Destination: Skopelos

Visit Skopelos, the forested green and blue island

April142023

Skopelos is one of several islands that comprise the Northern Sporades island group in the western Aegean Sea, east of the Pelion peninsula and north of the island of Euboea. Skopelos is also the name of the main port and the municipal center of the island.

It is no wonder that the island has been characterized as “The Green and Blue Island”, since 80% of its territory is covered by dense pine forests that end in coves, ports and beaches of incomparable beauty. The green of the pine and the dense forests blend in with the deep blue of the sea and sky.

Panoramic view of Skopelos city
Panoramic view of Skopelos city by Chris Taklis, CC-BY-SA

How to get there

You can reach the island of Skopelos by ferry, ferry boat, flying dolphin or catamaran. In order to get to one of those, you have to reach the port of Agios Konstantinos, which is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Athens. Unfortunately the island doesn’t have an airport, so the only option if you wish to reach it by air is to fly to Skiathos then continue by sea to Skopelos.

Skopelos is connected by ferry, all year round, with the port of Agios Konstantinos in the Prefecture of Fthiotida. During the summer season, there are also itineraries from Kymi and Mantoudi, Evia. So you can also travel from Athens to Mantoudi at Evia and then take the ferry to Skopelos. The journey from Mantoudi to Skopelos lasts from 1.5 to 3 hours.

Long-distance visitors usually arrive at Skiathos airport by chartered flight and then by boat or speedboat to Skopelos. Finally, KTEL buses departing from Athens operate routes from the port of Agios Konstantinos to Skopelos, lasting about 6 hours.

Transportation on the island is done by KTEL buses that often run the route Skopelos Town – Glossa, with intermediate stops on beaches and villages. If you want to have more flexibility in your movements, we suggest you bring your car or motorcycle or rent one there. Skopelos also has several taxis that serve the whole island.

Accommodation

In the central settlements, the coastal villages and the beaches you can find a variety of accommodation options, from rooms to let and hotels, to apartments and villas.

Our best advice is to book your place of stay beforehand. There are numerous sites, with endless offers and reviews that will help you choose what best suits your needs. Since summer is the most crowded time of the year, most places cost way more than during wintertime, especially if you try to get a room at the last minute. Therefore, planning your stay a few months in advance will save you more than a couple bucks.

Things to do in Skopelos

In Skopelos you will discover impressive landscapes, beautiful routes, picturesque villages and dreamy beaches. The island is also ideal for outdoor activities such as kayaking, scuba diving and hiking. If you love the sea, it is worth taking a day trip to the National Marine Park of Alonissos, one of the largest water parks in Europe.

In the alleys of Skopelos Town you will find many bars and taverns to enjoy your drink and the excellent local cuisine of the island. If you are looking for a romantic place for a drink, be sure to go to the balcony of Vrachos.

Kastani beach, Skopelos
Kastani beach by Athinabaitsi, CC-BY-SA

The beaches of Skopelos are plenty and often overgrown with trees that reach the sea and crystal clear blue waters. Most are located on the southwest coast of Skopelos, but there are several on the northeast coast, near Chora. Kastani, Stafilos, Velanio, Milia, and Limnonari are but a few of the most beautiful beaches in Skopelos.

For lovers of hiking, the island has several trails and wonderful routes, especially to mountain Palouki. Driving through the streets of Skopelos you will have the opportunity to enjoy nature, as the island is verdant with trees that often reach the sea.

Skopelos has been inhabited since ancient times and has a long tradition in folk art. An ideal way to get to know the rich history of the island is to visit some of its many attractions such as the stone-carved Prehistoric Pirate Graves in Sendoukia, the ruins of the Venetian Castle in Chora, the Folklore Museum of Skopelos, and the Museum of Cultural Heritage in Glossa.

The cuisine of Skopelos is distinguished by its traditional cooking methods. The all-time favorite of the island is the cheese pie, great for any time of the day! You should also try the delicious sweets by the Women’s Agricultural Cooperative of Glossa, promoting traditional cooking and local ingredients. A few delicious products and dishes to try in Skopelos are Strifti tiropita (local cheese pie), dusky grouper and plums stew, meat and quinces stew, lobster pasta and Skopelos’ goat.

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