Skopelos is the greenest of the Greek islands, and not by a small margin: pine forest covers most of it and runs right down to the waterline, so the beaches are white pebble under dark green rather than sand under scrub.
Diagram by Greece Trips. Free to reuse with credit - CC BY 4.0.
That is the real reason to come. The other reason is a film.
Skopelos Town
The main town is a tiered amphitheatre of houses around the harbour, stacked steeply with slate roofs, whitewashed walls and an improbable number of churches: the usual figure quoted is around 120 in the town alone.
Above it is the ruined kastro; below it a working waterfront. The lanes are stepped and largely car-free, and the walk up through them is the best hour on the island.
Glossa, at the northern end, is the second town, higher and quieter, above the port of Loutraki.
Agios Ioannis, and the film
The chapel of Agios Ioannis sto Kastri stands on top of a rock stack on the north-east coast, reached by a flight of steps cut into the rock. It was the wedding chapel in the Mamma Mia film, and it is now the single most visited spot on Skopelos.
Two things worth saying plainly: the climb is a genuine staircase up a rock and there is nothing at the top but a small chapel and a view; and the island was a serious destination before the film and remains one after it.
Beaches
White pebble, clear water, pine behind. Kastani (also in the film), Milia, Panormos, Stafylos and Limnonari are the names. Sand is scarce; water shoes are common.
Getting there and how long
There is no airport. Ferries and hydrofoils run from Volos, Agios Konstantinos and Mantoudi on Evia, usually via Skiathos, which has the nearest airport and is twenty minutes away by fast boat.
Four nights. Skopelos is large enough and green enough to reward a real stay rather than a stop.
Last checked August 2026. Ferry and hydrofoil schedules change - see our editorial policy.
Common questions
Why is Skopelos so green?
It is the most densely forested island in Greece, with pine covering most of its area and running down to the shoreline.
Where was Mamma Mia filmed on Skopelos?
The wedding chapel is Agios Ioannis sto Kastri, on a rock stack on the north-east coast, reached by steps cut into the rock. Kastani beach also appears.
Does Skopelos have an airport?
No. The nearest is on Skiathos, about twenty minutes away by fast boat, with ferries also from Volos, Agios Konstantinos and Evia.
Are the beaches on Skopelos sandy?
Mostly white pebble rather than sand, with pine behind them and very clear water. Water shoes are common.
How long should you stay on Skopelos?
Four nights or more. It is big and green enough to be a destination rather than a stop.
For a day by day plan see the Skopelos itinerary, and for what is reachable in a day from here see day trips from Skopelos.