Welcome to the beautiful island of Skopelos!
In this blogpost, we will be exploring places like the natural beauty Amarantos Cove, Agios Ioannis, the church on the cliff, famous from the Mamma Mia movie, we take a look at the town in the North, called Glossa, then exploring the beaches on the west side. Finally we are coming back to Skopelos Town, where I will show you some great bars and restaurants, plus take you on a walk up the beautiful narrow streets.
Skopelos is a lush, green island, known for its pine forests, crystal-clear waters, and traditional charm. Less touristy than nearby Skiathos, it offers a peaceful escape with whitewashed houses, cobblestone alleys, and scenic harbors. The island gained international fame as a filming location for Mamma Mia!, especially the iconic Agios Ioannis chapel. Skopelos is ideal for nature lovers, with hiking trails, hidden beaches like Kastani, and welcoming tavernas serving fresh seafood and traditional dishes. Its blend of natural beauty and authentic culture makes Skopelos a captivating and memorable destination in the Aegean Sea.
1. Amarantos Cove
Amarantos Cove (or Cape) on Skopelos is a charming, rocky cove famous for its turquoise waters and iconic pine trees growing directly on white limestone—immortalized in Mamma Mia! Accessible via a short dirt road just before Agnontas on the south coast, it offers secluded swimming, snorkeling and peaceful natural beauty. Untamed and unorganized—with no facilities—it feels wonderfully off-the-beaten-path. The dramatic contrast of azure sea, green pines, and pale rock makes it an unforgettable mini-paradise. Dive in and soak up cinema-worthy views!
2. Agios Ioannis Chapel
Agios Ioannis Chapel, perched atop a 100 m-high rock on Skopelos’ northeast coast, is famed for its cinematic fame—it served as Sophie’s wedding venue in Mamma Mia! Accessible by climbing roughly 200 stone-carved steps, the chapel rewards visitors with panoramic Aegean vistas stretching to Alonissos and Mount Pelion. Legend tells of an icon of Saint John mysteriously reappearing on the rock after being moved, prompting construction around 200 steps up the cliff. A secluded pebble beach nestles below, ideal for swimming or snorkeling after the ascent. Visiting at sunrise or sunset offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and cinematic magic.
3. Glossa
Glossa is a charming mountain village located on the northwest side of Skopelos island, about 25 kilometers from the main town. Perched high above the sea, it offers stunning views over the Aegean and nearby Skiathos. Known for its traditional Macedonian-style houses with wooden balconies and tiled roofs, Glossa retains a quiet, authentic atmosphere.
Unlike the more touristic parts of the island, Glossa moves at a slower pace. Visitors can enjoy narrow cobbled streets, local tavernas, and the welcoming hospitality of its residents. It’s also close to scenic spots like Loutraki port and the famous chapel of Agios Ioannis.
4. Beaches
Panormos Beach. West side of Skopelos.
Some of our favourite beaches:
1. Milia
Often hailed as the island’s most beautiful beach, Milia features a long curve of white pebbles and golden sand, flanked by lush pine forests and vibrant turquoise waters. Divided by rock formations, it caters to both lively and secluded beach-goers, with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a beach bar available.
2. Kastani
Famous from Mamma Mia!, this smaller beach adjacent to Milia offers crystal-clear water and soft pebbles under the pine canopy. It’s well organized with loungers, a bar, and stunning sunset views.
3. Stafylos
Just south of Skopelos Town, Stafylos is a sheltered bay with fine pebbles, calm deep waters, and amenities—including sunbeds, umbrellas, a beach bar, lifeguard service, and a nearby taverna. Ideal for families and snorkelers.
4. Panormos
Nestled within a wide, sheltered bay 12 km from Chora, Panormos features around 600 m of fine pebbles and crystal-clear, steeply deepening waters. Surrounded by pine forests, it’s fully organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports, beach bars, tavernas, lifeguards, and parking. A natural harbor (Blo) enhances its charm, and it’s renowned for dramatic sunsets over the bay.
Each beach showcases Skopelos’s trademark merge of forest-fringed shores and crystalline Aegean waters—perfect for sunbathing, snorkeling, or soaking up cinematic vistas.
Panormos Beach.
5. Skopelos Town
Skopelos Town, also called Chora, is the charming capital of Skopelos Island. Nestled around a picturesque harbor, the town features whitewashed, neoclassical buildings with terracotta roofs, winding cobblestone lanes, and vibrant bougainvillea. Historic Byzantine churches and monasteries peek through pine-covered hills rising behind it. Cafés and tavernas line the waterfront, offering fresh seafood and local delicacies. At sunset, the golden light reflects on fishing boats bobbing in the Aegean. Skopelos Town offers a nice laid back vibe and offers everything you want from a Greek traditional coastal town.
6. Korali Restaurant
Korali Seafood Restaurant sits right on Agnontas beach, glowing with maritime charm. Family-run by Maria and Dimitris, it boasts over four decades of tradition serving fresh fish, lobster spaghetti, seafood risotto, and Greek mezes. Diners rave about “steamed mussels, fried cod, grilled shrimps,” and a standout chocolate or orange cake finish. The waterfront setting provides sweeping sea and sunset views, complemented by warm, attentive service . It’s regarded by many as one of Skopelos’s finest seafood experiences.
That’s all from Skopelos, I hope you got some inspiration and enjoyed this blogpost!
See our YouTube video from Skopelos here:
