Since the release of the film ‘Mama Mia‘, Skopolos has become a lot more popular, with fans keen to see some of the filming locations. But there is a lot more to Skopelos than popular culture and it is the perfect island for an authentic, laid-back, and hugely enjoyable vacation. Choosing the right place to stay is important so here is our guide to the best hotels Skopelos that will help you take the guesswork out of it.
Further reading: A Complete Guide to Skopelos
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How to get to Skopelos
Skopelos is in the Sporades group of islands north of Athens and does not have an airport. It is not connected to Athens, not other island groups like the Cyclades, by ferry. All arrivals are by sea but there are a couple of different ways to do that.
Fly to Skiathos
Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport in Skiathos has a short narrow runway that creates some of the most photographed and filmed plane landings in the world.
The airport is serviced by domestic services from Athens daily and from about April to October there are numerous charter flights from countries such as England, Italy, Cyprus, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands.
Check schedules and prices HERE.
Once there you can catch a ferry to Skopelos. These run year round with many every day in summer.
Ferries to Skopelos
There are regular ferries from Skiathos, Volos, and Agios Konstantinos on the Mainland, including vehicular ferries, although the latter are not as frequent. You can catch a bus to those towns from Athens or the train to Volos via Larissa.
From May to September there are frequent ferries between Skopelos, Alonissos, and Mantoudi (Evia island), and even Thessaloniki.
Top Skopelos Town Hotels
Our favourite place to stay in Skopelos is the island’s largest town, known simply as Skopelos Town. The town has a permanent population of just under 3,000 people and here you’ll find the biggest selection of markets, restaurants, bars, and shops on the island as well as the Ferry Port, Bus Station, taxis, and car hire places. There are also boat trips from the cafe-lined harbor and various hikes in and around the town.
Skopelos Town is especially ideal for first-timers as there is plenty to do and convenient transport links all over the island. It’s the perfect base and it’s easy enough to head out on day trips to the various beaches and attractions in other parts of the island. It’s also very charming and quite interesting to explore on its own.
If you are a couple or travelling alone I highly recommend Villea Seaview , a couple of small traditional houses on the hill that are fully self-contained and absolutely gorgeous. High above the town they have magnificent views, and stunning bougainvillea outdoor areas and the host Cherry is an island legend and expert in hospitality.
For groups, there is possibly the most perfect accommodation solution in Greece – a house within a hotel! The ‘house’ at Skopelos Village Hotel belongs to the owner and the hotel has been built around it. It is a bright, spacious bungalow with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a big outdoor patio with panoramic views of the harbor and town.
It’s got all the amenities of an Airbnb but you can go to the restaurant each morning for the buffet breakfast, swim in one of the two pools, use the gym, get laundry done, and ring for room service. Our group spent a wonderful week here this year – perfection! This is also where the cast and crew of Mama Mia stayed and you will see plenty of photos of them there.
If that is not available Evlalia Studios and Villas is just two minutes further up the road, or Del Sol Skopelos is along the same beachfront road. If you would rather have a fully self-contained place then Port View Apartment is great as is Villa Yiannoula, both right on the harbour front.
Skopelos Village Hotel ‘house’
Villea Seaview Houses
Top Hotels in Panormos, Skopelos
Panormos is the most popular beach town on Skopelos and there are plenty of nearby restaurants, bars, and cafes where you can enjoy everything from a casual drink as the sun sets, to a more upmarket meal.
The popularity does mean that this can get busy especially when the Posiedon SeaBus comes in but there are many tranquil spots too and some good hikes into the unspoiled wilderness. There are quite a few small hotels and holiday apartments along the beach road and a few at the back or in the hills too.
For couples and singles, Blue Green Bay is a popular hotel right on the beach at the end of the bay with a beach club and swimming pool, or Panormos Beach Hotel is right behind it and has a stunning infinity pool. If you have a car and/or don’t mind a bit of a walk into town now and then the Adrina Beach Hotel and adjacent Adrina Resort & Spa are upmarket resorts with private beaches and panoramic views and are considered two of the best on the island.
Families and groups would find it hard to beat Niki Apartments, right across from the beach and set in a lovely olive grove with BBQ facilities.
Blue Green Hotel
view from Adina Beach Hotel
Top hotels in Glossa
Glossa is a traditional Greek village situated at the very north of the island.
Known for its classic island architecture, including whitewashed buildings with blue shutters, cobblestone streets, and narrow alleys, Glossa has a picturesque and tranquil atmosphere. The village is perched on a hillside, providing spectacular panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
Nearby is the Church of Agios Ioannis, where scenes from “Mamma Mia!” were filmed, as well as other charming churches. Traditional tavernas and cafes serve authentic Greek cuisine, and artisan shops offer locally crafted products and souvenirs. There are other beaches nearby and the village hosts cultural events and festivals.
There is also a small port in Glossa called Loutraki and some ferries stop here. It is also where the two water taxis that connect with Skiathos are based.
The town is high and compact so there are not many hotels but the Aegean Wave Hotel is great for all visitors and has spacious family rooms overlooking the harbour. Natura Luxury Boutique Hotel is also a great choice there.
Up in the town itself, Cherry’s Home is a small renovated house that can sleep four and is a short walk to local cafes and bakeries.
Loutraki
More of the best hotels in Skopelos
There are other villages on Skopelos that people stay in and some great places that are remote too. Some people are more than happy to have a private retreat and self-cater or drive into the towns and beaches.
Anna Maria-Vanessa Apartments is a boutique block across from the small harbor in the town of Nea Klima. There are several excellent tavernas along the harbourfront and some good beaches nearby.
Agnontas is probably our favorite beach/bay. There are just three excellent tavernas and one cafe in this tiny port but the sunset views are amazing and you spend all day watching the local cats fish by hand. Above Korali Restaurant are a couple of gorgeous apartments, Theros, which are perfection. Behind there are Agnontas Luxury Villas which can sleep six in two bedrooms.
At Stafylos there are several places to stay, although there is a very steep road down to the beach. Kalithea Studios have amazing views and are above a good taverna owned by the same people.
If you’re looking for an amazing, private Villa with plenty of room then Villa Aelia is in the middle of the island and can sleep up to 11 people, or Villa Idealia is in the hills behind Panormos and can sleep six in three bedrooms.
Nea Klima
Agnontas