SKOPELOS: Greek island of lush vegetation crowned with Hollywood glamour

Striking landscapes, azure water on golden shores, traditional Pelion architecture, rugged natural monuments and a clean island atmosphere are all essential elements of the image of this, the greenest Greek island, more than half of its territory is covered with pine forest.

The island enjoyed international attention when Hollywood filmmakers chose the island to shoot the famous movie “Mamma Mia”, making the island a vacation destination for tourists from all over the world.

Skopelos belongs to the Northern Sporades group of islands and has three main ports: Skopelos, Agnontas and Glossa.

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Hora, on the north coast, is the capital of the island. Its old name was Peparithos, after the son of the god Dionysus and Ariadne, who was the first inhabitant of the island. The choir is comfortably situated on the hill and extends around the castle.

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The medieval castle with its open view of the Aegean, stone houses with perfect courtyards, narrow cobbled streets and numerous Byzantine churches, sums up the essence of a typical Greek island settlement.

We suggest you visit the island’s rich history, the Folklore Museum, located in a restored villa from the last century, where you can enjoy a rich exhibition collection related to folklore (open from Monday to Saturday – 14:00 & 19:00-22:00; entrance: €3).

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In addition, we suggest you visit the other island settlements, among which the most famous are Glossa, Palio Klima and Neo Klima / Elios.

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Glossa, the second largest settlement on the island, is located 25 km north of Hora. The “high village” according to Papadiamantis is characterized by its traditional, noble character and the ruins of ancient towers and houses that have been discovered around the area.

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Palio Klima is a picturesque village near Gloss that suffered extensive damage during the 1965 earthquake.

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Neo Klima or Elios, 18 km from Hora, under the Vathias forest, at an altitude of 688 m, is a completely new settlement that was built in 1981. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the beautiful Hovolos beach.

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Note that all the villages on the island have excellent facilities for tourism, with hotels, rooms for rent, restaurants and bars to meet all your needs during your holiday.

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While you’re on the island, don’t forget to visit the following sights:

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Impressive Byzantine monasteries, such as Evangelistria and Timiou Prodromou, built in idyllic locations. The old Evangelistria monastery, east of Hora, was rebuilt in 1712, and is known for its fortress and the wonderful view of the harbor and Hora.

According to legend, 800 years ago, a dragon was killing the inhabitants and destroying the island. Aiios Riiinos, the protector of the island, pursues him. At one point during the chase, a crack opened in the mountain. The dragon fell into the abyss and died. This cliff is called “Drakonstoskisma”, which means Dragon’s Cleft.

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At this point, the ground is really sinking, creating a deep crack. In fact, it is a steep gorge surrounded by the sea, under a church built almost on the edge of a cliff. Steep rocks, pine trees “hanging” over the rocks and turquoise waters create a picture of unparalleled beauty. Follow the signs on the road from Stafilos to Amarantos to find it.

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Sendoukia pirate tombs (ancient rock-hewn tombs). The Episcopal, a Venetian building that was supposed to become the seat of the Bishop of Skopelos, but was left unfinished due to the invasion of the pirate Barbarossa in 1538.

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Ai Iiannis in Kastra, a perfect chapel, built on top of a steep rock. Climb the stairs carved into the rock and enjoy a stunning view of the archipelago! The chapel became famous all over the world when the wedding scene from the movie “Mamma Mia” was filmed there; since then the chapel has become a popular choice for young couples planning to get married.

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Summer in Greece is synonymous with swimming and sunbathing on golden beaches, which Skopelos does not lack. Beautiful sunny beaches that stretch continuously along the coast covered with pine forest.

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Milia (25 km southwest of Hora), a beach covered with shiny white pebbles and surrounded by a pine forest, is considered one of the best on the island.

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Pebble beach Panormos, 15 km west of Hora and Stafilos, another pebble beach, which has rich facilities for visitors, only 4 km away from Hora. These are just some of the most famous beaches on the island.

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The road to Stafilos through the dense pine forest is pure magic. Whichever beach you choose, the crystal clear sea and lush, green surroundings will take your breath away!

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Don’t leave Skopelos without tasting the traditional Skopelos cheese pie, a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy made of crispy spiral pastry and local goat cheese.

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If you have time, spend a day visiting the nearby island of Skiathos, a popular destination for young people, or Alonissos, a beautiful island, the highest in the archipelago! These islands are easy to reach because there are frequent connections to Skopelos by ferry or boat.

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You can reach Skopelos by plane, boat or hydrofoil from the port of Volos or Aiios Konstantinos. By ferry from the port of Thessaloniki only during the summer.