Skopelos

In ancient times, the island of Skopelos was called Peparethos. This name derived from the brother of King Stafilos, who was the first settler of the island. Peparethos was renowned for the Peparethian wine produced there. There were also earlier indications of settlement in the area of Stafilos and a Mycenaean tomb. On the eastern side of Skopelos Town, there was the Asclepion, a medical center dedicated to the god Asclepius.

During the Hellenistic period, the island was renamed Skopelos. In the 4th century AD, during the reign of Julian the Apostate, Saint Reginos was the bishop of Skopelos. Saint Reginos died a martyr's death in 362 AD, and his memory is honored on February 25th. There is a monastery in Skopelos named after him, the Monastery of Agios Reginos, where his remains are preserved.

Throughout the history of the island, Skopelos has been under the dominion of various inhabitants and states. During the Frankish period, it belonged to the Gizi family. After being plundered by Barbarossa in 1538, Skopelos fell under Turkish rule and remained under their dominion until 1830 when it was incorporated into independent Greece.

Skopelos has some of the most stunning beaches in the Aegean Sea. The dense vegetation of the island extends all the way to the crystal blue sea. In addition to the famous Kastani Beach, there are other notable beaches worth discovering:

• The cosmopolitan and pine-covered Stafylos Beach is the closest beach to Skopelos Town and features a beach bar. It is ideal for exploration enthusiasts.
• Milia Beach, a youthful beach, boasts an amazing seabed and a fantastic view of the islet of Dasia. It is a wonderful destination for swimming and snorkeling enthusiasts.
• Velanio Beach is a beautiful beach with abundant pine forest and is a favorite destination for naturists. On the right edge of the beach, there is a cave worth exploring.
• The windless and lush Panormos offers enchanting sunsets, water sports, and many idyllic coves known as Mikres Andrines.
• The wonderful cove of Limnonari has a pure white sandy beach and waters in shades of emerald green.

Discover Skopelos with its crystal-clear azure waters by choosing your ferry tickets from booktickets.

Skopelos is known for its traditional cuisine, especially the pies it offers. One of its most famous flavors is the Skopelitian cheese pie, a fried pie in the shape of a snail, which is an ideal snack for breakfast. Additionally, it is worth trying the onion pie, a baked or fried twisted pie with onions, Myzithra cheese, trachana (a type of pasta), and eggs, as well as the sweet pumpkin pie, made from pumpkin and rice.

Apart from these, you can taste the beef stew, cod with apricots, meat with quinces, or pork with apricots, stuffed squid in the pot, shells and scallops with rice, stuffed sea urchins, lobster yiouvetsi, and crab with tomato sauce. These traditional flavors will provide you with a unique gastronomic experience in Skopelos.

• Skopelos Town: Built amphitheatrically on three hills, the capital of the island is an atmospheric preserved settlement with whitewashed traditional houses featuring stone roofs and hanging balconies, as well as... 123 small churches!
• Agios Ioannis at Kastri: Located on top of a 100-meter-high rock in the sea, the stunning chapel of Agios Ioannis became internationally famous from the wedding scene in the movie Mamma Mia. A stone path of 112 steps carved into the rock leads to the courtyard of the church, offering a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea.
• National Marine Park of Alonnisos - Northern Sporades: Within a breath's distance from Skopelos, you will find the largest protected marine park in Europe and the largest habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus in the world. Discover a landscape of unparalleled pristine beauty filled with island treasures, such as the submerged ancient city on Psathoura islet and the beaches of Kyra-Panagia.
• Ancient Selinounta: The ruins of the acropolis of ancient Selinounta on the hill of "Palaio Kastro" in the Loutraki area testify to the grandeur of the renowned Greek-Roman city (8th century BCE - 4th century CE). Visitors can explore the castle walls, the sanctuary of the goddess Athena (5th century BCE), and the Roman baths.
• Folklore Museum of Skopelos: Housed in a renovated 18th-century mansion in the center of Skopelos Town, the museum hosts an exceptional collection of everyday objects that narrate two centuries of Skopelitian history.
• Glossa: One of the most picturesque settlements in the Sporades, the village stands out for its characteristic "Macedonian" architecture and the traditional way of life that remains unchanged over time. It is built on a 300-meter hill and is considered one of the most beautiful balconies to admire the sunset and the view of the Aegean Sea. The women of the village still dress in traditional Skopelitian costumes (foustanellas).