Introduction to Skopelos

121km (65 nautical miles) from Ayios Konstandinos, which is 166km (103 miles) from Athens

It was inevitable that handsomely rugged Skopelos would also be developed, but it has happened at a slower pace and a bit more wisely than on Skiathos. Although Skopelos's beaches are neither so numerous nor so pretty, Skopelos town is one of the most attractive ports in Greece, and the island is rich in vegetation, with windswept pines growing down to secluded coves, wide beaches, and terraced cliffs of angled rock slabs. The interior is densely planted with fruit and nut orchards, and Skopelos's unique cuisine makes liberal use of the famous plums and almonds grown here. Like Skiathos, impressive grottoes and bays punctuate the coastline, providing irresistible photo ops. (No coincidence, perhaps, that it was used for most of the Greek scenes in the movie hit, Mama Mia.) Skopelos is also known for keeping alive rembetika music, the Greek version of American blues, that can be heard in tavernas late in the evening.