For many, Skopelos is the epitome of the ultimate Greek island. Despite an increase in popularity since the hit musical ‘Mamma Mia’ was filmed here, over a decade ago, Skopelos has maintained its authenticity. Unspoilt island life; simple food; quiet beaches; green, mountainous interiors; offer a complete removal from the stresses of modern life.

The Island of Reefs, so named because of its many offshore islets and rocks, could equally be called the ‘Green Island’ because of its spectacular craggy coastline fringed by the pine trees that are one of the island’s defining features. Where the pine forests end, the olive groves begin and where they end the orchards begin! Virtually every fruit tree can be found on Skopelos, although plums are an island speciality.

Skopelos has a number of beaches, mostly quiet, like the kilometre stretch of tiny white pebbles at Milia, where the pines grow right down to the shore, or the fine sand of Limnonari. Rural Skopelos reveals itself in scattered hamlets of stone built houses with distinctive silvery grey slated roofs surrounded by woods and orchards to rival any in Greece.

Walking on the island is possible much later into the peak summer months than on other islands, due to the shaded nature of many of the paths and plentiful springs and fountains. With no water shortage, a deep cool bath or long refreshing shower after a walk or beach session is not the over indulgence here that it might be on other drier islands! After all that, heaven might just be a slice of Skopelos cheese and vegetable pie straight out of the oven, fresh local plums and a glass of ice cold Retsina beneath an ancient pine with the sparkling Aegean beyond! Eating out on Skopelos with fresh local produce, imaginative cooking and friendly service is highly recommended. Fish tavernas in spectacular locations and ‘ouzeries’ serving local ‘meze’ are a speciality of the area.

Skopelos Town

The island’s eponymous capital is a bustling small port and harbour on a spectacular bay, with a maze of narrow paved streets, the ruins of a Venetian fortress and nearly 125 old churches with over 360 churches in total. The bustling waterfront of cafes and tavernas is sheltered by huge oak or mulberry trees and behind these, boutiques, jewellers and souvenir shops reflect the more sophisticated side to Skopelos. The magical drive to the other main village, Glossa on the north west tip of Skopelos, passes through the unbroken pine forests and olive groves of the west coast that are one of the island’s crowning glories.

Glossa

The northernmost village on the island, Glossa is a hillside town with magnificent views looking across to Skiathos. A traditional village with elegant, whitewashed town houses and narrow cobblestone streets, it has a selection of tavernas, a mini-market and café bar. Glossa is linked to the coast by the small harbour and pebble beach of Loutraki, 5 minutes’ drive.

Panormos / Agnondas

Panormos has one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, a peaceful village and a number of waterside tavernas. Agnondas is a beautiful bay built around a region of pine trees forests. There are a couple of excellent tavernas specialising in serving fresh fish.