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Skopelos Tours Excursions & Tourism

12 Reasons to Visit Skopelos....

  • Writer: Eva Karamesini
    Eva Karamesini
  • Apr 10
  • 6 min read

If you’re looking for a Greek escape away from the crowds, this overlooked and underrated island in the Northern Sporades can turn your dreams to reality. Skopelos certainly isn’t a part of the usual Greece tourist trail but it offers a relaxed but authentic alternative, as well as far better value for money. Greece is already one of my favourite countries in Europe but this island gem pushed it even higher on everybodies list because of its nature and pure life.....

1. Visit Chora (Skopelos Town): Explore the cobblestone streets and admire the amazing views from the top of the hill near the sea and see the amazing concrete rock and just lift your head and look at thе white church оf Ρanаgitsa tou Рyrgou, аlsο knоwn as Pаnagitsa Тοwer оr Virgin Μarу οf the Тοwer, is оne of thе sights οf Сhοra (Skopelos Town). It is loсated аt the seаfrοnt, neхt tο the lоng conсrete piеr οf the mаrina.

Panagitsa tou Pyrgou
Panagitsa tou Pyrgou

The white сοncrеte steps lеad to thе entranсe of Рanagitsа tοu Pуrgοu and from there you just look at the amazing view!














2. Visit Agios Yiannis at kastri (Mamma Mia chapel): It is perched on the top of a rock that juts out into the ocean in the northeastern part of the island some 100 meters high. There are 200 steps carved into the rock leading to the top. Once you have ascended the stone steps you can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding islands all the way out to nearby Alonissos and on a clear day even to Mount Pelion. The rock is linked to the rest of the island through a narrow path. Right beneath the rock, is a small secluded beach with incredible emerald water which gets very busy in summer. The Mamma Mia church and one of the most famous sights in Skopelos. Click the link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/E4tttrwr8BjCuacT9


Agios Giannis Chapel
Agios Giannis Chapel

3. Join a Mamma Mia Tour: On these guided tours in Skopelos you can visit several locations that were used as the setting for Mamma Mia. Included in these tours are beach visits where you get to experience the unbridled beauty of places like Kastani Beach, Amarandos cave and also stopping by picturesque churches that were featured in the film. These are our Tours by bus on the Island: https://www.skopelostours.com/excursions





4. Visit Glossa Village : It is affectionately referred to as “the balcony of the Aegean” on account of the unparalleled sweeping vistas that can be enjoyed at every turn. The sight view is amazing and you can see Skiathos Island and Evia mainland , from every small path you walk ! Most travellers quickly pass through Glossa en route to Agios Ioannis Kastri (the infamous “Mamma Mia church”), but I think that Glossa is worth spending at least half a day exploring the village and getting lost in its narrow streets and passageways . Then walk at "The Louki" which is located in the picturesque alleys of Glossa, surrounded by shops, cafés, and restaurants.


Glossa VIllage
Glossa VIllage

Let me know if you want it a bit more poetic or casual!There are some spectacular tavernas , small shops, coffe shops and restaurants here, with incredible views across the Aegean sea and Skiathos. Check the link for Glossa top : https://maps.app.goo.gl/vWVWEsEjZ576awRb7




5. Try the homemade Skopelitian Cheesepie :


One of the things you must try while you’re in Skopelos is one of the famous pies. The Skopelitian pie doesn’t really look like a pie, it looks like a shape of a snail stuffed inside with goat cheeseor veggie spinach pie.If you are in Glossa just ask for local shop the Woman Agrotourism Association "Glossiotissa" Just grab the pie, and once you're there, they'll fry it fresh for you...this is a gem!! Click the link : https://g.co/kgs/u31ffdM Glossa Click the link to Michalis Tyropites :https://maps.app.goo.gl/9pJAjZ7AAWNTFYCJ9 Skopelos

Skopelitian Cheesepie with goat cheese
Skopelitian Cheesepie with goat cheese

6. Visit the Tradition of the Island, Museums at Skopelos Island :

You can also explore the culture of Skopelos by visiting all museums in Skopelos Island, where visitors can browse displays of paintings, artefacts and archaeological discoveries from across the island.

Here are some tips :

6. Go for a hike by the lighthouse : One experience we unfortunately missed during our time in Skopelos was the hike to the Gourouni Lighthouse. Located at the northernmost tip of the island, this picturesque lighthouse is said to be accessible via a scenic hiking trail that offers stunning views along the way.


Faros Gourouni -Lighthouse
Faros Gourouni -Lighthouse

However, for those seeking a unique and rewarding experience while visiting Skopelos, we highly recommend considering a visit to the Gourouni Lighthouse. It promises both natural beauty and a sense of adventure off the beaten path.











7. Rent a car /a scooter and drive around the island :

One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Skopelos—particularly for those who appreciate venturing off the beaten path—is by renting a scooter.

While hiring a car is certainly a more comfortable option for those who prefer four wheels, navigating the island by scooter offers a sense of freedom and adventure that is truly memorable.



Rent a scooter / a car for 24-48 hours from a local business called Skopelos Tours

Having the scooter allowed us to reach several locations that would have otherwise been difficult to access, including the ancient pirate graves, the iconic "Mamma Mia" Church, and a number of secluded bays. Along the way, we were also treated to breathtaking views of the island, making the journey itself as rewarding as the destinations.


Easy rent a car/scooter /ATV , check the link : https://www.skopelostours.com/carrentals

8. Explore more than 360 Churches & Monasteries around the island :

Did you know that Skopelos island has about 360 Churches & Monasteris aroun the island? Not easy but if you can just see 10 of them at your holiday, then this will be amazing....I can't write all of them on the blog (but I will try on my blogs to name each one every time) but if you google them up on your way to beaches just visit one - two daily ! These are my suggestions ....


9. Go snorkeling or diving around the island :


Go on a dive or a snorkeling tour! or ask your accommodation for advice on how to go on a snorkeling or diving trip – they’ll definitely be able to recommend someone since many of the inhabitants of Skopelos know each other.


Diving in Skopelos
Diving in Skopelos

Wondering what you can experience in the Aegean Sea? Dolphins, seals, turtles, whales and much more! But you probably won’t see all of these animals… This is my suggestion, check the link : https://sporadesdiving.gr/





10. Kayak or Paddle Board around the island : From sunset trips lasting just a few hours to week long explorations of the surrounding islands and training courses. At Kayaking Greece we have many ways for you to discover the hidden treasures of the magical island of Skopelos.


Kayak
Kayak

This is my suggestion, check the link:https://kayakinggreece.com/








11. Perivoliou Beach near Glossa  :

This beach is located about 4 klm from Glossa on the northside of the island. Its an organised beach with sunbeds and parasols . Safe beack with crystal clear waters and the pinetrees falling on the side of the beach.


Perivoliou Beach
Perivoliou Beach

At the top of the cliff there is plenty of space for free parking and a canteen which operates in the summer months for provisions (water, beverages, coffee, snacks, etc) who also rent the sunbeds and umbrellas by the beach.







12. Moni Agion Taxiarchon in Glossa  :


Before you visit Perivoliou Beach , you need to visit this amazing located behind Glossa village, in an area full of pinetrees , the monastery includes a pentagonal stone-built courtyard, two wings containing the cells of the monks, and a katholikon.


Agioi Taxiarches - Glossa
Agioi Taxiarches - Glossa



to be continued.......

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