companies, and most bookings come with free cancellation.
Compare car prices in Greece →Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
