Guide to Skopelos

The wonderfully charming hub of the island is Skopelos Town, an archaic hillside sprawl of blindingly white houses topped with terracotta tiles. The beautiful natural harbour warmly welcomes new visitors into the Chora’s maze of meandering alleys and narrow streets, but you’ll never be far from a historic church, taverna, or breathtaking view across the Aegean Sea.

North from Skopelos Town is Glossa, the island’s second main town and a gem of authentic Grecian life. This sleepy town is the best place to watch a vibrant, undisturbed sunset framing panoramic views of nearby Skiathos. Head to the small square at the top of the village for the perfect vantage point, and eat a delicious local dinner at a family-run taverna. Fruits like prunes and plums grow all over this flourishing islet and usually end up in local cuisine. Try the mouthwatering ‘pork with plums’, a speciality of Skopelos.

Undoubtedly one of the main attractions on the island is Agios Ioannis Church. Made famous by the movie Mamma Mia!, this church is perched atop an exposed, steep cliff jutting out into the sea. There are 198 steps to reach the top, and you’ll be rewarded with unhindered views of the glittering cove below. Skopelos has no shortage of scenic religious sites, with an excess of 360 scattered across the island. If you’re exploring on foot or by car, you will come across a church, chapel, or monastery seemingly around every turn.

Skopelos’ rugged coastline is dotted with many picturesque beaches backed by lush forests. Panormos Beach is across the island from Skopelos Town and great for a sunset between pine-covered hills. Glysteri Beach is also nearby and reached via an olive tree peppered valley which scents the air. Kastani Beach is a beautiful, but popular location thanks to Mamma Mia!, and is the one beach which can get a little overcrowded.

Some beaches are only accessible by boat and will afford you a little more seclusion on your yacht charter. Head north along the rocky coastline, and you’ll find the most beautiful spots along the way. Beaches like Hovolo and Neraki boast new levels of serenity and will only be occupied by others who have reached them by water. Perivoliou Beach is also worth a visit and can be found hidden away on the northeast coast, surrounded by crystal-clear azure waters.

There are two main marinas on the island, both able to accommodate vessels of a 60m max length. Skopelos Marina can be found in Skopelos Town and is perfectly located for island exploration. The second is Loutraki Marina, found near the village of Glossa.

If you’re feeling inspired to start planning your next yacht charter vacation to this truly untouched slice of paradise, view and compare the entire fleet of Greece charter yachts.