Deciding where to stay in Skopelos can be one of the most important decisions you make for your holiday. There are a variety of options to choose from including Skopelos Town, Glossa and Neo Klima.
Skopelos Town is a good option if you want to be close to the ferry and bus stations as well as having shops, bars and restaurants just a short walk away.
1. Skopelos Town
Skopelos Town is a lovely little village on this island of Sporades. It’s the first village one sees when entering Skopelos from the ferry and it’s a gorgeous sight with flower gardens, whitewashed houses, and tiny alleyways. It’s also a great starting point to explore the rest of the island. Here, you can get lost among the labyrinthine streets, climb up to the various viewpoints and tuck into some of the best Greek cuisine in Skopelos. It’s also home to some of the best hotels on the island.
If you’re looking for luxury, you can book a stay at the 5-star Adrina Resort & Spa, which is located right next to Panormos beach. Its rooms are spacious and feature a balcony with stunning views over the sea. Guests can enjoy the resort’s pool and spa, as well as its restaurant which serves delicious traditional Greek dishes.
On the other hand, if you’re on a budget, Skopelos Town is home to some of the best cheap accommodations in the island. There are several family-run options like the Asterias Accommodation or the cozy Christine’s House, which is really romantic and has a fantastic view. Alternatively, you can try the cute Aeolos Hotel or the modern Olia Green.
Another option is to stay in Loutraki, which is a quieter area than Skopelos Town. Here, you can find a few restaurants and some of the best self-catering options in Skopelos, including the Mando Beachfront and the charming Denise Hotel. There’s also the lovely Olia Green, a boutique luxury hotel that offers beautiful waterfront rooms.
You can also check out the gorgeous Villea Seaview Apartments, which are three utterly charming houses that look straight out of a postcard. They’re located up on a hill in Skopelos Town, and they offer amazing views of the surrounding landscapes.
2. Loutraki
The quiet, picturesque town of Loutraki is a good shout for families looking to stay away from the hustle and bustle of Skopelos Town. Here, you’ll find a small beach, some family-friendly taverns, and accommodations in traditional houses and modern apartments overlooking the sea.
There is also the charming Hotel Aeolos, a luxury resort with stunning waterfront rooms. The family-run Denise Hotel offers a more budget option, as do the Villea Seaview Apartments, three utterly gorgeous cottages straight out of a postcard. The secluded Christine’s House is another great choice, with its chic luxe styling and private pool.
Those wanting to explore more of the island can head up to the Venetian Castle, a remnant from the days when the island was under Venetian rule. The path to the castle is long, but well worth it for the breathtaking views you’ll enjoy along the way.
Other sights of note include the Folklore Museum and various historic churches. The Church of Agios Riginos is a particular standout, as this site commemorates the saint who killed a dragon that was terrorizing the locals.
While the town of Skopelos is the heart of the island, it’s not a place to come for nightlife. There are a few bars that serve cocktails and music until late but it’s nothing like the party scene found in Skiathos.
One exception to this is the Feast of Agios Riginos, a popular event that takes place every February 25. This is a celebration to honor the island’s patron saint, and it includes a procession, dances, and a transfer of the relics of the saint. It’s a great time to visit, but it’s best to book ahead for accommodation.
3. Glossa
The second largest town on Skopelos is Glossa, a sloping village that feels like a postcard with whitewashed houses cascading down to the sea. It’s a quiet location compared to Skopelos Town and is a good choice if you want to be able to take day trips to other islands. It’s also the main ferry port on the island.
You’ll find lots of accommodation options in Glossa, including a number of luxury boutique hotels and self-catered villas with stunning views. A great place to stay in Glossa is the new Elli Hotel which is a short walk from Skopelos Town and offers a pool and terrace with shaded gazebo. It’s a great option for families or couples who are looking for somewhere that’s a bit quieter than Skopelos Town but close enough to everything.
A must-visit attraction in Glossa is the Olive Oil Museum, a renovated house that showcases artefacts from Skopelos history including maps, manuscripts and furniture. Guests can learn about the production of the island’s famous olive oil and even purchase some cold-press organic olive oil as a souvenir.
Deciding where to stay on Skopelos is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make when planning your trip to the Sporades island. Skopelos Town is the most practical place to base yourself since it’s well connected with buses and ferries to other Sporades islands like Alonissos and Skiathos. Loutraki and Glossa are also popular choices and have a lot to offer visitors. Alternatively, you can stay in beach resorts like Panormos and Elios or smaller coastal hamlets like Stafylos, Agnontas and Kastani. Even the often-overlooked Neo Klima has some pretty scenic accommodation overlooking gorgeous beaches.
4. Stafylos
If you want to spend your days on a beautiful beach and enjoy a relaxing stay on Skopelos, this is the best place to choose. The curvaceous stretch of coast surrounded by clear cerulean waters and dense pine forests takes your breath away, whether you are a local or a tourist. There are a few tavernas on the waterfront, including family-run Taverna Vasiliki, and you can walk to other popular beaches in less than 15 minutes.
Skopelos is not the party island that Skiathos is, so you will find it very quiet even at peak season. This makes it a great choice for families and couples looking to enjoy a relaxing holiday on pristine beaches. You will also find plenty of places to explore, especially in the sloping villages of Glossa, Stafylos, Neo Klima, and Agnontas Hamlet.
The hotels in these areas are small, charming, and clean. Most offer lovely sea and garden views and are within walking distance of the beautiful Stafylos Beach. You can choose from simple double rooms, suites with kitchenettes, or larger apartments with living areas. Some of them offer free parking, as well.
You will find that the prices of hotels in Skopelos vary widely depending on the time of year, so be sure to book your accommodation in advance, particularly during peak season. Another way to save money is to rent a car, which will allow you to explore the islands at your own pace and visit a variety of accommodations. You can also look for AirBnbs and luxury boutique hotels in Skopelos.
5. Agnontas Hamlet
The small fishing hamlet of Agnontas (also written as Agnondas) is a picturesque choice for holidaymakers looking for somewhere close to the best Skopelos beaches. During the summer it’s very popular with visitors as its sheltered shingle beach has calm seas and waterside taverns, plus scenic sunsets as it faces directly west. In addition, the hamlet is used as a second harbor when the weather makes entering Skopelos Town’s port difficult for ferry boats and hydrofoils.
A range of hotels and holiday villas in this quaint village are found along its cobbled streets that lead up to a hilltop church. It’s a quieter option than many of the other villages on Skopelos, and the local tavernas and bars here offer a more authentic Greek experience.
In the northern part of the island lies sleepy Glossa, another traditional village that offers a quieter stay than many other areas of Skopelos. Narrow passageways and stone houses are adorned with flowers, and the village offers a variety of shops and restaurants. It’s also a short distance from several beautiful beaches and has a range of hotel options.
Other hamlets on Skopelos include Panormos, a quaint beach village that’s loved for its pebbled beach and charming taverns, and Stafylos, a peaceful cliffside location with gorgeous beaches and sweeping vistas. A range of hotels, villas, and apartments can be found here, and a number of these feature mountain scenery.