Skopelos Greece 🇬🇷 ｜ The Hidden Gem of the Greek Islands – Travel Vlog 2024

The island of Skopelos is located in Aegean Sea and is a part of northern Sporades archipelago to the east of continental Greece. It lies between island of Skiathos and Alonissos and is accessible by ferry from several coastal ports. We choose Skopelos as our holiday destination mainly because we wanted to enjoy the sun and a place with fewer tourists where we could truly relax and stay active at the same time. We were also looking for a destination that could be easy to reach by plane from Vienna without complicated or lengthy travel. The flight from Vienna to the nearby island of Skiathos took about two hours. From the Skiathos port which is located right next to the airport we booked a sea taxi to the port of Glossa in northern Skopelos. You can also take regular ferry which goes directly to the main town of Skopelos. From Glossa we continued by the taxi to the Skopelos town. On the island it's ideal to rent either car or a moped. We went with a moped. The long side of Skopelos is about 20 kilometers. Make it perfect for exploring without long commutes. We found our accommodation through Booking.com and choose Olive Tree Villa. It's located about five minutes by car from the port of Skopelos. The villa sits on a beautiful plot and was absolutely ideal for two people. It had everything you might need during the day. A spacious living room with a kitchen, a bedroom overlooking the garden and most importantly a gorgeous courtyard with a seating in the shades of massive 200 years old olive tree. There was also a grill and an outdoor kitchen. Simply perfect for relaxing evenings. And as is often the case on Greek islands there was even a local cat patrol. The island is unusually green. Most of its surface is covered by pine forest which is quite rare for Greece. Add to that steep hills, olive groves, hidden coves and crystal clear sea surrounded by cliffs and lush greenery. The beaches are truly stunning and there is more than enough variety to choose from. In early July the sea temperature was around 25 degrees. Beautifully clear and perfect for snorkeling, diving or just relaxing swim. Our favorite was Melia beach located about 25 minutes drive over the hill from Skopelos town. The water there was incredibly clear. The light sand and the pebbles made it easy to see right through the bottom. Plus the beach faces west so you can enjoy breathtaking sunset. Another beach definitely worth mentioning is Limnonari beach. A peaceful cove on the southern side of the island where you can find an elegant restaurant, beautiful accommodation right by the sea. If you want to see Skopelos from the different perspective and reach beaches that are otherwise inaccessible we definitely recommend renting a boat. We rented ours at the port of Agnontas from the rental company called Maestrale. Even the basic boat is perfectly suitable for four people. These small boats can also be rented without boating license. Driving them is absolutely easy and anyone can handle it. The rental costs around 130 euro per day plus the fuel depending how far you go. But a sense of freedom, sea view and especially the chance to anchor at the beaches that are otherwise unreachable that's what really makes it worth it. A day spent out on the water is an experience you won't forget anytime soon. Of course we also visit Agios Ioannis church where the famous wedding scene from Mamma Mia was filmed. We didn't climb up to the church this time but even so the cliff is absolutely breathtaking. The surrounding coastline is rocky full of cliffs overhangs and small coves. Another interesting place we visit was the Pharos lighthouse. The lighthouse itself may be not most spectacular sight but a journey there was beautiful and if you're on a motorbike that's perfect road for peaceful ride with stunning views. The town of Skopelos itself is a sight to behold nestled on a hillside above the harbor. It feels like a stone labyrinth. Narrow alleyways, traditional architecture, whitewashed walls, wooden balconies. Even the town seems like a stitched together from the building of different eras. Everything feels incredibly clean, well kept and above all very harmonious. You won't find here in Skopelos any round down houses or ruins. Everything is beautifully maintained. There is small chapel or church on almost every corner and the town is full of bars, cafes and restaurants of all kinds. Every foodie will find something to love from classic greek specialities to modern kitchen. In the evening Skopelos transforms into glowing hillside of the lights. Every restaurant and bar has outdoor seating, lamps, candles and if you find a spot to the northern side of the town you will get an elevated view over the bay. Perfect for watching the sunset or enjoying a drink after dinner. And the best part there is no tourist crowds. The town is alive but never overcrowded. On the recommendation of our host we visit Coralie seafood restaurant in the port of Agonontas. You can book the table right by the water with a view over the bay. Fresh fish, seafood, local wine and that evening atmosphere by the water was truly unforgettable. We spent total of seven days on Skopelos and honestly we could stay even longer. The journey back brought a bit of unexpected drama. Due to strong winds the ferry to Skiathos was temporarily cancelled. Fortunately the weather calmed down within a few hours and the boats were able to sail again. While waiting for your flights on Skiathos you can make the most of your time by visiting the island's famous runway where the planes fly just a few meters overhead. In our opinion Skopelos is the perfect destination not only for relaxing beach holiday but also for an active trip without crowds of mass tourism. You can wander through the pine forest, go hiking in the hills, explore the island on by the motorbike or simply kick back and relax. It's also great choice for families with children. The island has plenty beaches with gentle entries into the sea, crystal clear water and the most important no sea urchins. At least none that we came across. The only thing to keep in mind is the ferry transfer between Skiathos and Skopelos but even that is a part of the experience especially when the sea is calm and you can just sit back and enjoy the views.