Sporades
Skopelos
The greenest island in the Aegean — and yes, Mamma Mia was filmed here.
Getting around
Scooter friendly
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Moderate
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Ferry only
In pictures
Skopelos
Skopelos is the greenest island in the Aegean — a fact that surprises visitors expecting the bare, sun-bleached rock typical of the Cyclades. Dense pine forests cover the hills and run to the water's edge; the air smells of pine resin and wild thyme. The main town is one of the most beautiful in northern Greece, its tiered white houses with blue shutters and a dense collection of churches (reportedly 123, though islanders debate the count) rising above a working harbour. The beaches are good rather than spectacular, though Panormos and Milia have an idyllic quality in the right light. The Mamma Mia film connection — the clifftop Agios Ioannis chapel, perched on a sea-surrounded rock, provided the key location — brings a devoted following from around the world. The island itself is good enough that this pilgrim traffic seems incidental to the real experience.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Mamma Mia tourism brings bigger summer crowds than the island's infrastructure comfortably handles.
Hidden gem
The Agios Ioannis chapel (yes, the Mamma Mia one) at sunset — climb the 100 steps after the day-trippers leave.
Where it sits
Sporades, Greece
Skopelos — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Skopelos? +
- The best months to visit Skopelos are May to October. It's busy but manageable in peak season, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Skopelos from Athens? +
- Skopelos has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Skopelos good for couples? +
- Skopelos is one of the most romantic Greek islands — sunsets, candlelit tavernas, sea-view rooms.
- Is Skopelos good for families with kids? +
- Skopelos is a great choice for families — calm swims, walkable towns, and short transfers.
- Is Skopelos expensive? +
- Skopelos is affordable by Greek-island standards.
- Do you need a car on Skopelos? +
- A scooter or ATV is the easiest way to get around Skopelos. Buses cover the main routes but a scooter unlocks the quiet beaches.
- What's the catch with Skopelos? +
- Mamma Mia tourism brings bigger summer crowds than the island's infrastructure comfortably handles.