Skopelos in Greece

Let's be honest - how many of you know about the Greek island of Skopelos? The little island that gets to shine on the big screen in the film Mamma Mia is one of the true hidden gems in Greece. We'd like to introduce you to this wonderful place.

Endless green forests, made up of Aleppo pines and firs, olive groves, plum and almond trees, alongside the turquoise sea and the dazzling white of the beaches and villages - this is the island of Skopelos in Greece. Today, we present to you the highlights of the Mamma Mia island.

The beautiful main town of Skopelos appears like a scene from a picture book, with its whitewashed houses cuddling around a hill right by the sea. The small, romantic alleys invite you to stroll, and the houses with their red slate roofs feel like they are from another time. Locals have adorned their balconies with flowers and citrus plants, and the air is beautifully scented with jasmine.

Around 120 Byzantine churches and the ruins of an old Venetian castle from the 13th century are interesting destinations and reflect the eventful history of the region. You'll have little to do with mass tourism in Skopelos, as a building ban several years ago ensured that most of the island remains unaffected by tourism. The price level is slightly higher compared to other Greek islands, but still quite reasonable. There is no airport here, but you can always travel via the neighboring island of Skiathos or the airport in Thessaloniki and reach the island by ferry.

A relaxing vacation always includes a hotel where you can unwind at the end of the day. Skopelos has a variety of hotels to accommodate any budget for an overnight stay. As an alternative to the classic guesthouses and hotels on Skopelos, you can also browse through our vacation rental search. Here, you're sure to find an affordable accommodation that radiates typical Greek charm and adds the finishing touch to your Greek holiday.

As the largest island of the Sporades, Skopelos boasts an unbeatable coastline of 66 kilometers, making it perfect for water sports and beach enjoyment. In one of Greece's first marine national parks, a breathtaking underwater world awaits divers and snorkelers. But even for those who prefer to lounge on the beach and relax, Skopelos is perfect. The island's beaches are not as crowded as those on other islands and are truly beautiful to see. Our beach favorites are definitely:

Not only the beaches in Skopelos are true treasures, but the interior of the island also boasts authenticity. The numerous small villages in the mountains, with their winding white alleyways, are beautiful to visit and perfect for an extensive exploration tour. About 80 percent of the island's area is naturally covered, making Skopelos officially the greenest island in the country. It's no wonder it's quickly become a paradise for hikers.

On about 30 hiking trails, you can explore the mountains and lose yourself in the endless forests. Are you particularly sporty? Then climb the highest mountain Delphi on Skopelos and enjoy a breathtaking view over the endless olive groves, dense pine and fir forests, occasionally interrupted by the white of smaller villages. From the main town, you can reach the beaches in the south and the northern coastal town of Loutraki via the well-developed main road of the island. A rental car is definitely advantageous here!

Do you want the full program with Greek wine and feta cheese? Then Skopelos is the right place for you. Whether it's seafood and fresh fish, eggplant and Greek salad, or a hearty portion of tzatziki - in many restaurants, especially in Skopelos town, you will definitely find something! Is there anything better than listening to the sound of the waves on a warm summer night and letting the evening wind down peacefully?

Restaurants with a sea view, like Agnanti Restaurant in Glossa or Muses in Skopelos town, are scattered along the coast and promise breathtaking views along with culinary highlights. After a hearty dinner, feel free to head to one of the many small bars on the island. Try the local beers Mythos and Alpha or enjoy an ouzo with the locals. To keep with Skopelos' traditional practice, we recommend ordering the ouzo 'sketo.' This means you enjoy it like the locals do, neat, without water. Cheers!

With such scenery, it's no wonder that even Hollywood has taken notice of Skopelos' beauty. In 2008, the travel film 'Mamma Mia!' was filmed on the Greek island, which was conveniently renamed Kalokairi for the film. We admit, while watching the movie, we fell in love with the stunning coastal landscape, the picturesque towns with their whitewashed houses, and the beautiful backdrop of the brilliantly turquoise sea. So much so, that we added Skopelos to our bucket list and paid a visit shortly afterward.

The film was predominantly shot on the Sporades island of Skopelos, although many scenes were also filmed on the neighboring island of Skiathos. If you're interested in the filming locations, you should definitely visit the Agios Ioannis Church, which sits on a rocky elevation right by the coast. Another magical sight is the tree-lined Kastani Beach in the west of the island, where several love scenes were filmed. The sequel 'Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again' was filmed in Croatia, but the hype remains unbroken.

If during your vacation in Skopelos you feel like seeing more of the northern Sporades and love nature, we highly recommend the neighboring island of Alonnisos. This tiny island, with just 2,000 residents, is still considered a true hidden gem among the Greek islands and is comfortably reachable by ferry within about an hour. Once you arrive, you'll quickly realize that time seems to stand still here. While the main town Patitiri, right by the harbor, has some accommodations and taverns, it is overall much quieter than Skopelos or Skiathos. This small island stands out especially with its authenticity, wonderful nature, and pristine, hidden beaches. We recommend exploring the island on a hike and enjoying the silence while gazing at the sea and the neighboring islands. You'll definitely love it!

When will you set off for the greenest island in the Mediterranean? In Skopelos, a tranquil, romantic vacation awaits you with beautiful landscapes, beaches, and plenty of culture. We were particularly enchanted by the hospitality of the people and the Mediterranean atmosphere - while hospitality is of course offered everywhere in Greece, here in Skopelos, we felt especially welcome.